Understanding Home Inspection in the Canadian Housing Market
Understanding Home Inspection in the Canadian Housing Market
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Canadian real estate market, home inspections have emerged as an indispensable tool for both buyers and sellers alike. With 15 percent of sales across Ontario now incorporating a home inspection, it is evident that these assessments play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and confidence in property transactions. But what exactly makes home inspections so crucial in the Canadian housing market? Let’s delve deeper into this topic.
Home inspection in Canada
A home inspection is precisely what it implies, a thorough examination of a residence. It offers valuable insights into your prospective property. An opportunity to familiarize yourself with the home’s systems, understand its maintenance requirements, and possibly receive helpful homeowner tips from the inspector.
Whether you are buying or selling, a home inspection provides peace of mind by uncovering any potential issues and guiding you through the complexities of the real estate process.
Timing matters
Choosing the right timing for your home inspection is essential. It is best to schedule it early in the buying process to allow sufficient time for negotiations. Ideally, arranging the inspection right after your offer is accepted is recommended. Remember, the purchase price isn’t fixed until closing, so conducting the inspection early provides flexibility for negotiation.
Home inspection checklist
During a home inspection, trained inspectors meticulously scrutinize various aspects of the property, including its structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more. While inspectors delve into every nook and cranny, it’s important to note that they cannot see behind walls, underscoring the importance of trust alongside their findings.
Inspectors follow a comprehensive checklist, which includes identifying necessary repairs and safety hazards. From ensuring proper functioning of smoke detectors to checking for signs of water damage, the checklist ensures that all aspects of the property are thoroughly examined.
From identifying mold in attics to detecting water in basements and uncovering electrical deficiencies, home inspectors leave no stone unturned in their quest to uncover potential issues or defects within a property. Their comprehensive examinations offer valuable insights into the various components of a home and highlight routine maintenance tasks that should be scheduled.
Inspection from condos to fresh builds
While the condo board typically oversees inspections of common areas, it is advisable to hire someone to inspect your individual unit, particularly focusing on plumbing and electrical systems. Secondly, the newly built homes can also have imperfections as malfunctioning electrical outlets, reversed water lines, or crooked walls. Thus, obtaining a home inspection is crucial, regardless of whether you are the initial occupant.
Exploring the cost
Typically, it is the buyer’s responsibility to cover the expense of a home inspection, unless alternate arrangements are negotiated with the seller. The cost typically ranges from $300 to $500, depending on factors such as property size, location, and age. It is also common for sellers to conduct home inspections before listing their properties. In such cases, buyers must decide whether to rely on the seller’s inspection, request a walkthrough with the same inspector with potential fees ranging from $100 to $150, or opt for a new inspection altogether.
Navigating the report
Home inspections serve as a valuable tool for sellers who may be uncertain about their home’s overall condition. This enables homeowners to address any issues and ensure the property is in optimal condition before listing it for sale. Meanwhile, the detailed report serves as a road map for the buyers to make informed decisions about the property.
Choosing the right home inspector
Selecting a qualified home inspector is paramount. While recommendations from trusted sources like friends or real estate agents are valuable, verifying inspector’s credentials through Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI) ensures expertise and professionalism.
As you step into the vibrant world of the Canadian real estate market, it is important to recognize that home inspections serve as more than just a routine check-up. They are your reliable partners, dedicated to steering you towards the ideal home with certainty and assurance.
Whether you are a newcomer to the home buying scene or a seasoned homeowner, these home inspections offer a sense of calm and invaluable insights throughout the journey. Embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that your home inspector is there to ensure your path to homeownership is paved with clarity and peace of mind. Happy homing!
Benny Loughlin
Sales Representative - Associate
Benny’s passion for helping others led him into fire and emergency services, where he worked for the past 17 years. Next, Benny decided to pursue another longtime passion of his—real estate. Benny seeks to exhibit traits like honesty, integrity and dedication in every aspect of life. Applying these principles to his business, along with a high level of competitiveness and strong communication skills, ensure Benny’s clients get the results they desire.
“I recognize and value the trust my clients place in me and I strive every day to exceed their expectations and provide them with exceptional customer service,” says Benny. Whether buying or selling a home, you can count on Benny to be passionate, genuine and attentive throughout your journey. At home, Benny loves an active lifestyle of running, strength training, hockey and golf. He enjoys the outdoors, travelling, cooking and time with family and friends. But what he loves the most is spending quality time with his two children Layne and Cole!
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Rate Cut Ignites GTA Real Estate
Market Snapshot
The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) September 2025 Market Watch report shows early signs of a GTA rebound.
- 5,592 sales, up 8.5% YoY
- 19,260 new listings, +4% YoY
- Average price ≈ $1,059,377, down 4.7% YoY
- MLS® HPI ↓ 5.5% YoY
- Sales up MoM, listings down MoM → tighter market forming
These numbers point to a slow but steady market recovery. But what’s really fueling the conversation now is the Bank of Canada’s latest decision.
