A GTHBA survey of about 500 Toronto and suburban GTA residents reveals that the public does not want to live in the “higher density housing in compact neighbourhoods” that the provincial government is proposing in its growth management plan.The plans are out of step with the general public: 65 per cent of Toronto and suburban GTA residents polled in September said they would “definitely” or “very likely” move into a single-family home.

Fifty-five per cent of respondents also said: most new high-density, high-rise buildings should be located in downtown Toronto and not in the suburbs; 61 per cent said that higher-density housing is not appropriate for their neighbourhood or community.

According to GTHBA President Mark Parsons, the poll, conducted by Navigator Limited, also revealed that the top growth-related concern on the minds of the public is transportation gridlock. Seventy-four per cent of respondents said that expanding public transit and roads and highways were the best solutions to the gridlock challenge, while just 22 per cent said that limiting urban sprawl or encouraging more people to live in the city were the best solutions.

The overwhelming majority of respondents (81 per cent) believe that if the province restricts traditional suburban development, housing prices will rise. If that occurs, half of respondents said they would just stay put and not buy the kind of home the government prefers. More than one-quarter said they would move out of the GTA to get what they want.

“That means that new home sales would falter, growth would not be accommodated, and we’d see leapfrog development that would actually lead to more commuting and more traffic congestion,” Parsons said. “Denying consumer choice has serious ramifications for everybody.”

Parsons added that home builders understand and appreciate the provincial desire to curb urban sprawl, protect environmental and agricultural lands and maximize existing investment in infrastructure. “The home building industry shares the same concerns, but we are equally concerned with housing affordability and choice as well as continued economic growth and prosperity, and we’re looking for the province to strike that very careful balance.”

So, if you are thinking of selling and buying a homes this year, should you buy or sell first?  I've had many clients purchase before they sell.  I just want you to have all the information so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family.  You may read more about buying or selling first here

Read about what happened in real estate last month.

Read real estate market predicitons from a US perspective

I wish you much success, good health and happiness in 2005 and always! 

Mark