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Demand remains robust as housing costs continue to rise in Canada

Price increase surprises analysts who have been calling for a slowdown in the housing boom

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Demand remains robust as housing costs continue to rise in Canada

Canadian home prices rose in August and the pace of 12-month appreciation accelerated, a report showed, suggesting robust demand for housing is continuing into the second half of the year.

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The Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index, which measures price changes for repeat sales of single-family homes, showed national home prices rose 0.8 per cent last month, exceeding the historical average for August.

Prices were up 5 per cent from a year earlier, a pickup from July's 4.9 per cent price gain.

August was the ninth consecutive month in which the composite index did not fall. The price rises, on top of robust housing starts data in the spring and summer, have surprised economists who have been calling for a slowdown in the housing boom.

David Tulk, chief Canada macro strategist at TD Securities, said the report suggests the momentum in the housing market has continued into the second half of the year.

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"While a gradual drift higher in interest rates should limit the degree to which housing can continue to increase, a persistent low rate environment will prevent a more pronounced correction," Tulk said in a research note.

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