Now that the winter is here and we’re all inside more of the time than usual, you may be feeling that your home is a bit cramped. If so, you’re not alone. One in four people say they’ve outgrown their home.

This month I’m sharing some information on why and how people decide to renovate their homes. It could be an easy fix, like reconfiguring existing rooms or a much bigger project, such as building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or adding a second story. I’ve also included typical costs for these projects as well as the ROI. (Of course, costs will vary based on scope of project and location).

If you need a professional to help you with any home renovations, feel free to reach out and I’ll connect you to one in my trusted network.

Jason Streich⁠
Real Broker
(403) 807 2204⁠
jason@jasonstreich.com

Ready to make a move? Whether you're buying or selling, I've got you covered with being connected to the top real estate professionals nationwide. Know someone moving? Rreach out to me, and let's make their real estate journey smooth and successful!

Jason Streich
Greater Calgary Real Estate
(403) 807-2204
jason@jasonstreich.com

Are you searching for a seamless mortgage experience to elevate your real estate journey? I'm excited to connect you with top-notch mortgage brokers who share our commitment to excellence. From competitive rates to personalized service, they've got you covered. Let's kickstart your real estate journey with a bang! Send me a direct message for a personalized consultation.

Jason Streich
Greater Calgary Real Estate
(403) 807-2204
jason@jasonstreich.com

Interest rates have always fluctuated, but on average have hovered in the 5-10% range for the past three decades. And industry experts believe rates will potentially fall to the low 6 percent range by the end of 2024.

Connect with me for an in-depth perspective if you’re contemplating buying or selling your home.

Jason Streich
Greater Calgary Real Estate
(403) 807-2204
jason@jasonstreich.com

In real estate, several types of ownership determine how a property is held and who has legal rights to it. Here are some common types of property ownership:

Sole Ownership (Sole Tenancy): Sole ownership occurs when a single individual or entity owns the entire property. The owner has the right to use, modify, and sell the property as they see fit.

Joint Tenancy: Joint tenancy is a form of ownership where two or more individuals share equal ownership interests in a property. If one owner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s) without going through probate.

Tenancy in Common: Tenancy in common is a type of ownership where two or more individuals jointly own a property, but their shares in the property may not be equal. Each owner can sell, mortgage, or transfer their share without the consent of other owners. In the event of an owner's death, their share is passed to their heirs through their will.

Tenancy by the Entirety: This type of ownership is reserved for married couples and operates similarly to joint tenancy. However, neither spouse can sell or mortgage the property without the other's consent. In the event of a divorce, the tenancy by the entirety is typically converted into a tenancy in common.

Community Property: Community property states consider all property acquired during a marriage as equally owned by both spouses, regardless of which spouse acquired it. In the event of a divorce or death, community property is usually divided equally between the spouses.

Condominium Ownership: Condominium ownership allows individuals to own a specific unit within a larger building or complex. Condo owners have ownership rights to their individual units and shared ownership of common areas such as lobbies, elevators, and swimming pools.

Cooperative Ownership: In a housing cooperative, residents own shares in a corporation that owns the entire property. Each resident is a shareholder and has the right to occupy a specific unit. The cooperative association manages the property.

Trust Ownership: Property ownership can be held in a trust, where a trustee manages the property for the benefit of another person or entity, known as the beneficiary. Trust ownership provides various estate planning benefits.

Leasehold Ownership: Leasehold ownership occurs when a person or entity holds a lease to use a property for a specific period, often long-term, but does not own the land. At the end of the lease term, the ownership reverts to the landowner, unless a renewal is negotiated.

Each type of ownership has its own legal implications and considerations, and the choice of ownership depends on factors such as legal, financial, and estate planning objectives. It's essential to consult with legal and real estate professionals to determine the most suitable type of ownership for specific circumstances.

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As we start a new year, the real estate market is once again shifting. Many experts project that home sales will continue softening throughout most of the country due to higher for longer interest rates and lack of inventory.

