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Posted in 2110 - St. George, 2110 - NE Rural Real Estate
Open House. Open House on Sunday, May 17, 2026 2:00PM - 4:00PM Gorgeous move in ready with sparkling inground pool backs onto park. Five bedroom 4 bath. So many updates!

Please visit our Open House at 79 Victor Boulevard in St. George. See details here

Open House on Sunday, May 17, 2026 2:00PM - 4:00PM Gorgeous move in ready with sparkling inground pool backs onto park. Five bedroom 4 bath. So many updates!

Welcome to this beautifully maintained family home in the heart of St. George. This impeccable home offers a grand central floor plan designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Step inside and you're sure to be impressed. A spacious foyer with gorgeous engineered hardwood and a grand curved staircase offer an impressive first impression. The spacious main level features hardwood throughout, a large living and dining room combination, a cozy family room with fireplace, and a separate office/den conveniently located just off the foyer, ideal for working from home or quiet study space. The bright kitchen and breakfast area overlook an incredible backyard retreat backing directly onto parkland, offering exceptional privacy and scenic green space views. Walkouts from both the dinette and family room to an entertainer’s dream complete with a large composite deck with pergola, expansive patio, heated in ground pool, and storage shed, the perfect setup for summer gatherings with family and friends. Upstairs you’ll find four generous bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite with his and her closets and a private four piece ensuite. A beautifully appointed five piece main bathroom with dual vanity serves the additional bedrooms. Recently updated windows throughout the home provide a fresh modern feel and an abundance of natural light. The finished basement adds exceptional versatility with a fifth bedroom, updated three piece bathroom, recreation room, and a large gym area ideal for fitness enthusiasts, hobbies, or additional family living space. Situated in a sought-after family friendly community close to parks, schools, and everyday amenities, this exceptional home offers a move in ready home with so many updates, great space, comfort, and a backyard setting that is hard to find. Call now this is a must see!

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What's In Store for the 2026 Kitchener-Waterloo Housing Market?

It's a new year, and it's time to make predictions for the 2026 Kitchener-Waterloo housing market. Canada faces a year ahead with unprecedented challenges beyond our individual control. Regardless of these factors, Kitchener-Waterloo remains a valued housing market that is attractive to both residents and those considering a move from outside our region. Here is what could be in store for our local housing market.

  1. Listings will remain on the market for longer periods - There is a direct correlation between a cooler housing market and the time listings stay on the market. The stats for the Kitchener-Waterloo sales in December show that listings are now on the market for an average of 45 days. This stat includes both condos and freehold properties. Detached homes averaged 22 days for 2025, and condos averaged 55 days. If the market stays cool, expect these numbers to rise in 2026 to 35+ and 70+, respectively. 

  2. An 8.5% -12% decrease in sales pricing - Expect the downward trend in sales pricing to continue in 2026. 2025 saw a year-over-year decrease in detached homes of 3.7%, with the average price at $876,896. Condos experienced a 7.4% drop, with the average sale price at $437,084. My expectation is that Kitchener-Waterloo will experience stronger downward trends in 2026. This is not isolated to our region and will likely be felt across most major marketplaces across Canada. All of this is tied to concerns related to economic uncertainty.

  3. Kitchener housing market will outpace Waterloo - Affordability and cost of living will be at the forefront of buyers' minds in 2026. The city of Waterloo is plagued by a Mayor and council who show little regard for taxpayers. Council approved the highest property tax increase of all Waterloo Region municipalities at 6.4%. Property taxes in the city of Waterloo will rise a staggering 17.99% over the past three years, with this latest increase! Smart buyers will consider that the city of Kitchener will experience a 2.2% increase in 2026, and that fiscal responsibility is of greater importance to the Mayor and council in that city. Ultimately, the cost of living in Kitchener is better than in Waterloo. This does not factor in other factors buyers consider when purchasing (commuting, schools, parks, etc.), but with so many similarities between the two cities, traditional local stereotypes are fading, and have less weight than in the past when it comes to where you reside in Kitchener-Waterloo. 

