Welcome Home to 1250 Delta Ave in the very popular Brentwood Park Neighbourhood. 4 bed & 3 bath home with Brentwood Park Elementary & Alpha Secondary close by. Good size main floor with large living room, sliders off the dining room to the large sundeck.Kitchen has cook top & a wall oven.Convenient laundry off kitchen.The bedrooms are a good size. Hardwood flooring through much of main level. Lower level has a rec room +bedroom+ den area possible 2nd kitchen & laundry area.Lots of storage & a whole lot more. Great yard for children & Fido. Lane access with a double garage & open parking for many vehicles.May have the ability to have a suite for extended family, check with city. Brentwood Centre & Skytrain close by.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 22nd 2:00-4:00pm. See you there!   $1,795,000.00

Welcome Home! Fabulous 3 level townhome in Port Coquitlam.Bright & spacious home with 3 bedrooms+playroom+office+den is perfect for a growing family. Large living&dining area,galley kitchen with granitecounters+S/S appliances+pantry.Eating area nook.2-piece powder room finishes the main floor.Updated vinyl flooring on 2nd&3rd floors+stairs.Top floor has large primary bedroom+walk-in closet+ensuite/double sinks+walk-in shower+soaker tub. Private sundeck with artificial turf for relaxing on at the end of the day.BBQ deck overlooking private garden,the park & beautiful views of the mountains.Close to all levels of schools.Easy access to transit & highway.2 underground parking spots+private storage room.Don’t miss this beauty. A pleasure to show.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 22nd 1:00-3:00pm  $979,900.00 

Welcome Home! Fall in love with this cutie. This top floor 2 bedroom and 1 bath condo is move in ready. Updated kitchen with white and bright cabinets, counter tops and white appliances. Grey tile backsplash is a perfect accent choice. Large living room with sliders to the balcony to relax on in the summertime. Mixed laminate and tile flooring for easy care. 4-piece bathroom with updated counters, lighting and tile bath/shower tile surround. The primary bedroom will fit your king size furniture. Second bedroom is a good size, perfect for a home office. Very neutral colours throughout. Meet your neighbours in the shared laundry. One parking spot and one storage locker. Minutes away form Queen's Park, new Aquatic & Community Centre, plus the new bridge.

OPEN HOUSE SAT MARCH 21st 2:00-4:00pm   $449,900.00 

Amidst rising global tensions, BoC holds key lending rate in March 18th decision

Third consecutive hold keeps Bank of Canada’s overnight lending rate at 2.25%

Today, in its second scheduled announcement of 2026, the Bank of Canada opted to hold the target for the overnight lending rate at 2.25%. This marks the third consecutive hold to interest rates since October of last year.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East has added volatility to energy prices in recent weeks, renewing concerns about inflation as gas prices climb and financial markets react negatively. While the Canadian economy is still expected to grow modestly as it adjusts to US tariffs, the Bank noted that recent data points to weaker-than-anticipated growth in the near term. However, it is still too early to assess the full impact of the conflict on Canada’s economic outlook, according to the central bank.

“The Canadian economy continues to face heightened uncertainty related to US trade policy and geopolitical risks. Now the war in Iran has added a new layer of uncertainty. Its impact on the global and Canadian economies will depend on how long the conflict lasts and the extent to which it spreads across the Middle East. Inflation in Canada has been close to the 2% target for more than a year. But, as we’ve seen, the war in Iran is causing oil prices to move sharply higher and this will push up inflation in the short term,” said Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, in a press conference with reporters following the announcement.

“Governing Council will look through the war’s immediate impact on inflation but if energy prices stay high, we will not let their effects broaden and become persistent inflation.”

According to Statistics Canada, the country lost 84,000 jobs in February, pushing the unemployment rate to 6.7%. In the same month, Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.8% year over year, down from 2.3% in January. The main factor driving inflation lower last month was the end of the federal tax holiday in February last year. However, higher fuel prices could have the opposite effect in the coming months.

Early spring buyers benefit from steady lending rates

With the Bank opting to hold rates steady once again, homebuyers entering the market in the coming weeks can expect a period of relative stability in borrowing costs.

“Despite growing geopolitical uncertainty, interest rates remain steady following today’s Bank of Canada announcement. As global markets react to developments in the Middle East, policymakers will be watching closely for any impact on inflation and, ultimately, borrowing costs,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “For Canadians preparing to purchase a home or renew their mortgage this spring, the key takeaway is stability. Today’s decision provides households with a measure of certainty as they plan major financial commitments in the weeks ahead.”

