October 19, 2026 | By Soheil Shivarani, Broker
For buyers considering a home in Vaughan or Maple, the asking price is only one part of affordability. A property can become less expensive while the mortgage payment becomes more demanding.
This week’s Canadian housing releases make that distinction especially relevant.
Financing is influencing buying decisions
CREA reported on October 16 that Canadian home sales fell 2.3% in September compared with August. Its commentary linked softer demand to the recent increase in fixed mortgage rates. CREA Statistics
For a Vaughan buyer, the practical response is to update the numbers before making an offer. Confirm the available mortgage rate, rate-hold expiry, qualification amount and estimated monthly payment with a mortgage professional.
Then add property taxes, insurance, utilities and condominium fees where applicable. That combined budget provides a more useful comparison between homes.
Today’s resale choices and tomorrow’s supply are different questions
CMHC’s October 16 construction report showed a modest monthly increase in Canada’s annualized housing starts. However, actual starts in urban centres remained below September 2025, while Toronto’s six-month trend was flat. newswire.ca
My interpretation is that buyers should evaluate the homes available today while keeping future construction uncertainty in mind. Slower building activity does not establish when prices will rise or which neighbourhood will perform best.
In Maple and across Vaughan, recent comparable sales, competing listings and the property’s condition remain central to a purchase or pricing decision.
Pre-construction buyers need a complete closing budget
For a new condo, affordability extends beyond the deposit schedule. Buyers should review the expected mortgage at completion, interim occupancy expenses, development charges, closing adjustments and any rebate assumptions.
A useful planning question is: What additional cash would be required if the lender’s appraisal came in below the contract price?
The answer depends on the purchaser’s financing and agreement. Reviewing it early gives the buyer time to discuss options with the lender and lawyer.
Development-charge savings require project-specific confirmation
Vaughan’s existing policy temporarily exempts qualifying residential developments from City development charges during a defined construction window ending October 31, 2027. Eligibility and the builder’s contractual treatment of charges matter. City of Vaughan
When comparing projects, ask how any savings appear in the purchase price or agreement. An advertised incentive should be evaluated alongside the complete closing cost.
Making a decision in Vaughan or Maple
My approach is to compare the property, financing and closing budget together. Buyers can then assess what they can comfortably carry, and sellers can position their homes around the choices available to purchasers today.
If you are considering a resale home or pre-construction condo in Vaughan or the GTA, I can help prepare that comparison.
