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Economics
Find reports, housing data, and more on GVR’s new Economics Web App
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Using this app, you can find everything the GVR Economics team produces all in one place. (1 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Land Act amendments on hold
Monday, February 26, 2024
The government's proposed land-sharing agreement with First Nations groups will undergo further consultation. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government announces PTT changes, flipping tax in new budget
Monday, February 26, 2024
Here's a summary of the new housing measures in the BC budget announced on February 22, 2024.
Economics
What will Greater Vancouver's commercial property market look like in 2024?
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Our latest commercial forecast shows an optimistic look at 2024. (2 minute read)
Economics
What will home sales look like in the first half of 2024?
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Our latest forecast looks at last year to help to predict what the housing market will look like in the first half of 2024. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Metro Vancouver regulates wood burning fireplaces and stoves
Monday, December 18, 2023
Metro Vancouver is reducing pollution by regulating wood burning appliances. Does this affect you? (3 minute read)
Home Buying
How rising mortgage rates affect insured mortgages
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Since June 22, 2022 chartered banks have repeatedly raised their posted mortgage rates in response to higher bond yields. (1 minute read)
Home Buying
CMHC tightens lending standards, making homes less affordable
Monday, November 20, 2023
Since July 1, 2020, it has become increasingly more difficult for first-time home buyers to buy a home. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
A closer look at bank rates
Monday, November 20, 2023
Home buyers with less than a 20 per cent down payment applying for a high-ratio mortgage with a regulated financial institution are typically offered a contract mortgage interest rate.
Home Buying
How mortgage stress test changes affects home buyers
Friday, November 17, 2023
Check how the stress test may affect you, with examples of buying an apartment, an attached home, and a detached home. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
How will the 2021 mortgage stress test rules impact Metro Vancouver real estate?
Thursday, November 16, 2023
The new rules as of June 1, 2021 will dampen mortgage credit growth, but should have a modest effect on home sales and prices. ( 1 minute read)
Home Buying
Private insurers offer options
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Private insurers have not been required to follow CMHC's lead and tighten lending standards. (2 minute read)
Economics
The Lede: Does the perfect price metric exist?
Thursday, October 26, 2023
How do we actually know what property values are doing at any given point in time? (5 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Interest, fees increase amount owed for property tax deferment
Friday, October 6, 2023
If your clients are deferring their property taxes, interest rates and fees will increase the amount they owe. (2 minute read)
Economics
2023 Market Forecast Review: Looking Back, Looking Ahead | REBGV event
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
REBGV Director, economics and data analytics presented his updated market outlook to REALTORS® at an online event in September. (1:23:52 video)
Legislation & Regulations
BC caps maximum rent increase to 3.5 per cent
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Government removes GST on new rental housing
Monday, September 25, 2023
This policy is for projects beginning construction from Sept 14, 2023, to Dec 31, 2030, completing construction by Dec 31, 2035. (2 minute read)
Economics
Will home sales stay resilient in the face of high interest rates?
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Our forecast checks market trends and economic factors to predict what the housing market will look like in the rest of 2023. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
Choosing the right home starts with choosing the right REALTOR®
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Buying or selling a home is a significant financial decision. That’s why it’s important to take your time to choose the right Realtor for you. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Homeownership rates decline – purpose-built rentals can help
Monday, August 28, 2023
Declining homeownership rates spark investment in purpose-built rentals as solution. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
PM shuffles cabinet, new federal housing minister
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Sean Fraser is now the minister of housing, infrastructure, and communities. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV recommends policy changes to improve housing affordability and availability in BC
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Read about the three tax-related recommendations REBGV made to the provincial government to ease housing. (3 minute read)
Home Buying
Lower Mainland REALTORS® to enhance transparency for buyers involved in a multiple offer situation
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Home buyers in a multiple offer situation will soon receive additional information about other competing offers.
Economics
The Lede: The Million Dollar Wall
Thursday, July 6, 2023
The property ladder is broken. In the latest Lede, Andrew Lis gives his take, and how it can be fixed. (9:33 video, 10 minute read)
Economics
The Lede: What’s (not) happening with new listings in Metro Vancouver?