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.

The Bank of Canada will make its next interest rate announcement on April 29th, 2026. 

Read the full March 18th report here. Want to know more about how the overnight lending rate works? Read our explainer on how the Bank of Canada uses this financial tool.

If you want to make a compact room feel brighter, airier and more spacious than its square footage suggests, a few thoughtful design choices can make a big impact. These tried-and-true tips work in any room of the home and suit every budget – with no renovation required.

Lighten up the walls

Lighter paint colours instantly open up a room, helping it feel airy and expansive. White is a classic choice, but soft neutrals, gentle pastels and muted tones can create the same sense of openness. Dark, saturated colours tend to absorb light and visually shrink a room, making it feel more intimate, which can be lovely, but not ideal if your goal is to maximize space.

Use mirrors to visually double your space

Mirrors are one of the most effective tools for making a room appear larger. A full-length mirror, a statement floor-to-ceiling piece or a large framed mirror over a sofa or console will reflect light and create the illusion of added depth. Placing mirrors opposite windows is especially impactful, helping to bounce daylight throughout the room.

Streamline your window treatments

Heavy, long curtains can visually shorten walls and interrupt the flow of the room. For a cleaner, more open look, try low-profile blinds or shades that can be tucked neatly out of sight. If you prefer curtains, choose sheer fabrics or panels that closely match the wall colour to maintain continuity and avoid breaking up the room.

Clear the floor and edit your furniture

Crowded rooms feel smaller. Removing just one unused or oversized piece of furniture can dramatically improve the sense of space. When selecting new items, choose pieces scaled appropriately for the room. For example, apartment-sized sofas and slim-profile accent chairs offer comfort without overwhelming the layout.

Choose furniture that feels visually light

Open, airy furniture helps extend sightlines and keeps a small room from feeling boxed in. Great options include:

• Glass or acrylic coffee tables

• Dining tables with slim silhouettes

• Chairs with visible legs rather than skirting

• Clear resin pieces for modern spaces

These elements allow the eye to travel through the room, creating a more spacious feel.

Keep patterns and decor simple

Bold patterns and heavy textures can dominate a small room. Opt for subtle prints, minimal accessories and cohesive colour palettes to maintain a sense of harmony and openness. One or two statement pieces can shine more effectively when the rest of the room feels balanced.

Maximizing a small space doesn’t mean compromising on style. With the right combination of colour, light, furniture and thoughtful design choices, any room can feel brighter, larger and more inviting. Have fun experimenting and creating a home that works beautifully for you!

Hardwood floors are one of the most timeless features a home can have. Whether they’re original planks in a century home or a recent installation, hardwood flooring brings warmth and character to the home, and that character is worth protecting.

With the right maintenance and care, hardwood can last for generations. From a purely practical standpoint, it is one of the most financially rewarding features in a home to maintain. Homeowners may recover more than their project cost at resale, particularly when refinishing existing hardwood floors – one of the few improvements consistently shown to deliver strong cost recovery.

Here’s how to keep your hardwood floors in excellent shape.

Daily protection

A strict shoes-off policy at the door is one of the most effective things you can do for your floors. Road salt, slush, winter grit and sandy summers are genuinely destructive to hardwood finishes and can cause damage that builds invisibly over time.

Your first line of defense: use an oversized entryway mat that offers plenty of room for people to stand and remove their footwear. Providing a dedicated space for wet shoes to dry prevents moisture from migrating to your hardwood and causing long-term damage.

Beyond the entryway, attach felt pads to the legs of all chairs and rubber pads for heavy furniture. Replace when they wear thin or you notice dirt collecting. Clean up spills immediately – wood and standing liquid are not friends. Area rugs add another layer of protection, especially in high-traffic zones or kids’ play areas.

The right way to clean hardwood floors

For daily maintenance, sweeping or vacuuming with a barefloor attachment removes the fine dust and grit that act like sandpaper underfoot. Stick to spot cleaning with a weak baking soda paste for scuffs, and a mild dish soap for other spills. Be sure to dry thoroughly when finished.

Go in for a deep clean once every month or two, avoiding extra moisture at all costs. Never use a traditional wet mop or a steam mop, as water sitting or seeping between boards can cause swelling, warping, and structural damage that is difficult and costly to reverse. A slightly damp microfibre mop, used sparingly and always in the direction of the grain, is the right tool for the job.

