The Best Things to Buy as a Homeowner in 2025
By Clair Balkowski, CB REAL
Becoming a homeowner is one of those pinch-me milestones—equal parts exciting, overwhelming, and empowering. And once you’ve got the keys, the next question always hits fast:
“Okay… what do I actually need to buy to set up this home right?”
Let’s b-real: in 2025, smart homeowners aren’t just buying cute decor. They’re choosing tools, tech, and upgrades that save money, reduce stress, and make everyday living smoother. Whether you’re furnishing your first condo, settling into a freehold, or upgrading your long-time nest, here are the must-have purchases for homeowners this year.
CB REAL: The Best Things to Buy as a Homeowner in 2025 — With Links + Canadian Picks
Below is the full shopping list with direct product links + Canadian-made alternatives you can proudly highlight.
1. Smart Thermostat
Top Pick: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium (Made in Canada 🇨🇦)
🔗 https://www.ecobee.com/en-ca/smart-thermostats/premium/
Why? Toronto-born brand, incredible sensor accuracy, top for energy savings.
Alternative: Google Nest
🔗 https://store.google.com/ca/product/nest_learning_thermostat
2. HEPA Air Purifier
Top Pick: IQAir HealthPro Series
🔗 https://www.iqair.com/ca/air-purifiers
(Not Canadian-made, but highest-grade medical filtration.)
Canadian-Made Alternative: AllerAir AirMedic Series 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.allerair.com/collections/air-purifiers
Why? Made in Montreal, specializes in carbon filtration = amazing for Toronto pollution.
Condo-Friendly Non-Canadian Options:
-
Winix 5500-2 → https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01D8DAYBA
-
Honeywell HPA300 → https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BWYO53G
3. Essential Homeowner Toolkit
Canadian-Made Hammer: Garant Pro Series 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.garant.com/en/tools/striking-tools/hammers/
Canadian-Made Screwdrivers: Picquic Multi-Bit Set 🇨🇦
🔗 https://picquic.com/collections/all
Cordless Drill (best value): DeWalt 20V
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt-20v-max-lithium-ion-compact-drill-driver-kit/1000656035
4. Smart Locks + Home Security
Schlage Encode Plus WiFi Smart Lock
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/schlage-encode-plus-smart-wifi-deadbolt/1001705824
Canadian Alternative Component: Weiser (Canadian roots 🇨🇦)
🔗 https://www.weiserlock.com/en/product-catalog/electronic-locks
5. Water Leak Sensors
Top Pick: YoLink Smart Home Water Leak Sensor
🔗 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08FJHY8MZ
Budget Pick: Zircon Leak Alert
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/zircon-leak-alert-water-detector/1001007052
(No fully Canadian-made model, but these are the most reliable.)
6. High-Quality Mattress & Bedding
Canadian-Made Mattress: Haven Sleep (Kelowna, BC) 🇨🇦
Canadian-Made Organic Latex Mattress: Nature’s Embrace 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.naturesembrace.ca/
Canadian Bedding: QE Home (duvets, sheets) 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.qehomelinens.com/
7. A Solid Vacuum
Best Overall: Dyson V12
🔗 https://www.dysoncanada.ca/products/vacuums/dyson-v12
(Not Canadian-made but top performance for urban dust + pet homes.)
Canadian-Made Alternative: Johnny Vac 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.johnnyvac.com/en/vacuums
Best German Option (long-lasting): Miele C3
🔗 https://www.miele.ca/en/c/vacuum-cleaners-1772.htm
8. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
Canadian-Made Swedish Dishcloths: Ten & Co. 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.tenandco.com/collections/swedish-dishcloths
Reusable Microfibre Mop (Canada): Nellie’s WOW Mop 🇨🇦
🔗 https://nelliesclean.com/collections/nellies-wow-mop
Cleaning Concentrates: Tru Earth 🇨🇦
🔗 https://ca.tru.earth/collections/household-cleaning-tabs
9. Surge Protectors & Power Upgrades
Top Pick: Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector
🔗 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000J2EN4S
Smart Plug (Canada-ready): Kasa Smart Plug
🔗 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07B8W2KHZ
USB-C Wall Outlet Upgrade: Leviton USB-C Outlet
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/leviton-tamper-resistant-usb-charger-duplex-receptacle/1001217884
(No Canadian-made models, but these are the most reliable and certified for Ontario.)
10. Fire Safety Essentials
Fire Extinguisher: First Alert
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/first-alert-home-1-a-10-b-c-fire-extinguisher/1000129539
Canadian-Made Smoke/CO Detector: CSA-Certified Kidde (manufacturing in Canada 🇨🇦)
🔗 https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/ca/products/smoke-alarms/
Escape Ladder (for multi-storey homes): Kidde Two-Story
🔗 https://www.homedepot.ca/product/kidde-fire-escape-ladder-2-storey/1000109930
BONUS: CB REAL Canadian-Made Favourites
Bidet Attachment: TUSHY
🔗 https://hellotushy.com/en-ca
Induction Burner: Duxtop
🔗 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0045QEPYM
Canadian Storage Bins: Home Hardware 🇨🇦
🔗 https://www.homehardware.ca/en/storage
Cordless Yard Tools: Greenworks
Stepping into homeownership in 2025 is more than a milestone — it’s a transformation. Every upgrade you choose, every smart tool you bring into your space, and every Canadian-made item you support helps build a home that’s safer, healthier, and truly your own. These essentials aren’t just products… they’re investments in peace of mind, daily comfort, and long-term value. And if you ever need guidance — whether it’s choosing the right purifier, organizing your space, or planning your next move — I’m here to help you b-real about your future and create a home that supports your life.
