09/17/2026
Canada: Rate Cuts Can Worsen Affordability
A recent study from Canada’s central bank sheds light on a common misconception: cutting interest rates doesn’t immediately make housing more affordable. In fact, when borrowing gets cheaper, housing demand rises quickly—resales often jump within months, with the full effect showing up 18 to 24 months later. But the real kicker? New home construction takes even longer to respond, often ramping up only after a two-year lag. When strong job markets and easier lending make buyers feel more confident, demand surges even more. Yet builders face planning hurdles and need time, especially for multi-unit projects, before new supply comes online. As someone who sees firsthand how policy shifts ripple through local markets, I know that while rate cuts eventually encourage more building, supply always lags behind demand. That’s why experts say monetary policy alone can’t solve our affordability challenges. True solutions require a holistic approach—one that keeps people, communities, and future growth at the center.