A concerning trend is emerging in Canada’s luxury real estate market as high-net-worth homeowners increasingly look to leave the country, according to Michael Phinney, President and CEO of Phinney Real Estate, one of Royal LePage’s top five teams in Canada.
“This year, I’ve heard more than before, there’s a lot of people that are kind of moving out of Canada because of the tax situation,” Phinney says, highlighting a shift in sentiment among luxury property owners. “Some people aren’t as optimistic of living here as they used to be.”
This observation from Phinney, whose firm handles properties ranging from starter homes to $20+ million luxury estates, suggests a potentially significant shift in Canada’s high-end real estate market.
The exodus is creating ripple effects throughout the luxury segment. “A lot of eyes on our higher end listings, but until some of these properties are selling in that next move-up class, it’s a slower segment of the market,” Phinney notes.
This slowdown in the luxury segment is particularly notable given Phinney’s extensive experience in this market. His firm, established by his mother Loretta 42 years ago, has consistently ranked as the top performer in Mississauga for over 27 years.
The impact of this trend reaches far beyond the luxury housing segment. As wealthy homeowners look to move their investments elsewhere, the ripple effects could trigger significant shifts across the broader real estate market.
One immediate concern is reduced demand in the luxury sector, which traditionally sets the pace for pricing and desirability in surrounding neighborhoods. This decline could also place downward pressure on high-end property values, creating uncertainty for both sellers and investors. In addition, with fewer luxury owners transitioning into larger or upgraded homes, the market may see a shortage of move-up buyers, further slowing activity across multiple price tiers.
The situation requires a different approach to marketing and selling luxury properties. “We’ve been fortunate to be backed with good financial means to be able to push our marketing and do the things that we need to do to keep promoting our clients’ listings,” Phinney explains, noting that maintaining consistent marketing efforts becomes crucial during market transitions.
While the current situation presents challenges, Phinney sees potential for market adjustment. “I wouldn’t be surprised if at the end of July there’s going to be another rate cut which would be good for the real estate market in general,” he suggests.
However, unless there are changes to address the underlying tax concerns, the trend of wealthy homeowners seeking alternatives outside Canada may continue, potentially reshaping the luxury real estate landscape in major Canadian markets.
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