The single-family index fell to 20.9, just above its all-time low, while the multi-family index hit a new record low of 13.4.
Builder sentiment declined nationwide, including in previously resilient regions like Atlantic Canada and the Prairies, with 47% of builders reporting layoffs and Ontario reaching 65%.
A shift toward rental housing persists, with less than 50% of starts now for ownership, prompting calls for targeted government action to support homeownership and address affordability challenges.
How might persistent productivity declines and labor shortages in construction threaten Canada's future housing supply and affordability?
Is Canada's housing crisis truly a supply issue, or are deeper financial incentives fueling unaffordability and investor dominance?
As rental starts outpace ownership for the first time, is Canada heading toward a permanent shift away from homeownership dreams?
With builder confidence at record lows and layoffs rising, can government interventions actually turn the tide for homeownership?
Will Ontario’s HST rebate and new federal funding truly make homes more affordable, or mostly benefit builders and large investors?
What lessons could Canada learn from international housing models to break the cycle of unaffordability and stagnation?