Is Kingston, Ontario Still Worth It for Real Estate Investors?

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  A ground-level view on cost of living, buying power, and whether it makes sense anymore Let me be straight with you: I’m having a hard time making the numbers work in Ontario right now. And I’m not sure anyone is being honest enough about it. I work in real estate. I’ve seen how things get built, priced, and sold. So when I look at the cost of living in Kingston - and Ontario broadly - and then compare it to what you’re actually getting for your money, something doesn’t add up. This isn’t doom and gloom. It’s just an honest look at what the market is actually doing and what it means if you’re thinking about buying investment property here. The Cost of Living Reality Check Kingston used to be one of those “hidden gem” cities. Smaller than Toronto, cheaper than Ottawa, decent rental market because of Queen’s University and RMC. That story made sense five years ago. Today? Not so much. AVG. HOME PRICE $600K+ Kingston, 2024–25 AVG. RENT (2BR) $2,100+ Per month GROCERY COST HIGH vs. c...
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The hard truth - selling your home costs money

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Look at all that equity...
I bet you want to take advantage of it...
But how much will you actually get? 
Selling a home doesn't come without it's share of expenses. Let's take a look at some of the common costs associated with selling a home in Ontario.




1. Home Repairs and Improvements
Sellers may need to make repairs or improvements to their homes to make them more marketable. The cost of these can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property.
2. Commission
In many cases, sellers work with realtors to list and sell their homes. Standard commission in Ontario is around 5% of the sale price, and is shared between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent.

3. Legal Fees
Sellers typically hire a real estate lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the sale. Legal fees very, but generally range between $800 - $1000 depending on the complexity of the sale.

4. Pre-Sale Home Inspection
Some sellers opt to have a pre-sale inspection to identify and address any issues before listing the property. This can range from $400 - $600.
5. Mortgage Penalties
If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, and you’re selling it before the term is up, you may incur penalties. The exact amount depends on your mortgage terms and the lender.

6. Closing Adjustments
Sellers may be required to reimburse the buyer for prepaid property taxes, utility bills, or other expenses that extend beyond the closing date.



And there you have it folks. Nothing good comes for free. 
It’s important to note that the actual costs can vary based on the specifics of the transaction and the local market conditions. As well, this is just a short list. There may be further expenses not included in this post. 



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