Terminology Tuesday: Easement

An easement is a common but often misunderstood concept in Ontario real estate. In simple terms, an easement is a legal right that allows someone else to use a portion of a property for a specific purpose—even though they don’t own it.

In Ontario, easements are most often seen with utility companies. For example, a hydro or gas provider may have the right to access part of your land to install, maintain, or repair infrastructure like power lines or pipelines. Municipalities may also have easements for things like stormwater drainage or sewer systems. In some cases, neighbouring properties may benefit from an easement—such as a shared driveway or a right-of-way to access a landlocked parcel.

It’s important to understand that while you still own the land, your use of the easement area can be restricted. You typically can’t build permanent structures over it or do anything that would interfere with the purpose of the easement. For instance, building a shed or planting large trees over underground utilities could cause issues down the line.

Easements are registered on title and will appear during a title search, which is why reviewing these details is a key part of any real estate transaction. Buyers should take the time to understand how an easement might affect their use and enjoyment of the property. Sellers, on the other hand, should be aware of any easements on their property and be prepared to disclose them.

If you’re unsure how an easement impacts a property you’re buying or selling, working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® can help you navigate the details and avoid surprises.

Market Media Monday - April 27, 2026

A curated list of recent headlines relevant to real estate in Canada or locally, with short excerpts. Click each headline link to read the full article on the source site.

[ From where the deals are to where prices dropped most, 5 key things to know about the spring real estate market ]
"Spring is traditionally when Canada’s housing market shifts into high gear. But this year it’s idling, despite four consecutive years of price reductions nationally. Home sales held essentially flat in March and listings remain subdued according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). At the same time, new data from real estate company Royal LePage show conditions diverging sharply across regions with certain markets still seeing price growth while others remain under pressure."

[ Where Canada's condo market is headed: FP Video ]
"FP Video puts real estate in focus this week with an investment manager’s take on the best buys in REITs and an update from Urbanation on Canada’s crumbling condo market. Trade lawyer Mark Warner fills us in on the latest in Canada, U.S. trade negotiations."

[ Rate cuts seen as more likely next move for Bank of Canada: TD ]
"Just as inflation and interest rates began to settle, trade tensions with Canada’s largest trading partner resurfaced. Now, higher fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East are fuelling renewed inflation concerns, while the growing impact of AI is casting a shadow over the labour market."

[ Mortgage debt rising fastest among Canadians nearing retirement, data show ]
"Canadians nearing retirement are taking on more mortgage debt, with those aged 55 to 64 posting the fastest growth in 2025. Statistics Canada data show mortgage balances for that group rose about 6% year-over-year, as many tap home equity to fund investment purchases or help younger family members enter the housing market."

Market Media Monday - April 20, 2026

A curated list of recent headlines relevant to real estate in Canada or locally, with short excerpts. Click each headline link to read the full article on the source site.

[ Canadian Real Estate Association downgrades housing market forecast due to 'oil shock' ]
"The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has downgraded its housing market forecast following a jump in fixed mortgage rates and weaker than expected housing sales in the first three months of 2026. CREA had been forecasting higher sales based on the idea that pent-up demand would emerge, especially from first-time buyers. But in the second half of March, inflation caused by a spike in oil prices raised the odds of a Bank of Canada rate hike, which raised bond yields and caused a jump in fixed mortgage rates."

[ Commercial real estate market at turning point as vacancies drop: report ]
"Canada’s commercial real estate sector could be at a turning point after the national vacancy rates for both office and industrial properties simultaneously declined for the first time since 2020, a new analysis has found."

[ First-time homebuyers have returned to the market—with a little help from their parents ]
"First-time homebuyers living in this city depend more on their parents to cover their mortgages and interest payments than ever before, according to a new Bank of Canada report. It found that the percentage of Torontonians who co-signed with a parent is 13.8 per cent, up from 4.1 per cent in 2004."

[ Fixed or variable? Four experts weigh in as volatility clouds the decision ]
"With two-thirds of homeowners feeling uneasy about their upcoming renewal, and about a third of prospective buyers planning to make a purchase in 2026, according to the TD survey, we reached out to several mortgage experts to ask for their product recommendations. "

Market Media Monday - April 13, 2026

A curated list of recent headlines relevant to real estate in Canada or locally, with short excerpts. Click each headline link to read the full article on the source site.

[ Why timing the bottom of Canada's roller-coaster real estate market may be harder than you think ]
"Everyone connected to Canada’s housing market is asking the same question as the spring market, historically the busiest time of year, gets underway: Have we hit the bottom? From realtors to economists to lenders to developers — not to mention would-be home buyers and sellers — all are looking for signs of whether the real estate market will finally see a turnaround from declining prices. "

[ Canada’s housing market outlook gets a downgrade from TD ]
"The past six months of weakness in Canada’s housing market have led to one of the nation’s big banks downgrading its forecast for the rest of the year. TD Economics released a revised housing market outlook at the end of March, updating its original predictions for 2026, which were released in December."

[ These forces could push up Canada's home prices later this year: FP Video ]
"This week FP video looks at the chance of real estate prices escalating in the second half of the year, the impact of oil market volatility on the agriculture sector, why the geopolitical tension has been good news for Canadian bonds, and why investment managers are optimistic about this earnings season."