When it comes to cleaners, use a pH-neutral dishsoap, castile soap or cleaning product formulated specifically for hardwood. DIY recipes involving vinegar, lemon and household oils should never be used on hardwood floors. The acidity in vinegar and lemon juice can gradually eat away at your floor’s protective finish, and adding oils like olive oil creates a slippery, dirt-trapping residue. For the longevity of your investment, stick to a pH-neutral cleaner as mentioned above that respects the finish rather than destroying it.

Managing the Canadian climate

Hardwood floors respond to the seasons, expanding in humid summers and contracting in dry winters. The ideal indoor humidity range for hardwood floors is between 35% and 55%, and maintaining that consistency year-round is an important factor in their longevity.

In winter months, the air inside the home is drier, so using a whole-home or room-specific humidifier helps prevent the boards from shrinking and gapping. In summer, air conditioning usually keeps the humidity level at an optimal level. Hygrometers are readily available so you can monitor levels easily.

Know your floor before you restore it

Before attempting any significant maintenance or repair, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re working with.

Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood from top to bottom. Because of its depth, it can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a true generational floor. Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer bonded over a plywood base. It handles humidity fluctuations better than solid wood, but its refinishing potential depends entirely on the thickness of that top layer. When in doubt, consult a flooring professional before proceeding.

Refreshing and refinishing

Even beautifully-maintained floors will show wear over time. Recoating is a lighter-touch option for minor surface scuffs, as it adds a fresh layer of finish without heavy sanding and can restore the look of a floor dramatically. For deeper scratches or significant wear, a full refinish involves sanding down to bare wood and reapplying a new finish entirely. Both are best handled by a professional.

Hardwood is a permanent asset that bridges a home’s past with its future. A simple commitment to maintenance ensures the character of your space remains as enduring as the wood itself, and in turn, will serve your home for generations.

Return-to-office momentum to tighten urban commercial markets, while activity in industrial segment stabilizes

The forces shaping today’s economy are extending well beyond household finances and residential real estate. They are also influencing how businesses plan, invest and choose where to operate.

Global trade tensions are increasingly influencing commercial real estate activity. Across Canada, office and industrial markets are evolving as businesses adapt to economic uncertainty. Industrial activity has stabilized in many cities, while demand for office space is gaining momentum as more employers increase in-person expectations. Together, these trends are reshaping the commercial landscape, according to the newly-released Royal LePage® 2026 Commercial Real Estate Report. 

“Much like the residential real estate sector, broader economic uncertainty has weighed on commercial real estate decision-making in recent years,” said Matt Jacques, interim general manager, Royal LePage® Commercial™. “What’s different heading into 2026 is the growing sense of stability. Businesses are no longer reacting to every economic headline and are instead taking a more deliberate, long-term approach to space planning and investment decisions.

“While caution remains, there is optimism that market conditions are beginning to normalize. As confidence gradually rebuilds, we expect to see more consistency in activity across both office and industrial markets throughout Canada. Regional variations, however, mean this trend will unfold diversely across the country.”

Back-to-office momentum lifts leasing activity

As Canada’s corporate workforce increasingly faces return-to-office requirements, office real estate in major cities is expected to continue its gradual recovery in 2026.

Pandemic-driven adoption of remote and hybrid work models weighed heavily on downtown office markets and dampened leasing activity. That dynamic has shifted, however, as major employers such as Royal Bank of Canada, Rogers Communications and Starbucks Canada recalled staff to their corporate offices in 2025 and early 2026, implementing three-, four- and five-day in-office work schedules. Federal employees will also be back in office four days per week, beginning this summer.

“The past two years have been pivotal for the office sector, which has steadily regained momentum following the unprecedented disruption of the pandemic, when downtown cores saw office towers largely empty during lockdown periods. The market is not returning to its pre-pandemic form; rather, it is evolving into something more deliberate and intentional,” said Jacques. “Employers are placing greater emphasis on how space can be used rather than how much space they take up, prioritizing layouts that support collaboration, flexibility and employee experience. That shift is increasingly shaping leasing decisions across the country.

“While hybrid work models will remain part of the equation long-term, rising in-office attendance and clearer workplace strategies are helping to bring greater stability to the market.”

According to a survey of Royal LePage commercial real estate market professionals across the country, 66% of experts expect occupier demand for office space to modestly increase or stay the same in their respective market in 2026. Five per cent expect demand will increase significantly. Meanwhile, 42% of experts expect vacancy rates for office space to decrease in their market this year.

