The New Year is officially underway and we are ready to reflect on the year that has passed, as well as plan for the year that’s to come. With the housing market being consistently ever-changing, new trends tend to surface as old ones seem to fade. 2016 was a big year for the housing market and, as a result, we saw some pretty impressive reports, results, and trends. This year, the housing forecast and its trends will predictably be as follows:

 

The Canadian Real Estate Association has released recent information on Canada’s housing trends and how they’ve evolved since last September. For starters, Ontario’s sales are set to continue to grow and set records “despite an unprecedented supply shortage in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions". With this being said, and with the Canadian Government tightening down and implementing new mortgage regulations in 2016, it’s predicted that 2017 will see less first-time home buyers who “qualify for mortgage financing, particularly in the pricier markets where there is a severe shortage of lower-priced listings”. On the other hand, however, these mortgage rules and lending guidelines will likely boost “capital costs for lenders, resulting in modest increases in mortgage interest rates in the New Year”.  For more information about the 2017 housing forecast, visit The Canadian Real Estate Association’s website at www.crea.ca.

 

Moreover, with the renovation “boom” that is supposedly underway in 2017, and with residents in Ontario having spent approximately $25 billion renovating their homes in 2016, people are expanding on their current homes – and downsizing less. According to CBC, “aging Canadian homeowners are increasingly deciding to stay where they are and renovate instead, especially since more adult children are still living under their roof”.  In fact, with Ontario’s housing stock aging with each passing year (and with this year marking the majority of Ontario’s home’s 40^th birthdays) homeowners and landlords are more inclined spend their money on renovations to expand on or improve their homes rather than on selling or downsizing. “With a larger share of young adults staying home longer due to economic and academic considerations, the need for space will remain important”, says the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Besides, “it’s hard to downsize out of the family home is the nest isn’t quite empty yet”.

 

With home renovations almost always being a topical conversation to be had with homeowners and designers alike, the New Year tends to inspire its residents with new design trends as they surface. According to the Ottawa Citizen, “homeowners are looking to incorporate in-home retreats where they can escape from technology and the world around them”. Essentials for these rooms are, of course, comfort, quiet, and neutral surroundings. Furthermore, these trendy areas of “escape” are being seen in several residential developments as well. “Brigil’s Petrie’s Landing I, for example, will incorporate an outdoor deck complete with a cooking area and swimming pool for condo owners to use”. Great spaces, of course, for enjoying time spent on your own, or as a means to connect with your neighbours. Moreover, 2017 will see hidden kitchen appliances (i.e. dishwashers and refrigerators), to be replaced by illusionary cabinets to give the appearance of a larger space, bold kitchen colours, and “natural materials, such as rough stone and reclaimed wood”.

 

Needless to say, 2017 is shaping up to be a rather significant year for the housing market. For more information about the past year, and what we see for the New Year, you can contact us! We’ll gladly inform you on what will shape the unforgettable year that is to come.