You’d think the housing world would quiet down by mid-December, but this week has been packed with significant developments. Inflation data showed a continued cooling trend, with November’s rate at 1.9%, marking four consecutive months below 2%. The shelter component also eased, but rents defied expectations, rising 7.7% year-over-year nationally d…

The Bank of Canada (BoC) lowered its policy rate by 50 basis points this week, bringing it to 3.25%, the lowest level in over two years. This significant cut, which follows weaker-than-expected GDP growth and rising unemployment, has increased buying power for borrowers by 21%, enabling higher mortgage affordability. However, questions remain about…

If you own a home in British Columbia, you could be sitting on an untapped financial opportunity worth seven figures. Thanks to Bill 44, homeowners now have the chance to significantly increase the value of their properties by converting single-family homes into modern multiplex developments. In this episode, we’re joined by David Babakaiff of Alai…

This episode delves deeply into the housing affordability crisis in Canada, a critical issue that remains at the forefront in 2024. With persistently high home prices, elevated interest rates, and a rising cost of living, homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for many Canadians. The data tells a sobering story. Homeownership rates in …

This week in Canadian real estate, fresh GDP data revealed slower-than-expected economic growth. Canada’s economy grew by 1% year-over-year in the third quarter, with GDP rising only 0.1% in September. On a per capita basis, GDP actually declined for the seventh consecutive quarter, reflecting further economic challenges. These weaker-than-anticipa…

This week, we’re examining how key economic indicators, policy changes, and market trends are influencing everything from interest rates to housing affordability. Inflation has officially returned to the Bank of Canada’s 2% target, but what does this mean for the direction of interest rates heading into 2025? The Bank faces a delicate balancing act…

This week, six critical factors emerged that could significantly influence the Canadian housing market in the coming months. First, Statistics Canada revised GDP figures upward, adding 1.3% growth between 2021 and 2023, equivalent to an entire year of economic activity. While this suggests a stronger-than-expected economy, it complicates the Bank o…

In October, Vancouver’s real estate market exhibited mixed signals. Despite a continued decline in home prices, with the benchmark HPI dropping for the fifth consecutive month by 0.6%, a surprising surge in sales emerged. Total sales jumped 43% from September and 32% year-over-year, marking October 2024 as the third-highest sales month of the year …

In a climate of economic turbulence, Canada’s economy is showing signs of a downturn that could significantly affect Vancouver’s real estate market. The Bank of Canada recently reduced its interest rate by 50 basis points, following weaker-than-expected inflation and a rise in business insolvencies. While these rate cuts may offer mortgage relief, …

In this episode, the podcast hosts dive into one of the most transformative housing policies in British Columbia’s recent history—the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Initiative, introduced under Bill C44. This policy marks a significant shift in how housing developments are approached, aiming to address the critical shortage of homes in the Lower Ma…

Inflation has cooled down, with a rise of just 1.6% in September, significantly lower than August’s 2.0%. Outside of the COVID-era disruptions, this marks the lowest inflation figure in 5.5 years, dating back to February 2019. Back then, the overnight rate was 1.75%, 2.5 basis points lower than today’s rate. The drop in shelter costs, which dipped …

With the election just one week away, housing remains a pivotal issue for voters across Canada. This week, we take a close look at the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) housing policy, following last week’s review of the Conservative Party’s platform. The NDP’s 66-page action plan is packed with ambitious goals, focusing primarily on improving affordabi…

With the BC provincial election approaching on October 19th, housing policy has become a focal point for both major parties—the NDP and the Conservatives. Each party has released its housing platform, but the Conservative Party’s approach has sparked significant debate due to its "ambitious" tax-cut promises and plans to further streamline housing …

This week’s discussion focuses on the current state of the housing market and its central role in the upcoming provincial election. With housing affordability and availability at critical levels, this issue has become a focal point for voters and policymakers. We’ll break down the latest developments, key political stances, and potential implicatio…

This week has been monumental for Vancouver's real estate market, with several key factors influencing housing and the broader economic landscape. Inflation has officially hit 2%, marking a significant milestone for the Bank of Canada (BOC) as it reaches its target for the first time in nearly four years. While the broader inflation rate stands at …

In this episode, we dive into one of the most significant housing policy changes in British Columbia's history: the Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) legislation and the province-wide densification of single-family home lots - but this time, with 3 different Architectural firms. This is likely the largest rezoning initiative we’ll witness in o…

In the first week of September, the Vancouver real estate market received an update that reflects significant shifts. August numbers reveal that home prices have dropped even further, with detached homes now firmly in a buyer’s market—a term seldom used in Vancouver. Compounding this, the Bank of Canada (BOC) cut interest rates for the third time, …

