The Home Front - March 2026
March seemed to arrive overnight this year. After a long winter, spring came in hot and fast, and with it buyers and sellers appear to have woken up alongside the sun and warmer temperatures. The phones started ringing, showings picked up, and listing preparation shifted into high gear almost immediately. The market has moved swiftly into spring mode, which also explains why my February newsletter never quite made it out the door!
Before the pace ramped up, Blake and I managed to sneak away for a week in Playa Mujeres with my cousins. It was a much-needed reset filled with sunshine, good food, and the kind of conversations that only seem to happen when you’re away from everyday routines. We returned just before the unfortunate events that unfolded in Puerto Vallarta. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people who had to endure the chaos and destruction in such a beautiful place, and I’m relieved to see that the situation has begun turning a positive corner as the community rebuilds.
Back at home, winter gave us one final highlight. Our brokerage was treated to a ski day followed by dinner at Craigleith Ski Club and the Alphorn. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful ski days I can remember... a perfect bluebird day with temperatures hovering around 3°C and sunshine all afternoon. Sharing the slopes with colleagues made it even more memorable, and it was a great reminder of how lucky we are to live and work in a place where these moments are possible.
In between enjoying the last of winter and gearing up for spring, I’ve also been busy preparing a very special listing that just hit the market this month for some cherished clients. It’s always an honour to help people navigate these important transitions, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. You can explore the listing at the link below. I can’t wait for you to see it!
As we move further into spring, the energy in the market is building quickly. If you’re curious about what that means for your home, your neighbourhood, or your plans for the year ahead, I’m always happy to chat.
Feature Listing
255 NORMANDY AVE. WATERLOO | MLS# X12845890
| Colonial Acres Multigenerational Home with Legal Accessory Suite & Heated Saltwater Pool
3 +1 BED | 3 + 1 BATH
Located in Waterloo's highly sought-after Colonial Acres neighbourhood, this beautifully designed multigenerational home with legal accessory suite offers exceptional flexibility for extended family living or rental income.
Built in 2013 and offering nearly 3,000 sq ft above grade, the main home features an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar, coffee station and pantry, a dining area with soaring ceilings, spacious living room with gas fireplace, family room or flex space, separate office, and convenient main floor laundry. Upstairs you'll find three spacious bedrooms including a primary retreat with walk-in closet and spa-like 5-piece ensuite.The fully finished legal accessory apartment offers its own kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, ensuite laundry, and separate entrance with walk-up; ideal for multigenerational living or income potential! Step outside to a private, landscaped backyard oasis featuring a heated in-ground saltwater pool, patio, gas bbq hookup, gazebo, and plenty of space to entertain.
Energy-conscious buyers will appreciate the 24 panel solar system generating approximately 8600kWh annually, significantly offsetting the home's energy consumption, two separate heat pumps (one per unit), and fire and sound separation insulation between units. Situated on a generous 66 x 171 ft lot with double garage, and parking for six vehicles, this is a rare opportunity to own a versatile family home in one of Waterloo's most established and desirable communities.
Market Updates
The next interest rate announcement is March 18, 2026
Guelph’s housing market continued shifting toward buyer-leaning conditions in February 2026 as inventory increased while demand softened. The median sale price declined to $700,000 (-10.03% year-over-year) and the average price fell to $713,343, with overall sales volume dropping 20.7% and unit sales decreasing to 106 transactions, while new listings rose 21.17%, giving buyers more choice and negotiating leverage.
Broader economic trends are also shaping the market. Bond yields have fallen in recent weeks, which is expected to place downward pressure on fixed mortgage rates, potentially improving affordability later in the year, even as softer labour market data and rising insolvency filings signal growing financial pressure for some households.
At the same time, Canada’s housing market has been experiencing a broader correction, with national home prices down roughly 19.6% from their peak and sales activity starting 2026 on weak footing. However, with housing starts for owner-occupied homes falling to near 30-year lows and new listings expected to level off, tighter supply in the coming years could eventually support market stability and future price growth.
The rental market is also beginning to adjust after several years of rapid growth. Asking rents across Canada have been declining for more than a year as a surge of newly built rental units enters the market and population growth slows, easing some of the pressure that had previously pushed rents to record levels. Over time, lower rents combined with rising incomes may help more first-time buyers re-enter the housing market, potentially becoming a key driver of demand in the next phase of the cycle.
ACCESS COMMUNITY MARKET REPORTS HERE:
My Culinary Chronicles
Culinary Chronicles is where I share simple, comforting recipes through a short monthly video These are dishes rooted in tradition and real life, easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy days.
Bring a hearty taste of the Emerald Isle to your table with this comforting Beef Shepherd’s Pie. This classic "meat and potatoes" dish is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day comfort food, featuring a savory layer of seasoned ground beef and tender vegetables tucked under a blanket of creamy, golden-brown mashed potatoes. It’s a simple, rustic casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd of leprechauns, making it a delicious way to celebrate Irish tradition with the whole family. Sláinte!
Click the image to see the recipe!