Here is some information on the state of the housing market along with historical mortgage data to provide some perspective for the time we are in.

We will also look at the place we call home, and why Canada so often makes it into the top places to live charts.

I am always here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out any time!

Jason Streich
Greater Calgary Real Estate
(403) 807-2204
jason@jasonstreich.com

Here are some creative ideas on how to wrap or present your holiday gifts without using traditional wrapping paper. You may already have some of these materials on hand or they can be purchased inexpensively at discount stores. 

Property rights form the cornerstone of a stable and thriving real estate market in any country, and Canada is no exception. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a seasoned homeowner, understanding property rights is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the intricacies of property rights in Canada, shedding light on the legal framework, ownership regulations, and essential aspects that every property owner should know.

Understanding Canadian Property Rights: In Canada, property rights are safeguarded under the Constitution and various federal and provincial laws. These rights encompass the freedom to possess, use, and dispose of property. Canadian law ensures that property owners have the right to enjoy their properties without unreasonable interference.

Types of Property Ownership:Canada recognizes several types of property ownership, including freehold and leasehold. Freehold ownership grants the homeowner complete control over the property, while leasehold ownership involves leasing the land for a specific period.

Protection of Property Rights:Property rights in Canada are protected through legal mechanisms and court systems. Homeowners are safeguarded against unlawful seizure or infringement of their property rights.

Local Variations in Property Laws:It's important to note that property laws can vary by province and territory in Canada. Therefore, understanding local regulations is vital, especially in dynamic real estate markets like Calgary.

Property Rights in the Calgary Real Estate Market:For homeowners in Calgary and the surrounding areas, being aware of local property rights is essential. The Calgary Real Estate Board plays a significant role in regulating property transactions, ensuring fairness, and upholding the rights of both buyers and sellers.

Understanding property rights is fundamental for anyone involved in the Canadian real estate market. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, knowledge of your rights empowers you to make informed decisions. In Calgary and across Canada, these rights are the bedrock upon which the real estate industry stands, providing security and stability to homeowners and investors alike.

Happy property hunting!

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Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening. The Bank of Canada has maintained its target for the overnight rate at 5% and is continuing quantitative tightening. The global economy is slowing, and inflation has decreased.

In the United States, growth remains strong, but it is expected to weaken in the coming months due to past policy rate increases. The euro area has experienced weakened growth and lower energy prices, impacting inflation.

Oil prices are $10-per-barrel lower than assumed in the previous report.

Canada's economic growth stalled in 2023, with a 1.1% contraction in the third quarter. Higher interest rates are constraining spending, leading to minimal consumption growth.

The labor market is easing, and despite rising wages, the overall economic data suggests no excess demand.

The slowdown in the economy is reducing inflationary pressures, contributing to a drop in CPI inflation to 3.1% in October. Shelter price inflation has increased due to faster growth in housing costs.

The Bank's preferred measures of core inflation have been around 3.5-4%. With signs that monetary policy is moderating spending and alleviating price pressures, the Bank has decided to hold the policy rate at 5% and continue normalizing the balance sheet.

The Governing Council remains concerned about inflation outlook risks and is prepared to raise the policy rate further if needed. The focus is on sustained easing in core inflation, balancing demand and supply, inflation expectations, wage growth, and corporate pricing behaviour.

The Bank is committed to restoring price stability for Canadians, with the next rate target announcement scheduled for January 24, 2023.

Read Full Report

New listings in November reached 2,227 units, nearly 40% higher than the exceptionally low levels reported last year at this time. Gains in new listings occurred across most price ranges, but the most significant gains occurred from homes priced over $600,000.

Despite the year-over-year jump in new listings, inventory levels remained low thanks to relatively strong sales. With 1,787 sales in November, the sales to new listings ratio remained high at 80%, and the months of supply remained below two months.

As of November, the benchmark price was $572,700, up over last month and nearly 11% higher than November 2022. Year-to-date, the average benchmark price has risen by over 5%.

