Residents throughout the GTA have been experiencing a bit of a Catch-22 over the last few years. You may be hearing about the incredible lifestyle you can enjoy in this area and the value of buying real estate. 

In addition, renting costs keep getting more expensive as time goes on, which is another reason why many people are starting to get off the fence and seriously consider making the leap into homeownership. Is the time right for you to buy a home in Mississauga?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your decision will depend on your goals, resources, and risk tolerance. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few considerations before beginning your search.

Want to stay up to date with the GTA real estate market? Subscribe here to learn what the latest stats mean for you and get exciting new listings delivered straight to your inbox.

Understanding Local Real Estate Trends

The GTA housing market can feel like a rollercoaster ride over the short term. Prices rise and fall in response to everything from current interest rates and inflation to economic events beyond anyone’s ability to predict or control. 

Some potential buyers also hesitate since houses in Mississauga and the GTA can be expensive and the market is often uncertain. However, when you look at the long-term trends, buying a home as soon as you can begins to make more sense.

The demand for housing keeps getting stronger, and the population keeps growing. High demand and low supply suggest that prices will continue to rise over the long term. When you think of it this way, investing in a house can help you secure your financial future.

Are you looking for even more high-level advice to make your house hunt a success? The resources below can help:

What Do You Need to Buy a House in Mississauga Right Now?

There’s no question that buying a house anywhere in the GTA requires significant financial resources, including in Mississauga. First, you’ll need to consider both the amount of money you will need upfront to handle the down payment, deposit, and closing costs.

Once you take possession, you will then have monthly mortgage payments, insurance, and maintenance costs on top of your other living expenses. Before deciding now is the right time to buy, you’ll want to take stock of your resources compared to current housing prices. Here is a more detailed breakdown.

If the house you’re looking at costs $1 million or more, you will need at least $75,000 as a down payment. How do we arrive at this amount? The requirement is 5% on the first $500,000, or $25,000. For the amount from $500,000 to $1,000,000, you would need 10%, which works out to $50,000. Add these two together, and your minimum down payment is $75,000.

If you buy a house for more than $1 million, you will need 20% on anything above that amount. Imagine your home costs $1,100,000. In other words, you would pay the original $75,000, plus an extra $10,000. Your down payment is lower on less expensive homes; however, you will need mortgage insurance any time you put down less than 20%. 

The next step is to factor in your closing costs. These will vary depending on the price of the home and whether it’s your first purchase. Your real estate agent can help you figure out how much you will need upfront before your home closes and what you can include in your mortgage.

For example, the land transfer tax is one of the most significant closing costs that must be paid in cash. However, if you’re a first-time buyer, the land transfer rebate offers some relief. In addition, Mississauga only has a provincial tax, unlike Toronto, where you also pay a municipal fee. 

Lastly, you’ll want to estimate how much you will need on a monthly basis. Once again, this amount will vary. However, you can use my real estate calculator for a solid estimate. 

Want to know about Mississauga’s culture and heritage? You may enjoy the related reading below:

The Benefits of Home Ownership

Buying a home can be an intimidating milestone, but there’s nothing like living in a place that is truly your own. The financial benefits of getting a foothold on the property ladder are long and lasting as you begin building your equity over time. Plus, owning means no longer being at the mercy of the rental market and the possibility of the landlord raising the rent or deciding they want the unit for themselves. 

Best of all, a home you own is your sanctuary that you can update and renovate as you see fit. The pride of ownership and peace of mind make buying a home in Mississauga a worthy goal.

Is now the right time for you to begin your search for a new home? I’m happy to help you assess your resources and clarify your goals. Reach out today to damir@damirstrk.com or call 416-884-7925 to take the next step.