This month’s industry updates focus on market recalibration, policy interventions and industry-wide considerations across the Golden Horseshoe. New reports from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) suggest continued weakness in new home sales and a cautiously stable outlook for 2026, while new survey results signal internal priorities around governance, transparency and technology modernization. At the municipal level, Burlington is considering temporary relief from development fees in response to record low sales activity, as industry events, educational events and awards programs provide opportunities for professional development and recognition into the early spring.
Toronto skyline, image by Skycandy, UrbanToronto forum contributor
Announcements
TRREB publishes comprehensive results of a member survey
TRREB has released the results of its most comprehensive member survey to date, forming the first phase of its “Your Voice, Our Future” consultation initiative. The survey, conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights in late November and early December, found that about four in 10 members were overall satisfied with their membership experience, while about three in 10 expressed neutral views. Respondents cited stronger advocacy, increased transparency, clearer communication on governance and fees, and modernizing MLS® tools as priorities for 2026, with additional engagement planned through focus groups and town halls ahead of a spring report to members.
TRREB predicts stable GTA market conditions for 2026
TRREB has released its 2026 market outlook and annual review, predicting relatively stable home sales and prices across the GTA amid ongoing pricing pressures and cautious consumer sentiment. Sales are expected to be between 60,000 and 70,000 transactions, with the average sales price expected to fall between $1 million and $1.03 million as high inventory levels continue to dampen price growth, particularly in the condominium segment. Ipsos surveys cited in the report suggest that despite improved affordability, purchasing intentions have weakened compared to last year, with continued rental demand and a significant affordability gap for renter households.
Burlington is considering two years of development fee relief
Burlington’s Committee of the Whole has received a staff report outlining options for temporary, targeted measures to support housing, including a proposed two-year elimination of housing fees. In a submission to council, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) expressed support for the measure, citing record-breaking new home sales across the GTA in 2025 and a significant decline in both low-rise and high-rise building activity in Burlington since 2021. While the association acknowledged that development costs are just one factor affecting the viability of projects in the face of broader market and cost pressures, it argued that temporary relief could help advance stalled projects and signal community support for accelerating housing supply.
GTA new home sales fall to 45-year low in 2025
According to data compiled by Altus Group for BILD, new home sales in the Greater Toronto Area reached their lowest level in more than four decades in 2025 with 5,314 units sold, an 81% decline from the 10-year average. Only 240 total units were sold in December, down 24% year over year and well below historical norms, with condo sales particularly weak, 89% below the 10-year average for the year. BILD warned that continued weakness in sales could significantly reduce housing starts and put up to 100,000 construction jobs at risk, as policymakers continue to discuss measures aimed at restoring market confidence and advancing provincial housing targets.
Events and awards
Deadline for entries for the BILD Awards 2026 extended to February 26th
BILD has extended the submission deadline for the 2026 BILD Awards until February 26th, offering industry experts additional time to submit projects in a variety of categories. The annual competition recognizes outstanding achievements in the areas of marketing, architecture and design, sales, customer service and overall project and builder performance. This year, several new and revised categories were introduced. The awards program remains one of the GTA’s premier platforms for recognizing achievements in residential development and construction.
The Home Depot Connect trade show returns in February
Home Depot Canada will host its HD Supply Connect Tradeshow on February 19, 2026 at the Toronto Congress Center, offering a special industry showcase for BILD members of renovators and developers. The afternoon event will feature more than 150 vendor partners showcasing new tools, materials and building solutions tailored for homebuilding and renovation professionals. Participation is free for eligible BILD members and offers the opportunity to contact suppliers directly and explore new products in a focused retail environment.
CHBA hosts online adaptive home renovation course
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association will offer its two-day Adaptive Home Renovation course online on February 24 and 25, 2026, targeting renovators, builders, architects and designers working in the growing aging-in-place market. The program includes Canadian building codes and standards with a focus on occupant safety, accessibility and health, as well as technical guidance on features such as stepless entry, accessible showers, ramps and home automation systems. Participants also receive training on customer communication, data protection, insurance and legal aspects. The registration price is $750 for members and $1,000 for non-members.
BILD webinar on overcoming cash flow challenges in the construction industry
BILD will host a free, members-only webinar on March 4, 2026, focused on identifying and solving cash flow challenges faced by builders, renovators and trade contractors. Led by business strategist Barbara Katz of On Time On Budget Consulting, the session will examine common operational and financial inefficiencies that can impact profitability over time, as well as strategies to improve forecasting and planning. Participants will be introduced to a simplified cash flow forecasting model designed to help construction companies anticipate shortfalls, manage time gaps, and strengthen financial decision-making.
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