Naru Menon’s Blog
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Bubble May Resume If BoC Cuts Too Fast
BMO warns rapid BoC rate cuts could reverse recent housing stabilization, reigniting market exuberance. Real interest rates are already near zero; negative rates make borrowing effectively cheaper, fueling speculation. Canada’s housing market is highly sensitive to rate changes, with cheap credit driving decades of price growth. Policymakers should balance easing with housing stability, avoiding rate…
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Federal government invests in new rental housing units in Burnaby
The federal government is investing over $763 million through the Apartment Construction Loan Program to build nearly 1,300 rental units in Burnaby's Brentwood Block, a 7.9-acre master-planned community. The project includes two buildings with rental homes, commercial space, a community centre, public plazas, and 451 condominiums. Additional funding comes from Grosvenor and the City of…
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How Bill 25 Is Transforming BC Housing Rules
Slide 1: Bill 25 aims to boost small-scale homes like triplexes, rowhouses, and townhomes across B.C. Slide 2: It’ll make zoning rules fairer, so more communities can build beyond single-family and duplex-only restrictions. Slide 3: The Province plans to cut red tape, fixing limits on parking, lot size, and building types blocking new homes. Slide…
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B.C. में घर खरीदारों के लिए विकल्प बढ़े
B.C. का आवासीय बाज़ार मामूली बिक्री वृद्धि के बावजूद कमजोर बना हुआ है, जहाँ बिक्री महामारी-पूर्व रुझानों से 20% कम है और आर्थिक कमजोरी, प्रवास सीमाओं व अधिक आपूर्ति के कारण कीमतों में गिरावट देखी जा रही है। औसत घर की कीमत 0.4% घटकर $955,900 रह गई है, जिसमें लोअर मेनलैंड और साउथ ओकानागन में…
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Canada Housing Rebound Cautiously Begins 2026
Slide 1 📊 Canada’s housing market enters measured adjustment, with regional supply, interest rates, and economy influencing trends. Slide 2 🏘️ 2025 expected to end with 467,000 home resales, below pre-pandemic averages. Slide 3 📈 RBC predicts a rebound to roughly 504,000 transactions in 2026. Slide 4 💰 Prices may rise 0.7% nationally. Slide 5…
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B.C. introduces long-awaited prompt payment legislation
British Columbia's new prompt payment legislation aims to secure timely payments in the construction industry, reducing disputes and financial hardships, especially for small and medium contractors. It sets clear payment timelines, introduces a fast-track adjudication process, and applies to both private and public projects. The law, inspired by models in Ontario and Alberta, will support…
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New legislation to ensure prompt payment in B.C.’s construction industry
British Columbia is introducing prompt-payment legislation for the construction sector to ensure contractors, subcontractors, and workers are paid fairly and on time. The law sets clear payment timelines, establishes a fast-track dispute resolution process, and aims to improve cash flow and stability. It applies to both private and public projects, supporting smoother project progress and…
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Falling Lumber Prices and Canada’s Housing Outlook
US lumber prices have ↓ ~25% since early August, raising concerns for Canada’s housing market. Falling lumber prices often signal slowing construction demand or excess supply in the housing sector. Canadian mills face oversupply, especially in Western Canada, causing low prices and reduced profits. Lower lumber costs may ease construction prices, but high duties and…
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Could Rate Cuts Spark Hope for North American Housing?
North America's housing market faces a crossroads: rate cuts soften pressure, but affordability struggles remain widespread. Despite lower borrowing costs, U.S. home prices surged 50% since 2020, far outpacing income growth. Homebuilders and lenders gain momentum as slightly cheaper loans breathe life into construction and refinancing. The “golden handcuff effect” keeps many owners locked in…
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BC Housing Starts Remain Largely Flat in 2025
Single-Detached Housing Starts in Jan–Aug: 2,631 units, ↓ 10% yearly All Others Housing Starts in Jan–Aug: 26,056 units, ↑ 1% yearly Total Housing Starts in Jan–Aug: 28,687 units, no change yearly Canada Total Housing Starts in Aug: 3,806 units, ↓ 10% yearly Canada Total Housing Starts in Jan–Aug: 156,283 units, ↑ 4% yearly