Quietly, behind the scenes of a slower spring, we’re noticing a trend: more homeowners are moving up, not out.

What’s driving it?

1. Life-stage changes
   Young families that bought starter homes during the 2020–2021 boom are now outgrowing their space, but still committed to staying in Niagara.

2. Equity growth
   Even with prices stabilizing, many homeowners have built significant equity over the past 5 years, giving them room to trade up.

3. Less pressure to rush
   With fewer bidding wars and longer days on market, upsizers can shop more carefully, sell on their own timeline, and make conditional offers again.

Where they’re going:

• From bungalows to two-storeys in places like Fonthill, Grimsby, and West St. Catharines

• From condos to detached homes in North End Niagara Falls or Beamsville

• From in-town homes to rural properties in Wainfleet or Pelham

Considering a move up?

We’ve helped several clients upgrade this year, without having to overextend or panic-sell. 

Let’s talk about how to make it work based on your equity, goals, and timing.

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

Here: https://www.instagram.com/fishmangroup.re/

or call/text 905-808-0839

This April, more homes are coming on the market across Niagara, but they’re not all selling fast. In fact, some cities have seen weeks of rising inventory without a matching increase in sales.

So, what’s going on?

The numbers:

• Listings are up 10-15% in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and Grimsby

• But sales remain 20-25% below normal spring pace, according to historical trends

• Average Days to Sell is up to 49 days, with many homes sitting past the 30-day mark

Why it’s happening:

• Buyers are more selective: They’re taking their time, avoiding homes that need too much work or are priced aggressively

• Financing is still tricky: High stress test rates and mortgage qualification thresholds remain a challenge

• Election and rate watch = delay: Many buyers are literally waiting until next week before making any big decisions

The opportunity in all this?

If you're a buyer, this gives you leverage: less competition, more options, and slower timelines.

If you're a seller, you just need to be sharp. The homes selling right now are:

• Clean, well-presented, and priced appropriately

• In strong school zones or close to transit

• Updated without being over-personalized

The good news? We can help position your listing for exactly that kind of impact.

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

Here: https://www.instagram.com/fishmangroup.re/

or call/text 905-808-0839

Short-term rentals are back in the headlines, this time for stricter municipal enforcement across several Niagara Region communities.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort Erie, and parts of St. Catharines have recently introduced or proposed:

• Tighter license caps

• Higher registration fees

• More rigorous inspections and compliance checks

• Fines for unlicensed Airbnb operators

Why now?

Residents have voiced concerns about:

• Noise

• Lack of long-term rental stock

• Investors pricing out locals

And with the provincial and federal governments talking about housing supply issues, local governments are trying to balance tourism with long-term housing stability.

What it means for buyers:

If you’re buying a home as an income property, be sure to check local short-term rental bylaws before assuming you can Airbnb it. In some areas, only principal residences are eligible, or licenses are full.

What it means for sellers:

If your home has been operating as a short-term rental, this could affect its resale value. But if marketed well, it could still appeal to:

• Long-term rental investors

• Multigenerational families

• Upsizers looking for a flexible floor plan

We can help you reposition your property for today’s buyer.

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

Here: https://www.instagram.com/fishmangroup.re/

or call/text 905-808-0839

With the federal election happening this Monday April 28th, real estate activity across the Niagara Region is at a bit of s standstill. Buyers are out touring. Sellers are prepping. But offers? They're moving slower than usual.

Why? Because elections create uncertainty, and uncertainty creates hesitation.

Here's what we typically see around election time:

• Buyers delay offers and wait to make any decisions. Why?:

  • Hoping that the winning party will introduce new incentives or reduce borrowing barriers

  • They are unsure how the election will affect interest rates, even if the Bank of Canada remains technically independent

  • They are cautious about entering the market if a change in government might result in policy shifts that affect their buying power/affordability.

• Sellers pause listings, until there is more certainty that: 

  • Buyer demand will "bounce back" post-election

  • Any policy changes (such as tax credits) will expand the pool of active buyers 

  • New headlines shift away from politics and back to the market. 

