Bank of Canada Rate Announcement Sept 6th, 2023

Anita Groves • September 6, 2023

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2023

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is also continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

Inflation in advanced economies has continued to come down, but with measures of core inflation still elevated, major central banks remain focused on restoring price stability. Global growth slowed in the second quarter of 2023, largely reflecting a significant deceleration in China. With ongoing weakness in the property sector undermining confidence, growth prospects in China have diminished. In the United States, growth was stronger than expected, led by robust consumer spending. In Europe, strength in the service sector supported growth, offsetting an ongoing contraction in manufacturing. Global bond yields have risen, reflecting higher real interest rates, and international oil prices are higher than was assumed in the July Monetary Policy Report (MPR).

The Canadian economy has entered a period of weaker growth, which is needed to relieve price pressures. Economic growth slowed sharply in the second quarter of 2023, with output contracting by 0.2% at an annualized rate. This reflected a marked weakening in consumption growth and a decline in housing activity, as well as the impact of wildfires in many regions of the country. Household credit growth slowed as the impact of higher rates restrained spending among a wider range of borrowers. Final domestic demand grew by 1% in the second quarter, supported by government spending and a boost to business investment. The tightness in the labour market has continued to ease gradually. However, wage growth has remained around 4% to 5%.

Recent CPI data indicate that inflationary pressures remain broad-based. After easing to 2.8% in June, CPI inflation moved up to 3.3% in July, averaging close to 3% in line with the Bank’s projection. With the recent increase in gasoline prices, CPI inflation is expected to be higher in the near term before easing again. Year-over-year and three-month measures of core inflation are now both running at about 3.5%, indicating there has been little recent downward momentum in underlying inflation. The longer high inflation persists, the greater the risk that elevated inflation becomes entrenched, making it more difficult to restore price stability.

With recent evidence that excess demand in the economy is easing, and given the lagged effects of monetary policy, Governing Council decided to hold the policy interest rate at 5% and continue to normalize the Bank’s balance sheet. However, Governing Council remains concerned about the persistence of underlying inflationary pressures, and is prepared to increase the policy interest rate further if needed. Governing Council will continue to assess the dynamics of core inflation and the outlook for CPI inflation. In particular, we will be evaluating whether the evolution of excess demand, inflation expectations, wage growth and corporate pricing behavior are consistent with achieving the 2% inflation target. The Bank remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is October 25, 2023. The Bank will publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the Monetary Policy Report at the same time.

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Anita Groves

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Your Guide to Real Estate Investment in Canada

By Anita Groves • March 4, 2026

Your Guide to Real Estate Investment in Canada Real estate has long been one of the most popular ways Canadians build wealth. Whether you’re purchasing your first rental property or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding how real estate investment works in Canada—and how it’s financed—is key to making smart decisions. This guide walks through the fundamentals you need to know before getting started. Why Canadians Invest in Real Estate Real estate offers several potential benefits as an investment: Long-term appreciation of property value Rental income that can support cash flow Leverage , allowing you to invest using borrowed funds Tangible asset with intrinsic value Portfolio diversification beyond stocks and bonds When structured properly, real estate can support both income and long-term net worth growth. Types of Real Estate Investments Investors typically focus on one or more of the following: Long-term residential rentals Short-term or vacation rentals (subject to local regulations) Multi-unit residential properties Pre-construction or assignment purchases Value-add properties that require renovations Each type comes with different financing rules, risks, and return profiles. Down Payment Requirements for Investment Properties In Canada, investment properties generally require higher down payments than owner-occupied homes. Typical minimums include: 20% down payment for most rental properties Higher down payments may be required depending on: Number of units Property type Borrower profile Lender guidelines Down payment source, income stability, and credit history all play a role in approval. How Rental Income Is Used to Qualify Lenders don’t always count 100% of rental income. Depending on the lender and mortgage product, they may: Use a rental income offset , or Include a percentage of rental income toward qualification Understanding how income is treated can significantly impact borrowing power. Financing Options for Investors Investment financing can include: Conventional mortgages Insured or insurable options (in limited scenarios) Alternative or broker-only lenders Refinancing equity from existing properties Purchase plus improvements for value-add projects Access to multiple lenders is often crucial for investors as portfolios grow. Key Costs Investors Should Plan For Beyond the purchase price, investors should budget for: Property taxes Insurance Maintenance and repairs Vacancy periods Property management fees (if applicable) Legal and closing costs A realistic cash-flow analysis is essential before buying. Risk Considerations Like any investment, real estate carries risk. Key factors to consider include: Interest rate changes Market fluctuations Tenant turnover Regulatory changes Liquidity (real estate is not easily sold quickly) A strong financing structure can help manage many of these risks. The Role of a Mortgage Professional Investment mortgages are rarely “one-size-fits-all.” Lender policies vary widely, especially as you acquire more properties. Working with an independent mortgage professional allows you to: Compare multiple lender strategies Structure financing for long-term growth Preserve flexibility as your portfolio evolves Avoid costly mistakes early on Final Thoughts Real estate investment in Canada can be a powerful wealth-building tool when approached with a clear strategy and proper financing. Whether you’re exploring your first rental property or planning your next acquisition, understanding the numbers—and the lending landscape—matters. If you’d like to discuss investment property financing, run the numbers, or explore your options, feel free to connect. A well-planned mortgage strategy can make all the difference in long-term success.

First-Time Buyer? Here’s How to Tell If You’re Ready

By Anita Groves • February 25, 2026

Ready to Buy Your First Home? Here’s How to Know for Sure Buying your first home is exciting—but it’s also a major financial decision. So how can you tell if you’re truly ready to take that leap into homeownership? Whether you’re confident or still unsure, these four signs are solid indicators that you’re on the right path: 1. You’ve Got Your Down Payment and Closing Costs in Place To purchase a home in Canada, you’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price as a down payment. In addition, plan for around 1.5% to 2% of the home’s value to cover closing costs like legal fees, insurance, and adjustments. If you’ve managed to save this on your own, that’s a great sign of financial discipline. If you're receiving help from a family member through a gifted down payment , that works too—as long as the paperwork is in order. Either way, having these funds ready shows you’re prepared for the upfront costs of homeownership. 2. Your Credit Profile Tells a Good Story Lenders want to know how you manage debt. Before they approve you for a mortgage, they’ll review your credit history. What they typically like to see: At least two active credit accounts (trade lines) , like a credit card or loan Each with a minimum limit of $2,000 Open and active for at least 2 years Even if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t panic. There may still be options, such as using a co-signer or working on a credit improvement plan with a mortgage expert. 3. Your Income Can Support Homeownership—Comfortably A steady income is essential, but not all income is treated equally. If you’re full-time and past probation , you’re in a strong position. If you’re self-employed, on contract, or rely on variable income like tips or commissions, you’ll generally need a two-year history to qualify. A general rule: housing costs (mortgage, taxes, utilities) should stay under 35% of your gross monthly income . That leaves plenty of room for other living expenses, savings, and—yes—some fun too. 4. You’ve Talked to a Mortgage Professional Let’s be real—there’s a lot of info out there about buying a home. Google searches and TikToks can only take you so far. If you're serious about buying, speaking with a mortgage professional is the most effective next step. Why? Because you'll: Get pre-approved (and know what price range you're working with) Understand your loan options and the qualification process Build a game plan that suits your timeline and financial goals The Bottom Line: Being “ready” to buy a home isn’t just about how much you want it—it’s about being financially prepared, credit-ready, and backed by expert advice. If you’re thinking about homeownership, let’s chat. I’d love to help you understand your options, crunch the numbers, and build a plan that gets you confidently across the finish line—keys in hand.