Canadian Building Investment Falls Despite Public Incentives

Canadian building investment is falling despite a wave of public incentives aimed at boosting construction. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows building investment fell sharply in March. Now at a 5-month low, building investment pulled back as residential construction investment fell for a third straight month. Non-residential investment moved higher, but it wasn’t the usual sign […]

Canadian Building Permits Plunge, Fewer Homes Planned

Canadian builder intentions are slipping even as policymakers throw tens of billions in stimulus at construction. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows building permit values fell sharply in February, with only residential intentions posting a modest gain that still translated into fewer homes planned. Meanwhile, non-residential permits fell abruptly, pointing to weaker investment appetite beyond the […]

Canadian Housing Is Too Expensive To Buy, Not Profitable To Build: CIBC

Canadian real estate prices have come down, but this level still isn’t working for anyone. CIBC Economics wrote to investors this week, explaining prices have come down considerably, improving affordability. More affordable isn’t the same as affordable though, with demand nearly collapsing. The bank warns that housing starts have been misleading, reflecting past demand—not current. […]

Canadian Mortgages Backed By Inflated Home Values, Zero Equity

Canadians will soon answer an age-old question—if home values are inflated to facilitate mortgage leverage, will regulators actually do anything? Canadian lenders are increasingly using blanket appraisals, treating pre-construction contract prices as market value to maximize leverage and close new home purchases. The move shifts risk from developers to buyers—especially those who bought at peak, […]