Rent or Buy? Average Monthly Rental Prices vs. Monthly Mortgage Payments in the GTA
Patti Cosgarea
other
As interest rates continue to rise this year, many are shifting their real estate goals from buying to renting. Although, according to the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Rent Report from TorontoRentals.com, average rent prices in the GTA are up 19% annually. On the other hand, average home sale prices have been coming down month-over-month in numerous cities in the GTA, leaving many wondering if now is the right time to buy or continue renting. We compared the most recent available data of June rental prices and average July home prices to determine which cities are worth buying or renting in. The average monthly mortgage payments were calculated assuming a 20% down payment, 30-year amortization, and a 5-year fixed interest rate of 4.49%
- Read: Where Can You Buy a Home on a Single-Income in Canada in 2022? [REPORT]
The Average Rent for All Property Types in the GTA is Up by 19%
The June 2022 rental report found that the average rent for all property types in the GTA increased by 19% year-over-year, for an average of $2,403 per month compared to $2,018 per month in June 2021 for all property types. June 2022 saw the second highest monthly rental price growth rate in over three and a half years of 3.1%, following May’s 5.7% month-over-month increase.
- Read: The Most Expensive and Affordable Homes Sold in July in the GTA
The cost per rental unit depends on a variety of factors including the type of property, location, and the number of bedrooms. For example, basement apartments are the most affordable rental property type at an average of $1,815, whereas renters of single-family homes can expect to pay an average of $3,389. The average rental price for all property types has grown in June 2022 compared to June 2021.
Sale Prices in Toronto and the GTA are Dipping Month-Over-Month
Toronto Regional Real Estate Board’s (TRREB) July report found that condo apartments are the most affordable property type for prospective home buyers in Toronto and the GTA. Condo apartments in Peel Region and York Region are the most affordable, with average prices of $616,876 and $687,843 respectively. In Toronto, the average price was $744,092.
- Read: 10 Canadian Regions with Below Average Home Prices and the Homes You Can Buy There
The demand for condo apartments has grown, and they are currently the second most in-demand property type in Toronto and the GTA, second only to detached homes. It seems more people are choosing to buy condo apartments compared to renting them, but how do the monthly mortgage payments compare to monthly average rental prices?
Average Rent of Condo Apartments in Toronto and the GTA Compared to Average Monthly Mortgage Payments
Mississauga and Oshawa stand out as the cities where buying is more affordable than renting. For Brampton and Toronto, the price difference is relatively small, and as rent prices are projected to continue increasing, purchasing in these cities may lead to long-term savings. On the other hand, in Oakville, the price to own is substantially higher than to rent which may be driven by the demand to buy condo apartments in the city.
With any home purchase, there are other costs associated including saving for a down payment and legal fees, but if you’re on the fence as to whether you should buy or rent, speak to a real estate agent to understand your options and download our free Buyer’s Guide to learn more.
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