  4. Noticeable rise in foreclosures/power of sale listings - It's an ugly thing to talk about, but the reality is Canadians are experiencing unprecedented debt loads. According to credit-tracking agency TransUnion Canada, total consumer debt spiked 4.1% to $2.6 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, including a 4.1% jump in mortgage balances, year-over-year, to $1.89 trillion. Canadian household debt is the second-highest among advanced economies.* Rewind to 2021 when the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market was at an all-time high, and buyers were able to lock in mortgage rates close to 1%. Most of those buyers took a five-year fixed-rate mortgage. These buyers will be revisiting their lenders, who now offer renewals closer to 4-4.5%. Average monthly mortgage payments will rise by $500-$600. Cutting out your morning Starbucks makes a dent, but it doesn't add up to $500. I am already seeing more bank sales these past few months than I have over the past 14 years of selling real estate. Unfortunately, affordability will push some households in Kitchener-Waterloo to the breaking point, resulting in a rise in foreclosures and power-of-sale listings. I should note, this will not be a widespread crisis, but noticeable enough to mention the challenge.

  5. A pause or potentially lower interest rates - The big six banks are split on whether the Bank of Canada will raise, pause or reduce interest rates in 2026. This new year brings real economic challenges for Canada, including the renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and lingering inflation issues. Many major national projects announced by the federal government are on the books. It will be up to the federal and provincial governments to get the money flowing and shovels in the ground. These projects would boost job numbers; however, the reality is that governments do a lot of announcing, and it's the follow-through that often falls by the wayside. If the Canadian economy continues to lag behind other major economies, we should see interest rate reductions. If we see positive numbers, interest rates would likely pause or potentially rise. The major concern is how Canada fares with the renegotiation of CUSMA. Unpredictable relations with our southern neighbours do not offer any clear indication of how this process will pan out. It is expected that major concessions are likely from both Canada and Mexico. What they are is the big unknown. At this time, I expect 2026 to bring a further half-point reduction in interest rates, starting as early as spring. 

  6. SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE! - Many factors are at play for how the 2026 housing market will pan out in Kitchener-Waterloo. There are positives in the local housing market that are worth noting. Most notably, both the federal and provincial governments have proposed new rebates that would effectively eliminate the full 13% HST for qualifying first-time home buyers on newly built homes valued at up to $1 million. I expect this to be a good year for first-time homebuyers who have waited patiently to enter the market. It's also worth noting that move-up buyers could see their purchasing power stretch, as the value of million-dollar-plus homes in the region is expected to decline the most. Even if your home valued between $650,000 - $850,000 falls in value (in line with general market sentiment), if it's correctly priced, you should see a smaller buyer pool for move-up opportunities. 

The 2026 housing market in Kitchener-Waterloo is at the mercy of many factors beyond local control. That said, our region is still regarded as a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. That attraction will not wear off anytime soon. Experience and traditional strategies that work in our local housing market are more important than ever. We offer value by helping people buy and sell houses in all market conditions, from turbulence to hype. Our combined 45 years plus of local real estate knowledge is fine-tuned and ready to serve whatever you need in this new year. Reach out anytime; we value the opportunity to help you with your move.
*https://www.thestar.com/business/canadian-debt-load-spikes-to-2-6-trillion-as-falling-interest-rates-lower-the-cost/article_0089b755-158b-4b36-b250-b36b0395c5cf.html

 

 

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Have you noticed a trend in the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market where every modest detached property is priced at $699,900? Or if the selling Realtor wants to aggravate first-time buyers even more, why not $599,900?
 
As frustrating as this can be to buyers, there is a method to the marketing technique. It requires a skilled Buyer's Realtor who knows the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market to navigate these artificial list prices. Let's first jump into why properties are marketed in such a way.
 
  1. Bring buyers through the listing - Regardless of actual market value, sometimes it pays to list the property well below to create buzz. 
  2. The buyer pool at this price point is robust - All our 2023 buyers shopping for a starter home between $500,000 - $800,000 in Kitchener-Waterloo have been in multiple offer situations. The demand for affordable detached homes in our local housing market shows no sign of letting up this year.
  3. Sellers are relying on their Realtor's strategy of 'pricing for action' - If it isn't broken, don't fix it. I would be hard-pressed to find a single detached listing under $799,900 that was publically listed that didn't have a set a date for offers. The strategy appears sound and typically yields the highest sale price that the market is willing to provide.
 
