10/19/2026
Canada Housing Starts Trend Down 1.3%
As someone who closely monitors market shifts, I’ve noticed Canada’s housing starts trending down 1.3%. The 6-month average dipped about 1% month-over-month in mid-Q3, settling around 244,000 annualized units. Meanwhile, the monthly pace held steady near 229,000—a sign that, while activity remains solid, we’re seeing subtle changes. In major Canadian centres, actual starts reached 17,700 in mid-Q3, down about 2% from last year, and year-to-date numbers show a 4% decrease at 149,500. Despite this, there’s still a significant pipeline, with homes under construction in cities over 50,000 people just barely lower (less than 1%) at 371,700. However, completions have softened more noticeably, down roughly 11% month-over-month to 17,600, even as approved permits not yet started ticked up slightly to 142,400. The outlook suggests starts are still elevated compared to recent years, but a continued gradual moderation is likely as we approach year-end. For buyers, sellers, and investors in Calgary, understanding these broader trends is key to making informed decisions. My goal is to help you navigate these shifts with tailored strategies and up-to-date insight.