Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
In a remarkable turn of events, the Greater Toronto housing market witnessed a 37% surge in home sales during the month of January. This impressive growth comes as a beacon of hope for both buyers and sellers, signaling a dynamic shift in the real estate landscape.
Key Highlights:
Sales Momentum: A staggering 4,223 homes changed hands last month, marking a substantial 22.9% month-over-month increase from December. The allure of lower borrowing costs, particularly associated with fixed-rate mortgages, enticed buyers back into the market.
Tightening Market: While new listings saw a 6.1% increase compared to January 2023, they failed to keep pace with the surging demand. As a result, the market has become tighter than it was a year ago.
Across Housing Categories: The sales surge was not limited to specific housing typesTownhouses led the charge with a remarkable 54.5% annual increase, closely followed by semi-detached homes at 42.9%.
Average Home Price: Despite the robust sales activity, the average home price experienced a slight dip. It dropped one percent from the same time last year, settling at $1,026,703. This figure also represents a 5.4% decrease from the final month of 2023.
Looking Ahead: TRREB President Jennifer Pearce remains optimistic. If inflation cools off as predicted by the Bank of Canada, resulting in lower interest rates, more buyers are likely to re-enter the market. This includes those currently grappling with high rents, eagerly seeking their first home.
The Greater Toronto housing market’s resilience and adaptability continue to shape the city’s real estate narrative. As we move forward, all eyes remain on the evolving dynamics, ready to seize opportunities in this dynamic landscape.
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