Market update: why condo fees are rising across Ontario

Condominium maintenance fees have been climbing across Ontario for reasons largely outside any single board's control. Building insurance premiums have risen sharply, utility and labour costs are up, and reserve fund study requirements mean corporations must plan for real replacement costs rather than deferring them.

Older buildings face concentrated pressure when major components - garages, windows, elevators, roofing membranes - reach end of life at similar times. Newer buildings can also see steep early increases once the developer's initial budget is replaced by actual operating figures.

For buyers, the fee itself matters less than what it covers and whether the reserve fund is adequately funded. Read the status certificate and the reserve fund study before deciding a fee is high or low.