[ Toronto real estate market finally showing signs of life but prices are still sliding ]
"Toronto's real estate market showed a split picture last month as sales increased for the first time in several months while prices continued to fall, according to the latest report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)."

[ Mortgage rates are rising: why breaking your mortgage could cost more ]
"Government of Canada 5-year bond yields have been rising since the start of the war in Iran, pushing fixed mortgage rates higher — but posted rates have not always moved in step."

Terminology Tuesday: Chattels

In real estate, the term “chattels” refers to items that are not permanently attached to a property and can be removed without damaging the home. In simple terms, they’re the things you can pick up and take with you when you move.

Common examples of chattels include appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers (unless built-in), as well as furniture, area rugs, and even things like window coverings if they’re not permanently installed. Because chattels are considered personal property—not part of the real estate itself—they are not automatically included in a sale unless specifically written into the agreement.

This is where things can get important for both buyers and sellers. If a buyer falls in love with a particular item—say, a sleek stainless steel fridge or custom bar stools—they need to make sure it’s listed as an included chattel in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. On the flip side, sellers should clearly identify anything they intend to take with them to avoid misunderstandings.

The key takeaway? Don’t assume anything. In real estate, what stays and what goes should always be clearly spelled out in writing—because when it comes to chattels, if it’s not included, it’s not coming with the house. 

Market Media Monday - March 30, 2026

A curated list of recent headlines relevant to real estate in Canada or locally, with short excerpts. Click each headline link to read the full article on the source site.

[ Canadian Real Estate’s Biggest Crash Since The ‘90s To Worsen: BMO ]
"Canadian real estate’s downturn shows no signs of reversing, according to a Big Six bank. BMO Capital Markets is warning investors that home prices haven’t moved in nearly a decade, once adjusted for inflation. Now in the middle of the largest correction since the 90s, the bank sees inflation accelerating in the coming months, eroding real prices further."

[ TD cuts housing forecast but warns pent-up demand could be ‘unleashed faster or more forcefully than expected’ ]
"The buyers are out there. They’re just waiting. And according to a new TD Economics report released Thursday, the window for winning them over may finally be opening. Economist Rishi Sondhi says a pool of pent-up demand is waiting in the wings in markets across Canada, particularly in Ontario and B.C., and that improved economic conditions and affordability gains could help unlock it heading into 2027."

[ Ontario’s budget banks on a housing resale rebound in 2026 — but real estate players aren’t so sure ]
"The Ontario government is budgeting on a housing resale market rebound this coming year, with its new fiscal plan counting on more homes changing hands and hundreds of millions of dollars more revenue from land transfer taxes."

[ 9 Tips for a Successful Mortgage Renewal in Canada ]
"Renewing your mortgage can significantly impact your financial situation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, assessing your options when your mortgage is up for renewal and shopping for the best rates is critical to saving money over the life of your mortgage. Read on for valuable tips and advice for your next mortgage renewal."

[ Mortgage affordability worsens in most major Canadian cities, report says ]
"It became harder for Canadians in most major cities to afford a mortgage in February, a new report by Ratehub.ca found on Thursday."

[ Why waiting to lock in your variable rate often backfires ]
"One of the biggest draws of variable-rate mortgages is that they give you options. For starters, variable mortgage prepayment penalties are generally cheaper than their fixed-rate counterparts."

Market Media Monday - March 23, 2026

A curated list of recent headlines relevant to real estate in Canada or locally, with short excerpts. Click each headline link to read the full article on the source site.

[ Home sales, listings and prices down nationally, says CREA ]
"The latest real estate numbers are out and they paint a picture of a Canadian housing market on a downward slide. By most measures in Canada, real estate is down. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), there are fewer sales and prices are declining in February from the previous month."

[ Home purchased for nearly $1M sells at 45% loss in southern Ontario ]
"Hamilton has seen price declines in the last year or more. Last month, it was one of five major cities that saw a decline in prices year-over-year, according to a House Price Index report from Wahi, a Canadian real estate platform, and Real Property Solutions, a Canadian provider of property valuation services. Hamilton’s price index was down six per cent last month."

[ The Bank of Canada is holding its interest rate. For now ]
"The Bank of Canada (BoC) announced it is holding its interest rate steady at 2.25%. The March 18 decision is the second rate hold of 2026 as the BoC also held its rate in January. TD Economist Maria Solovieva said that inflation is currently within the BoC’s target of 1-3%, and while GDP growth is muted, it’s still within a reasonable range. Even with tariffs, the economy is still chugging along for now."

[ Mortgage Digest: Bond yield spike drives latest fixed mortgage rate hikes of up to 30 bps ]
"Canadian fixed mortgage rates have moved decisively higher, with lenders rolling out increases of up to 30 basis points as bond yields continue their rapid climb."

[ Bank of Canada Interest Rate Explained and How It Shapes Your Mortgage ]
"The Bank of Canada’s policy rate, also known as the overnight rate, plays a critical role in shaping the financial landscape of the country. It directly influences borrowing costs, including mortgage rates, and can have a significant impact on homeowners and prospective buyers. Understanding how changes in the policy rate affect your mortgage is essential for managing your finances effectively."