Creating a home gym doesn’t require a huge footprint or a major renovation, just a bit of creativity and the right equipment. Whether you live in a condo, a townhouse or a home with limited flex space, you can still build an area that supports your fitness goals and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. With thoughtful planning, even the smallest corner can become a motivating, well-organized workout zone.

Here are some practical tips to help you create a small home gym that’s functional, affordable and perfectly tailored to your routine.

Start with portable, versatile equipment

You don’t need an elaborate setup to get a great workout. A few compact, budget-friendly essentials can go a long way:

• A yoga or exercise mat

• A stability (Swiss) ball

• Resistance bands

• A jump rope

• An equalizer bar or lightweight step

These items are easy to store, easy to move and offer endless workout options. Thousands of free online classes, from strength training to Pilates to HIIT, rely on minimal or bodyweight-only equipment – perfect for small spaces.

Choose equipment that maximizes space

Large dumbbell racks and heavy machines take up valuable room. Instead, choose smart alternatives that deliver the same benefits:

• Adjustable hand weights that replace an entire set of dumbbells

• Kettlebells of varying sizes, which are incredibly versatile and easy to tuck away

• Foldable benches or compact workout stools that slide under a bed or into a closet

The goal is to get maximum function from minimal square footage.

Create a multi-purpose workout zone

A dedicated workout area is ideal, but not always possible. If space is tight, think strategically:

• Store your equipment in a labeled bin, basket or rolling cart and keep it near your usual workout spot.

• If you follow online workout videos, use a room with a TV or enough space for your laptop to sit at eye level.

• Consider rearranging furniture temporarily during your workout, then reset the room when you’re done.

• A living room, den or bedroom can easily double as your home gym with the right setup.

Protect your floors (and your joints!)

If you do have a designated spot for exercising, investing in foam or rubber puzzle mats is a smart choice. They:

• Provide cushioning for high-impact movements

• Protect your floors from weights and equipment

• Improve traction to help prevent slips

• Are inexpensive and easy to assemble or store

Because they snap together and don’t need adhesive, you can remove them quickly if you want to repurpose the space.

Add small touches that boost motivation

Even a compact home gym can feel energizing with a few thoughtful elements:

• Good lighting (natural or artificial)

• A small shelf for a speaker or smart display

• A plant to bring in some life and colour

• A basket or tray to keep towels and accessories tidy

• These subtle upgrades make the space feel more purposeful and enjoyable to use.

Keep resale value in mind

While it might be tempting to add built-in features like wall-to-wall mirrors, consider how future buyers might see the space. Permanent fixtures can limit how the next homeowner uses the room. Instead:

• Choose mirrors that hang rather than mount permanently

• Avoid structural changes meant only for gym use

• Stick to upgrades that are easy to remove or repurpose

This ensures your home gym works for you today without affecting your home’s appeal tomorrow.

With the right approach, your small space can become a home gym that’s practical, motivating and surprisingly stylish, proving that you don’t need a large area to create a big impact.

Canada’s housing market ended 2025 on a quiet note, with both sales and prices edging down in December, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). While the market had shown signs of recovery mid-year, December capped off 2025 with a more subdued tone as buyers remained cautious and inventory levels continued to adjust.

National home sales recorded through Canadian MLS® Systems declined by 2.7% in December compared to the previous month. For the year as a whole, 470,314 residential properties were sold, representing a 1.9% decrease from 2024.

“There doesn’t appear to have been much rhyme or reason to the month – over-month decline in home sales in December, which was simply the result of coincident but seemingly unrelated slowdowns in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal,” said Shaun Cathcart, CREA’s Senior Economist, in the report. “For that reason, it would be prudent for market observers to resist the temptation to trace a line from the end of 2025 into 2026. Rather, we continue to expect sales to move higher again as we get closer to the spring, rejoining the upward trend that was observed throughout the spring, summer, and early fall of last year.”

New listings continue to ease

Newly listed properties fell by 2% month over month in December, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline. With sales falling slightly more than new supply, the national sales-to-new listings ratio edged down to 52.3% from 52.7% in November. This remains in line with long-term norms, suggesting balanced market conditions.

At year-end, there were 133,495 homes listed for sale across Canada, up 7.4% from December 2024, though still 9.9% below the historical average for this time of year. Inventory levels have been trending downward since May, a reflection of the demand surge mid-year, and could tighten further as the 2026 spring market approaches.

The number of months of inventory at the national level stood at 4.5 in December, up slightly from 4.4 where it had held steady since August. The long-term average is five months, with anything below 3.6 considered a seller’s market, and above 6.4 classified as a buyer’s market.

Prices see modest decline

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) slipped by 0.3% in December compared to November, echoing the previous month’s decline. This softening may reflect some end-of-year price adjustments by sellers aiming to complete transactions before 2026. Most of the downward pressure on prices came from Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe region.