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Listings are low so far this year, but why? REBGV's Director Economics and Data Analytics Andrew Lis has a theory. (6:38 video, 8 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
New exemptions to strata age restriction bylaws
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The new exemptions include future children, dependents, and spouses/partners. (1 minute read)
Home Ownership
Heating your home with oil? Get up to $10K for a new heat pump
Friday, April 14, 2023
The federal government is offering up to $10K for low- and median-income homeowners to install an energy-efficient heat pump. (1 minute read)
Economics
The Lede: Rate hikes part II - the damage done
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
What can we learn about the current market by looking at previous tightening cycles? (5:16 video, 12 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Federal foreign buyer ban coming in January 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
The federal government’s ban on new foreign ownership of residential property becomes law on January 1, 2023. Here's what you need to know. (3 minute read)
Home Buying
What is an Offer to Purchase?
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
When you decide to buy a property, your Realtor will prepare what is known as an Offer to Purchase.
Legislation & Regulations
The effect of flood mapping and floods on housing prices
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Floodplain mapping can help assess risk and better understand a home's value. (3 minute read)
Economics
The Lede blog: Rate hikes part I - where to from here?
Friday, February 17, 2023
What is the Bank of Canada considering when it comes to interest rates - and how will this help us understand what's going to happen to rates in the future? (5 minute read)
Economics
The Lede blog: StatsCan population growth projections
Monday, February 6, 2023
REBGV's Director of Statistics and Data Analytics looks at what the latest StatsCan projections could mean for our housing market. (7 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Better protection for strata property owners coming in November
Friday, February 3, 2023
Amendments to the Strata Property Act that increase contingency reserve fund minimums are coming November 1, 2023. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
Use Realtylink.org to help find your next home
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Search listings from the MLS® systems operated by the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC Northern, and Vancouver Island real estate boards.
Economics
Will Metro Vancouver housing prices increase in 2023?
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
REBGV’s Economics team released their latest housing forecast for 2023. Will home prices increase? Read the full report to find out. (8 minute read)
Economics
The Lede blog: Mega trends and micro trends
Monday, January 30, 2023
What makes a trend? Andrew Lis, Director of Economics and Data Analytics explains in the first of his new blog series. (8 minute read)
Economics
Dysfunction by Design: 2023 Market Outlook | REBGV event
Thursday, January 26, 2023
REBGV Director, economics and data analytics presented his market outlook to REALTORS® at an exclusive online event in January. (1:48:22 video)
Economics
The Lede video blog: StatsCan population growth projections
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Births, deaths, migration – what do these have to do with the housing market? Andrew Lis explains in the latest episode of The Lede. (2:54 minute video)
Economics
The Lede video blog: Mega trends and micro trends
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Andrew Lis, REBGV's economist and data analyst, looks at what makes a statistical trend in this video blog. (4:41 minute video)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government introduces “cooling off” period for home sales
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Starting January 1, 2023, home buyers can back out of a residential purchase up to three business days after signing a contract. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Supreme Court of Canada clarifies, expands principles of expropriation
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
A recent decision has clarified the test for constructive taking and expropriation by regulation. (5 minute read)
Home Buying
BCFSA's recommendations for cooling-off period and other measures
Friday, May 27, 2022
Read what the BCFSA recommended to the provincial government on how to enact their proposed measures, including the cooling-off period. (5 minute read)
Home Buying
Questions for a mortgage broker: Interest rates, stress test, mortgage options
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Check out what local mortgage broker Angela Calla said about what’s happening in the mortgage market today. (3 minute read)
Home Buying
Here are 7 strata terms you should know
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
If you’re looking to own a strata home, make sure you’re familiar with related terminology. Here’s a guide to some of those terms.
Home Buying
What are the buying costs of a home?
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
If you’ve decided to buy a home, it’s important you understand all the costs involved in addition to the price you're paying for the property.
Home Buying
Housing was the focus in the 2022 federal budget
Friday, April 8, 2022
The Federal Budget 2022 was housing-focused, with a significant amount of funding going towards quickly creating new, and diverse housing. (5 minute read)
Home Buying
Finding the right strata property for you
Monday, April 4, 2022
If you plan to buy a strata property, check out the strata council minutes, contingency fund, and more.
Legislation & Regulations
BC REALTORS® offer 30 policy recommendations to province to improve BC real estate
Thursday, March 31, 2022
The BC Real Estate Association, with support of BC’s real estate boards, has 30 policy recommendations for the provincial government.
