The Canadian Real Estate Investor

The complexities of renting versus buying in Canada's current housing market, offering insights from both perspectives as a homeowner and strategic renter. We break down the financial implications, personal considerations, and market conditions that influence this important decision • The true cost of homeownership extends far beyond the mortgage payment, including maintenance, taxes, and opportunity costs • Higher homeownership rates don't necessarily indicate greater wealth - Switzerland's example shows renting can be part of a successful wealth-building strategy • The decision between renting and buying should align with personal goals, financial situation, and long-term plans rather than societal pressure GET M DDLE SCHOOL EVENT TICKETS  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. is possibly implementing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, with Canada announcing retaliatory measures including a $155B tariff package. This could lead to decreased exports, a weaker Canadian dollar, and higher import costs. Different regions face varying risks - Ontario's automotive sector, Alberta's energy industry, Quebec's aerospace sector, and BC's forestry industry are particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts. While the broader economy faces challenges, construction costs in Canada could decrease as materials originally meant for U.S. export get redirected to local markets at discounted prices, though this may be partially offset by Canadian retaliatory tariffs on U.S. building materials. GET M DDLE SCHOOL EVENT TICKETS  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with BMO's Senior Economist and Director of Economics, Rob Kavcic, to ask some tough questions: How does Canada's current housing market compare to previous corrections, and what's your outlook? How will the recent 25bps Bank of Canada rate cut impact real estate and the broader economy? Are rents decreasing currently? What's driving this? Given the price and rate changes, are we approaching the optimal buying opportunity? GET M DDLE SCHOOL EVENT TICKETS  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The "missing middle" housing represents a crucial opportunity in Canadian real estate, focusing on medium-density housing like duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard buildings that fill the gap between single-family homes and high-rise condos⁠⁠. The best opportunities lie in residential properties on major arterial roads in cities, where investors face less competition from first-time homebuyers⁠. This development approach requires a comprehensive team, including legal, financial, and construction professionals, along with significant experience and capital⁠ Cities across Canada are changing zoning laws to accommodate missing middle housing, with Toronto specifically upzoning main roads to allow 6-10 units without site plan and up to 30 units with site plan⁠ The target market includes young professionals, younger families, and multigenerational households seeking alternatives to expensive single-family homes and small condos⁠ Success requires a strong project team, including expertise in multifamily underwriting, CMHC MLI select program understanding, and experience in construction and property management GET M DDLE SCHOOL EVENT TICKETS  Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl Mortgage    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian real estate market enters 2025 facing key challenges: fluctuating rates, new laws, and economic shifts. As questions arise about recovery versus volatility, we'll explore market trends and opportunities through nationwide perspectives. The real estate market is experiencing tight inventory levels and improving prices, signaling a potential stabilization. CREA anticipates an 8.6% increase in residential property sales, fueled by anticipated interest rate stabilization and improved affordability. A notable uptick in market activity is expected, as real estate professionals and investors prepare for potential shifts in buying and selling dynamics. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this exciting episode, we take you behind the scenes of our visit to the CMHC headquarters in Ottawa, where we sit down with Chief Economist Mathieu Laberge for an in-depth conversation about Canada's housing market. From analyzing nationwide rent trends to discussing housing starts and the complex dynamics of supply and demand, this interview offers invaluable insights into the current state of Canadian housing. Join us as we explore the latest data, reports, and expert analysis from one of Canada's most important housing institutions. Whether you're a real estate professional, investor, or simply interested in understanding the housing market better, this episode provides essential context and expert perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in Canadian real estate. Featured Guest: Mathieu Laberge - Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President, Housing Insights at CMHC Key Topics: National rent trends Housing starts and supply metrics Affordability challenges Supply and demand dynamics Latest CMHC research and findings Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset Management Buy & sell real estate with Ai at Valery.ca  Get a mortgage pre-approval with Owl MortgageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Canadian real estate market is facing significant transitions in 2025, with the Bank of Canada's policy rate at 3.25% and 60% of homeowners facing mortgage renewals over the next two years⁠. National Bank forecasts potential rate cuts followed by hikes in 2026⁠1⁠, while strong December job numbers cast doubt on anticipated rate cuts⁠1⁠. Capital gains tax changes are creating uncertainty, with the CRA moving forward with a 67% inclusion rate despite pending parliamentary approval⁠1⁠. Demographic shifts show seniors are now more likely to have mortgages than young adults, with 49% of mortgage debt held by those aged 45-64⁠ Variable-rate mortgages are expected to make a comeback in 2025 as interest rates trend downward⁠, though economic indicators and potential U.S. tariffs could impact the market Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset ManagementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We examine whether foreign buyers significantly impact housing affordability and discuss the effectiveness of government measures like the foreign ownership ban. With insights into the top countries investing in Canadian real estate and a look at the opportunities Canadians pursue abroad. Impact Analysis: Evaluate how foreign investment influences housing prices and availability in Canada. Regulatory Measures: Discuss the effectiveness and loopholes of the Canadian foreign ownership ban. Global Investment Trends: Highlight the top foreign countries investing in Canada and the destinations where Canadians are investing abroad. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset ManagementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as Prime Minister amid a housing affordability crisis, following his father's historic "walk in the snow" forty years ago. As housing costs and mortgage rates squeeze Canadian homeowners and renters alike, the Liberal Party faces record-low polling numbers. Potential successors Freeland, Carney, and Fraser must now address the party's troubled housing legacy and propose solutions to Canada's real estate challenges. Mark Carney's background in financial markets and monetary policy positions him as a strong contender to address Canada's housing market instability and mortgage affordability crisis The Trudeau government's housing initiatives, including the Home Buyers' Bill of Rights and attempts to curb foreign investment, largely failed to contain soaring real estate prices and rental costs As housing remains a top election issue, opposition parties are gaining ground with alternative housing platforms, promising to boost supply and address affordability through various policy measures Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset ManagementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's rental market in 2024 saw record new construction and higher vacancy rates (2.2%), though still below historical averages. New tenants faced 23.5% rent increases, while overall two-bedroom rents rose 5.4%. Despite more availability, affordability remained challenging as new construction focused on luxury units. Calgary led rent increases, while Toronto saw slower growth due to rent control and increased supply Calgary and Edmonton saw significant construction but longer vacancy periods Rent affordability remained a challenge, particularly in Ontario where payment delinquencies increased Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) | BMO Global Asset ManagementSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.