Ottawa is preparing for an influx of commuters, with the city anticipating tens of thousands of additional trips downtown each week. In response, the City of Ottawa is moving forward with a zoning
Matt Covey's Blog Posts
For generations, the standard Canadian dream featured a sprawling grassy backyard with room for a playground, garden shed, and family BBQ. Today, walk into a sales center or browse resale listings,
With mortgage carrying costs taking a bite out of household budgets, more homeowners are looking downstairs for financial relief. Converting a basement into a legal secondary dwelling unit (SDU) can
According to latest data from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) reported by Better Dwelling, Canadian insolvencies surged to 13,254 filings in June—marking the second
While headlines constantly focus on mortgage spikes and grocery bills, the single biggest drain on the average Canadian household budget isn't shelter or food—it is taxes.According to the
Updated population forecasts from the Ontario Ministry of Finance project Ottawa reaching nearly 1.7 million residents by 2051—adding more than half a million people over the next generation.
If you have browsed downtown Ottawa’s condo market recently, you’ve likely noticed a frustrating common denominator: incredible locations, sleek modern kitchens, and zero parking spots
As hundreds of thousands of Canadian homeowners navigate mortgage renewals at higher borrowing rates, a major financial realignment is underway. While primary residences remain the absolute last
With international airfare soaring and long-distance travel feeling more complicated by the day, a lot of people are asking: How can I vacation, but on a budget? The Answer: Well planned local road
Ottawa City Council just approved a massive, sweeping change to how local development is funded. In a 23-to-1 vote, council passed a plan to slash municipal development charges on newly built homes
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) recently cut its national resale housing forecast for the second time this year, flipping what was supposed to be a modest recovery into a projected 1.4%
Politicians and housing advocates frequently talk about aggressive targets to double or triple housing starts. However, the reality is the residential construction sector behaves quite differently
In a surprising sequence of federal announcements, two of Canada’s most pressing dilemmas have collided on the public stage: the frozen metropolitan condo markets and the urgent push to expand
A fascinating shift is underway in the Ontario housing market. According to a recent iPolitics report, homes priced under $500,000 are accounting for a steadily growing proportion of real estate
A recent CBC News report from Petawawa shines a spotlight on a long-standing challenge: the shortage of suitable, affordable housing for military families. In Petawawa the demand for housing has
According to the latest Teranet Market Insights report, Ontario’s housing landscape is showing a distinctive rebound in first-time homebuyer (FTHB) activity. As modest price corrections and
The cleanup is officially underway in Ottawa after a historic Canada Day storm dumped a record-breaking 118 mm of rain on the city. The storm flooded highways, submerged cars, and led to over 1,900
According to a sweeping report from Business in Vancouver, the federal government, in an unprecedented partnership with the B.C. province, has unveiled a landmark $3.2 billion joint funding
A report from Teranet highlights a long unseen chapter in Ontario's housing picture. New transactional data reveals that more than one in three Ontario homes (36.6%) purchased during the historic
The introduction of the massive provincial and federal HST tax relief program in April 2026 was hailed as a monumental victory for housing affordability. By effectively slashing the 13% tax on new
A recent article from Real Estate Magazine highlights a significant shift in the Canadian housing market: real estate agents are reporting that their clients are becoming increasingly risk-averse.
A headline from CBC News highlights a sober reality surfacing across the country: Canadian consumer insolvencies have soared to their highest quarterly level since the 2009 global financial crisis.
The conversation around housing in Ottawa is often dominated by one question: Where are we going to put everyone? According to a recent Ottawa Citizen opinion piece, the city’s answer is:
As we move through May 2026, the connection between global headlines and your monthly bank statement has never been clearer. The ongoing war in Iran and the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz
In late March 2026, the Ontario government dropped a bombshell that should have been a "victory lap" for housing affordability: a massive, temporary expansion of the HST New Housing Rebate. For one
The dream of homeownership has shifted from a solo sprint to a multi-generational relay race. For Gen Z, the "Bank of Mom and Dad" is evolving into something more formal: Co-Equity Ownership.
