Published: July 15th, 2024 • Last Updated: July 31st, 2024
Author: Ayesha on AskRoss.ca

Toronto Housing Market Faces Potential Challenges

Canada’s shifting immigration policies, a dramatic slowdown in construction activities, and the ebbs and flows of the economy, are poised to redefine Toronto’s housing demand and supply. Let’s explore how these factors will influence market dynamics, offering insights and strategic foresight into the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for one of Canada’s most vibrant metropolitan cities.

Shifting Immigration Policies Impact Housing Demand

Recent adjustments in Canada’s immigration and non-permanent resident policies are projected to continue influencing housing demand in Toronto. While there is no immediate prediction for drastically slower population growth due to these changes, the continued integration of immigration policy with national labour market needs, particularly in sectors like construction, could influence Toronto’s future housing dynamics.

Here are some key considerations and forecasting for Toronto’s housing market:

• Alignment with Labor Market Needs: Canada’s recent immigration policy adjustments aim to closely align with national labor market demands, focusing on sectors vital for infrastructure like construction, technology, and healthcare.

• Support for Construction Sector: These policies indirectly aid the construction sector by addressing labor shortages, which is essential for expanding the housing supply in Toronto and potentially easing the current tight market conditions.

• Economic Contribution of Immigrants: By facilitating the swift integration of immigrants into the labor market, these policies help newcomers contribute economically soon after their arrival, enhancing their purchasing power and increasing housing demand.

• Complex Impact on Housing Demand: Although increased immigration generally raises housing demand, the effect varies widely based on immigrants’ economic status, family size, and preferred living arrangements, influencing the types of housing required.

• Regional Impact on Housing Markets: Immigration policies that direct newcomers to less populated areas might reduce pressure on Toronto’s housing market. However, many immigrants choose to settle in Toronto, coupled with high demand, which could further escalate housing prices unless supply is adequately increased.

Construction Activities & Housing Supply Considerations

While Toronto is still experiencing significant construction activity on projects which commenced a few years ago, forecasts up to 2027 do not support the notion of a significant housing oversupply.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggests that, although there is a strong pipeline of residential projects, economic factors such as borrowing costs and high taxes on developers have slowed the pace of new constructions, tempering the potential for an oversupply.

It really is not economical for developers to take on new projects at this time. At some point in the next year or two when things settle down and the economy is in recovery mode, we will once again feel the housing shortage across the GTA.

Economic Slowdown Adds Another Layer of Complexity

Economists forecast a moderate economic slowdown, which could impact the real estate market in Toronto. This slowdown, influenced by factors like high interest rates and the ravages of two years of high inflation, is expected to have a mixed impact on home prices and sales. While the overall economic growth may be tepid, the housing market is projected to see a slight recovery in starts and sales, indicating a stabilization rather than a sharp decline in market activity​. I don’t see that happening though till late 2025 or beyond.

Should Torontonians Diversify Their Real Estate Investments?

Diversification in real estate investments remains a prudent strategy. Investors and homeowners might consider spreading their investments across different property types or geographic areas to mitigate risks associated with potential market volatility in Toronto.

Here’s how and why diversification can be advantageous for investors and homeowners in the Toronto area:

• Reducing Geographic Risk: By investing in properties across different geographic locations, investors can reduce their exposure to local market downturns. For instance, while downtown Toronto may experience a slowdown, suburbs or other cities might still see growth. This geographic spread helps balance out the performance of the investment portfolio. Plus generally markets outside the Toronto core offer more value at lower price points.

• Variety of Property Types: Diversifying across different types of properties—such as residential, commercial, and industrial—can help mitigate risks associated with a single market segment. Each type of property reacts differently to economic changes. For example, while residential markets might slump, commercial properties could thrive due to different demand dynamics.

• Leveraging Demographic Shifts: Changes in demographics, such as an aging population or varying immigration patterns, can affect different types of real estate differently. By diversifying, investors can position themselves to benefit from demographic trends that favour one property type over another.

• Income Stability Through Rental Diversification: Owning different types of rental properties can provide a more stable income stream. For example, if the demand for high-end residential rentals declines, more affordable or multi-family units might see increased demand, thereby maintaining overall rental income.

• Long-Term Strategic Gains: Real estate diversification isn’t just about mitigating risks; it’s also about positioning for long-term strategic gains. Different markets and property types may offer unique growth opportunities at different times, depending on economic conditions and local development policies.

• Regulatory Considerations: Various regions come with different regulatory environments. By diversifying, investors can also navigate around stringent regulations in one area by capitalizing on more favourable conditions elsewhere.

Real estate diversification offers a buffer against market volatility and a strategy for risk management. It allows investors to exploit opportunities in different markets and property types while protecting against downturns in any area or sector. This approach is particularly helpful in a dynamic and complex market like Toronto’s, where economic and policy changes can significantly impact real estate values and investment returns.

That’s the theory, but the reality is, in my view, this is not yet the time to get too busy with real estate investment – whether in Toronto or elsewhere in Ontario. I believe the number of listings and housing inventory will increase over the next year or two, creating opportunities for savvy investors to make strategic moves.

The old adage is you have to climb a “wall or worry” if you want to make money investing. So just at the point where doom and gloom appears everywhere you look, that is likely the time to start making moves. Lowball offers on quality properties at firesale prices.

Advice From Ross Taylor Mortgages Toronto

For both current and prospective Toronto homeowners, staying informed about these trends is crucial. Understanding how economic and policy shifts could impact the Toronto real estate market will be essential for making informed decisions. Make sure to stay on top of economic indicators, policy changes, and housing market forecasts to help navigate the complexities of the market in the coming years.

For ongoing advice and insights into navigating Toronto’s evolving real estate scene, visit us at askross.ca.

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