OnePoint REALTORS® Advocate for Housing Affordability Ahead of the Ontario Election

As Ontario approaches the provincial election on February 27th, the OnePoint advocacy team and Government Relations Committee, is working tirelessly to ensure that housing affordability remains a top priority for all candidates.

REALTORS® see firsthand how excessive regulation, skyrocketing taxes, and high development charges make it increasingly difficult for Ontarians to find a place to call home.

That’s why OnePoint Association of REALTORS® is taking action, creating opportunities for your voice to be heard.

Our Advocacy in Action

OnePoint is engaging candidates across the region in multiple ways:

• Hosting events that connect REALTORS® with candidates

• Partnering with local Chambers of Commerce for broader outreach

• Conducting direct meetings and communications with candidates

• Amplifying our message on social media to ensure housing remains a top election issue

Election Issues REALTORS® Are Tackling Head-On

As part of this effort, we are pressing candidates on three key housing concerns:

1 • HOUSING TAXES

Research shows that government taxes and fees make up 36%—over $360,000 on average—of the final purchase price of a new home in Ontario. Land transfer taxes, sales taxes, and development charges add up quickly, pushing homeownership further out of reach.

We're asking candidates: If elected, what will you do to lower the tax burden on Ontario home buyers and improve affordability?

2 • DEVELOPMENT CHARGES

Municipalities across Ontario continue to increase development charges, with some exceeding $100,000 per unit. These costs are directly passed on to buyers, making new homes even more expensive. Other provinces have kept these fees significantly lower—Ontario needs to follow suit.

We're asking candidates: If elected, how will you ensure development charges remain reasonable and do not price buyers out of the market?

3 • BUILDING THE MISSING MIDDLE

In rural and smaller communities across Ontario, the housing crisis is intensifying. “Missing middle” housing—such as duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes—is scarce due to restrictive zoning laws, high servicing costs, and developer preferences for large single-family homes.

We're asking candidates: How will you ensure provincial policies support smaller communities in building a wider range of affordable housing options?

The upcoming Ontario election presents a critical opportunity to advocate for policies that will make housing more accessible and affordable for all Ontarians.

By staying informed, asking the right questions, and engaging with candidates, REALTORS® and community members can help drive meaningful change. OnePoint is committed to ensuring that housing remains a top priority, is advocating for solutions that benefit homebuyers and communities across the province. Let’s work together to make homeownership a reality for more Ontarians.