We’ve reached a fascinating inflection point in Ottawa’s "post-pandemic" timeline. As of mid-2026, the federal government’s transition to a four-day in-office mandate has collided
When we walk through a potential home, we look for the obvious: Is the roof aging? Is there water in the basement? But there is one "invisible" factor that more and more buyers are asking about
In the world of Ottawa real estate, the name "Rideau Valley" or "Mississippi Valley" isn't just about a nice view—it’s about the people who hold the keys to your building permit if you
Gemini saidThe OC Transpo offers unreliable service that offers satellite communties long commuter travel times. To solve the problem they now want to engage these communities about how they feel
The recent headlines in Ontario have been dominated by a high-profile partnership between the provincial government, municipal leadership, and federal advisors. As seen in the recent news conference
Canada has set a bold environmental benchmark: protecting 30% of our lands and waters by the year 2030. This initiative, known as "30x30," is an ambitious leap from our current protected levels, and
For the past few years, the Ottawa real estate market felt less like a financial transaction and more like a high-stakes drag race. Buyers were forced to make life-altering decisions in a matter of
As a Realtor serving Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, I’m constantly looking across the river at our neighbors in Quebec. While we share a border, our real estate laws often feel worlds apart.
Gemini saidIn the world of Ottawa real estate, the word of the year is speed. The Province of Ontario is currently moving at a breakneck pace to facilitate growth through initiatives like the
As an Ottawa real estate agent, I spend a time watching the "student economy." In many of our neighborhoods—like College Square, Centerpointe, and even out in Pembroke and Perth—the
For years, the Ottawa real estate market has felt like a one-way street: up. However, a major policy shift just landed that could fundamentally change the math for local buyers and sellers. As
emini saidIn many real estate markets across Canada, "testing the waters" with a high asking price is a common strategy. Sellers often think, "Let’s list high and see if we get a bite—we
Following my recent post about the City of Ottawa’s new automated leak detection emails, I’ve had some great conversations with clients and neighbors. While saving $1,500 on a surprise
Gemini saidIf you’ve driven through Kanata, climbed a crane in Westboro, or tried to find a semi-detached in Orleans lately, you know the feeling: Ottawa is stretching. But what we’re
Gemini saidIn Ottawa and the surrounding valley, the transition into spring usually brings a predictable surge of optimism to the real estate market. However, as we move through 2026, a different
In my work as a Realtor across Ottawa and the Valley, I see it constantly—families who assume that because they’ve spent every summer at the lake, the transition to the next generation
As a real estate professional watching Ottawa expand, I am frequently asked by clients in areas like Stittsville, Riverside South, and Dunrobin how the "commuter factor" affects their property.
