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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Canadian Real Estate Association Forecasts Surge in Home Demand for 2025, Condo Market Remains Flat
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has released its housing market forecast for 2025, predicting a significant increase in demand for homes across the country. According to CREA, the combination of over two years of pent-up demand and lower borrowing costs is expected to drive a rebound in home sales. The national average home price is projected to rise by 4.7% to $722,221 this year.
However, the forecast for the condo market tells a different story. While demand for single-family homes is expected to surge, the condo market is anticipated to remain relatively flat. This divergence is attributed to changing buyer preferences and the lingering effects of the pandemic on urban living trends.
The forecast also highlights regional variations, with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan expected to see higher price gains due to already high sales levels and low inventories. Conversely, Ontario and British Columbia are expected to experience more modest price increases due to their already high housing costs.
Overall, CREA's outlook for 2025 suggests a dynamic and evolving real estate market, with single-family homes leading the charge while condos take a backseat.
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