Canada’s housing market is entering a pivotal year. In this episode of Real Estate Diaries, we break down the biggest forces shaping Canadian Real Estate in 2026—from new mortgage rules and taxes to what the latest forecasts mean for buyers, investors, and homeowners.

We unpack the OSFI mortgage rule changes, including how rental properties are now classified as income-producing real estate and why this could make financing tougher and more expensive. We also explore the impact of the new Toronto Luxury Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) coming April 2026, plus evolving CRA enforcement around short-term rental compliance.

On the market side, we analyze where things may be heading based on current data and projections—including sales momentum, housing supply, and the shifting rental landscape. With rising costs, regulatory changes, and new risks emerging, understanding 2026 could be critical for making smart real estate decisions.

In this episode, we cover:

• The new OSFI mortgage framework and its impact on financing
• Toronto’s new luxury tax and broader tax pressures in 2026
• Rental market shifts, investor challenges, and cash flow realities
• CMHC outlook: sales rebound vs. slowing housing starts
• What buyers, homeowners, and investors should watch this year

Whether you’re buying, investing, or planning your next move, this episode gives you a clear, practical view of where Canadian real estate may be heading in 2026.

Subscribe to Real Estate Diaries for expert insights on the trends shaping Canada’s housing market.

About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.

Ontario vs Alberta — Eviction, Renovictions & Tenant Rights in Canada

In this deep-dive episode of Real Estate Diaries, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of residential tenancy laws in Canada, comparing Ontario vs Alberta eviction rules, renoviction regulations, landlord rights, and tenant protections. As housing pressures rise across the country, understanding the legal and operational realities of renting has never been more important for landlords, property managers, investors, and tenants.

The episode examines the growing phenomenon of “renovictions” in Canada—when tenants are displaced due to major renovations—and how municipalities such as Toronto, Hamilton, and London are introducing new licensing bylaws inspired by New Westminster, British Columbia, aimed at preventing bad-faith evictions and protecting renters.

We also break down key real-world issues shaping the rental market:

Cash for Keys in Ontario (N11 Agreements)
Why some landlords choose to negotiate voluntary move-outs instead of navigating delays and uncertainty at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Learn how N11 forms work, when they are legal, and risks for both landlords and tenants.

Landlord Right of Entry — Ontario vs Alberta
A practical comparison of when landlords can legally enter a rental unit, including 24-hour notice requirements, permitted reasons for entry, and how rules differ between provinces.

The Real Causes of Eviction in Canada
Using Statistics Canada housing data, we reveal why property sales—not unpaid rent—are the leading driver of eviction, and what that means for housing stability and tenant security.

Human Rights & Housing Law
An overview of how the Ontario Human Rights Code overrides tenancy legislation, protecting tenants from discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment based on protected grounds such as family status, disability, income source, and more.

Who Should Listen

• Landlords & Property Owners
• Real Estate Investors
• Property Managers
• Tenants & Renters
• Housing Advocates
• Canadian Real Estate Professionals

About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.

Stop Playing Contractor Roulette: The 7-Minute System to Hire Reliable Trades in the GTA

32% of Ontario homeowners have been victims of contractor scams. Don't be one of them.

In this essential episode, we break down the exact system you need to hire reliable contractors, avoid predatory scammers, and handle emergency repairs without losing your shirt. Whether your furnace dies on a Sunday night or you're planning a major renovation, this conversation will save you thousands of dollars and months of headaches.

What You'll Learn: • The 7-minute background check that separates pros from predators • How to handle true emergencies vs. what just feels urgent • Red flags that scream "scam" and how to shut them down politely • Green flags that signal you've found a real professional • Contract essentials that protect your wallet and your home • Your legal rights when things go wrong

Why This Matters Now: The real estate market slowdown has created a unique opportunity where premium contractors—master plumbers, licensed electricians, certified HVAC specialists who typically work exclusively on major commercial developments—now have availability for residential customers.

Key Takeaways:

• Most emergency service providers won't respond to residential jobs under $5,000
• A good contractor will happily answer questions about licensing and insurance
• "I don't sign contracts the same day I see them" is your most powerful phrase
• Documentation from day one can save your project when problems arise

Episode Sponsors: This episode is proudly sponsored by PropCare, the voice-first property operations platform that's bringing commercial-grade contractor coordination to GTA homeowners. With their new pilot program, you're just one call away from vetted, reliable trades: 365-906-CARE (365-906-2273). Same-day emergency response, 365 days per year, across the entire Greater Toronto Area. Learn more at www.propcare.ca
.

Perfect for: Homeowners, property investors, first-time buyers, anyone who owns real estate in Ontario

Listen if: You've ever been burned by a contractor, you're planning home improvements, or you want to sleep better knowing you have reliable trades on speed dial.

The Real Estate Diaries explores the real lives behind real estate—where ambition meets operations, and success often comes with unseen pressure. New episodes every Sunday.

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About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.

The regulatory storm is here – and it's reshaping the entire Canadian property industry.

With 4.6 million renter households and $240+ billion in annual rental revenue at stake, property operators across Canada face the most significant regulatory transformation in decades. From Ontario's LTB backlogs averaging 8-12 months to federal immigration caps affecting rental demand, the rules of the game are changing fast.

