Amidst an infusion of governmental cash flow, near-zero interest rates, and limited housing supply, Canada witnessed a remarkable surge in real estate prices during the pandemic. In contrast to late 2019, residential property values underwent exponential growth, escalating from a modest $700,000 to an exorbitant $1.2 million in February 2022 with the Greater Toronto Area experiencing the worst. The unprecedented nature of this surge has prompted a pressing inquiry: "Does Canada find itself ensnared in a housing bubble?"
Reflecting on historical economic shifts, during the inflationary periods of the 1970s and 1980s, Canadians sought refuge in the housing market to shield their assets from the erosive effects of inflation. The fallout from Canada's first housing collapse in the 1990s, precipitated by the government's drastic measures to curtail inflation by increasing rates to 13%, involved a protracted 13-year recovery period. When adjusted for inflation, this duration expands to a staggering 22 years.
The current real estate climate draws parallels to the housing crash of 1990, with an influx of cash facilitated by programs such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and emergency funds, coupled with historically low interest rates. Many individuals capitalised on the opportunity to acquire properties at minimal monthly expenses, overlooking the imminent prospect of interest rate hikes amid surging inflation. The Bank of Canada (BOC) has incrementally raised interest rates tenfold over the past year, elevating the benchmark rate from 0.25% to 5%, emphasising its readiness to implement further increases. In practical terms, a million-dollar residence, which incurred a monthly cost of approximately $2,800 during the lowest rate, now demands $5,000 monthly in the current market. As numerous pandemic-era homeowners approach mortgage renewals in the next 2-3 years, the spectre of escalating costs looms ominously.
Despite the parallels, certain distinctions set the current scenario apart from the 1990s. Notably, Canada is welcoming nearly 400,000 immigrants annually, a demographic influx not accompanied by a commensurate increase in housing construction. Fundamental economic principles dictate that when demand surges without a corresponding rise in supply, prices inevitably ascend. Coupled with limited supply and substantial immigration, the prospect of a regression to pre-pandemic price levels appears unlikely, especially considering the relatively low unemployment rates and a mitigating inflationary environment. Presently, the average house price hovers around $960,000, a figure that remains elusive for aspiring first-time homeowners. Despite the incremental interest rate adjustments, they appear insufficient to temper the robust housing market prevailing in Canada.
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