Canada’s Federal Housing Plan Won’t Happen
The prominent economist warns the public not to get too excited since the plan won’t happen. “Dollars to doughnuts this won’t happen, and not for lack of good intentions,” he said. “Canadian completions are already running at the highest level since the 1970s, and will possibly push through that mark soon given there are 340k units (a record) under construction,” said Kavcic.
He shared three key reasons this strategy is nearly impossible:
- Canada’s building industry is running at capacity. Skilled labor and materials have already become scarce. He argues Canada can’t suddenly double output. If it were possible, it would come at significant inflation. Higher home prices isn’t the goal, is it?
- Plans to drastically change zonings are “easier said than done.” He warns political pushback would be present, which makes sense. A Federal Government isn’t elected to plan municipalities, and this would be an abuse of power.
- Demographic demand is forecast to peak over the next few years. Millennials are approaching their peak demand years, at which point demand slows. The second half of the plan, if possible, would be building homes for no one.
The number of new homes completed and the Canadian Federal Government’s Budget 2022 plans for housing completions.
Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Haver Analytics; BMO.
In another message BMO Porter compares Supply by showing the ration of homes per capita.