• Investors hold off, looking for hints towards changes in:

  • Capital gains or income tax

  • Short-term rental regulations 

  • Zoning reform

  • Development incentives or disincentives

  • Tenant/landlord legislation shifts.

Even people who want to move on their plans are often saying: "Let's wait to see what happens first."

This year, housing has taken centre stage in most party platforms. 

Here's a breakdown of housing proposals: Liberal vs. Conservative:

🔴 Liberal Party Platform (Incumbent)

The Liberals are focused on increasing supply, targeting affordability, and offering direct incentives to first-time buyers.

Key promises include:

1. Doubling housing starts to 500,000 units annually

   • Through federal funding, public-private partnerships, and incentives for builders

   • Goal: Reduce pressure on resale prices and rental costs by building fast

2. Expanding the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

   • Possible increases to tax credits, shared-equity support, or CMHC-backed programs

   • Makes ownership more accessible, especially in areas like Niagara with average prices under $700K

3. Releasing federal lands for housing

   • Turning government-owned sites (especially near transit) into residential developments

   • Could affect availability of new builds in places like Grimsby, St. Catharines, or Welland where land is limited

4. Tightening short-term rental rules

   • Limiting Airbnb-style platforms to principal residences in some areas

   • Could reduce investor interest in vacation properties across NOTL and Fort Erie

Implications for Niagara:
If implemented, these policies could increase local inventory and buyer incentives, but may also limit short-term rental income strategies. First-time buyers stand to gain the most.

🔵 Conservative Party Platform

The Conservatives are focused on free-market approaches, reducing regulation, and opening up development opportunities by cutting red tape.

Key proposals include:

1. Incentivizing municipalities to build faster

   • Tying federal infrastructure funding to housing approvals

   • Goal: Push cities to speed up permits, zoning, and infill density allowances

2. Encouraging private development

   • Reduced taxes and regulations for builders

   • Loosening zoning restrictions to allow more duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in low-density areas

3. Reviewing CMHC's role

   • Suggests re-evaluating Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s mandate to increase private sector efficiency

   • Possibly fewer subsidies, but more room for market-driven solutions

4. Supporting investor ownership

   • No planned restrictions on short-term rentals, second properties, or multi-unit purchases

Implications for Niagara:
If elected, the Conservatives' approach could attract more developers to smaller communities like Thorold, Pelham, and Port Colborne by cutting down approval timelines. Investors and builders would likely re-engage quickly, while first-time buyers would see fewer direct supports.

So, What Should You Do?

If you're a buyer or seller in the Niagara Region right now, here's the takeaway:

• The election is likely delaying but not derailing the spring market.
• Once the results are in, we could see a short and sharp uptick in activity, especially if new policies are announced.
• Use this time to get prepared. Pre-approvals, listing prep, neighbourhood research, etc. So you're ready before the crowd returns. 

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

Here: https://www.instagram.com/fishmangroup.re/

or call/text 905-808-0839

If you're planning a move to Niagara this year - whether from the GTA, another province, or just down the QEW - there are a few things you should know (and a few things your Toronto friends probably won't tell you).

What surprises people most:

1. Our towns are really different
   Fort Erie and NOTL feel like small towns. St. Catharines has a true city vibe. Welland and Port Colborne are quietly growing. Don’t assume one “Niagara lifestyle” fits all.

2. Local knowledge matters
   The same street can have two totally different vibes depending on the block. Working with someone who knows the pocket-level differences matters more here than in cookie-cutter suburbs.

3. Community is everything
   Most of our clients end up loving their Niagara move, not just because of affordability, but because people know each other, care about their neighbourhoods, and make newcomers feel at home.

What to ask yourself before relocating:

• Do you want walkability or space?

• Are you commuting or staying local?

• Do you want peace and quiet, or access to shops, events, and schools?

We help a lot of people relocate, and we’re always happy to talk through what neighbourhood might feel most like “home” based on your lifestyle.

Making smart moves starts with smart advice. 

Reach us here: https://fishmangroup.ca/contact

Here: https://www.instagram.com/fishmangroup.re/

or call/text 905-808-0839