As Ontario's housing crisis continues, more buyers are turning to traditional vacation spots like Muskoka, the Kawarthas, Haliburton, and the Bruce Peninsula, where seasonal cottages are being transformed into year-round homes. This shift is fueled by factors like remote work, rising real estate prices, and the appeal of rural living. However, the transition from seasonal zoning to full-time habitation can create challenges around mortgage financing, insurance, and zoning, potentially causing delays, unexpected costs, or even mortgage denials if not handled carefully.

Canada is facing an intensifying housing crisis that has become one of the most pressing socio-economic issues of our time. As housing prices soar and rental availability tightens across major cities and even smaller towns, Canadians are left grappling with the reality that homeownership—or even stable housing—may be slipping out of reach for an entire generation.

Ontario Regulation 462/24, which came into effect in 2024, represents a significant shift in housing policy for the province. By making it easier for homeowners to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or secondary suites to their residential properties, the regulation aims to increase the availability of affordable rental housing and help accommodate Ontario's growing population. This change has important implications for urban densification, affordable housing, and the practicalities of homeownership.

The housing affordability crisis in Canada has prompted governments at all levels to explore innovative solutions that increase the availability of housing without requiring extensive new developments. One such initiative is the Canada Secondary Suite Loan Program, which aims to make it easier for homeowners to add secondary suites—such as basement apartments, garage suites, and laneway homes—to their existing properties.

The dream of owning a home is evolving, and for many Ontarians, the appeal of tiny house living is gaining popularity. A tiny house offers an affordable, sustainable, and minimalist lifestyle, but for those seeking to purchase or build one, navigating the financing process can be a bit more complicated than with a traditional home.

In Canada, securing a loan is often a significant financial decision, especially when it comes to large purchases. Whether you’re buying a home, a vehicle, or another form of movable property, understanding the differences between a chattel loan and a mortgage can help you make an informed decision.

When buying a home in Ontario, many first-time homebuyers (FTHBs) or those looking to finance a home with a smaller down payment are faced with a decision: Should they opt for mortgage insurance? This is a question that often stirs up a range of emotions, as mortgage insurance can be an additional cost that many would rather avoid. However, it can also provide peace of mind and a way to navigate the complex and often expensive landscape of homeownership.

In the world of finance, the capital stack refers to the structure of the different layers of capital that a company or a real estate project raises to fund its operations or development. This stack is crucial for understanding how investments are structured and how returns are allocated among investors and lenders. The capital stack is often discussed in the context of real estate, but the concept applies to businesses across various sectors. By breaking down how the capital stack works, we can gain insight into how different types of investors and lenders are prioritized, what risks they bear, and how their returns are calculated.

When it comes to investing in companies, there are primarily two types of equity that investors can hold: preferred equity and common equity. Each offers different levels of return, security, and risk, making them suitable for different types of investors and investment strategies. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between preferred equity and common equity, covering aspects such as dividend distribution, voting rights, risk, return potential, and more.

When it comes to securing a mortgage or other financial products, borrowers are often faced with a choice between going through a monoline lender or a traditional bank. While both types of lenders can provide financing solutions, there are some key differences between the two.

If you’re looking to purchase a cottage in Ontario, you may have encountered the term "Type B cottage mortgage." While many traditional mortgage options are available for year-round homes, cottages with seasonal access or unique features require specialized financing.

While Viceroy Homes may have changed over the years, their architectural legacy still looms large across cottage country. From Muskoka to the Kawarthas, Viceroy-style homes became synonymous with the ideal Canadian cottage experience. But how did this iconic look come to dominate Ontario's cottage aesthetic? And what made it so well-suited to lakeside life?