Canada has only seen higher interest rates for a month, and a mini-bailout is already in action. The Government of Canada (GoC) delivered its 2022 Budget with a heavy focus on housing. There is a whack of new policies, but what stood out is the number of demand inducement schemes. Some of Canada’s top economists […]
Canadian households continue to see their wealth soar — as long as they aren’t young. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) released data on household wealth for Q4 2021, this week. In general, households continue to see their net worth soar, with real estate playing a big part. Canadian households under 35 years old were a notable […]
Canadian real estate is entering one of its most precarious phases in history. Households will navigate it without the help of the national housing agency, though. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has halted its Housing Market Assessment (HMA) report. The regular report provided the public with insights on housing market imbalances. The cancellation […]
Canadian real estate’s epic run is starting to lose steam, according to one of the country’s Big Six banks. BMO wrote to clients to weigh in on the choppy data two major markets reported this week. National numbers won’t be available for a couple more weeks, but there are early signs of price discovery. Higher […]
Vancouver real estate just had a little froth shaved off last month. Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) data shows home prices jumped in March. Diving deeper, the benchmark climbed but median sale prices fell in the City. Mixed price indicators came as the hot market also showed signs of weakness. While inventory is […]
Strap in because Toronto real estate will be on an even wilder than normal ride the next few months. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) data shows home prices jumped in March. Other price indicators fell, with the board noting prices “bucked” the seasonal trend. Home sales dropped at 3x the rate of new inventory, […]
Most Canadian businesses now expect significantly higher than usual inflation. The Bank of Canada (BoC) Business Outlook Survey for Q1 2022 was released today. One of the key insights is business inflation expectations, which show future sentiment. The survey found a record share of businesses see elevated inflation for at least two more years. […]
Canadian building intentions surged higher as the economy became more dependent on construction. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows building permits surged higher in February. The optimistic rise for the industry is still mostly for the construction of new housing. However, a big (but temporary) boost resulted from rising government spending as well. Canadian Building […]
Canada’s largest bank is accelerating its forecast for higher interest rates. RBC sees the Bank of Canada (BoC) doubling the overnight rate at the April meeting. The bank is also accelerating its forecast, seeing a sharp and fast tightening cycle. By year end, they expect the overnight rate to hit the highest level in over […]
Ontario’s non-resident speculation tax (NRST) is expanding in size and location. The NRST was a 15% tax on the purchase of residential real estate in the Golden Horseshoe (Greater Toronto). As of March 30, 2022, it’s now 20% and applies to the whole province. Low revenues might have some believing it hasn’t been very effective, […]