BMO Unveils Canadian Housing Outlook for 2013

Experts from BMO, RE/MAX, Canadian Homebuilders' Association Offer Insights on National, Regional Trends and Advice for Buyers and Sellers

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 11, 2013) - Experts on the Canadian housing market from BMO Financial Group and the industry participated in the inaugural BMO Housing Panel for 2013 to discuss the past year and provide their outlook over the next 12 months.

The first BMO Housing Panel of the New Year kicks off a series of national and regional updates from BMO throughout the coming year.

According to Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets, after a decade-long boom, the so-called soft landing appears to be underway in most regions; the expectation is that this trend will continue into 2013.

"Home sales and housing starts will continue to moderate and prices will generally stabilize in most regions in 2013," noted Mr. Guatieri. "In the year ahead, the housing market will be supported by moderate job growth, steady immigration, growing demand from echo boomers entering their prime first-time home buying years, and a gradual shift toward more single-person households."

He added that the real estate market will benefit from continued low interest rates with the Bank of Canada likely on hold for another year and the U.S. Federal Reserve's quantitative easing keeping a lid on longer-term mortgage rates.

Mr. Guatieri also noted that Alberta - particularly Calgary - and Saskatchewan could buck the national trend and see higher prices due to continued healthy economic growth and wage increases. Meanwhile, pricier Toronto and Vancouver are likely to have a bumpier landing than most other regions, with prices declining moderately.

Alberta Leads the Way

Charron Ungar, President, Canadian Homebuilders' Association - Calgary Region, further underscored the strength of the Alberta market.

"Calgary and the Alberta market are looking quite positive, with the region leading the country in economic growth over the next year and continuing into the future," noted Mr. Ungar. "And despite the continuing strength, we still have a high level of affordability in Calgary, although that may begin to change over time."

However, Mr. Ungar added that Calgary continues to attract workers from all over Canada and the rest of the world.

"We're looking at an expected net migration numbers of 18,000 people coming into Calgary this year. By 2017, just under 120,000 people will have chosen to call Calgary home," said Mr. Ungar. "Those numbers are staggering for our marketplace, and we are going to face some challenges in housing supply."

Affordability and Consumer Preference

Conrad Zurini, Broker of Record, RE/MAX Escarpment Realty, said affordability is in question in major cities including Calgary, Toronto and Montreal, with first-time buyers likely staying out of the market for the first half of the year.

Mr. Zurini added that those looking to upgrade will still dominate, given lower interest rates. "People who are into walking, lifestyle and entertainment, the farm-to-table trend and buying local are going to fuel that market for the first half of the year.

"These consumers are all about amenities and lifestyle - they're very established economically," said Mr. Zurini.

According to Mr. Zurini, consumers buying for the first time will likely look to other cities in search of greater value.

"These buyers move with opportunity, following employment, and searching out homes with their desired space, ultimately single-family residential homes," said Zurini. "In 2013, consumers will be paying close attention to the investment side of their buying decision."

Please install Flash® and turn on Javascript.

317 - 315 24 Avenue SW

$247,000

  • 605 sq.ft.
  • 1 Bed
  • 1 full bath
  • Listing Provided By:
    URBAN-REALTY.ca