So what are buyers supposed to do in these situations? Short answer, make sure you have an experienced local Buyer Realtor. It's one thing to be caught up in a multiple-offer situation for a home you love, and it's another thing to be in a multiple-offer situation with a Realtor who is up to date on pricing in the immediate area. Often Kitchener-Waterloo listings at these price points attract attention from out-of-town buyers with out-of-town Realtors. My experience suggests that many of these buyers are ill-equipped to bring serious offers in competitive situations. Whether fishing for a deal or their Realtor doesn't have access to good comparables when advising their clients, these buyers are typically behind the eight ball when competing.
 
Buyers in Kitchener-Waterloo shopping for an affordable single detached property need to be grounded in what they can afford. This isn't meant to be meanspirited, but the reality is that it's relatively easy for a qualified local Realtor to assess how attractive a listing is and what the competition will be like. Artificially low list prices are just that. Recent sales, how many offers you are up against and what specific premiums are on the listing all need to be skillfully considered to have a chance of being a successful buyer. 
 
The Kitchener-Waterloo housing market is shaping to have another competitive marketplace throughout the year at these price points. If you or someone you know wants to enter the market, we have the knowledge and experience to get you a great home regardless of the competition. We are ready to help!
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Write That Letter!
How much weight do you think a personal letter addressed to a Seller from a prospective Buyer holds? What if I told you it could be worth tens of thousands of dollars? Believe it or not, if you find yourself competing for your dream property in a multiple-offer situation, you'd be wise to introduce yourself to set yourself apart from the competition.
A personal letter allows a buyer to provide a seller insight on who they could sell their house to and serve as an inexpensive negotiation tool that ultimately sets you apart. Here are a few reasons why you should write that letter:

  1. Your story is worth telling - Do you have a connection to the property, immediate neighbourhood, or perhaps a person connected to the seller? Are you head over heels for the home you're offering on? Tell the story. Only some people are sentimental, but if you feel that the seller can feel great about who will occupy their home once it's sold, there is zero harm in conveying this beyond dollars and cents.
  2. Estate sales are only sometimes price motivated - Candidly, most of the time, executors are exercising their fiduciary duties to the estate by chasing the highest price. This isn't always the case. Perhaps adult children are selling their parent's home and are in a financially sound place personally, and who they sell their parent's home to is equally as important as what they sell it for. A letter from a young family wishing to own the home will comfort a seller, knowing they've left the family home in the hands of a buyer who plans to set roots and stay put for some time.
  3. You are not an investor - Some sellers wince at the idea of selling their property to a numbered company or an investor just looking to add another rental property to their portfolio. Let the seller know if you plan to use the property as a principal residence. Maybe you're $2,000 shy of the top offer, but even a price-motivated seller can now sell to an owner-occupied buyer without feeling like they left a boatload of cash on the table.
As recently as this year, I experienced a situation where my buyers successfully acquired a property in their preferred neighbourhood while competing against multiple offers. They had a personal connection to the area, an opportunity to give the seller their preferred closing date and the ability to sell themselves as a perfect fit for these sellers. The letter held weight even though they weren't the top offer regarding money.Nine times out of ten, a seller will take an offer that gives them top dollar for their home. These sellers may receive these letters and feel for a buyer but ultimately pursue a sale that makes fiscal sense. This is normal seller psychology and typically the right way to view a transaction. That said, there is no harm and minimal effort when writing a letter and introducing yourself to the seller. An experienced Realtor can offer you advice on what to include in these letters and use it as a tool when it comes time to negotiate on your behalf.
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It's no secret that the Bank of Canada's interest rate hikes that have occurred over the past year have had a significant impact on housing decisions for Canadians. First-time homebuyers have been sidelined in Waterloo Region due to issues of affordability, and homeowners looking to shift into 'move up' homes are cautious due to carrying costs and term renewals for their current mortgages, and these are just a couple examples.
Seniors are also feeling the impact. The decision to sell the family home is often the result of one's ability to maintain and enjoy a larger home while weighing the affordability of a lifestyle move. A few actual examples where seniors are feeling the pinch as a result of higher interest rates include the following:
  1. Mortgage renewal affordability - If a mortgage renewal is in the cards, seniors must also budget for the rate increases. Seniors are often on fixed incomes in their retirement years, and any significant increase in housing costs can have a trickle-down effect on other budgetary considerations.
  2. Cashing in on the family home isn't as lucrative as it once was - Waterloo Region saw some of the highest sale pricing during the height of the pandemic, and cashing in on the family home saw unprecedented windfalls for many seniors. This allowed many to make easy decisions on lifestyle moves with some extra cash in their pockets.
  3. Unaffordable rental options - Often, seniors are not ready to commit to retirement living and instead opt for a rental opportunity in their community. A recent report released this past Summer suggests that you'll need to earn $28/hr to afford the average two-bedroom apartment in Kitchener-Waterloo. This is a challenge for fixed-income seniors who must compete with a slew of other prospective renters in our expensive and highly competitive rental marketplace.
It isn't all doom and gloom for seniors in Kitchener-Waterloo when it comes to home selling and buying decision-making. Typically, seniors in our region are in financially sound positions, and our local housing market inventory is growing for buyers, but sales are still relatively brisk.We are hosting our annual Seniors Seminar at the Waterloo Rec Complex in the Community Pavillion on Thursday, November 23, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of market activity, trends and forecasts, we will have a financial expert on hand to speak about financing opportunities for seniors.If you or someone you know could benefit from knowing their options as they mull a move in their later years, please forward this article their way.
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What's In Store for the 2024 Kitchener-Waterloo Housing Market?