On an annual basis, the non-seasonally adjusted national HPI was down 4% compared to December 2024. Condominiums and townhomes experienced steeper price declines, while one- and two-storey detached homes showed more resilience.

The national average home price in December was $673,335, essentially unchanged from a year earlier, edging down just 0.1%.

“While we remain in the quiet time of year for a little while longer, the spring market is now just around the corner, and it is expected to benefit from four years of pent -up demand, and interest rates that at this point are about as good as they are going to get,” said Valérie Paquin, CREA Chair. “Barring any further major uncertainty -causing events, that means we should see a more active market this year.”

Looking ahead: 2026–2027 forecast

National home sales are forecast to rise by 5.1% in 2026, reaching 494,512 transactions. The rebound is expected to be broad-based, though the pace of growth may vary by region.

The national average home price is projected to increase by 2.8% in 2026, reaching $698,881. More moderate price gains are expected in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. In contrast, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador could see stronger price appreciation, though still slower than the 6% to 8% gains recorded in 2025. In these markets, price growth is expected to moderate to between 3% and 6%.

Looking to 2027, home sales are projected to increase by another 3.5%, bringing the national total to 511,966. Average prices are forecast to rise by 2.3% to $714,991. Saskatchewan and Quebec may once again lead in price growth, while most other provinces are expected to see modest increases in the 1% to 2.5% range. If this holds, it would mark the seventh consecutive year where the national average home price remains close to the $700,000 threshold.

Securing reliable tenants is essential for maintaining steady rental income and minimizing potential issues. The process requires careful screening, clear communication, and full compliance with anti-discrimination and privacy laws.

What can you ask prospective tenants?

Consult a legal professional or landlord association to ensure you follow applicable rental laws. Acceptable and relevant questions may include:

• Full name, address, and date of birth (for credit checks)

• Government-issued ID details to confirm identity

• Past rental experience (note: lack of history is not grounds for rejection)

• Permission to run credit checks and contact references

• Source of income and monthly expenses to assess financial stability

• Employment status and workplace (to verify stability)

• Names of all occupants (for security and lease documentation)

It is acceptable to ask specific, relevant questions that help assess a tenant or buyer’s suitability, provided they are framed appropriately and respect privacy laws. Examples include inquiring about their income to ensure they can meet financial obligations, confirming whether they are employed and where they work to verify stability, and asking who will be living in the property along with their names for security and lease documentation purposes. These questions should always be asked in a professional manner and limited to information directly related to the transaction.

What topics and questions do you need to avoid?

Avoid questions that may be considered discriminatory or invasive, including:

• Personal identifiers: SIN, age, country of origin, religion, gender expression, family status

• Protected characteristics: disabilities, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, whether they have children, marital status

• Financial status beyond affordability, such as whether they are on social assistance

• Past disputes or legal conflicts

• Lifestyle choices, such as smoking (instead, specify in the lease if the property is non-smoking)

Staying within these boundaries ensures compliance with human rights legislation and fosters professional, respectful interactions.

Define your ideal tenant

Before you list your rental property, take time to consider what characteristics your ideal tenant would have and what restrictions you wish to impose. Clarifying these details in advance ensures a smoother, more effective, process. Key aspects to consider include:

• Minimum income requirements

• Guarantor policies for lower income applicants

• Preferred length of previous rental history

• Desired move-in date and lease term (short- or long-term)

• Quality of references from employers and landlords

• Pet and smoking policies

• Tenant profile (e.g., professionals, students, families)

Write a clear rental listing

A well-written listing helps attract the right tenants from the start. Position the most crucial information prominently. Be clear on any requirements, such as a pet-free or smoke-free environment.

Pre-screen potential tenants effectively

Create a standardized pre-screening questionnaire to quickly determine whether an applicant meets your basic criteria before scheduling viewings. This helps clarify whether a potential tenant is qualified enough to be considered further.

Meet in person

Meet potential tenants in person to evaluate them thoroughly and allow them to see the property. An in-person viewing allows you to answer questions, gauge the applicant’s interest, and observe communication style and professionalism.

Application and verification

The application process offers an opportunity to gain deeper insights into potential tenants while staying within legal boundaries. During the application process, collect only legally permitted information:

• Rental history

• Income verification

• References

• Credit scores

Evaluate their responsiveness and communication as additional indicators of reliability. Verify all information, including identity, employment, and landlord references, and consider a criminal background check where permitted.

Assess rent affordability

Determine if the tenant can comfortably afford the rent. Confirm their rent-to-income ratio, and follow the guideline that rent should not exceed 35% of the tenant’s gross income to ensure affordability.

Screening best practices

• Screen co-applicants and all adults who will live in the property to avoid risks from unscreened individuals

• Apply uniform standards to all applicants to avoid bias and ensure fairness; consistency also simplifies the screening process and helps avoid legal issues

• Use comprehensive and standardized application forms and questions to ensure you gather consistent and relevant information

• Keep detailed, organized and secure records of all applications, communications and decisions made during the tenant selection process, to protect yourself in case of disputes and provide a clear audit trail of your decision-making process

A consistent, compliant, and thorough tenant selection process will help you secure reliable renters, protect your property, and maintain steady cash flow.

