Summer is in full swing, bringing with it long days, shimmering pools, cocktails, and lazy afternoons with the latest bestsellers. For the innovative homeowner, the pool patio can be so much more than a functional space for dripping on the concrete. From cozy furnishings to vivid foliage, here are some ideas to refresh your backyard and turn your major water feature into a fabulous oasis.

As the ancient iron gates majestically sweep open leading to the Botanica Whitsundays grounds, be prepared to fall in love. This majestic home was designed in the spirit of innovation. fusing classical and new age elements. The property presents an unparalleled combination: a glamorous private residence in the sub-tropics and an award-winning wedding and event venue.

Opting for vertical living has long involved tradeoffs: services versus square footage, turnkey versus autonomy, convenience versus community. But with highly equipped, low-density condominium towers, buyers no longer have to compromise: Distinctive architecture, oversize residences and ultra-luxe services are turning high-rise structures into high-networth communities, with amenities fostering social interaction and a sense of place among affluent neighbours.

Toronto has garnered quite the reputation among residents and visitors alike—and for good reason. Its landscape is comprised of a vibrant art sphere, burgeoning craft brewery scene, international film stage, and sought-after historical neighbourhoods. The most revered of these carry with them a few marked characteristics: innovative architecture, abundant amenities, and exceptional overall livability.

When Klaus Wowereit, a former mayor of Berlin, described his city as “poor, but sexy” in 2003, he was commenting on its growing appeal in the years following the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.

In the Greater Toronto Area (Durham, Halton, Peel, Toronto and York), market confidence and top-tier sales activity renewed in the first half of 2018 as consumer psychology recovered from the April 2017 introduction of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan, particularly within the City of Toronto. Given unprecedented gains in the region’s $1 million-plus sales volume from 2015 to 2017, with surges of 56% in 2015 over 2014, 65% in 2016 over 2015, and 41% in the first half of 2017 over the first half of 2016, year-over-year comparisons of 2018 to 2017 sales activity mask the region’s market resilience. On the surface, $1 million-plus residential real estate sales fell 46% year-over-year in the first half of 2018, while sales over $4 million fell 51%. However, 2018 sales volume trended in line with 2015’s pre-surge levels: GTA $1 million-plus real estate sales in the first half of 2018 increased 25% from the number of units sold in the first half of 2015, while sales over $4 million were up 72%.

 Toronto Real Estate Board President Garry Bhaura, in his first market release as TREB President, is pleased to announce some positive signs with respect to the housing market.

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 8,082 home sales through TREB's MLS® System in June 2018 – up 2.4 per cent compared to the low June 2017 result. After preliminary seasonal adjustment, sales were also up 17.6 per cent on a monthly basis between May 2018 and June 2018, continuing the trend of somewhat volatile month-over-month changes over the past year as
home buyers reacted to various policy changes impacting the market.

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 7,834 sales through TREB's MLS® System in May 2018. This result was down by 22.2 per cent compared to May 2017. While the number of sales was down year-over-year, the annual rate of decline was less than reported in February, March and April, when sales were down by more than 30 per cent. On a month-over-month basis, seasonally adjusted May sales were basically flat compared to April.

Supply of homes available for sale continued to be an issue. New listings were down by 26.2 per cent. The fact that new listings were down by more than sales in comparison to last year means that competition increased between buyers. Recent polling conducted by Ipsos for TREB suggests that listing intentions are down markedly since the fall.

New York has surpassed London as the second-most luxurious major housing market in the world after Hong Kong as the effects of the UK’s vote to leave the EU chipped away at the price of top British real estate.

“In New York, luxury price increases and robust sales volumes, particularly at the low-end of the luxury market, bolstered the city’s index position” last year, Christie’s International Real Estate said in a report. “Uncertainty over the impact of the UK’s EU referendum and stamp duties increases have cooled London’s market, though the city still recorded strong top sales and average per square foot sales prices.

For First-Time Home Buyers! | We tend to track forward momentum in life by a few key milestones—first job, first car, first home—but in reality, there are no one-size-fits all markers of success. Existence can be far more exciting when we opt to follow our own timelines. That said, purchasing real estate, whether for you, your family, or as an additional source of income, can be a point of pride and something to celebrate. If you’re keen, you may be deliberating over one specific question: when is the right time to buy your first property? Here are a few indicators that you’re ready to take the leap.

The Four Seasons Private Residences is one of the premium hotel condominium residences available in Toronto. Below you'll find the sales trend for the last quarter (90 days) at the Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto. 

Are you considering purchasing an investment property? The right piece of real estate is a great way to grow your financial portfolio while also potentially earning rental income. However, the recent introduction of a mandatory stress test to the mortgage qualification process means that certain buyers may need to reconsider their options.

Toronto Real Estate Board President Tim Syrianos announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 7,228 residential transactions through TREB's MLS® System in March 2018. This result was down by 39.5 per cent compared to a record 11,954 sales reported in March 2017 and down 17.6 per cent relative to average March sales for the previous 10 years.

The number of new listings entered into TREB's MLS® System totaled 14,866 – a 12.4 per cent decrease compared to March 2017 and a three per cent decrease compared to the average for the previous 10 years.

Montreal is projected to lead Canadian luxury real estate in market performance in spring 2018, as strong economic fundamentals and soaring consumer confidence drive demand and elevate prices in the market for homes over $1 million. New data compiled by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada for the preliminary months of 2018 also suggest continued recovery in top-tier real estate in Calgary, where January and February sales over $1 million rose 45% year-over-year.

Starting April 30, 2018, landlords of most private residential rental units – from individual landlords to property management companies – must use the the standard lease template for all new leases.

Toronto Real Estate Board President Tim Syrianos announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 5,175 residential transactions through TREB's MLS® System in February 2018. This result was down 34.9 percent compared to the record 7,955 sales reported in February 2017.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city and one of the world’s hottest property markets, has a supply problem and the nation’s housing agency admits it is not quite sure why soaring prices have not spurred more construction.

New homes replace demolished ones at a sharply lower rate than early this decade, completion times for multi-family projects have doubled and prospective buyers have far fewer new homes to choose from than only a few years ago.

The reason, in part, may lie in an ambitious growth plan for the greater Toronto area the Ontario province forged over a decade ago.

The real estate market prevalent in Toronto during the first 4 months of 2017 was always going to be a tough act to follow. Below is a deeper dive into the difference we're seeing between January 2017 and January 2018. 

Toronto Real Estate Board President Tim Syrianos announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,019 residential transactions through TREB’s MLS® System in January 2018.  This result was down by 22 per cent compared to a record 5,155 sales reported in January 2017.

The number of new listings entered into TREB’s MLS® System amounted to 8,585 – a 17.4 per cent increase compared to 7,314 new listings entered in January 2017.  However, it is important to note that the level of new listings was the second lowest for the month of January in the past 10 years.