Industrial sector holds steady amid economic uncertainty

Industrial real estate is expected to remain one of Canada’s strongest-performing commercial asset classes in 2026. Although rental growth for industrial spaces has moderated from pandemic-era highs, demand fundamentals remain intact, supported by e-commerce activity, supply chain reconfiguration and the continued need for warehousing and distribution facilities.

Manufacturing sales rose sharply in the early stages of the post-pandemic recovery, driven by the reopening of the economy post-lockdown and pent-up consumer demand. This sustained level of activity has been a key driver of demand for industrial real estate across Canada. More recently, however, momentum in the sector has softened amid ongoing trade disruptions, which continue to pose a risk to demand for industrial space. According to Statistics Canada, approximately half of manufacturers reported being affected by tariffs through various channels, most notably price increases and higher expenses for raw materials. 

“The industrial sector has consistently demonstrated its resilience. While there are ongoing economic risks tied to trade policy, tariffs and broader global uncertainty, demand for well-located, functional industrial space remains strong. This is especially true in logistics- and trade-connected markets, where proximity to transportation corridors, ports and population centres continues to drive occupier interest,” said Jacques.

“Looking ahead, a slowdown in new construction and ongoing supply chain realignment will support market balance. As businesses prioritize efficiency and speed to market, the creation of modern industrial facilities will remain a critical component of Canada’s commercial real estate landscape.”

Nearly half (47%) of Royal LePage commercial market experts expect occupier demand for industrial space to increase in their respective markets in 2026.

Read the full press release and review the data chart for more details:

NATIONAL PRESS RELEASE

DATA CHART

Contact Taverna Real Estate Group for details of your neighbourhood

WELCOME to the GATEWAY COMPLEX, nestled in a quiet family friendly neighbourhood in NW Maple Ridge.END UNIT townhome is barely connected to the unit next door. Enjoy the large living room with the wood-burning fireplace. Kitchen with S/S appliances.FENCED back yard &patio for your little ones or Fido. Large primary bedroom has a walk-in closet & cheater door to the updated 5-piece main bath. 2nd good size bed with walk in closet plus the open den area, perfect for home office/reading nook.Garage + open 2nd parking.Updated MULTI-SPLIT HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM in 3 zones. All POLY B has been removed from the complex & replaced with PEX+NEW watermain/all NEW asphalt paving. 2 pets allowed.Enjoy sitting on the veranda. Easy access transit/shopping/schools. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 8th 2-4pm

Welcome 1250 Delta Ave in the very popular Brentwood Park Neighbourhood. 4 bed & 3 bath home with Brentwood Park Elementary & Alpha Secondary close by. Good size main floor with large living room, sliders off the dining room to the large sundeck.Kitchen has cook top & a wall oven.Convenient laundry off kitchen.The bedrooms are a good size. Hardwood flooring through much of main level. Lower level has a rec room +bedroom+ den area possible 2nd kitchen & laundry area.Lots of storage & a whole lot more. Great yard for children & Fido. Lane access with a double garage & open parking for many vehicles.May have the ability to have a suite for extended family, check with city. Brentwood Centre & Skytrain close by. OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 8th 2-4pm

February 2025

1,827

Sold

February 2026

1,648

Sold

(-9.8%)

Residential property sales in Metro Vancouver

Metro Vancouver* home sales registered on the MLS® in February continued the recent trend of slower-than-average sales, seeing a ten per cent decline over the same period last year.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,648 in February 2026, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 1,827 sales recorded in February 2025. This was 28.7 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,310).

"With each passing data point, the pace of sales running well-below long-term averages are no longer a surprise – it’s become the new norm. A surprising finding this February, however, is that home sellers appear less eager to list their homes relative to last year with new listings down about seven percent, mostly driven by fewer listings in the apartment segment." Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics

There were 4,734 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in February 2026. This represents a 6.4 per cent decrease compared to the 5,057 properties listed in February 2025. This was 7.1 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,421).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 13,545, a 6.3 per cent increase compared to February 2025 (12,744). This is 37 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,886).

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio - February 2026

Detached

9%

Attached

16.6%

Apartment

14.1%

Total 12.6%

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2026 is 12.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is nine per cent for detached homes, 16.6 per cent for attached, and 14.1 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“With fewer sellers coming to market with their properties than last year, a pick-up in demand heading into the spring could result in a stagnation of standing inventory, which may support prices around current levels,” Lis said. “With sales slightly outpacing our 2026 forecast year-to-date, the spring market will be the litmus test of whether we continue along this new normal, or if we see any significant surprises.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,100,300. This represents a 6.8 per cent decrease over February 2025 and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to January 2026.