Are you or someone you know thinking about investing in real estate? Work with a local RLP InvestorsEdgeTM agent who can help you every step of the way. 

Prices and sales activity eased in the final quarter of 2025 amid tariff uncertainty and the typical year-end slowdown

The Canadian real estate market closed out 2025 with a modest decline in housing prices, reflecting lingering hesitation among buyers. Looking ahead to spring, lower borrowing costs may support a gradual return of activity, but economic uncertainty is expected to keep momentum in check.

According to the Royal LePage® House Price Survey and Market Forecast, the aggregate1 price of a home in Canada decreased 1.5% year over year to $807,200 in the fourth quarter of 2025. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the national aggregate home price posted a similar decline of 1.1%, reflecting softer market conditions and persistent buyer caution that weighed on activity during the traditionally active fall season.

“Despite subdued activity levels, home prices largely held their ground in the final quarter of 2025,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “Economic uncertainty – driven by trade disputes and broader geopolitical tensions – has weighed on consumer confidence and muted what is typically a more active fall market. Instead of a fall seasonal surge, we saw a quieter close to the year. 

“That said, buyers heading into the spring market have a meaningful advantage over last year: lower borrowing costs, stable or lower property prices, and choice. In an era where home inventory is chronically constrained, inventory levels are Goldilocks healthy. Together, these conditions are creating a genuine window of opportunity, particularly for first-time buyers in Canada’s most expensive markets.”

The Royal LePage National House Price Composite is compiled from proprietary property data nationally and regionally in 64 of the nation’s largest real estate markets. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home decreased modestly by 0.8% year over year to $849,100, while the median price of a condominium decreased 2.9% to $575,300. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the median price of a single-family detached home and a condominium declined 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively. Price data, which includes both resale and new build, is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions, a leading Canadian real estate valuation company.

Condo market softness continues in urban centres

Price softness in Toronto and Vancouver has been most evident in the condominium segment, which remains challenged by headwinds from elevated inventory levels, a pull-back from investors, and hesitancy among first-time buyers who often enter the market via this property segment. 

“Condominium markets in major urban centres remain under pressure, as weaker demand continues to collide with increased supply,” said Soper. “During the brief period of elevated interest rates following the pandemic, many small-scale investor-landlords found the cash flow math no longer worked. Higher carrying costs forced some to exit the market, adding to resale supply.

“Under normal conditions, investors would be expected to return as borrowing costs eased through 2024 and 2025. This time, however, the timing worked against them. Reductions in immigration numbers, as well as quotas for temporary foreign workers and international students, have sharply curtailed rental demand, leaving fewer tenant customers just as rates began to fall.”

Spring market to see modest momentum

Spring has historically been one of the most active periods in the housing market calendar, driven by improved weather conditions, pent-up demand from the winter months, and the flexibility to move during the summer. In 2026, the spring market is expected to bring a renewed sense of momentum, though not the sharp surge in activity seen in past cycles. Continued consumer caution and a lingering lack of urgency are likely to temper both sales activity and price growth, keeping market conditions more balanced.

“The conditions are in place for a more active spring market in 2026. Interest rates are no longer a barrier to home ownership, inventory levels are healthy, and economic indicators continue to point to moderate growth in both GDP and employment,” said Soper.

“What continues to be a drag on the housing market is consumer confidence. Greater clarity on trade relations with the United States would certainly help, but there’s also a more subtle shift underway. After a full year of economic and political turbulence, more and more households have given up waiting for perfect certainty and are refocusing on what is happening at home, and what matters most: securing the right housing for their families. As that adjustment takes hold, we expect it to gradually translate into increased market participation.”

Read Royal LePage’s fourth quarter release for national and regional insights. 

Fourth quarter press release highlights:

• The Greater Montreal Area’s aggregate home price increased 4.5% year over year, while the greater Toronto and Vancouver markets recorded declines of 5.7% and 4.1%, respectively, in the fourth quarter. 

• Quebec City recorded the highest year-over-year aggregate price increase (13.2%) among Canada’s major regions for the seventh consecutive quarter.

• Royal LePage expects spring market activity to rise, but not surge, as buyers re-engage amid reduced borrowing costs and improved housing affordability.

NATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

Q4 PRICE CHART

FORECAST CHARTAnne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti

VP of Research & Communications, Royal LePage

Anne-Elise and her team work to create relevant and easily digestible data-driven content about Canada’s national and regional housing markets, including invaluable insights from experts in the Company’s coast-to-coast network. Before joining Royal LePage’s Communications and Public Relations team in 2020, she studied broadcast journalism and worked in both the public and non-profit sectors.