On the demand side of housing, Desjardins economists note Canada’s population is growing at its “fastest pace in decades” tied to higher immigration levels, alongside similar growth in non-permanent residents.
As for supply, buyers returning to the market this spring have been met with historically low levels of inventory as sellers have largely been slower to list,Though housing starts have thus far proved relatively resilient to the pressures of higher interest rates so far in 2023, Desjardins’ economists expect a slowdown in new construction is looming.
Projecting a 1.7 per cent decrease in the national average sale price in 2023, home prices are expected to climb 2.9 per cent in 2024, according to the report.