Happy New Year! The snow has finally arrived in the Waterloo Region, and a new year is upon us. As we settle back into our work routines, now is a great time to reflect on the past year's accomplishments and plan for a prosperous 2024. This past year brought a more balanced housing market in Kitchener-Waterloo and the surrounding areas, one of which we saw the hyperactivity of multiple offers settle down. Buyers were presented with a 'less panicked' approach to purchasing a home in our area. Of course, the Bank of Canada interest rate hikes significantly impacted the housing market here in Kitchener-Waterloo and, effectively, all housing markets across Canada. News of significant interest rate hike announcements is behind us, and 2024 could be the continuation of holding the line or perhaps some minor adjustments downward in terms of interest rates as dictated by the BoC. So, what's our prediction for the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market in 2024? Here are a few predictions we see happening in the months and year ahead of us:

  1. The Bank of Canada will start lowering interest rates later this year - Higher borrowing costs have caused a pullback in business investment, housing prices, and consumer spending, making way for lower inflation. As inflation currently sits just above 3%, the BoC is much closer to its targetted 2% inflation rate. The following rate announcement takes place on January 24th. It would be a surprise if a rate decrease were announced this early into the year. If a decrease is reported, expect a robust Spring housing market to come fast and hard. If not, most economists expect a rate decrease announcement in the Summertime.
  2. The return of the SBP (Sale of a Buyer's Property) condition - Notably, there were listings in Kitchener-Waterloo in the last quarter of 2023 that saw conditional offers that included an SBP condition. This often indicates a balanced/buyer's market in which the property did not receive a multiple offer frenzy, and buyers can offer on a property before selling their own. This doesn't speak to a property being less desirable; the price point is often higher, and the buyer pool is traditionally less crowded. SBP conditions will be more frequent in the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market this Spring and perhaps throughout all seasons 2024. It's worth noting that this condition is more likely to occur in offers on listings above the $1,000,000 price point. 
  3. Continued outsider competition for single detached homes in the $500,000 - $800,000 price points - A few factors will maintain the robust competition for buyers in the Kitchener-Waterloo housing market in the 'first-time homebuyer' price range. Federal government annual immigration targets of 485,000 for 2024 will compound Canada's existing rental housing crisis. It's no secret that the rental housing crisis in Kitchener-Waterloo is real, and investors from outside our region are flushed with cash buying affordable detached homes to take advantage of out-of-control lease rates. The financially incentivized foreign students at Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo are accustomed to crowded accommodation conditions. Unfortunately, many seedy investor landlords have no shame in taking advantage of the crisis. Our affordable listings in Kitchener-Waterloo will continue to be attractive to these investors and add to an already crowded price point for buyers in Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas.
  4. Move-up Listing Inventory Will Increase - Could this be the year buyers looking to move up into a larger home have some real choice without the flurry of multiple offer activity? Tepidly, yes. Even though interest rates have crept up well beyond the historic lows, many homeowners have longer terms at these rates and will want to take advantage and port their mortgages into the dream home or chase the desired extra space their family may need. These buyers should see inventory for larger homes priced in the $975,000 - $1,300,000 increase in 2024. Many homeowners in this price point must seriously consider long-term affordability. Although some buyers have longer terms at low rates, realistically, many homeowners will need to renew at rates that will increase their monthly housing costs beyond feasible affordability. There are also many empty nesters and senior homeowners in move-up neighbourhoods like Beechwood, Westmount, Colonial Acres, Deer Ridge, etc., which will profoundly affect their housing needs and potential desirability for right-sized moves. If these conditions pan out as predicted, the move-up listing inventory should increase in Kitchener-Waterloo.