Ready to secure your dream property and capitalize on the market growth? Connect with me to get started!



Jason Streich⁠
Greater Calgary Real Estate⁠
403 807 2204⁠
jason@jasonstreich.com⁠

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As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, Calgary is facing a growing demand for affordable housing options, and one solution to this challenge is secondary suites. A secondary suite is a self-contained living unit within a single-family home or a detached accessory building. Secondary suites are an excellent way to increase the availability of affordable housing while also providing homeowners with an additional source of income. However, there are some important legal considerations that homeowners must keep in mind when considering the creation of a secondary suite on their property.

Refer to City of Calgary's newest Bylaw IP2007 for all  Secondary Suites information.

Legal Suites

A legal suite is a secondary suite that has been authorized by the City of Calgary through the proper permitting process. To be considered legal, a secondary suite must comply with all relevant zoning bylaws, building codes, and fire codes. The permitting process involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and meeting specific requirements, including a site inspection and the submission of floor plans.

Legal secondary suites are an excellent way for homeowners to increase the value of their property while providing affordable housing options to tenants. Legal suites also offer the homeowner some protection from liability in the event of an accident or incident on the property. Legal secondary suites are also more attractive to potential tenants, as they offer the assurance that they are renting a safe and compliant living space. The Secondary Suite Registry will help you find whether the suite is legal or not.

Illegal Suites

An illegal suite is a secondary suite that has not been authorized by the City of Calgary through the proper permitting process. Illegal suites are a concern for both homeowners and tenants, as they often do not comply with zoning bylaws, building codes, or fire codes. In some cases, an illegal suite may have been built without obtaining the necessary permits or inspections, or it may have been created by modifying the existing living space in a way that does not meet building code requirements.

Legalizing an existing secondary suite

Illegal suites are not only a safety concern, but they also expose the homeowner to significant liability if someone is injured or harmed on the property. Additionally, if the city becomes aware of an illegal suite, the homeowner may be subject to fines and other penalties. Sometimes they are referred to as a mother in law suite.

Non-Conforming Suites

A non-conforming suite is a secondary suite that was legally established but no longer complies with current zoning or land use bylaws. This means that the suite was legal at the time it was created, but changes to the bylaws or regulations mean that it is no longer in compliance.

For example, a non-conforming suite may have been created before the city changed its zoning regulations around secondary suites, and as a result, it no longer complies with the current regulations. In some cases, a non-conforming suite may be grandfathered in, meaning that it can continue to operate as long as it does not undergo any significant changes or modifications. In other cases, a non-conforming suite may be required to undergo changes or modifications to bring it into compliance with the current regulations.

History using Bylaw 2P80 (pre existing IP2007)

1983 to 2007:
The current bylaws ( Calgary Land Use Bylaw 2P80) ie. a kitchen ( cooking facilities as above, and also sinks, lower cabinets and counter tops) is not allowed in a basement suite.

There are many ways you can determine the age of a suite such as contacting previous owners; interviewing neighbors; judging the age of fixtures, moldings, cabinets, wiring, etc.

The City of Calgary responds to complaints about illegal suites and inspects these properties to see if there is a violation of the Land Use Bylaw. Our development field technicians, through their investigations, determine the date of construction and apply the rules as listed above. If a violation is found, the property owners are required to remove either the full kitchen or just the cooking facilities. If the owners fail to comply, legal action is taken against them. The City of Calgary will not inspect properties for the benefit of lawyers, realtors, or perspective buyers to determine the legal status of a suite, nor will the City give a "letter of comfort" for this purpose. A common misunderstanding occurs with R-2 properties. In order for two suites to exist, the rule states that the property must have a minimum 15-metre frontage AND 466 Sq Metres oflot area.

1970-1983:
The bylaws in effect at that time said the cooking facilities such as a stove, 220 volt wiring, hot plate, microwave oven or toaster oven) were not allowed in a basement suite.

Prior to 1970:
The courts have determined that anything constructed or in use prior to 1970 is considered to be non-conforming.