As a real estate agent here in Ottawa, I’m often asked, "Is this a safe neighborhood?" While "safety" means something different to everyone, I always believe that the best home-buying
As a real estate agent working across the National Capital Region, I see the pressure points in our housing market every single day. We have a growing population, intense demand for family homes,
As a real estate agent here in Ottawa, I am often asked the same question: “Is now a good time to buy, or should I wait?” While the national headlines often focus on high interest rates
As a realtor here in Ottawa, I’m used to discussing mortgage rates, property taxes, and school zones. However, lately, a new topic has been coming up in my conversations with clients: the
Gemini saidIf you’ve been following the headlines lately, you’ve likely seen the sobering news: Canada’s home builders are significantly slowing down production. For many hopeful
As a real estate professional here in the heart of the capital, I’ve seen my fair share of market shifts, but the latest buzz around the federal government’s 4-day-a-week Return to
Why fight for a parking spot in the Market or wait for a table in Westboro when the most romantic venue in Ottawa is already yours? As a real estate professional, I’m always looking for ways
With the record-breaking snowfall we’ve seen across Ottawa and the Valley this winter, the "Great Melt" is going to be a significant event. As the snow disappears, that water has to go
In light of the federal government’s recent announcement regarding the establishment of Build Canada Homes, a new Crown corporation, it is clear that we are witnessing a fundamental shift in
The approval of Ottawa’s new Comprehensive Zoning By-law on January 28, 2026, marks a historic shift in how our city is built. While the headlines focus on 30-storey towers and the end of
The recent Statistics Canada study highlights a critical "fork in the road" for our housing market, and for those of us in the Ottawa and area real estate sector, it signals a need to pivot our
Recently public discussion has grown regarding radon gas and it's health effect. As a real estate professional serving Ottawa, the Valley and the communities surrounding Ottawa, I am getting more
This week, the Bank of Canada announced its decision to once again hold the key interest rate at 2.75%. For anyone with an eye on the real estate market in Ottawa, the Valley or anywhere in the 613,
The decision to sell a home you have been in for along time can be a challenging one. Many are not thinking about selling tomorrow, but want to be prepared for when the time is right. One of the
Hey there, eco-conscious homeowners and future buyers! Ever dreamt of a home that not only feels good to live in but also treads lightly on our planet and saves you money in the long run? Well,
The snow has melted, the birds are singing a slightly louder tune, and that undeniable feeling of spring fever is in the air. For many, this time of year sparks dreams of lazy summer days by the,
Hey Ottawa home seekers! Ready to make a move that not only fulfills your current needs but also sets you up for a brighter financial future? Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you'll,
The whispers of trade tensions between Canada and the US can understandably stir unease, prompting questions about the stability of our investments. While a full-blown trade war could indeed cast a
When the snow starts falling and the world outside turns into a winter wonderland, it's easy to want to curl up by the fire with a good book. But instead of letting the snow day pass you by, why not
In today's world, it often feels like we're navigating a landscape that's constantly shifting beneath our feet. Global events, economic uncertainties, and the ever-changing news cycle can leave us
Think winter's a bad time to house hunt? Think again! Ottawa's chillier months offer some unique advantages for savvy buyers.Less Competition: Many folks hibernate during winter, meaning less
The Bank of Canada's 0.5% interest rate cut is a welcome move aimed at stimulating the economy. But the big question on everyone's mind, especially in the real estate sector, is: will this be enough
The Ottawa real estate market is proving to be remarkably resilient this fall. October 2024 has seen that prices remain stable year-over-year. This stability is a welcome sign for both buyers and
While the leaves are falling and you're pulling out your cozy sweaters, it might seem strange to start thinking about selling your home in the spring. But trust me, fall is actually the perfect time
Have we entered a perfect storm for first-time home buyers and investors? That just may be the case. Several different factors have impacted pricing and the real estate market recently and the
Recent interest rate announcements in Canada and the United States have sparked interest and speculation about the future of the real estate market in both countries. While the US is signaling
Hey everybody! Today's blog post is all about keeping your well water safe and preventing groundwater contamination. With winter approaching, it's crucial to ensure that no surface water seeps into
Selling a house can be an exciting but also nerve-wracking process. As a responsible seller, it's essential to understand what you must disclose to potential buyers and what you don't have to. In
Winter is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about getting your house ready for the colder months ahead. Making sure your home is prepared not only helps you save on energy
Don't you wish those leaves would magically find their way into a landscape bag?? They won't but picking them up and keeping your yard clean and well maintained may pick your spirits up, your
Hey there, Matt Covey here, and today I want to talk to you about the efficiency you can achieve by incorporating a wood burning fireplace into your home. As someone in the real estate industry, I
Hi everybody, Matt Covey here coming to you today with a discussion about how much living space you need versus how much you can afford. As everyone's budget seems to become tighter and tighter, we
Hey everybody, Matt Covey here coming to you today with an important discussion about the recent inflation announcement from Statistics Canada. As a real estate professional, it's crucial for us to