09/16/2026
Canada: Rate Cuts Can Worsen Affordability
As someone who’s watched the Greater Toronto Area’s real estate market evolve, I find it important to look beyond the headlines about interest rate cuts. Recent research from Canada’s central bank highlights a key reality: while lower rates can quickly spark a surge in homebuying, the supply of new homes takes much longer to catch up—often lagging by up to two years. This means that cheaper borrowing alone doesn’t solve our affordability challenges. When the job market is strong, buyers feel even more confident, which can drive competition and prices up even faster. Builders, meanwhile, move more slowly because planning, permits, and project viability—especially for larger developments—take time to come together. The bottom line? Monetary policy can eventually help increase supply, but it isn’t a quick fix for affordability. For those navigating the GTA market, understanding these dynamics is crucial to making informed decisions.