Buying & Selling FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating the Greater Toronto Area real estate market requires a clear strategy. Below are straight answers to the questions buyers, sellers, investors and landlords ask most.

Buying in Ontario

How much do I need for a down payment?

In Canada, typically 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above, up to $1M; 20% for homes over $1M.

What are closing costs?

Budget roughly 1.5–4% of the purchase price for land transfer tax, legal fees, and adjustments.

How long does it take to buy?

From offer to close is usually 30–90 days. The search itself varies with the market.

What is the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)?

It's a powerful tax-free tool. You can contribute up to $8,000/year (up to $40,000 lifetime). Contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for your first home purchase are 100% tax-free.

Am I eligible for a land transfer tax rebate?

Yes. In Ontario, you can receive a provincial rebate of up to $4,000. If you are buying within the City of Toronto, you may also qualify for an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) rebate of up to $4,475.

What is the mortgage stress test?

To qualify for a mortgage, you must prove you can afford payments at the greater of your contract rate + 2% or a floor rate (usually 5.25%). This ensures you can manage payments if interest rates rise.

What is a status certificate, and why does it matter for condos?

A status certificate reveals the financial health of a condo corporation. You should have your lawyer review it to check for reserve fund health, ongoing litigation, or upcoming “special assessments” that could cost you money after you move in.

What first-time buyer programs should I know about?

Several programs are worth knowing about. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) lets first-time buyers save up to $40,000 tax-free toward a purchase. The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan allows you to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP without penalty. Ontario and Toronto both offer land transfer tax rebates for first-time buyers that can save you thousands at closing. There is also the federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which offers a shared equity contribution to reduce your mortgage payments. Eligibility rules and income caps vary across these programs, so we always walk our buyers through which ones actually apply to their situation before they start shopping.

Can I buy in the GTA on a modest income?

It is challenging in the core GTA markets, but it is not impossible with the right strategy. Buyers in that income range typically qualify for a purchase price in the $400,000 to $550,000 range depending on their down payment, debt load, and lender. That opens up condos, stacked towns, and some freehold options in the outer 905 communities. We work with buyers at every budget level and will give you an honest picture of what is achievable right now rather than a sales pitch.

The 2026 New-Home HST Rebate

Is the new 2026 HST rebate on new homes only for first-time buyers?

No. While existing federal programs often target first-time buyers, this specific 2026 provincial expansion is notably broader. The temporary measure applies to all eligible buyers of new homes, provided the purchase agreement is signed within the April 1, 2026–March 31, 2027 window. This is a significant shift that opens up major savings for many more families looking to enter the new-build market.

How much is the 2026 new-home HST rebate worth?

Up to $1,000,000: full 13% HST rebate (up to $130,000).
$1,000,001–$1,500,000: fixed $130,000 rebate.
$1,500,001–$1,850,000: declining scale from $130,000 down to $24,000.
Over $1,850,000: standard $24,000 rebate applies.

Crucial timelines — Agreement signed: must be between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Construction: must begin on or before December 31, 2028, and be substantially completed by December 31, 2031.

The “Credited at Closing” caveat: check your Agreement of Purchase and Sale to see if the builder is crediting the rebate at closing (the ideal scenario) or if you have to pay the full HST and apply to the CRA for the rebate afterward.

Selling Your Home

How do I maximize my home's value when selling?

You maximize value by curating a compelling narrative for the buyer, focusing on strategic staging, cosmetic upgrades, and precise pricing rather than complete overhauls. We translate complex market data into a surgical, personalized plan. A property is a canvas; buyers purchase the feeling of flow and sanctuary. We establish an asking price that commands attention and respects the current reality, ensuring you capture maximum equity without the stress of prolonged market exposure.

What does the selling process look like?

Valuation & Strategy: we begin with an in-depth evaluation to set a precise, data-driven listing price based on current economic models.
Curation & Preparation: we prepare your space by decluttering, addressing minor repairs, and utilizing strategic staging.
Negotiation: we carefully review proposed prices and buyer conditions to negotiate the optimal financial outcome.
Fulfillment & Closing: once all conditions are met, your lawyer finalizes the title transfer and disburses your final funds.
The Marketing Narrative: your property is introduced to the market through high-quality visual storytelling, syndication across the MLS, and our guaranteed scope of high-value digital marketing.

Investors & Landlords

How do investors scale a real estate portfolio in the GTA?

You scale by leveraging existing equity through refinancing, allowing you to acquire additional properties. We guide clients through advanced strategies, such as acquiring a fixer-upper and transitioning it into a 6-plex powerhouse using CMHC MLI Select financing. This creates forced appreciation, strong cash flow, and total market control.

Buy a fixer-upper, renovate smart, rent, and refinance. Create forced appreciation where you control the value. Leverage government-backed financing for multi-unit (e.g., 6-plex) conversions for higher leverage, longer amortization, and stabilized cash flow — turning one property into multiple income streams.

What should landlords know about preparing a rental unit?

Preparation & Pricing: we assess the market to price the suite accurately and ensure the property meets all habitability standards.
Strategic Marketing: we highlight the flow and amenities of the space to attract high-caliber applicants.
Rigorous Screening: under the Ontario Human Rights Code, we conduct legally compliant screening by verifying income, employment, and checking credit history.
The Legal Framework: Ontario law dictates that landlords may only legally collect the first and last month's rent, alongside a fully refundable key deposit.
The Standard Lease: the tenancy is formalized using the mandatory Ontario Standard Form of Lease.

Can I evict a tenant to move in myself?

You can evict a tenant if you, a family member, or a purchaser intend to move into the unit, but you must provide the proper notice and compensation required by the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). We handle these transitions with deep empathy and strict adherence to the law, ensuring a smooth process for all parties.

More questions? Ask me anything.

Key Takeaways

  • For Buyers: Base your decisions on calculated confidence and segmented data, not market noise.
  • For Sellers: Strategic presentation and precise, data-backed pricing are your strongest tools to maximize your financial outcome.
  • For Landlords: Protect your sanctuary by strictly following LTB guidelines during tenant screening and property transitions.
  • For Investors: Stop guessing and start building by leveraging programs like CMHC MLI Select to multiply your income streams.

Areas We Serve

We work across the Greater Toronto Area including: Toronto · North York · Richmond Hill · Vaughan · Thornhill · Markham · Aurora · Newmarket · Keswick · Innisfil · Barrie · Mississauga · Durham Region & beyond.

Guides that answer more

ABRE YCR Buyer's Handbook
For Buyers

ABRE YCR Buyer's Handbook

Your complete guide to buying a home — from pre-approval to closing day.

  • Pre-approval, budgeting and the step-by-step buying process
  • Questions to ask before you make an offer
  • What actually happens on closing day
For Sellers

ABRE YCR Seller's Handbook

Everything you need to know to sell your home for top dollar.

  • How to price your home right in today's market
  • Preparing and staging for showings
  • Understanding offers, conditions and closing
ABRE YCR Seller's Handbook