Here’s What’s Driving the Hesitation (And Why It Could Be a Smart Time to Act)

Despite improving conditions in Canada’s housing market, including lower borrowing costs and more balanced pricing, many first-time buyers are approaching their homeownership journey with caution.

A new national survey from Royal LePage shows that just 13% of Canadians are actively working toward buying their first home in the next two years. Even among them, the majority (82%) plan to wait 12 to 24 months before making a move.

So, what’s behind the hesitation?

It’s not a lack of interest; it's a strategy. Many prospective buyers are still in the research phase: 51% are actively exploring neighbourhoods, and 49% are browsing online listings, yet only 19% are currently viewing homes in person. This suggests a high level of behind-the-scenes activity — with buyers quietly preparing rather than rushing in.

Financial dynamics are also shifting. While past generations often leaned on family assistance, more than half of first-time buyers today expect to go it alone. Still, 41% anticipate some form of help — whether through gifts, loans, or co-signing arrangements.

Another revealing insight? Almost half (49%) of hopeful buyers are aiming for a detached home — but many may need to adjust expectations. Condos, townhomes, and move-in ready properties are rising as more attainable options, especially in sought-after communities like Burlington and Oakville.

Top buyer priorities include:

• Saving at least 20% for a down payment (53%)

• Choosing location over commute (42%)

• Finding a home that requires minimal renovations

What does this mean for you — especially if you're local?

The current market offers a rare mix of opportunity and time. With borrowing rates stabilizing and competition less intense, prepared buyers can take advantage of softer conditions — especially those willing to move before demand rebounds.

If you're thinking of buying — even if it's still a year or two away — now is the time to start planning.

At The Linda Maguire Team, we’ll help you understand your options, define your goals, and build a strategy that makes sense for your timeline. No pressure, just honest guidance to help you make confident, informed decisions.

Source: Royal LePage Fall 2025 Market Survey

If you’ve got savings sitting in a chequing account or cash flow piling up in an everyday bank balance, chances are it’s doing almost nothing for you. Meanwhile, your mortgage is quietly charging interest on every dollar you still owe. That’s dead money.

An offset mortgage flips the script. Instead of collecting dust, your money sits in an account linked directly to your mortgage balance. The bank calculates interest only on the net difference. Which means every dollar you park there reduces the interest you pay.

Here’s the play:

Say you have a $400,000 mortgage at 5.25% and keep $25,000 in your offset account. Instead of paying interest on $400,000, you’re charged on $375,000. That alone saves roughly $1,100 a year without putting an extra dime toward your mortgage payment.

The real kicker? You keep access to the cash. Need it for an emergency, a trip, or an investment? Pull it out anytime. Until then, it’s quietly working to shrink your interest bill and speed up your equity growth.

Yes, offset mortgages can carry slightly higher rates or fees than standard products. But for homeowners who keep meaningful cash on hand, whether in savings, business accounts, or rental reserves, the math often works in their favour.

If you’ve got liquidity, don’t let it sit idle. Put it to work in an offset structure and watch your mortgage cost shrink without changing your lifestyle.