Toronto real estate is in high demand, and pressure on existing housing supply is expected to continue mounting as people flock to the city in search of “home.” For the second year running, Toronto’s population has been ranked as the fastest growing in all of North America. This is according to a new report by Ryerson University’s Centre for Urban Research and Land Development (CUR).

CUR examined population growth between July 2018 and July 2019, and found that Metro Toronto grew by 127,575 people, coming out ahead of Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington, with a population increase of 117,380 people. This puts Toronto at the top of the list with the fastest-growing metropolitan area in all of Canada and the U.S.

Last year, CUR reported that Toronto was the second-fastest growing metro area in all of North America in 2018, second only to Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington. Last year’s report indicates the city of Toronto’s population grew in excess of 77,435 people between July 2017 and July 2018. The continued population growth through 2019 is impressive, to say the least.

What does this mean for the Toronto real estate market? The city has been in a consistent seller’s market for the better part of this last decade, with the Greater Toronto Area characterized by low inventory, growing housing demand, rising real estate prices and bidding wars.

The Toronto housing market kicked off 2020 primed for a busy year ahead. RE/MAX anticipated prices would increase 6% by the end of 2020, with the existing housing shortage and rising prices continuing to be a major obstacle for homebuyers in the region. With Toronto’s rate of new construction falling below the mounting demands of Toronto’s quickly growing population, pressure on the market was expected to continue with rising prices in the 2020 forecast.

Toronto real estate was indeed showing signs of another active spring market. Interest rates were down and home buyers were active. This continued to be the case until about mid-March, when the coronavirus pandemic hit the region and social distancing measures took effect. What ensued was an economic shut-down and rising unemployment rate, putting pause to real estate listings and home sales – “pause” being the operative word.

Interestingly, the decline is home sales was almost exactly proportional to the decline in new listings hitting the market, which meant market balance in the area had not changed. Much to the chagrin of home buyers, Toronto was still decidedly a seller’s market.

RELATED READING: How do you win a bidding war?

Despite the pandemic, Toronto-area RE/MAX brokers and agents have reported low housing inventory and multiple-offer scenarios, which has continued to put pressure on average price in the city. According to the latest data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), 4,606 homes changed hands through TRREB’s MLS System in May 2020 ­– a 53.7% decline year over year, but up 55.2% compared to April 2020, which marked the height of the pandemic. Meanwhile, average price was up 3% in May 2020, reaching $863,599, compared to $838,248 in May 2019.

Why is Toronto real estate so hot?

Toronto is highly liveable city and a hotspot for homebuyers. Consistent buyer demand has left Toronto securely in seller’s market territory for the last 10 years. There’s no question that people want to live in the vicinity, however with low inventory and high prices, buyers are exploring Toronto’s suburbs, with real estate markets in Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, York and Durham Region seeing lots of activity. Areas further out, such as Hamilton-Burlington, Niagara Region and Barrie have been picking up the slack for Toronto’s low supply and high housing prices.

Within the city of Toronto, the RE/MAX 2020 Liveability Report explored Toronto’s top neighbourhoods. They are:

  1. Corktown
  2. Kensington Market
  3. West Don Lands
  4. Bay Street Corridor
  5. North Riverdale
  6. Chinatown
  7. Danforth
  8. Grange Park
  9. Summerhill
  10. Alexandra Park

RE/MAX expects Toronto’s liveability to continue improving in the coming five years – a prediction rooted in ongoing business and residential enhancements.

Residential Renovations Impact Local Neighbourhoods

Buyers and sellers continue to be active and the number of sales continues to steadily increase in the wake of COVID-19, proving that Toronto real estate is resilient. RE/MAX brokers and agents report that it’s becoming increasingly common for buyers to undertake immediate renovations, positively impacting the entire respective area. Toronto has so many incredible amenities contributing to the liveability of its neighbourhoods, and these aesthetic improvements contribute to the look and feel of Toronto’s neighbourhoods.

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