Tariffs changed, but housing is still getting squeezed. The big 35% tariffs were struck down, a new 10% tariff came in, and the high steel, aluminum, and lumber tariffs stayed. That keeps build and renovation costs rising, slows new construction, and adds pressure on supply. At the same time, the Bank of Canada is stuck because tariffs keep inflation sticky, so big rate cuts are not likely. With millions renewing from very low rates to much higher payments, Alex’s takeaway is to shop your renewal instead of signing the bank’s first offer, and watch the next key dates that could shift the outlook fast.

The federal GST rebate being discussed could return up to $50,000 to eligible first-time home buyers purchasing qualifying new construction. In this episode, we break down what it actually covers, the real-world savings most buyers will see (often closer to ~$27,000 depending on price), who qualifies, and why it could still push prices higher in some markets. We also explain how to stack the GST rebate with the FHSA, Home Buyers’ Plan, federal tax credits, and provincial programs—plus practical tips so you don’t build your plan around the headline number.

Canada was just ranked by the BIS as having the biggest real home price drop among advanced economies. Even after seven Bank of Canada rate cuts, prices and sales are still falling while listings rise, especially in Toronto and Vancouver because of condo oversupply, weaker confidence, and slowing demand. The key point is Canada is not one market, but the spring recovery narrative may be wrong in major cities and 2026 renewals could keep pressure on prices.

BC’s Feb 17, 2026 budget cuts $1.4B from housing over three years and shuts the Community Housing Fund indefinitely, while adding several tax/cost changes that make building harder. Alex says this will reduce new supply, risking a construction drought and much higher prices later, with BCREA warning up to +27% by 2032. One bright spot: a bigger PTT exemption for purpose-built rentals.

Alex Breaks down his trip in Mexico and decides if it's worth it to buy investment properties in this country.

Rates have stabilized and affordability has improved compared to the peak, so interest rates aren’t the main barrier for many buyers anymore. The market is still frozen because bigger forces are hitting demand and confidence, including major immigration cuts that could shrink population, rising rental vacancies and falling rents, higher unemployment and job uncertainty, and record-high listings. The takeaway is to stop waiting for rates to “save” the market and instead make a decision based on your numbers, job security, and a 3 to 7 year plan.

Alex explains how Trump openly said he wants home prices to rise, which protects existing homeowners but makes it harder for new buyers, and he argues this approach avoids solving affordability at the source. He compares Canada and the U.S. and says Canada’s affordability problem is worse, with housing costs taking a bigger share of income and fewer cities meeting affordability benchmarks. His takeaway is to stop waiting for politics to fix housing and instead run your numbers, understand your options, and choose fixed versus variable based on how much payment risk you can handle.

Blossom App: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/blossom-portfolio-tracker/id1592237485

Evolv Event (You don't want to miss this): https://2026.evolvmastermind.com/

The podcast breaks down ETFs vs real estate for Canadians in their 30s and why the “best” wealth plan is usually the one you’ll actually stick to. It covers how most people are starting from zero financial literacy, why ETFs are exploding in popularity as housing feels harder to reach, and how social media has made money advice louder but not always trustworthy. Brandon explains why Blossom was built around transparency so beginners can learn from real portfolios, and they close on the reality that “invest the difference” only works if people truly invest it.

This podcast breaks down OSFI’s January 29 decision to keep both the mortgage stress test and the new loan to income limits. It explains why this double layer of rules can quietly reduce how much you can borrow even while arrears are low, why the same application can get approved at one lender and declined at another, and what to do if you are buying, renewing, or refinancing so you do not take the first offer and miss better options.

Alex explains why the Bank of Canada’s 2.25% rate hold is not the full story. Bond markets and bank forecasts are leaning toward higher rates, not cuts. He breaks down what inflation, weak growth, jobs, and 2026 trade uncertainty (CUSMA) could mean for renewals and buyers, and why people in Ontario and BC may face the biggest equity and appraisal risk.