In this comprehensive deep-dive episode, we explore:

Federal Policy Shifts: National Housing Strategy Phase 2, immigration policy impacts, and potential tax changes affecting REITs and institutional investors

Provincial Regulatory Evolution: Ontario's rent control review, BC's Speculation Tax expansion, Quebec's rent registry, and Alberta's shifting landscape

Municipal Complexity: Toronto's RentSafeTO program, Vancouver's Empty Homes Tax, emerging licensing trends in Calgary and Edmonton

Financial Reality Check: Why regulatory compliance now represents 15-25% of operational costs (up from 8-12% a decade ago), with LTB disputes costing operators $4,200+ in lost income per case

ESG & Privacy Requirements: Bill C-27's AI screening regulations, carbon pricing mandates, and accessibility compliance

Strategic Action Plan: Immediate, 6-month, and 2-year positioning strategies for operators managing 10 units to 10,000+ portfolios

Key Insight: Regulatory complexity has evolved from a compliance burden to a competitive differentiator. Organizations mastering these frameworks gain sustainable advantages while those treating regulation as an external obstacle struggle with increasing competitive disadvantage.

Perfect for: Property managers, landlords, real estate investors, developers, REITs, industry associations, legal professionals, and policy makers navigating Canada's evolving rental landscape.

Data-Driven Analysis: Based on comprehensive research across federal, provincial, and municipal jurisdictions, featuring verified statistics, confirmed policy developments, and documented industry trends – no speculation, just facts.

Sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada to automate coordination, compliance, and maintenance for builders, landlords, and property managers. PropCare handles tenant calls 24/7, coordinates trades, documents interactions, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance so you can scale without sacrificing your personal life. Learn more at propcare.

About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.

The Real Estate Diaries: The Complete Guide to Canadian Tenant Background Checks

Episode Description:

One poor tenant screening decision can cost Canadian landlords upwards of $15,000 in damages, lost rent, and legal fees. Yet despite these massive stakes, many property owners are still winging it entirely when it comes to tenant screening.

In this comprehensive 8-part deep dive, we walk through everything you need to know about professional tenant background checks across Canada—from federal and provincial legal requirements to step-by-step implementation strategies that protect your investment while ensuring legal compliance.

What You'll Learn:

✅ Legal Framework: Navigate complex federal and provincial tenant screening laws, human rights considerations, and privacy requirements across all Canadian provinces

✅ Essential Components: Master credit history analysis, employment verification, rental references, and identity verification—the four pillars of professional screening

✅ Step-by-Step Process: Implement proven screening workflows from pre-application criteria through final decision making and documentation

✅ Provincial Variations: Understand specific requirements for Ontario, BC, Alberta, Quebec, and other provinces—what's permitted and what's prohibited

✅ Credit Check Mastery: Work effectively with Equifax and TransUnion, interpret credit scores properly, and identify red flags that predict problem tenancies

✅ Reference Check Strategies: Ask the right questions, spot deceptive references, and extract meaningful insights from previous landlords

✅ Professional Tools: Compare DIY vs. professional screening services, understand costs and ROI, and select the right tools for your portfolio size

✅ Special Situations: Screen international students, new Canadians, corporate tenants, and other unique circumstances fairly and effectively

✅ Legal Compliance: Avoid costly discrimination claims, maintain proper documentation, and protect tenant privacy while safeguarding your investment

✅ Implementation Guide: Get actionable checklists and timelines for immediate implementation, plus long-term optimization strategies

Who This Is For:

• Mid-sized builders managing warranty coordination and new home rentals
• Individual landlords seeking professional screening processes
• Property managers overseeing multiple properties
• Real estate investors building rental port

About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.

🎙️ Episode 1 — When Success Becomes a Prison: The Tarion Coordination Crisis Crushing Ontario Builders

Ontario’s builders aren’t failing because they can’t build.

They’re burning out because they’re trapped inside coordination chaos.

In this premiere episode of The Real Estate Diaries, we uncover the hidden crisis no one in construction talks about: the silent operational load created by Tarion compliance, warranty coordination, trade scheduling, and homeowner communication — and how it’s quietly stealing both profit and personal lives.

We break down the real numbers behind the pressure:

• Why 27% of construction time is now spent on rework and coordination
• How builders are losing 15+ hours every week to warranty management
• What Tarion’s record $80M in claims payouts signals for the future
• Why good builders are carrying the burden of a broken system
• And how the new regulatory reality is reshaping who will survive in 2026 and beyond

But this episode isn’t just about the problem.

It’s about the turning point.

You’ll hear how forward-thinking builders are using automation and intelligent coordination to eliminate operational drag, reclaim their time, protect their reputation, and turn warranty management from a liability into a competitive advantage.

Because when success starts costing your family, your health, and your weekends — it’s no longer success.

This is the story of the builders who decided that wasn’t the price they were willing to pay.

🎧 New episodes every Sunday.
🇨🇦 Built for Canadian builders, property managers, and landlords.

Sponsored by PropCare — the voice-first property operations platform built to end coordination chaos.

Learn more at propcare.ca

About Our Sponsor

The Real Estate Diaries is proudly sponsored by PropCare – the voice-first property operations platform built in Canada by builders, landlords, and property operators who understand your daily challenges.

PropCare answers every resident and homeowner call 24/7 under your brand, coordinates verified trades, documents every interaction automatically, tracks expenses in real-time, and delivers built-in Canadian compliance – including warranty and provincial requirements. Think of PropCare as your behind-the-scenes operations team that removes you from daily coordination while protecting your reputation and enabling portfolio growth without growing headcount.

Whether you're a builder drowning in warranty calls, a landlord juggling multiple properties, or a property manager coordinating endless maintenance requests, PropCare handles the chaos so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and getting your life back.

Their core promise is simple: "Speaks to residents. Speaks to trades. Lets you speak to family."

Ready to end property coordination chaos? Learn more at www.propcare.ca
and discover how Canadian property professionals are scaling their operations without scaling their stress.