06/08/2026
The HST rebate has become one of the hottest topics in real estate, and one of the questions I hear most often is:
👉 What's the better financial choice today: a resale home or a new construction property?
Based on what I'm currently seeing in Oakville and West Toronto, resale often comes out ahead financially.
And I'm not talking about pre-construction. I'm comparing completed condos and townhomes sold directly by builders—properties you can walk through, inspect, and evaluate before buying.
You might expect a brand-new home to be the obvious winner.
But in many cases, it's not that simple. 🙃
Why?
Looking beyond the "brand new" appeal and the HST rebate, a new builder unit often comes with:
❗️A higher price per square foot
❗️Occupancy fees (when applicable)
❗️Additional closing costs and builder adjustments
❗️Higher monthly carrying costs
❗️Possible rental restrictions before final closing
Meanwhile, a resale property often offers:
✔ More living space for the same budget
✔ Room for price negotiation
✔ Immediate possession
✔ A proven sales and rental history in the building and neighbourhood
✔ The ability to see not only the unit itself, but also the community, neighbours, and overall atmosphere
When you add everything up, a comparable resale condo can often cost less overall than a new builder unit.
That doesn't mean new construction is a bad choice.
New homes offer many advantages:
✔ Everything is brand new
✔ Modern layouts, technology, and amenities
✔ Lower maintenance costs in the first few years
✔ Attractive builder incentives
✔ And for many buyers, there's real value in being the first owner
For me, the key is not choosing between "new" and "resale"—it's comparing the total cost of ownership.
What would you choose today: a new builder home or a resale property?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.