Expert homebuying advice from Mike Parker, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Georgian Communities

There’s been no shortage of reasons for pause for some would-be homebuyers: Uncertainty over housing supply, interest rates, inflation, politics and the economy in general. But the pendulum looks to be swinging back the other way.

To help you understand all the factors to make a better, more informed homebuying decision, our 2024 Builders' Annual sat down with some of the industry’s top builders and developers for expert advice.

What is your outlook for the housing market for 2025?

Our market has been challenging since the fourth quarter of 2022, with rising interest rates and inflation slowing overall activity. However, we saw a strong exception with the launch of our Craighurst Crossing community in October 2023, which performed beyond our expectations despite the challenging conditions. As we look to 2025, we anticipate a gradual recovery led by a few key factors.

While inflation is showing signs of stabilizing, it’s still a cautious outlook, rather than a complete resolution. Coupled with the interest rate cuts we’ve seen and more anticipated through 2025, we expect market activity to gain momentum as buyer confidence returns.

The recent decision by the federal government to raise the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.-insured mortgage cap to $1.5 million could also support this recovery by giving buyers more flexibility. However, whether this change will significantly impact overall market demand remains to be seen.

We are optimistic about being on the right side of the recovery, with pent-up demand from buyers and anticipated interest rate cuts expected to drive market activity.

And for Georgian? Any signature or milestone moments coming?

Despite the challenges in the market, we have stayed focused and pushed forward with confidence, ensuring that we are well-prepared for the recovery. Our commitment to staying ahead has been unwavering, with significant advancements in site servicing and construction across all our developments. We are positioning ourselves to meet the anticipated demand with high-quality homes.

For fall 2024, we’re excited to begin initial home construction at Craighurst Crossing in the Village of Craighurst and Victoria Annex in Collingwood, with additional sales releases scheduled for the fourth quarter. These milestones represent significant progress in two of our most eagerly awaited communities. Additionally, Windfall at Blue Mountain and Braestone in Oro-Medonte offer final-phase purchasing opportunities, drawing strong interest.

Further reflecting our growth and ambition, we are advancing approvals for a new community in Nottawa. With multiple projects moving forward, we are proud of our progress and optimistic about the opportunities ahead.

Inflation is down, and we’ve seen multiple interest rate reductions. As activity picks up, what are some of the reasons buyers should consider Georgian?

We have beautiful communities in even more stunning locations. Georgian Communities designs homes that capture the essence of Oro-Medonte’s rural charm, The Blue Mountains’ four-season appeal, and downtown Collingwood’s historic allure. We offer options ranging from modern farmhouses and chalet-inspired designs to elegant urban streetscapes, with thoughtfully planned communities that encourage an active, connected lifestyle tailored to each unique setting.

What else about your company or communities would you like prospective buyers to know?

At Georgian Communities, we don’t just build homes – we create places where people connect with nature and each other. This vision has shaped each of our communities. We believe in connecting people, and this sense of belonging has earned us a reputation as one of Ontario’s most trusted new-home builders and developers. Each community offers more than just a home; it provides an enriched lifestyle and an environment that promotes togetherness.

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