Sales of detached homes in February 2026 reached 427, a 10.5 per cent decrease from the 477 detached sales recorded in February 2025. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,835,900. This represents an 8.8 per cent decrease from February 2025 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to January 2026.

Sales of apartment homes reached 824 in February 2026, a 15.6 per cent decrease compared to the 976 sales in February 2025. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $708,200. This represents a 6.8 per cent decrease from February 2025 and a 0.5 per cent increase compared to January 2026.

Attached home sales in February 2026 totalled 387, a 7.8 per cent increase compared to the 359 sales in February 2025. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,046,100. This represents a 5.6 per cent decrease from February 2025 and a 0.3 per cent increase compared to January 2026.

When participants in the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter signed up to take part in the Royal LePage® Shelter Foundation™’s 2025 fundraising trek, they knew they’d be tested. That’s the point, afterall – to step outside your comfort zone, to do something big, bold and brave. To see what you’re made of when circumstances get challenging. 

And challenged they were. The struggles in the Cambodian wilderness came quickly and harshly for the 117 adventurous Royal LePage® professionals who travelled across the globe to participate. 

After being blessed by local monks, trekkers nervously set out on the first of nearly 100km they had ahead of them. Every step was hiked in sweltering temperatures and stifling humidity which made the days feel impossibly long. Debilitating blisters and painful heat rashes kept trekkers busy nursing their sore feet and itchy legs. And unforgiving jet lag had trekkers up at all hours of the night, fighting to get the rest they so desperately needed. 

“We hiked through oppressive jungle heat and along treacherous mud trails; slept with exotic things that slithered, croaked and climbed; and got comfortable with a whole lot of doubt — and we did it together,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage. “I’m proud of this crew for pushing through a punishing challenge in Cambodia, and grateful for every donor who backed us,” he added. “Every step we took raised money for our beloved Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This wasn’t just a trek. It was a statement: we walk so others have a path toward safety and new beginnings.”

https://blog.royallepage.ca/cambodia-challenge-for-shelter-trekkers-conquer-epic-hiking-adventure/

Thankfully, the majestic views and an incredibly varied terrain made the time pass a bit more quickly. Participants trekked through dazzling green rice paddies and small villages, slept at beautiful temples and pagodos, ventured into the thick jungle, climbed to the top of Cambodia’s sacred mountain, and marveled at the Kulen waterfall. Spectacular monuments to Buddhism seemed to be around every turn before reaching the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat.

And finally – after five long days – a local band performed a traditional folk song, dancing the trekkers jubilantly across the finish line. Hugging and high-fiving, participants had a great deal to celebrate on top of their physical and mental accomplishment. Ultimately, this incredible team of fundraisers collected $1.6 million for the cause, bringing the grand total raised through the ‘Challenge for Shelter’ series to over $6.3 million.

A bi-annual fundraiser, the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter follows in the footsteps of Royal LePage Shelter Foundation treks in Ecuador (2023), the Purcell Mountains (2021), Sahara Desert (2019), Iceland (2017), and Machu Picchu (2015). Participants pay 100% of their trekking and travel costs and must raise at least $6,000 to be eligible to take part.

The Challenge for Shelter is proudly sponsored by TD, Royal LePage, Real Estate Magazine, and Die Slo Sauces. To learn more about the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation or to make a donation, visit rlp.ca/shelter.

As homes become more connected, everyday security looks a little different.

From smart thermostats to voice assistants and doorbell cameras, our homes are more connected than ever. While these devices make daily life easier, they also come with a few new responsibilities. The good news is that keeping your digital home secure doesn’t require expert-level tech skills, just a few simple habits that go a long way. It’s mostly about tightening a few settings and staying aware of what’s connected.

Start by resetting your Wi-Fi network with a strong, unique password and turn on your router’s built-in security features (like WPA2/WPA3) if they aren’t already enabled. 

Take a moment to check which devices are connected to your network and remove anything you no longer recognize or use. The updates you get prompted to install often contain important security fixes that protect your system from potential risks.

If you use smart security cameras, make sure they’re encrypted and protected with two-factor authentication for an extra layer of safety.

Consider setting up a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors or smart devices. It’s an easy way to add a layer of protection between your personal information and everything else that connects to your network.