As inflation reaches its lowest level in over three years, the Bank of Canada's (BOC) rate cut predictions are becoming increasingly aggressive. While this might be a relief for mortgage holders, it signals significant economic distress. The BOC may need to cut rates rapidly to prevent a potential global financial crisis (GFC)-level event, but the …

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mychal Ferrera from the Bank of Montreal to discuss the latest trends and forecasts in the real estate and mortgage markets. We dive deep into the current market climate, exploring whether the industry is picking up momentum or if the market is still stagnant. Mychal provides an insider's perspective on …

In this episode, we sit down and revisit the rapidly shifting rental market landscape with returning guest Keaton Bessy, Property Manager and Owner of Greater Vancouver Tenant and Property Management (GVANTPM). The last time Keaton joined the show 8 months ago, rental rates were steadily increasing month after month, with no signs of slowing down. …

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has recently undergone a significant shift in its monetary policy focus. Over the past two years, the central bank aggressively hiked interest rates to combat soaring inflation. These efforts have largely paid off, as inflation has been brought under control. However, this success has come at a cost—economic growth has been…

This week has brought significant developments to the Vancouver real estate market, with major changes both locally and internationally that are poised to impact buyers and sellers alike. The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady, but signaled potential rate cuts as early as September due to a cooling job market and easing inflation. Th…

The economic landscape in both the US and Canada is showing significant shifts that have important implications for homeowners, the housing market, and the broader economy. Recently, the Bank of Canada (BoC) made a notable move by cutting interest rates by 0.25%, hinting at further cuts to come. This action aligns with market expectations, with a c…

In June, inflation unexpectedly dropped from 2.9% to 2.7%, surpassing expectations of 2.8%. Despite this decrease, the shelter cost index remains a significant driver of inflation, with a current increase rate of 6.2%, compared to 4.8% last year. Mortgage interest costs surged by 22%, and rent has increased by 8.8%, marking the highest rise since M…

In June, inflation in the USA declined by 0.1% to 3%, marking the lowest rate in 12 months and a significant drop from the 9.1% peak two years prior. Despite this improvement, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that inflation remains a concern and further positive data is necessary to justify rate cuts. The next Fed announcement is sche…

The Vancouver real estate market has largely held strong in 2024, with prices rising for the first five months. However, a significant downturn appears to be building. High interest rates for two years, a ten-year low in sales volumes, and a spike in consumer and business insolvencies are all pointing to a decline in real estate prices. The June nu…

In this engaging and informative video, Dan and Ryan from the Vancouver Life Real Estate Group welcome back Bill Laidler, a multifamily developer with over 500 doors under construction, to discuss the transformative Small Scale Multi-Unit Housing Initiative, also known as the Multiplex Plan. Bill, a pioneer in this initiative, shares his extensive …

In this episode, we dive into a whirlwind week in the real estate landscape, packed with highs and lows that are enough to make your head spin. Canadians hit a new all-time high in household net worth, while mortgage originations reached record lows. Inflation rose, inventory spiked, and yet housing affordability somehow improved, all amidst rising…

In this episode, we delve into the upcoming small-scale multi-unit housing initiative in British Columbia, which automatically rezones single-family lots to allow for multiple units to be built on them. This new policy, set to take effect next month, is sparking interest among both homeowners and investors looking to capitalize on the potential new…

Weak GDP growth has been a critical factor influencing the Bank of Canada's decision to cut rates recently, with further cuts likely in 2024. In Q1 2023, GDP growth fell short of expectations at 1.7% compared to the forecasted 2.3%. Additionally, Q4 2022 GDP was revised down to flat, indicating zero growth for the latter half of 2023. On a per capi…

The Bank of Canada's recent rate cut has been a significant event, widely appreciated by businesses and mortgage holders. This cut was expected by many who hoped for relief amid economic stress. While rate cuts generally indicate a weakening economy, they are crucial for easing monetary policy to support businesses and individuals. The Bank of Cana…

Canada's population has surpassed 41 million, growing at a rate of approximately 4,000 people per day, equating to nearly 1.5 million per year according to StatCan's real-time tracker. This indicates a significant increase, with 480,000 people added in the past two months alone. If this growth rate persists, it will surpass the federal government’s…

Inflation has decreased to 2.7% this month, down from 2.9% the previous month. This marks the lowest inflation rate in over three years, specifically since March 2021. At that time, the overnight interest rate was 0.25%. Despite this improvement, shelter costs continue to drive inflation, with increases at 6.4%, up from 4.9% last year. Mortgage int…

