What’s in More Homes for Everyone for You

Published on 29 August 2022, 07:22:56 AM

Ontario is moving to create more homes for everyone. It’s welcome relief for beleaguered first home buyers in Ontario, and modest home owners relocating for work or planning to downsize. 

Bill 109, announced March 30, 2022, will take time to wind its way through the legislature. If passed, Ontarians could see: 

• streamlined modular MURB (multi-unit residential building) approvals
• more infill housing in vacant spaces 
• and low-rise multi-unit housing added.

More encouragingly, a community infrastructure and housing accelerator tool will target now balky municipal approvals. Municipalities will be required to refund site plan application and zoning bylaw amendments fees if they aren’t approved by set deadlines. 

In a separate nod to renters’ plight, funding increases for the Landlord and Tenant Board to speed up case decisions and improve online services.

First home buyer incentives in Ontario. 

What Critics Think of More Homes for Everyone

The bill is good news for the 83% of buyers who can’t afford the average Ontario resale home, or 56% of renters priced out of two-bedroom apartments. If they can find one — only 2% of rentals were vacant in March.

RESCON, the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, “applauds” the draft legislation as a good first step. With Ontario housing prices tripling in just a decade, RESCON says talent and business investments will head out the door unless government does more to stimulate construction and lower house prices. First home buyer incentives Ontario already has.  

That hasn’t stopped former parliamentary secretary for housing Adam Vaughan from criticizing the draft bill. “More of the same won’t make it (housing affordability and availability) better — and a lot more the same will make it worse,” Vaughan complains.

He says the province won’t increase affordability (“they are not interested”). Housing standards could be weakened by adopting the National Building Code of Canada, leading to cheaper but less durable or safe housing units to placate developers. 

A quicker, but no smarter planning process won’t be helped by a lack of action on the missing middle, Vaughan suggests. He predicts cuts to development charges will chip away at funding meant to create parks and other spaces to replace back yards when bigger, family-sized houses have to fit on less land.

New down payment rules for buying a first home in Ontario. 

Where Government is Coming From

Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, concurs the province’s high housing costs are hurting its economy. 

He wants the housing plan to make it easier for municipalities, non-profits, and developers to build housing, and boost housing supply and choices. Clark expects cutting red tape, making housing more affordable, and reducing financial pressures from housing costs to achieve that.

Whether the plan, years in the making, unfolds as intended will be the litmus test for Ontario home buyers and renters. 

How to use RRSPs for mortgages. 

Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer 

Axess Law reviews agreements for purchase and sale when you find that perfect, first time home. We advise you on essential clauses your offer to purchase should include, and ensure you can withdraw if you change your mind about going through with a real estate transaction. 

RRSP mortgage tactics to stretch your budget.

Our real estate lawyers answer any questions you may have, like can a buyer back out of a purchase agreement in Ontario, or what happens to the deposit when buying a house? 

Even if you have already signed an agreement of purchase and sale, Axess Law may be able to amend it on your behalf. Obtaining favourable mortgage financing can take longer than you or the seller expected. When you need more time, we negotiate with the sellers’ lawyer to ask to extend the completion date.

Our experienced legal team checks title to the property for construction liens or financial claims that can delay or prevent you from buying or selling a property. Axess Law discharges existing mortgages, and registers new mortgages against title by liaising with your bank, credit union, or trust company. When you get a private lender, we add that to your title. Your licensed real estate lawyer transfers title to the property to your name, and can add family members to a title if you are co-sharing the mortgage. How to transfer title to real property.

Make a new Will and testament at the same time to ensure real property goes to the beneficiaries of your choice. Our professional Wills lawyers ensure your home or land doesn’t languish in court because you put off making a Will.

Why your spouse has to agree to sell property in Ontario. 

Affordable Real Estate Lawyers, Anywhere You Are 

Access lawyers for less in Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, or anywhere in Ontario  when you buy, sell, or transfer property. Axess Law’s flat fee real estate lawyers are affordable, and our rates are all inclusive (excluding taxes, disbursements, and third-party charges). Axess Law offers you only the legal services you absolutely need. Your final invoice includes no surprises or hidden charges. Your itemized statement of adjustments is explained when we deliver it, and we answer any questions you have about it. 

Hire a real estate lawyer in Toronto or Ottawa. 

Virtual Law Services for Less

Axess Law’s virtual real estate lawyers can video conference with you anywhere in Ontario. You can talk to a lawyer from your home or office, using any computer or compatible mobile device. Our video conferencing services are secure and confidential. If you’ve never used virtual video conferencing software before, we show you how. You can sign legal documents remotely, or drop into any Axess Law office in the Greater Toronto Area or Ottawa to finalize your real estate purchase or sale.

Book Appointments Online or By Phone

Our online or in person legal services let you arrange lawyer appointments day or evening, at times convenient for you. We make closing real estate transactions, or making title transfers easy for you, 7 days a week. Dial our 647-479-0118 lawyer line directly, or call toll free to 1-877-402-4207. Make appointments yourself by using our online booking form. Axess Law has offices near you in Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, with onsite parking and easy transit access.