Rising operating costs and shifting rental conditions are forcing many property owners to ask an
important question: Should I buy more, hold onto what I have, or sell? The answer isn’t the same
for everyone—but with the right insight, you can make the decision that best protects and grows
your wealth.
The Current Halifax Reality
Rents Under Pressure: CMHC reports that advertised two-bedroom rents in Halifax have declined 4.2% between Jan. 2024 and Jan. 2025.
- More Competition: Increased rental supply and fewer international students are softening demand.
- Incentives Rising: Developers and landlords are offering perks like free rent or moving allowances to attract tenants.
- Labor Market Headwinds: While Halifax’s job market is stronger than some major Canadian cities, youth unemployment remains above its five-year average, making it harder for new renters to step in.
What This Means for Current Owners
- Margins are tightening as operating costs climb and rents soften.
- Holding may still make sense if your property is in a high-demand area or has long-term tenants.
- Selling could unlock equity to reduce risk—or to reinvest strategically in properties with stronger fundamentals.
What This Means for First-Time Investors
- Softer rents and motivated sellers may present opportunities to enter the market at more attractive price points.
- Careful budgeting for expenses and conservative rent assumptions are key.
- With the right property, you can use this period of transition to position yourself for long-term growth.
Our Role: Helping You Decide Your Best Move
No two investors are the same. Whether you’re:
- Re-evaluating your portfolio,
- Considering expansion, or
- Exploring your first income property,
we’ll provide the data, market insight, and strategy to help you decide whether buying, holding, or selling is the right move for you.
The Bottom Line
The Halifax rental market is shifting. This is the moment to make informed, strategic decisions—not guesswork. We are rental property owners and annually review where we are and if the plan is changing, what can we do to increase value. Let’s sit down, review your portfolio or goals, and create a plan tailored to today’s market realities.
