Zakiya Kassam
Zakiya has reported on real estate for Apartment Therapy, Curbed, and Post City Magazines. She also writes a quarterly series for a Canadian design publication.
Associate Editor
Profiles
For Toronto’s New Chief Planner, City Building Is A “Team Sport”
Growth in a city like Toronto can be achingly slow, but Thorne’s focus is on the fact that the thirst for transformation runs deep.
Construction
Housing Starts Rise 3% In January, Propped Up By Purpose-Built Rental
But any optimism for the rest of year is tempered by trade uncertainty as experts warn of the potential drag on housing construction.
Mortgages
Experts Caution Against Blanket Appraisals, Calling It A “Questionable Practice”
Blanket appraisals have been around for 30 years, but in today’s market, they could come with more risk than they’re worth.
Taxes
Toronto Passes 6.9% Property Tax Hike, Turns Down Tariff Relief In 2025 Budget
The finalized 2025 budget is comprised of a $18.8-billion operating budget and $59.6-billion capital plan.
Other (Canada)
“Getting To A Yes”: Inside The Housing Task Force Making Waves In Mississauga
“I think we’re going to get better buildings built because there’s more of a collaborative attitude already.”
Real Estate News
Toronto Real Estate Board Forecasting 'Buyer-Friendly' 2025
Slower price growth is expected to entice waiting buyers to come off the sidelines in the year ahead, as will lower borrowing costs. While polling also shows around two-thirds of renters would 'seriously consider' homeownership amid further rent increases.
Multifamily
Brampton Development Site Planned For 3 Towers Sold Under Receivership
With over $10M in debt linked to the property by late 2023, the site was placed under receivership on February 8, 2024.
Taxes
Chow Sticks To 6.9% Property Tax Hike In ‘Mayor’s Budget’
“I understand that it is challenging for many across the city,” Chow wrote in a mayoral decision. “That’s why with this increase, we are expanding property tax relief programs.”
Economy
Bank Of Canada Cuts Interest Rate Down To 3%, Lowest Since 2022
Wednesday’s quarter-point cut is in line with messaging that Governing Council will be taking a more “gradual approach” to monetary policy, after delivering 50 bps cuts in both October and December.
Economy
Where Every Big Bank Stands On Wednesday's Interest Rate Announcement
The economic climate over the past month has been turbulent enough to spur a fresh wave of speculation.
Construction
Ontario Only Added 40% Of The New Homes It Needs To Keep Up With Population
Estimates show that Ontario needed to start 200,000 new homes to keep up with the rate of population growth last year and achieved just 82,000.
Policy
Toronto Looks To Permit Fiveplexes, Sixplexes In Scarborough North
A “city-wide sixplex study” is set to be delivered to Toronto City Council by the fourth quarter of this year.
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