Selling a Home in a Balanced Market

Selling a Home in a Balanced Market: What Halifax Homeowners Need to Know

The Halifax real estate market is entering a phase we haven’t experienced in nearly six years. The chaos of COVID-19 brought an influx of buyers from across Canada and around the world, quickly absorbing housing supply and causing home prices to skyrocket—nearly doubling in record time.

Today, things are starting to normalize. We're returning to a healthier, more balanced housing environment in Halifax, Nova Scotia—one that benefits both buyers and sellers. But in a balanced real estate market, the strategy for selling your home needs to change.

Halifax Housing Inventory Is on the Rise

As of now, inventory is at its highest level since 2019. This shift means buyers…

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Historic South End Beauty – Updated Family Home in Prime Halifax Location

Charming 1920s Character Home in South End Halifax

Welcome to a beautiful character home in Halifax’s desirable South End, ideally located within walking distance of hospitals, universities, schools, and downtown. Originally built in 1920 by Kenneth H. Smith, Chief Engineer of the Nova Scotia Water Power Commission, this residence blends historic charm with thoughtful modern updates.

The striking curb appeal is enhanced by its classic 1920s architecture, inviting entryway, and original staircase framed by a stunning window that fills the space with natural light. Inside, the home offers nearly 3,000 square feet of living space across three levels, plus additional storage in the attic.

Main Level: Warmth, Space & Function

The…

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Renovated Condo with Water Views & Flexible Living – 5899 Gainsborough Place, Halifax

Living at 5899 Gainsborough Place – North End Views, City Vibes, and Room to Breathe

Imagine waking up to the morning light streaming in from the Bedford Basin. You step onto your private balcony with a cup of coffee in hand, greeted by a view that reminds you — you’re home. At 5899 Gainsborough Place, everyday moments feel just a little more elevated, whether you’re watching the harbour come to life or winding down your day in the twilight.

This is more than just a condo. It’s a lifestyle defined by simplicity, flexibility, and connection — both within your home and within the community around you.

Inside, the open-concept main level sets the stage for relaxed living and excellent entertaining. Whether you’re cooking for two or…

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Charming Semi with Space, Style & Serenity – 17 Hubleys Drive, Halifax

Modern Comfort in a Family Community — 17 Hubleys Drive, Halifax

Welcome to 17 Hubleys Drive, a beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated semi-detached home on a peaceful cul-de-sac in one of Halifax’s most family-oriented neighbourhoods. Built in 2010, this home offers over 2,400 sq ft of living space across three fully finished levels and sits on a 5,300 sq ft lot with a landscaped backyard and charming white picket fence.

Main Floor Living with Style

The main floor welcomes you with warm hardwood flooring, a freshly painted powder room, and a bright open layout. The renovated kitchen features white cabinetry, ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances, and opens up to a sunny dining area perfect for daily meals or entertaining…

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28 Royal Masts Way, Bedford — Family Comfort Meets Community Charm

Welcome Home to 28 Royal Masts Way, Bedford

Step into a place that feels like home from the moment you arrive. Perfectly nestled in one of Bedford’s most beloved family neighbourhoods, 28 Royal Masts Way offers more than just space — it offers heart.

Charm and Warmth on the Main Floor

From the vaulted entry to the sun-drenched living room with bay window and propane fireplace, every detail is designed for real life. The updated powder room adds a touch of modern style, while the kitchen — with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances — connects effortlessly to the dining room and cozy breakfast nook.

Backyard Escape Surrounded by Trees

Step through the sliding patio doors and onto your private deck — the perfect…

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A Private Luxury Escape in Fall River | 51 Ringling Court

Luxury Lakeside Living at 51 Ringling Court

Welcome to 51 Ringling Court, a rare offering tucked away in the serene heart of Fall River — one of Nova Scotia’s most coveted luxury communities. Set on over 4 acres of peaceful, forested land, this home offers more than space — it offers a lifestyle. From the moment you arrive, it becomes clear: this is where tranquility and refinement meet.

A Setting That Steals Your Heart

Imagine coming home to a long private driveway lined with mature trees, the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves greeting you each day. The property is a sanctuary — with lake views, lush landscaping, and nature in every direction, creating a sense of calm that city living can’t match.

Fall River: Nova…

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Why Taxing People More Will Not Fix the Housing Crisis

Why Taxing People More Will Not Fix the Housing Crisis

Written by Chris Perkins. Exploring non-resident deed transfer tax and the housing crisis. 

I was recently approached by Krista Gallagher, Halifax-Chebucto MLA with the Nova Scotia NDP. She asked me about my views on the non-resident deed transfer tax, and I discovered it is something I’m quite passionate about. What was going to be a pointed email turned into a piece focused on the bigger issue the tax is supposed to alleviate: A housing crisis driven by a lack of supply. 

The non-resident deed transfer tax is currently 5% of a home's purchase price and applies to buyers who are not residents of Nova Scotia and do not intend to become residents within six months of purchase. The government…

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U.S. Tariffs & Canadian Cities: How Halifax’s Real Estate Market Stands Strong

U.S. Tariffs & Canadian Cities: How Halifax’s Real Estate Market Stands Strong​

As we navigate the evolving landscape of international trade, it's important to assess how recent U.S. tariff announcements may impact our local economy and the real estate market. The Canadian Chamber's Business Data Lab (BDL) has provided valuable insights into which Canadian cities are most vulnerable to these tariffs, offering a clearer picture of potential challenges and opportunities: ​businessdatalab.ca

Understanding the Tariff Exposure Index

The BDL developed a U.S. Tariff Exposure Index to evaluate the susceptibility of various Canadian cities to the newly imposed U.S. tariffs. This index considers two primary factors:​

1. Export Intensity: The…

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Reconnecting the City: The Vision Behind Richmond Yards

Reconnecting the City: The Vision Behind Richmond Yards

In the heart of the city, Richmond Yards is transforming an underutilized space into a vibrant, connected, and livable community. This ambitious redevelopment is about more than just buildings—it’s about stitching together neighborhoods, improving mobility, and creating welcoming public spaces that enhance urban life.

Breaking Down Barriers, Building Connections

One of the core ideas behind Richmond Yards was to restore connections across the site. Historically, this area was a fragmented superblock, limiting movement and accessibility. By introducing new pedestrian pathways, plazas, and mixed-use spaces, we’ve reimagined the site as an integral part of the city’s fabric.

Once fully…

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Nova Scotia Non-Resident Deed Transfer Tax Increases to 10%

Nova Scotia Non-Resident Deed Transfer Tax Increases to 10%

The government of Nova Scotia has announced changes to the province's deed transfer tax for non-residents—including those from other parts of Canada. Currently, if you purchase a home in Nova Scotia and do not intend to become a resident within six months of the closing date, you are subject to an additional deed transfer tax of 5% on top of the base rate of 1.5% that residents pay, for a total of 6.5%.

Effective April 1st (no joke), the government will increase the non-resident rate to 10% (plus the base 1.5%), resulting in a total tax rate of 11.5%. I am very disappointed by this change, which is likely a response to the recently announced operating budget deficit and a measure to help…

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