If you are a homeowner considering the creation of a secondary suite on your property, it is important to understand the difference between legal, illegal, and non-conforming suites. Legal suites offer homeowners and tenants peace of mind, while illegal suites can expose homeowners to significant liability and penalties. Non-conforming suites require careful consideration and may require modifications to bring them into compliance with current regulations.

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If you are renting a property, taking out a tenant insurance policy is an important safety net protecting you and your belongings if certain traumatic events occur. Check out this information on the basics of what is covered, what is not and the average cost per year. 

As a Foreign Seller looking to sell property in Canada, it is crucial to be aware of other significant concerns, in addition to the ongoing discussions surrounding the Foreign Buyer's Ban.

Seller Non Resident of Canada

In the context of a residential real estate transaction in Canada, withholding tax can apply to non-resident sellers of the property. The amount of withholding tax that a buyer of residential real estate in Canada may be required to withhold and remit to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of a non-resident seller depends on the type of property being sold and whether it was used to generate income.

If the seller is a non-resident of Canada and the property was used to generate income, the buyer is required to withhold and remit 25% of the sale price related to the land value plus 50% of the sale price related to the building value, unless the seller obtains a Clearance Certificate from the CRA. If the property is capital property, meaning it is a personal-use property, such as a cottage or vacation home, and was not used to generate income, the buyer is required to withhold and remit 25% of the gross sale price.

Filing for a Clearance Certificate with the CRA as soon as your property is sold is best to avoid a withholding tax. If the seller applies for and obtains a Clearance Certificate from the CRA before the sale, they can provide it to the buyer, who then does not have to withhold any tax from the sale price. The Clearance Certificate confirms that the seller has complied with all Canadian tax laws and does not owe any taxes.

On the other hand, if the buyer fails to withhold the required amount of tax, they may be liable for any taxes owed by the seller, plus interest and penalties.

A Clearance Certificate is required in a residential real estate transaction in Canada when the seller is a non-resident of Canada. The certificate confirms that the seller has complied with all Canadian tax laws and does not owe any taxes. The Clearance Certificate serves as proof that the non-resident seller has paid any taxes owed to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) related to the sale of the property.

Obtaining a Clearance Certificate is the responsibility of the seller, who must apply to the CRA for the certificate after the sale has been completed. The application process can take several weeks to complete, and the seller must provide documentation to the CRA to support the application.

It's important for non-resident sellers of residential real estate in Canada to obtain a Clearance Certificate to avoid any delays or complications in the sale process. It's important to note that the rules and requirements related to withholding tax in residential real estate transactions can be complex and vary depending on the specific circumstances. Sellers and buyers of residential real estate in Canada should consult with a tax professional or lawyer to ensure compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations.

Seller of Underused Housing "Tax"

The Underused Housing Tax in Canada is an annual 1% tax on vacant or underused housing, which came into effect on January 1, 2022. The tax is primarily targeted towards non-resident, non-Canadian owners, although it can also apply to Canadian owners in certain circumstances. It is important to note that failure to file a return for this tax can result in significant penalties, with minimum penalties of $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for corporations.

If you are a foreign seller of Airbnb properties, you may be required to pay the Underused Housing Tax. The tax applies to foreign real estate owners who do not reside in or rent out their properties. However, if your property has been occupied for at least 180 days in a year, you may be exempt from this tax.

It is also worth noting that detached residential homes with more than 3 self-contained “dwelling units” are automatically exempt from the Underused Housing Tax. Furthermore, if a detached home has at least 4 separate rentable dwelling units with private kitchen, bath, and living areas, it is exempt from the tax even if the rentals are less than one month at a time. However, this exemption only applies to detached homes and not to semi-detached homes, townhouses, or condos.

In summary, as a foreign seller, you need to consider the Underused Housing Tax when selling an underused or vacant property in Canada. If you are unsure whether this tax applies to your property, it is recommended that you seek professional advice from a tax specialist or lawyer.

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