Bank of Canada’s October 2025 Interest Rate Decision
On October 29 2025, the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% — the second consecutive cut and the lowest level since 2022.
The Bank signaled that this may mark the end of its easing cycle unless inflation weakens further.
Why it matters:
- Borrowing costs drop, boosting affordability for buyers.
- Confidence returns to sellers and investors after months of hesitation.
- Refinancing and investment opportunities reopen for savvy property owners.
In short, this move has re-energized housing markets across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and even Muskoka, where buyers and investors had been waiting for the right signal.
What Buyers Should Do Now
- Act strategically: With rates lower and listings up, this is a golden moment to negotiate.
- Get pre-approved quickly — competition could ramp up by early 2026.
- Focus on quality locations like south Oakville, Lorne Park (Mississauga), and core Burlington — where long-term equity growth outperforms.
- For investors: Explore Muskoka vacation homes or rental-ready units before rising demand drives prices back up.
What Sellers Should Know
- Sales are rising despite lower average prices — buyers are re-entering the market.
- Presentation and pricing are everything. Professional staging, premium photography, and data-backed pricing attract serious offers.
- Upsizing or downsizing? With lower mortgage costs, you can move equity efficiently while conditions remain favourable.
- Luxury sellers: Demand for turnkey listings is picking up again — especially in Oakville and Mississauga.
Local Insights
Mississauga & Oakville: Still among the GTA’s most resilient sub-markets. Expect balanced conditions through Q4 2025.
Burlington: Family buyers are back — affordability plus lifestyle make it a top performer.
Toronto: Core condos are stabilizing; investors are returning to well-located downtown units.
Muskoka: Cottage and short-term rental demand remains strong — ideal for diversification and passive-income seekers.
Investor Takeaway
With the policy rate at 2.25% and inflation under control, investment real estate looks compelling again. Expect:
- Better cash-flow margins with cheaper financing
- Gradual price stabilization through 2026
- Long-term upside as population growth and housing supply constraints persist
What To Do Next
- Buyers: Review your mortgage options now — lenders are updating rates.
- Sellers: Get a current market evaluation to plan your listing window.
- Investors: Compare cap rates and projected yields across GTA vs Muskoka.
Need a strategy tailored to your goals? Let’s make your next move your smartest yet.
About Regan Irish & Associates
We specialize in luxury homes, resale properties, and investment real estate across the GTA and Muskoka. Our team’s market insight and negotiation expertise deliver results — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville ON L6J 7W5
905-842-7677
reganirish.com
Call to Action
The market has shifted — don’t wait for the crowd.
Contact Regan Irish & Associates today for a personalized market plan that helps you buy, sell or invest with confidence in Mississauga, Oakville, Toronto, Burlington or Muskoka.
FALL MARKET KICKOFF: September 2025 Real Estate Market Update
As summer winds down, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is shifting once again—this time with an important boost from the Bank of Canada’s recent interest rate cut. On September 17, 2025, the Bank lowered its policy interest rate to 2.5%, marking a significant move that is expected to reinvigorate buying activity across the region.
Market Snapshot: August 2025 (TRREB)
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), August brought encouraging signs of stability:
- Sales: 6,232 transactions across the GTA, a 4.6% increase from August 2024.
- New Listings: 13,119, down slightly year-over-year, helping balance supply.
- Average Selling Price: $982,880, nearly flat compared to last year (+0.4%).
- Trend: Balanced conditions are giving both buyers and sellers room to maneuver, with the recent rate cut expected to stimulate fall demand.
City & Regional Highlights
Toronto 
Toronto continues to see steady demand for condos and townhomes, appealing to buyers looking for affordability in the core. Detached homes are moving more cautiously, but price stability suggests confidence returning to the market.
Mississauga 
Mississauga remains a buyer-friendly market, especially in the detached and semi-detached segments. With borrowing costs easing, families upsizing or relocating may find strong value in the fall.
Oakville 
Luxury demand in Oakville is regaining traction. The combination of limited inventory and lower financing costs positions this market for an active fall season, especially for executive homes and lakefront properties.
Burlington 
Burlington continues to attract buyers migrating west from Toronto. The city’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and community feel has kept prices steady and competitive.
Muskoka 
Cottage country remains strong, with buyers eyeing investment properties and second homes. While activity softened slightly through the summer, the rate drop could encourage more buyers to act before year-end.
What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
With interest rates now at their lowest level in two years, affordability is improving across the GTA and Muskoka. Buyers who were waiting on the sidelines are expected to re-enter the market this fall, while sellers may benefit from increased competition for well-priced homes.
At Regan Irish & Associates, we specialize in helping clients navigate market shifts with confidence. Whether you’re buying a luxury home, selling a family property, or investing in Muskoka, our market insight and negotiation expertise ensure you get the best results.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com——
August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!