Home Buying
BC government to amend Property Law Act to add cooling off period
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
BC government introduced legislation to help create a cooling off period for buyers to back out of a purchase after signing the contract. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
Three questions with mortgage expert Angela Calla
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Mortgage expert Angela Calla discusses trends, rate increases, and reverse mortgages. (2 minute read)
Home Buying
Liberal leader Kevin Falcon’s plans to make housing more affordable
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Kevin Falcon plans to address zoning, red tape, and taxes he believes contribute to higher housing costs. (4 minute read)
Home Buying
What are the tax implications of buying a vacation home?
Monday, March 21, 2022
Before buying a vacation property, be aware of tax implications and other vital considerations. (4 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
What’s in BC Budget 2022 for homebuyers and owners?
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
BC Budget 2022 was released on February 22, 2022 with a focus on funding for climate change, infrastructure, and homelessness. (2 minute read)
Economics
Metro Vancouver’s employment trends recovering, outperforming Canada’s other large metros
Friday, February 18, 2022
REBGV Economist Keith Stewart's January 2022 Jobs Report is now available. (1 minute read)
Economics
What's happening with employment trends in Metro Vancouver?
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Learn about the employment trends observed through the end of 2021 and how they could impact the housing market in 2022.
Home Buying
How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
To increase your chances of qualifying as a self-employed borrower, you’ll need to be familiar with what lenders require and what questions they’ll ask.
Economics
REBGV Q3 2021 Housing Overview – Job market performance
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Employment is now at around 1.5 million jobs in the Lower Mainland. What's next?
Legislation & Regulations
How many homes paid BC Vacancy and Speculation Tax in your community?
Friday, December 10, 2021
Read how much tax was generated from this tax in Greater Vancouver municipalities.
Home Buying
Federal Throne Speech promises help for homebuyers
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Read about the new programs the federal government has proposed to help first-time home buyers.
Economics
Where have the homes gone? REBGV’s latest economic analysis explores supply trends in Metro Vancouver’s housing market
Monday, December 6, 2021
Our latest economic analysis takes a deeper look at housing supply trends in Metro Vancouver and the ratio of buyers to sellers who've been active in the market throughout the pandemic.
Economics
REBGV Q3 2021 Housing Overview – Sales and listings trends
Friday, November 26, 2021
What do the latest sales and listings trends tell us about the housing market?
Economics
Metro Vancouver Jobs Report October 2021
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Positive employment trends, like falling unemployment and an increase in higher earning jobs, support rising housing demand, according to the Metro Vancouver Jobs Report published by REBGV Economist Keith Stewart.
Economics
REBGV Q3 2021 Housing Overview – Interest rate trends
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Will low rates continue or start to rise?
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV makes three recommendations to BC government to help make homes more affordable
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Metro Vancouver is facing a housing affordability crisis. Home prices continue to rise, and the inventory of homes for sale is insufficient to meet today’s demand.
Legislation & Regulations
Federal government plans unused housing tax
Friday, September 24, 2021
Read about the federal government’s plans to implement a national, annual one-per-cent tax on non-resident, non-Canadian owned residential vacant or underused real estate.
Economics
REBGV Q3 2021 Housing Overview
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Read this report that takes stock of what has happened in Metro Vancouver’s housing market within the pandemic and what we can expect in the months ahead.
Home Buying
Millennials to drive housing demand
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Millennial newcomers will help fill the expected 861,000 job openings in BC over the next decade (2019-2029), and most would like to own a home.
Home Buying
Can you explain sellers’ and buyers’ contractual obligations?
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Buyers and sellers with signed contracts that are legally binding have many contractual obligations. Here are a few examples.
Home Ownership
Federal government offers home owners $5,600 to make homes energy efficient
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Here's how to apply for one of the $5,000 grants offered by the federal government.
Legislation & Regulations
Speculation and vacancy tax relief for non-existent homes
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The provincial speculation and vacancy tax applies to airspace above buildings classed as residential. The government will temporarily remove this tax for one year.
Home Buying
Home buyers: 5 tips to prepare for a busy market
Friday, May 14, 2021
Before you begin home hunting, get prepared using these five simple steps to mitigate your risk so there are no unwanted surprises in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.