BRITISH COLUMBIA – Canadian housing starts decreased by 20 per cent month over month (m/m) to 208,980 units in September at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), following a strong gain of almost 262,000 units in August. This is the first decline after four
consecutive months of increases, which was driven by declines in the multi-unit segment in Ontario and BC. The decline was broad-based, where starts were down in 8 provinces. September’s still healthy number increased the six-month average to 214,647 units SAAR.
In BC, housing starts decreased by 25 per cent m/m to 32,279 units SAAR in September, following a robust increase of 43,322 in August. This rounded out the third quarter average to 38,662 units SAAR. In the near term, we can expect housing activity to continue to be supported by strong demand and historically low borrowing rates. Meanwhile, the value of residential building permits was down in August by 19 per cent. Compared to the same time last year, housing starts were down by 22 per cent.
Looking at census metropolitan areas in BC:
Housing starts in Vancouver were down by 28 per cent m/m to 21,478 units SAAR in September, following last month’s healthy showing of 29,714 units SAAR. Starts were down in both multi-units (-29 per cent) and singles (-14 per cent). Compared to last year, housing starts were down by 14 per cent.
In Victoria, housing starts were down by 15 per cent m/m to 2,324 units SAAR. Compared to a year ago in September, housing starts were down by 61 per cent.
In Kelowna, housing starts decreased by 60 per cent m/m to 1,052 units SAAR. Starts were down by 31 per cent in the region compared to the same time last year.
Monthly housing starts in Abbotsford-Mission were down by 25 per cent at 1,074 units SAAR. Compared to the same time last year, new home construction was down by 48 per cent.