Don’t forget to do a digital spring cleaning on your phone or tablet too. Turn off features you don’t need, like automatic microphone access or location tracking, and limit how much data apps can collect. Delete old apps or accounts you no longer use, clear out saved passwords you don’t recognize, and double-check privacy settings on shared devices. It’s the digital version of clearing out your junk drawer, quick, satisfying, and surprisingly effective.

If you share your home with kids, teach them simple digital habits early on, like logging out of shared devices, using secure passwords, and asking before downloading new apps. These small lessons can make a big difference in keeping everyone’s information safe.

By treating digital safety like any other kind of home maintenance, checking, updating, and securing as you go, you can enjoy all the benefits of a connected home while keeping your personal world protected.

Small, mindful choices at home can make a big difference for your wallet and your peace of mind.

With costs shifting across nearly every part of daily life, homeowners are finding new ways to make their money stretch further. Not through drastic changes, but with small, mindful habits that add up over time. Start with what you already have. 

Plan meals around what’s in your pantry and what’s in season in your area. It’s one of the simplest ways to cut costs and reduce waste. Cooking more intentionally can also spark creativity in the kitchen, whether that means trying a new recipe with leftover ingredients or swapping takeout for a night of homemade comfort food.

A few low-effort upgrades can make a big difference. Motion-sensor or timer-based lighting, adding a smart power bar that automatically shuts off idle devices, or upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can noticeably reduce energy bills. Appliances and fixtures are a good place to start when thinking about efficiency. If you’re due for a replacement, energy-efficient appliances or water-saving fixtures tend to pay for themselves faster than most expect.

Beyond the bills, think about where your time and money go. Borrow tools from a local library, friend, or neighbour instead of buying new, host a clothing or home décor swap with friends, or repurpose items you already own for new uses. Over time, these small, practical choices can help keep bigger, more expensive surprises at bay.

Financial mindfulness doesn’t mean giving up the things that make you happy. It means being a little more intentional about how you spend money and what really adds value to your day-to-day life.

The simple pleasure of creating something yourself.

Homeowners are continuing to lean into hands-on projects: fixing, painting, building, and creating for the simple satisfaction of it. These small projects do more than improve a home; they remind people that they’re capable of shaping it with their own two hands.

It can start as simply as giving new life to vintage furniture. Check your local second-hand shop or ask friends and family if they have pieces they’re ready to part with. A chair or side table waiting for a refresh can easily become a weekend project. 

Painting is an easy way to express creativity at home, whether that means rolling a bold new colour onto a statement wall or painting a canvas just for fun. You don’t need fancy supplies to get started. Affordable brushes, a few tubes of paint, or a small can from your local craft or hardware store are all you need to explore. If you like guidance, there are endless YouTube tutorials to follow, or you can turn on your favourite playlist and see where your imagination takes you.

Gardening is another creative outlet gaining momentum. Many homeowners are sketching out garden plans, jotting down plant ideas, or starting with a few herb pots by the window. Growing your own mint, chamomile, or lavender for tea adds both beauty and comfort to everyday life.

If you’re drawn to nature but gardening isn’t your thing, try pressing flowers or leaves to create framed artwork that keeps the season’s beauty alive all year long.

From painting and upcycling to candle-making, woodworking, or textile crafts, these projects share a common theme: they reconnect us to the joy of doing. In a world that moves fast, creating something by hand invites us to slow down, try something new, and take pride in what we can make ourselves.

According to the Royal LePage House® Price Survey and Market Forecast, the aggregate1 price of a home in Canada decreased 1.5 per cent 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 per cent. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home decreased modestly by 0.8 per cent year over year to $849,100, while the median price of a condominium decreased 2.9 per cent to $575,300.

“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.”

In December, Royal LePage issued its 2026 Market Survey Forecast, projecting that the aggregate price of a home in Canada will increase a modest 1.0 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2026, compared to the same quarter in 2025. The median price of a single-family detached property is expected to increase 2.0 per cent, while the median price of a condominium is anticipated to decrease 2.5 per cent.

“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,” said Soper. “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.”

Learn more:

• National release: rlp.ca/Q4-2025-hps-release    

• Quebec Markets release: rlp.ca/Q4-2025-hps-release-QC    

• House Price Survey Chart: rlp.ca/house-prices-Q4-2025

• Market Survey Forecast Chart: rlp.ca/market-forecast-Q4-2025   

 1 Aggregate prices are calculated using a weighted average of the median values of all housing types collected. Data is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions and includes both resale and new build.