  5. A Reality Check Is In Store for the Luxury Housing Market - It's no secret that the buyer pool for multimillion-dollar homes is smaller than most housing market segments. As economic conditions constrain spending, gone are the days of a relatively healthy luxury housing marketplace in Kitchener-Waterloo. Of course, some big spenders will keep the market active, but there are growing signs of a slowdown. Whether it's the increased time on the market for listings priced at $1,800,000 plus or sustained interest rates above and beyond the historical lows, luxury homeowners looking to list in 2024 must be realistic about achievable sales pricing. It isn't doom and gloom but rather an honest conversation with a local real estate professional and a strategic marketing plan to stand out.
Many factors are at play for how the housing market will pan out in Waterloo Region, but we believe that the market is healthy; our strong housing prices will continue to lead most markets across Canada, and 2024 should remain robust regarding sales activity across most market segments.
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Is It Time To Consider a Right-size Move?
Here in the Waterloo Region, we are fully into warmer days, and our gardens are blooming with colour and life. Alongside the vibrancy comes additional yard maintenance to keep our properties looking beautiful. For some, this can be physically stressful, especially with the extreme heat we are experiencing. Outdoor care, along with keeping the interior spaces of a large home looking their best, takes consistent effort. For some who have lived in their family homes for decades, it's fair to have thoughts about whether their current living situation is ideal for their needs. A right-sized move can offer the ability to live independently while residing in a home that allows one to focus on important priorities beyond maintaining big homes.Here are a few examples that may contribute to giving serious thought to a right-sized move.
  1. How often do you use most rooms in your house? - Larger homes may have formal living rooms alongside a family room and recreation room in the basement. Perhaps these additional spaces only see activity on special occasions like Christmas and Easter when hosting family. It's wise to consider the value of upkeep based on daily usage of the additional space a large home offers.
  2. Are you experiencing health issues? - Aging in place has never been easier with modern technological advancements and elements that can be added to your home to assist with mobility. At some point, our health ailments are beyond a simple walk-in shower vs. a tub, and the need to consider one-floor living becomes a valid thought. Most neighbourhoods in Waterloo Region consist of a mix of residential dwellings, including larger bungalows. If you still desire lots of space, there are opportunities to relieve the stresses of health challenges while living in a detached residence that is less physically demanding in terms of upkeep.
  3. How often are you using your principal residence? - Retirement allows you to pursue travel and other activities that don't require you to be at home as often as in the past. If you are a snowbird, consider the monetary value of keeping a more prominent home you use seasonally. A right-sized move may allow you the financial ability to purchase a second property or expand your travel budget in the golden years.
  4. Will a right-sized move bolster your financial standing? - The Waterloo Region housing market remains one of Canada's most expensive. By capitalizing on your property, you could see significant economic gains. A right-sized move could enhance your financial capacity, reducing home maintenance costs and mortgage payments. A right-sized move requires serious consideration and should not be rushed. Having a healthy conversation with your spouse, family, and friends can help you understand the positives of a move or reinforce your desire to change your current residence so that you can enjoy your property for years to come. Even if a move isn't on the card, these conversations can lead you to make positive changes like decluttering, hiring appropriate parties to take care of home tasks you find less desirable, or simply reinforcing your decision to stay in place.
At the end of the day, home should be as stress-free as possible and evaluating what your home offers in relation to your comfort and needs is always a good exercise to complete.
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Categories:   2110 - St. George, 2110 - NE Rural Real Estate