đź“Ś Real Estate Reality Check
If your mortgage payments are starting to feel like a heavy weight, you’re far from alone — and this isn’t just a U.S. story.
In Canada, many homeowners are now feeling the strain of rising rates, tightening budgets and looming mortgage renewals.
Here’s what the data is telling us:
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A recent survey found that 17% of Canadians with mortgages said they were “very concerned” about their ability to afford payments in Q1 2025 — double what it was in 2022.
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According to a report from TransUnion Canada: since March 2022, more than 2 million Canadians have seen their monthly mortgage payments rise by an average of 25%. (source) newsroom.transunion.ca
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In Ontario specifically, the 90‑day+ mortgage‑delinquency rate climbed to 0.24% in the first quarter of 2025 — a 71.5% increase year‑over‑year. Canada Housing Market
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The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) warns that around 60‑76% of Canadian mortgages will come up for renewal by the end of 2025‑2026 — many of which will face much higher rates.
đźš© What this means for you and your clients in Simcoe County
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For homeowners who locked in low rates during COVID‑era, the renewal shock is real. Many will face significantly higher payments — that means budgeting, income verification, and contingency planning become critical.
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Negative equity (owing more than the home is worth) seems less of a broad‑public trend in Canada than in the U.S., but the warning signs of stress are growing. That means you’ll need to consider not just whether a homeowner can make payments now, but whether they’ve got a buffer if things tilt.
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As a team lead in Barrie, Innisfil, Oro, Orillia, you’ll want to highlight to your clients and prospects: this isn’t just about the purchase. It’s about renewal, amortization, rate resets — the long game.
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For investors or second‑home buyers (or those using properties as rental suites), the risks are magnified. If rental income drops or stays stagnant while debt costs rise, the carrying cost might become untenable.
âś… My advice (straight talk)
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If you haven’t already, get ahead of renewals for any clients whose term ends in 2025‑26. Ask: “What rate did you lock in? What will your payment become? Do you have a plan B if income drops or expenses jump?”
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Make renewal strategy a part of your value‑proposition: You’re not just buying property — you’re buying a 25‑30‑year amortisation with resets. Show them the renewal horizon.
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Educate around payment‑shock scenarios and stress‑test your clients: “If your payment goes up 20‑30%, what happens?”
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Use this as a lead‑gen point: “Many Canadians are waking up to renewal pain — let’s make sure you don’t.”
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Reinforce the empowerment piece: For women owners and caregivers especially, you’re showing up as the resource who knows what to check, and how to protect their future.
The MovingSimcoe.com Team: Helping Homeowners Navigate Today’s Market
Whether you’re thinking of selling, upgrading, or planning your next move, our team has the local knowledge and strategy to guide you. Message us today — let’s map your plan.
