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Halifax has an unusually high concentration of century homes, and if you are actively searching for a property here, you will almost certainly come across one within your budget. These homes span a wide range of conditions: some have been meticulously cared for over generations, others have had decades of maintenance deferred, and most fall somewhere between the two. Century homes are residential properties that are at least 100 years old. In Halifax, that means homes built with old-growth lumber, with plaster walls, hardwood floors, and trim work installed by tradespeople whose primary craft was shipbuilding. The materials…

If you’re purchasing a newly built home, building your own, or substantially renovating an existing one for the first time in Canada, the federal government has a rebate that could put up to $50,000 back in your pocket. Here’s everything you need to know about what the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate is and how to benefit from it. What It Is When a builder sells a newly built home, GST or HST is charged on the sale, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of an already expensive purchase. The first-time buyer…

Nova Scotia has offered a few programs over the years for first-time homebuyers to make homeownership more accessible across the province. If you have been watching the median price of homes in Nova Scotia rise, you know that means the minimum 5% down payment you would need to secure a mortgage has been increasing to match. Thankfully, there is a new path for first-time home buyers that might mean getting your foot in the door faster than you thought possible. According to the release on Nova Scotia’s government website on February 3rd, the province…

How to Identify an Energy-Efficient Home in Halifax If you’re searching for a more sustainable lifestyle or simply hoping to save on utility bills, finding an energy-efficient home is a smart place to start. But how do you identify an energy-efficient home in Halifax—especially in a market with a mix of new builds and century-old character homes? Here are five key features to look for that can help you spot a truly energy-efficient property: 1. Quality Insulation Proper insulation is one of the most important factors in a home’s energy performance. It helps regulate indoor temperatures,…

Eco-conscious homebuyers are willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient homes.

Selling a home equipped with solar panels in Halifax presents a unique opportunity to appeal to eco-conscious buyers and potentially increases market value. As a realtor and green home specialist in Halifax, I understand the nuances of this process and am here to guide you through it. The Impact of Solar Panels on Home Resale Value Homes with solar panels in Halifax often command higher prices and sell faster than those without. Studies have shown that houses with solar installations can sell for approximately 4% more than comparable homes without solar. Additionally, these homes tend to sell…

Solar panels are becoming more popular in Halifax, thanks to rising energy costs and increasing interest in sustainability. But if you’re planning to sell your home, you might be wondering: Should I install solar panels before putting my house on the market? Will they increase my home’s value?…

Forward thinking property owners are finding solar energy is increasing home values in Nova Scotia as buyers search for homes that have infrastructure that aligns with their personal values. Solar Homes in Nova Scotia are not a new idea, but It has only been a few years since they have become more mainstream. This delay has resulted in low inventory of homes with solar infrastructure in place. Basic economic theory dictates that as demand increases in a low supply community, values go up. The Rise of Solar Energy in Canadian Homes Canada’s vast geography offers…

Eco-friendly homes are more than just a trend—they’re the future of real estate. In Halifax, where energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming key selling points, making eco-conscious upgrades can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also increase your home's value.