What does 2024 have in store for the Canadian economy?

It’s been a long time since economic data in Canada showed very much promise. The last 18 months have been defined by a cost of living crisis and a slowing economy. But a handful of economic indicators give us some hope for 2024. Inflation has slowed dramatically, and the economy didn’t actually slip into recession. … Read more

Renters tighten purse strings as prices in Alberta grow at fastest pace in 40 years

Nikkie Miranda feels stuck and frustrated, weighing what she’ll have to sacrifice when her rent increases again this winter. Three years ago, when she moved into a two-storey, three-bedroom semi-detached home in southwest Edmonton, Miranda paid $1,650 per month in rent. Her rent later increased to $1,800 and will go up again to $1,950 when … Read more

Canada’s inflation rate holds steady at 3.1%

Canada’s annual inflation rate held steady at 3.1 per cent in November, matching the previous month’s rate, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday. Economists were expecting the rate to fall below the three per cent threshold, putting the economy closer to the Bank of Canada’s two per cent inflation goal. Mortgage interest costs and the high cost … Read more

Annual pace of housing starts in Canada down 22% in November, says CMHC

The pace of housing starts in Canada fell by 22 per cent in November, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. said Friday. The agency says the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts in November came in at 212,624 units, down from 272,264 in October. A housing start is defined as the beginning of construction work … Read more

Canadian debt-to-income ratio narrowed slightly in third quarter, says StatsCan

A report from Statistics Canada says that the ratio of Canadian household debt to income narrowed in the third quarter. The agency says household credit market debt as a proportion of household disposable income in the third quarter fell to 181.6 per cent, on a seasonally adjusted basis, down from 181.9 per cent in the … Read more

UK Housing Market Sees December Dip as Average Asking Prices Drop by £7,000

The average asking price for homes experienced a notable decline of £7,000 in December, signalling a potential shift in the dynamics of the property landscape. This dip comes amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainties, changing buyer preferences, and the ongoing impact of global events on the real estate sector. Anticipating further declines in 2024, there … Read more

Decline in UK Mortgage Rates Spurs Optimism for Homebuyers and Remortgagors

The average cost of a two-year fixed-rate mortgage in the UK has fallen below 6 per cent for the first time in almost six months, figures showed on Friday. In news that will be welcome to homebuyers and remortgage buyers, data from Moneyfacts showed that the cost of borrowing is still falling from the peaks … Read more

Time’s up for some short-term rentals in B.C. as new housing rules look set to transform scene

Nancy Paine’s short-term rental business is dead in the water. As co-founder and CEO of Victoria-based Superhost, Paine said she had been at the forefront of the Airbnb revolution for seven years, acting as a “liaison” for homeowners needing help with the logistics of running a listing on the accommodation site. At the peak of … Read more

Bank of England’s Financial Stability Report Highlights Resilience Amid Rising Interest Rates

The Bank of England recently released its latest Financial Stability Report, emphasising the resilience of UK households and businesses in the face of continuously rising interest rates. While acknowledging this resilience, the report also reiterates concerns about the impending full impact of higher interest rates on mortgage repayments and overall financial stability. Over the past … Read more