Despite growing concerns about Canada's economy, including a meager increase in GDP and dwindling consumer confidence, the Bank of Canada (BOC) has yet to implement a rate cut. The lack-luster GDP rise of 0.2% in February fell short of the projected 0.4%, with early data for March indicating stagnation. As a result, Q1 GDP growth is expected to rea…

In our discussion with the number 1 mortgage specialist across the country for the Bank of Montreal, we're diving into the heart of the economic landscape, starting with the elephant in the room: interest rates. We discuss the divergence in policy between the US and Canada how it sets the stage for a nuanced debate on balancing growth and while com…

In April 2024, the Vancouver real estate market experienced an unprecedented surge in inventory, reaching its highest point in four years. This surge was particularly notable given the market's recent trends and economic uncertainties. The sudden influx of properties for sale had significant implications for both buyers and sellers, prompting a re-…

The recent developments in the Canadian housing market paint a daunting picture, especially in light of the ambitious promises made in Budget 2024. The government's pledge to construct an additional 2 million homes over the next 7 years appears increasingly improbable when examined against the current realities across various industries. Consider h…

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March revealed a 2.9% year-on-year increase, slightly up from February's 2.8%, primarily driven by surging gasoline prices. However, the report unveiled a concerning trend in the Bank of Canada's preferred measures of core inflation. Both CPI median and CPI trim not only declined on a 12-month basis but also fell …

In a landscape of economic uncertainty and shifting market expectations, the Bank of Canada's decision to maintain its overnight rate at 5% on Wednesday marks the sixth consecutive hold. This is solidifying a rate that has remained unchanged since July, now spanning nine months. With the next announcement slated for June 5th, Canadians are hoping t…

In March 2024, the Canadian housing market experienced another notable increase in home prices, particularly in the condominium segment, which reached a new all-time high. This surge in prices reflects ongoing trends in the housing market, characterized by persistent demand and limited supply. The condominium market's resilience, despite broader ec…

The recent announcement by the Immigration Minister to cap growth targets in Canada underscores the profound impact of immigration on the nation's demographic landscape. Over the past two years, Canada has experienced significant population growth, largely attributed to the influx of temporary workers and foreign students, which has exerted immense…

This week's economic and real estate roundup unveils a surprising twist in inflation rates, dipping to 2.8% from the previous month's 2.9%, and landing well below the anticipated 3.1%. This unexpected shift marks a pivotal moment, with grocery prices rising a modest 2.4%—the smallest increment since July 2021, signaling a potential easing of living…

Today's episode is a little different as we decided to take opposing views of the current economic landscape and we discussed both the positive and the negative elements that are currently affecting the real estate market in Canada. We touch on 5 broad subjects and dive into the current economic climate that has presented a world of challenges incl…

In this episode, we unpack the latest developments in Vancouver's real estate market and the broader economic landscape. Home prices in Vancouver have experienced an unexpected surge, breaking a six-month downward trend. Despite this, the Bank of Canada (BOC) has maintained its interest rates at 5%, leading to alarming trends such as increased mort…

The latest episode of the Vancouver Life Podcast provides an analytical overview of the pressing issues affecting the Vancouver real estate market. The episode covers a wide array of topics, including the anticipation of interest rate cuts, the introduction of a new flipping tax, the dramatic decrease in building permits, and the numerous obstacles…

In this comprehensive economic update, we delve into the key factors shaping Canada's financial landscape. Join us as we explore the recent developments in inflation, corporate bankruptcies, the rental market, sentiment, and mortgages, providing you with a nuanced understanding of the current economic climate. Canada's annual inflation rate unexpec…

In this episode of the Vancouver Life Podcast we dive into the innovative realm of real estate investment with our guest, Jonathan Fireman. Jonathan shares his vision behind Investium, a platform aimed at democratizing real estate investments by facilitating collective property purchases. This approach aims to make real estate investment more inclu…

In the insightful episode of the Vancouver Life Podcast we tackle the groundbreaking rezoning legislation poised to reshape the British Columbia real estate landscape. This legislation, referred to as the Plex Plan, is described as the single largest rezoning initiative in the province's history, impacting hundreds of thousands of properties and ai…

In January, the real estate market exhibited notable trends, providing insights into the trajectory of 2024. Total sales reached 1,427, marking a 39% increase from January 2023 and a 7% rise from December. However, this figure fell 20% below the 10-year seasonal average, signaling a slow start akin to the latter half of 2023. New listings surged to…

In today’s episode, we're diving deep into the world of economics and financial forecasting with none other than Doug Porter, a luminary with over three decades of experience in analyzing global economies and financial markets. As the Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and the mastermind behind the influential publication 'Talking Points', Doug…