The Crazy Housing Market Is So Confusing – Can't Afford Detached or Townhouse, and Condo Fees Are Too High!

Hey everyone,

I’m really struggling to understand this whole housing market situation. I feel like no matter what I do, it’s almost impossible to get into the market without breaking the bank. Here’s where I’m at:

Detached house or townhouse? Forget it. Prices are so high, I can’t even think about affording something decent without taking on an insane amount of debt. Condo? I can afford a condo, but the issue is the condo fees. I’ve looked at places, and the monthly fees range from $500 to $1000, which is a massive extra cost on top of the mortgage. It’s like I’m being pushed almost out of the condo market as well. I don’t understand how people are affording this. It’s so frustrating because even the “affordable” options seem out of reach once you factor in the extra costs. What’s going on? Is this normal or am I missing something? Anyone else in the same boat?

Updates: Location: Just outside of the GTHA I'm handy and could handle a lot of the work of home ownership myself with many tradie friends who can carry the weight for considerably less cost as well, but I am priced out of that kind of property