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Lock In or Stay Variable? What Every Canadian Homeowner Must Decide Before April 29

   Bank of Canada headquarters, Ottawa. Overnight rate held at 2.25% since October 2025. Next decision: April 29, 2026.  The Bank of Canada has held its rate at 2.25% for three straight decisions — but with inflation creeping back up, a Middle East conflict pushing oil prices, and over one million mortgage renewals on the horizon, the stakes of getting this wrong have never been higher. The Canadian Money Brief April 25, 2026 6 min read THE CANADIAN MONEY BRIEF BANK OF CANADA 2.25% 2.25% POLICY RATE HELD SINCE OCT. 2025 · THIRD CONSECUTIVE HOLD NEXT DECISION: APR. 29, 2026 If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the next six to eighteen months, the question keeping you up at night is probably this: do I lock in a fixed rate now — or do I ride out a variable rate and hope the Bank of Canada does something helpful? It's the right question to be asking. And right now, the answer is more complicated — and more consequential — than it has been in years. The Bank of Canada...

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Canadian Home Sales Dip in May, Listings Show Modest Growth

 

Amid a somewhat sluggish market, Canadian home sales experienced a slight decline in May. According to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), sales fell by 0.6% compared to April and were down 5.9% year-over-year. The average home price also dipped to $699,117, marking a 4% decrease from the previous year.

However, there’s a silver lining: the number of newly listed properties increased by 0.5% in May, signaling a modest uptick in listings. By the end of the month, approximately 175,000 properties were available for sale across the country, a substantial 28.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite this positive trend, it’s worth noting that listing levels remain below historical averages.

Economists are cautiously optimistic. The recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada (the first in over four years) may encourage buyers to re-enter the market. While the impact on affordability is still uncertain, further rate relief could set the stage for a stronger second half of 2024. As bond yields decline, we may see increased activity in June, striking a balance between lower mortgage rates and potential home price growth.

In summary, May was indeed a “sleepy month” for housing activity in Canada, but with interest rates playing a pivotal role, the market’s dynamics could shift in the coming months. Keep an eye on developments as we navigate this intriguing real estate landscape.



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