10/07/2026
Canada Needs More Homes to Sustain Affordability
As someone deeply invested in guiding clients through their home journeys, I’m keeping a close eye on the shifting landscape of Canada’s housing market. Recent data shows our affordability improvements are on shaky ground, especially as new home construction—particularly for ownership—slows down. Experts estimate we’ll need 417,000 to 469,000 housing starts each year until 2036 just to get affordability back to where it was before the pandemic. The supply gap remains stubbornly wide.
Right now, most of the new housing in major cities is coming from rentals, while ownership-focused builds have declined noticeably. Even though more rentals are helping to balance the market, true affordability—especially for those looking to buy—depends on boosting ownership construction. Slower population growth has offered some relief, but with construction lagging behind demand, we risk facing another shortage as soon as the market heats up again.
This is why my approach always centers on market knowledge and proactive planning. For buyers and sellers alike, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Ensuring we have enough ownership opportunities isn’t just a policy issue—it’s about making sure your homeownership dreams remain within reach, both today and tomorrow.
