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Housing in Canada

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry associations. Our membership includes more than 160,000 real estate brokers, agents and salespeople working through 65 real estate boards and associations across Canada.

Canadian Housing Market Landscape

Canada is in a national housing crisis that has been decades in the making. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) states 5.8 million more homes need to be built by 2030 to bring housing affordability into balance. At the current rate of construction, Canada will be short 3.5 million homes. While different studies and research might show varying figures, the undeniable truth is that our countries housing deficit is in the millions.

As our population continues to grow, demand for housing continues to far outpace the rate of new construction and available inventory, resulting in reduced housing supply across the country. This has led to a sustained and historic rise in housing costs and severe affordability challenges, affecting the well-being and quality of life for millions of Canadians.

For more than 39 years, REALTORS® have advocated for policies that encourage access to housing for all Canadians, from emergency shelter to community housing, to rental accommodation and homeownership. Above all, REALTORS® advocate for innovative solutions and policies to increase housing supply across the housing continuum, address current housing challenges, and allow all Canadians to have access to safe, stable and affordable housing options.

CREA’s recommendations reflect REALTOR® priorities which, once combined with thoughtful and integrated planning, have great potential to address the national housing crisis.

REALTOR® Recommendations

REALTOR® Recommendation No. 1:
Stimulate supply across the housing continuum by embracing innovation through offsite construction technologies.

REALTOR® Recommendation No. 2:
Establish a permanent mechanism to collaborate and coordinate housing policy and development, such as a national housing secretariat.

REALTOR® Recommendation No. 3:
HST/GST relief for non-profit affordable ownership housing.

Government Consultation Submissions

Additional Resources

Community Insights and Local Housing Data by Riding

PAC Days2024 Invitation ENG

In your Community, is a Community with a Heart

The REALTOR® community is working together to make a positive impact in communities across Canada.

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