Canada Needs 417K New Homes Annually to Restore Housing Affordability

How many new homes does Canada need to build each year to improve housing affordability? According to the federal housing agency, Canada requires between 417,000 to 469,000 new homes annually through 2036 to address the affordability crisis in both ownership and rental markets. Currently, Canada is on track to construct approximately 231,000 homes each year, resulting in a significant gap of around 2.4 million homes over the next decade. Although slower population growth has temporarily eased affordability concerns, construction has not kept pace with demand, increasing the risk of an underbuild in a softer market. In the first seven months of this year, builders recorded about 132,000 housing starts, reflecting a 4% annual decline and indicating a weakening momentum in national construction. The slowdown has been most pronounced in homeownership projects, while rental support has been bolstered by financing programs and zoning reforms.

As the housing market faces challenges in balancing supply and demand, understanding these trends is crucial for buyers, builders, and policymakers alike.

For expert insights on the Alberta real estate market, connect with Lesli Hilton, REALTOR® at Brokered by eXp Realty.