With Canada's federal election approaching, housing affordability has become a central issue. Both the Liberal and Conservative parties have presented distinct strategies to address the nation's housing crisis, reflecting their broader economic philosophies.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced its slowest March for home sales since 1998, with only 5,011 transactions recorded last month. This figure marks a significant drop from previous years, where March sales reached 6,560 in 2024 and 10,955 in 2022.

Hard water stains are a common problem in many homes, especially in areas with high mineral content in the water. These stains appear when water with calcium, magnesium, and other minerals dries on surfaces, leaving behind white, cloudy marks. Glass surfaces like shower doors, windows, and even drinking glasses can quickly lose their shine because of these spots. Over time, the stains can build up and become more difficult to remove, making your home look less clean even when you clean regularly.

With mortgage rates fluctuating and the housing market evolving, many Canadians are left with pressing questions about their home loans. Recognizing this, The Globe and Mail is reaching out to readers to gather their most urgent mortgage-related inquiries. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or somewhere in between, your questions can help shape future coverage and provide clarity for others in similar situations.

Canadian snowbirds—retirees who spend winters in the U.S.—are increasingly selling their Florida properties due to rising costs and political tensions. The Canadian dollar's decline, now around 69 U.S. cents, has made maintaining U.S. homes more expensive. Additionally, insurance premiums have surged, with some homeowners facing annual costs exceeding $16,000, a tenfold increase from previous years. Property taxes and maintenance fees have also risen, prompting many to reconsider their investments.

Driving in Canada comes with its own set of challenges, whether you're navigating through snowy roads in winter, dealing with summer heat, or simply commuting on long highways. As a Canadian driver, it's important to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected situations while on the road. Having the right tools in your car can make a significant difference when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere or facing a roadside emergency. By carrying the essential tools for car maintenance, safety, and repairs, you can ensure your own safety and peace of mind, no matter the circumstances.

A new 56-storey rental tower is being proposed at 148–158 Soudan Avenue in Toronto’s Midtown, just a short walk from Eglinton Station. The plan, submitted in March 2025, calls for replacing a four-storey co-ownership building and a detached home with a sleek high-rise designed by Arcadis. The building would stand over 608 feet tall and include 674 rental units.

Thind Properties, a prominent real estate developer based in Burnaby, British Columbia, is currently entangled in multiple insolvency proceedings affecting several of its projects across Metro Vancouver. The company's financial troubles have led to court-appointed receiverships and foreclosure actions, raising concerns among investors and homebuyers.

Spring in Canada brings a welcome change to the harsh winter weather, but it also brings its own set of road conditions that can challenge drivers. From fluctuating temperatures and melting snow to sudden rainstorms and muddy roads, springtime can be unpredictable for drivers. As the seasons transition, it's important to prepare your car for these varying conditions to ensure safety and smooth driving. Taking the time to check and maintain your vehicle can help prevent breakdowns and accidents, giving you peace of mind as you hit the road during Canada's unpredictable spring season.

A unique condo in Toronto's upscale Rosedale neighbourhood is drawing attention for its unusual layout and hefty price tag. Listed at nearly $3 million, this spacious unit is partially located below ground level, challenging traditional ideas of luxury living.

Toronto's housing market is grappling with a shortage of family-sized rentals, and while attached multiplexes with laneway suites offer a promising solution, they remain a rarity in the city. These innovative housing models combine multiple units within a single structure and often include additional living spaces built over garages or in backyards, known as laneway or garden suites. Despite their potential to provide more spacious and affordable options for families, several challenges hinder their widespread adoption.

Edmonton is approving housing developments over eight times faster than Toronto, according to a recent study by the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA). The 2022 Municipal Benchmarking Study evaluated 23 Canadian cities on factors like permit approval timelines, municipal fees, and planning processes. Edmonton ranked first overall, while Toronto placed 21st, highlighting a significant disparity in development efficiency.

The historic Toronto Coach Terminal, closed since 2021, is set for a major transformation. Kilmer Group and Tricon Residential have filed plans to redevelop the site at 610 Bay Street and 130 Elizabeth Street into a mixed-use community featuring two towers: one 16 storeys and the other 43 storeys tall. The project aims to deliver 858 purpose-built rental units, including 290 affordable homes, along with retail, office, and public spaces.

