The smart seller’s secret to reducing capital gains tax in Canada + MORE Jul 18th

Lawyer couple charged with fraud after more than $7M in homebuyer funds was stolen | CBC News  CBCToronto police arrest two lawyers in fraud, breach of trust investigation  CityNews Toronto2 Toronto lawyers charged with fraud in connection with real estate transactions  CP24Toronto lawyer, partner face dozens of fraud, breach-of-trust charges  Toronto SunToronto lawyer charged in real estate fraud scheme: police  CityNews Toronto

When exchange-traded funds (ETFs) started taking off in Canada more than a decade ago, much of their appeal lay in the way they provided instant, low-cost diversification. For the cost of a stock trade, you got exposure to hundreds or even thousands of stock and/or bond issues. 

But a new generation of ETFs proudly offers nothing of the sort. Like Canadian Depositary Receipts (CDRs), single-stock ETFs hold or at least derive their performance from just one underlying stock, often a major U.S. tech brand. In contrast to CDRs, though, this isn’t plain vanilla exposure. Many single-stock ETFs use options strategies, borrowing, or both to amplify income or deliver some form of enhanced return. These aren’t traditional buy-and-hold tools, and they come with real risks, some of which may only show up during volatile market environments.

You’ll want to do your homework before jumping in. These funds may look like familiar tickers wrapped in a convenient package, but their structure and strategy can lead to unpredictable results…

Two new surveys reveal the growing financial strain that Canadians face amid rising costs and stagnant wages. 

A report from Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) found that 70% of recent home buyers say they couldn’t have purchased their property without financial help. A separate survey by Harris & Partners, a licensed insolvency trustee firm, shows that many Canadians are struggling to afford routine expenses: nearly 60% of respondents said their income isn’t sufficient to cover essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities.

The new reality of home ownership: financial help and rising payments

MPC’s State of the Housing Market survey found that seven in 10 Canadians who purchased a home in the last two years say they couldn’t have done so without help with a down payment. Across all home buyers, that figure stands at 58%.

In most cases, the “help” comes from family. A 2024 report from CIBC shows that intergenerational wealth transfers are becoming the norm, with 31% of first-time buyers receiving a financial gift from their parents…

For many Canadians, selling a property can come with a surprise: the capital gains tax. Whether it’s a cottage, rental property, or former principal residence, understanding how capital gains are calculated and how a professional appraisal can significantly reduce your tax burden is crucial. 

As a professional appraiser, I’ve seen firsthand how accurate, certified valuations can help Canadians save thousands legally and confidently. Here, I’m breaking down why (and when) it’s a smart idea to get one.

How capital gains are calculated on Canadian real estate

Capital gains are the profit earned from the sale of a capital asset—like real estate—when the sale price exceeds the property’s adjusted cost base (ACB) plus any associated expenses (e.g., legal fees, commissions, renovations). In Canada, 50% of this gain is taxable, and you must report it on your personal income tax return.

Capital gains tax does not apply to the sale of your principal residence, as long as it was your principal residence for the entire time you owned it…