Canadian housing market is bouncing back says TD Economics

Things are starting to improve in Canada’s housing markets according to a report from TD Economics.

Deputy chief economist Derek Burleton and economist Rishi Sondhi say that recent data has confirmed TD’s view that there would be some traction gained after initial sharp impact to tighter lending restrictions at the start of the year.

“Past experience has shown that markets begin to stabilize after about 4-6 months following the implementation of major changes to housing policy. True to form, sales activity and average prices have come off a floor in most major markets since May,” the economists’ report says.

The report notes recent stabilization in the GTA with increasing resales for both single-family (20% estimated) and condos (10% estimated) and prices climbing.

However, the TD Economics team say that Vancouver is not yet seeing the same rebound as the market’s low affordability. The economists say that the market has yet to find a bottom as provincial cooling measures are also in play alongside the tighter mortgage lending rules.

While the signs of stabilization and even a comeback are evident, the report warns of uneven conditions across Canada’s markets and the spectre of economic conditions, interest rate rises, and trade tensions impacting job markets.