Indigenous art holds a rich history and deep cultural significance, offering a unique and powerful way to enhance the decor of any Canadian home. With diverse styles, symbols, and stories, Indigenous art reflects the traditions, values, and connections that Indigenous communities have with nature and the land. Incorporating this art into your home not only adds beauty and a sense of cultural richness but also supports Indigenous artists and helps preserve their heritage. As more people look to make their homes feel meaningful and connected to Canada’s history, Indigenous art offers a way to create a space that celebrates both beauty and culture.

Pierre Poilievre’s proposed capital gains tax deferral has sparked debate over its potential impact on young Canadians trying to enter the housing market. The policy would allow investors to defer taxes on profits from selling assets—such as stocks or properties—if they reinvest those profits into Canadian businesses or real estate. Poilievre argues this move would unlock capital currently tied up due to tax concerns, encouraging investment in sectors like housing, technology, and manufacturing.

In March 2025, Greater Vancouver's real estate market offered ideal conditions for buyers—plenty of listings, stable prices, and low mortgage rates. Yet, the buyers themselves were notably absent. According to Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR), home sales dropped to 2,091, a 13.4% decrease from March 2024 and 36.8% below the 10-year March average of 3,308.

As the long Canadian winter comes to an end and the first signs of spring appear, it’s the perfect time to embrace the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). Hygge, which roughly translates to "coziness," is a lifestyle focused on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where you can feel at ease and content. While hygge is often associated with winter months, its principles can easily be adapted for spring in Canada, where the weather can still be chilly in the early days of the season. By integrating elements of hygge into your home, you can create a cozy and welcoming space that allows you to enjoy the new season in comfort.

Toronto continues to see significant development proposals aimed at addressing the city's housing needs and urban growth. In March, four notable projects were submitted, each bringing unique features to their respective neighbourhoods.

The City of Burnaby has officially approved a new community plan for the Edmonds neighbourhood, setting the stage for significant growth and transformation in one of the city's most diverse and historic areas. The plan, adopted in March 2025, outlines a vision for higher-density housing, improved transportation, and enhanced public spaces to support the neighbourhood's future.

Maintaining your eavestroughs is an essential part of homeownership in Canada, especially after the long, harsh winter months. Eavestroughs, or gutters, play a crucial role in directing rainwater and melted snow away from your home’s foundation, helping to prevent water damage. However, during the winter, these important drainage systems can become clogged with debris like leaves, ice, and snow. After the snow melts and the weather warms up, it is vital to clean and maintain your eavestroughs to ensure they continue to function properly and protect your home.

Metro Vancouver is expected to need over 570,000 new homes by 2050, and a recent report breaks that number down by city and type of housing. The report from the Metro Vancouver Regional District gives a clearer picture of where homes are most needed and what kind—whether they should be rented or owned, affordable or market-rate.

Metro Vancouver is working to make it easier for cities in the region to build six-storey rental buildings. On Friday, the Metro Vancouver Regional District approved a new guide that outlines a consistent approach to these projects. The aim is to cut red tape and help meet the growing demand for rental housing across the region.

In recent years, Canadians have become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the products they use in their homes. One area that often goes unnoticed is cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning solutions contain harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to the environment but can also affect your health. Fortunately, eco-friendly cleaning solutions are becoming more popular, offering a safe and sustainable alternative. By switching to these green cleaning products, Canadian households can reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining a clean and healthy home.

More than one in five Canadians fear they could lose their job within the next year, according to the Bank of Canada's Q1 2025 Consumer Outlook Survey. This marks a significant rise in job insecurity, with 20.7% of respondents expressing concern about potential unemployment. This figure represents a 5.3 percentage point increase from the previous quarter and a 9.9 point jump from the same period last year.

The City of Burnaby has officially approved the Royal Oak Community Plan, setting the stage for significant redevelopment in the neighbourhood. This plan aims to transform Royal Oak into a more vibrant, transit-friendly area with a mix of housing, businesses, and public spaces. Located between Metrotown and Edmonds, Royal Oak currently features a mix of single-family homes, industrial zones, and commercial areas.