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GTA home buying, explained

Straight answers to the questions GTA buyers actually ask — closing costs, first-time buyer programs, neighbourhood trade-offs, and how to search smarter.

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Buying guides

Neighbourhood GuidesMississauga vs. Oakville vs. Burlington: Choosing the West GTAThree cities strung along the same lakeshore GO line, and the price gap between them is bigger than most buyers expect. Here is how Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington actually differ.7 min readNeighbourhood GuidesScarborough vs. North York vs. Etobicoke: Buying Inside TorontoThey stopped being separate cities in 1998, but they still behave like separate markets. Here is how Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke compare for anyone buying inside Toronto.7 min readNeighbourhood GuidesPickering vs. Ajax vs. Whitby vs. Oshawa: Buying in DurhamFour cities on one GO line, and roughly a quarter of a million dollars between the ends of it. Here is how Pickering, Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa compare.7 min readFirst-Time BuyersCondo, Townhouse, or Detached: What Should a First-Time GTA Buyer Get?The classic first-home question. Condos get you in the door, detached gives you the most room to grow, and townhouses split the difference. Here’s how to choose for your situation.6 min readBuying StrategyHow to Buy a Home Near GO Transit (and Why It Holds Value)A GO station within walking distance turns a suburb into a car-optional downtown commute — and homes near stations consistently outperform the wider market. Here’s how to buy one.5 min readNeighbourhood GuidesVaughan vs. Richmond Hill vs. Markham: Which GTA Suburb Fits Your Family?Three of York Region’s most in-demand cities, each solving the family equation differently. Here’s how Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham actually compare on schools, commute, and value.7 min readFirst-Time BuyersThe FHSA Explained for GTA First-Time BuyersThe FHSA gives first-time buyers an RRSP-style tax deduction going in and a TFSA-style tax-free withdrawal coming out. For GTA down payments, it’s the best account you’re probably not maxing.5 min readBuying CostsLand Transfer Tax in Toronto & the GTA: What You’ll Actually PayLand transfer tax is the biggest closing cost most GTA buyers forget to budget for — and in Toronto you pay it twice. Here’s exactly how it works and what first-time buyers can get back.6 min read

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