News

Housing market could soften more but not crash: CIBC66

Protracted U.S. recession would hurt Canadian real estate, but full-scale collapse not in the cards, economist says 30/09/08 5:06 PM 66

The market crosses a line4

'Prices have run smack into the affordability wall,' says one analyst. For the first time in more than a decade, the average house price in Toronto has declined. 26/09/08 12:00 AM 4

New economic climate puts chill on Toronto real-estate prices15

The country's largest housing market is slowing 26/09/08 4:51 AM 15

Canada could face housing woes, Merrill warns324

Absence of Canadian crunch may be ‘cause for concern, not comfort,' economists say; Harper pours cold water on report 24/09/08 6:58 PM 324

U.S. new homes' prices, sales plummet

Sales dive to lowest in more than 17 years in August 25/09/08 10:06 AM

Luxury home sales will slow3

After months of outperforming other segments, high-end homes feel the pinch 25/09/08 11:26 AM 3

Home of the Week

Make it Right

Design and Decor

It's hip to be square

Forget the curves. The lines in this house are straight, crisp and clean. From one room to the next, the linearity of this architecturally driven interior becomes as clear as crystal — that is, of the Michael Lee-Chin variety. 26/09/08 12:00 AM

Multi-functional furniture, paint job among ways to spice up home for fall

A smaller-scale dresser that's fairly low can go many places in a home, and depending on the style that you like, then you can choose something that will hopefully last you a long time and suit your aesthetic taste. 26/09/08 4:18 PM

Shopping without dropping1

90 per cent of successful decorating is about being decisive and methodically seeing your project through from start to finish, clipboard in hand 19/09/08 11:54 AM 1

Choosing patterns is a delicate balancing act

Whether you choose to bring it into your space through the use of wallpaper, faux paint techniques, upholstery or window treatments, pattern can turn an adequate space into something that's quite dramatic. 19/09/08 12:00 AM

Setting the stage for a relaxing retreat2

Two bars, a fireplace and a luxurious place to watch big-screen TV is the perfect getaway for a busy comedian and guests 12/09/08 12:00 AM 2

Yellow is the new orange1

The last few years have seen greens and oranges in the home decor spotlight, but that's about to change, as blue and yellow muscle back into the forefront. 22/08/08 12:00 AM 1

Tricks to make small spaces seem bigger1

Living within tighter confines doesn't need to feel suffocating. Experts say little extras from storage to shelving and even a new paint job are among the ways to spruce up and get settled in less spacious surroundings. 22/08/08 12:00 AM 1

Tips & Tricks

Putting the pool into storage for the winter season

It's important to fine tune the chemistry by monitoring and adjusting the pH level before cutting all the lines 26/09/08 11:44 AM

Renovator adds flair by reusing materials1

A $15,000 marble fireplace mantle for $1,500; a $100,000 kitchen for $40,000 — deals like that stretch a building budget a long way 19/09/08 12:00 AM 1

Key questions to ask before buying a condo

The biggest single mistake that people tend to make is to think that buying a condo is just a less expensive way of buying a house and not really understanding that it's shared ownership, which is a lot different. 19/09/08 12:37 PM

Your house, their temporary digs5

Homeowners who rent out rooms to students often get more out of the experience than just extra money. "The students I have had have tremendous respect for others and are very gracious and generous." -- Homeowner Sheryl Cobban 29/08/08 12:00 AM 5

It's moving season and getting organized is job one

August is usually the high season for moving. One of the first decisions to make is whether to hire a moving company. If you do, here are some suggestions for making the experience a smooth one 22/08/08 12:00 AM

A $700,000 house (happily) divided49

Can't afford a house on your own? Try splitting one down the middle 05/08/08 9:54 AM 49

Renovations

A home with art in its bones

A couple fall head over heels for a rundown bungalow, learning of its cultural significance only later on 12/09/08 12:00 AM

A design-lover's reno, done piecemeal

Jennifer Flores and Sean Stanwick, authors of Design City Toronto, take on their own design project — a bit at a time 05/09/08 12:00 AM

Lake-view loft has good karma10

Randy Stieben has spent years renovating his 5,000-square-foot condo to reflect his Tantra-inspired lifestyle. "I was never happier than when building this condo with my own hands. And now I want to build something else." 01/08/08 12:00 AM 10

The heart of a restored farmhouse

The spacious kitchen is designed to be harmonious with the rest of the 19th-century house, while hiding modern amenities. A restored 1820 cupboard was the design cue for the entire space. 27/06/08 12:00 AM

Gadgets

Smart homes get sexier, cheaper

No residence is complete without a toilet that tests urine for sugar levels — then sends the results to your doctor 19/09/08 12:00 AM

On Site - Greater Toronto Area

Massive project set for Sheppard/Don Mills

Community will eventually grow to six towers across from Fairview Mall. The complex will house 2,200 condo suites, including 464 units in a 36-storey tower that will hit the market first. 12:00 AM

Davenport high-rise aims for affordability

The new tower will add 297 units to the project that the developers say will ultimately total more than 3,000 dwellings on former brownfield sites between Davenport Road and Bloor Street. 12:00 AM

Only 11 units in townhouse infill

The units jut slightly outward from one another, with limestone facades and floor-to-ceiling windows giving residents views of Bayview Village Park across the street. 12:00 AM

On Site - Vancouver

Vineyard home sites overlooking Okanagan Lake

Wine lovers looking for an all-season resort community to call home may be interested in the Belago, a collection of 18 vineyard home sites at the Rise in Vernon. 19/09/08 1:59 PM

Vacation Properties

Once a church, now a home1

Ancient bells adorn private home in Umbria 15/08/08 12:00 AM 1

Beachside home with infinite views1

Just three years old, this massive five-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion is one of the largest on Bonaire, a tiny island in the Netherlands Antilles off the north coast of South America. 12/09/08 11:36 AM 1

Between the strip and the sand

The condominium suites span entire floors in some cases, and range anywhere from 2,000 square feet to more than 16,000 square feet. 05/09/08 11:20 AM

A modern hacienda close to history and the beach

Toa Alta is one of the island's oldest towns, founded in 1751, and is popularly known as "La Cuna de los Poetas," or "The Cradle of Poets," because of the numerous Spanish-language poets — such as Abelardo Diaz Alfaro — who were born there. 29/08/08 12:01 PM