Canada’s real estate industry is officially in crisis mode.

In this week’s episode, we break down why some of the country’s most powerful developers — names like Polygon, Westbank, Beedie, and Mosaic — have joined forces to publicly plead for help. From record-breaking drops in pre-construction sales to massive project cancellations and widespread layoffs, the development industry is sounding the alarm louder than ever.

Why now? Because new housing starts are collapsing. Because financing has dried up. And because if nothing changes, tens of thousands more jobs are on the line.

So what are they asking for? A controversial — and potentially game-changing — solution: lifting the foreign buyer ban to unlock critical investment capital. Is this the lifeline the industry needs, or just another band-aid on a broken system?

We explore both sides of this heated issue and propose alternative solutions, including government-backed construction financing to ensure new homes can still be built for Canadians — by Canadians.

Plus:
🏦 What the latest Bank of Canada rate hold really means for buyers and mortgage rates
📉 Arrears data that may surprise you — and why Canadians are still paying on time
🏘️ How the multiplex movement is growing — but faces new challenges in affordability and design
📊 July 2025 sales just broke a decades-long trend, and it could signal a major market shift

If you're a buyer, investor, developer, renter, or anyone tied to Canada’s housing economy — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. The real estate industry is standing on a cliff, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the future of housing for years to come.

Watch now and join the conversation. Your thoughts matter.

Job Loss Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVC-UCbXO3M
Real Estate Crash Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM8O3075hjA&t=9s

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Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife

Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA

604.809.0834

dan@thevancouverlife.com

Ryan Dash PREC

778.898.0089
ryan@thevancouverlife.com

www.thevancouverlife.com

Feeling like you’re working harder and getting less? You’re not alone — and the numbers prove it.

This week’s episode of The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast takes a hard look at how Canada’s exploding tax burden, runaway deficits, and fleeing capital are colliding with the nation’s housing market. We connect the dots between Ottawa’s unchecked spending, falling investor confidence, and a real estate sector stuck in a high-stakes slowdown.

Let’s start with the core issue: Taxes. The average Canadian household earning $114,000 now pays over $48,000 in taxes — that’s 42% of gross income, up 181% since 1961 after inflation. And yet, despite this massive government take, Canada is operating without a federal budget, projecting a $92 billion deficit — possibly rising to $147 billion — one of the largest in Canadian history outside of COVID spending.

The result? Investors are running. A staggering $83.8 billion in capital has fled Canada since February, 90% of it heading to the U.S. It’s the largest recorded outflow in recent memory and a clear vote of no confidence in Canada’s fiscal policies. Canadians themselves are turning to U.S. markets, pouring $14.2 billion into U.S. stocks in May alone, more than 4x last year’s volume.

Real estate is taking a direct hit. In Toronto, the new condo market is oversaturated. Urbanation forecasts over 31,000 completions in 2025 — 74% higher than the long-term average. With 64,000+ units under construction, we’re building faster than we’re buying. The result? Rising inventory, few new launches, and a ticking time bomb for pricing — especially if rates remain elevated.

In Vancouver, the BC government has stepped in with “relief” for developers by backstopping $250 million in DCC feesto keep projects alive. But make no mistake — this isn’t a discount. It’s a taxpayer-funded subsidy. You are footing the bill, even as housing remains out of reach for many.

Rents are shifting, too. Vancouver’s 1-bedroom unfurnished rents rose $9 to $2,232/month, though still lower than last year. West Van remains highest at $2,617. But in Burnaby, rents are falling fast, down 7.6% year-over-year, with some neighbourhoods like Central Burnaby dropping over 16%.

Why hasn’t the market crashed yet? Equity. The average Canadian homeowner has 74% equity in their home — that’s $511K on a $691K home. In Vancouver, the average homeowner sits on $868K in equity. That’s why we’re not seeing widespread foreclosures or a true collapse. Homeowners still have leverage — for now. Mortgage dynamics are changing. Since 2022, mortgage debt is increasing for Canadians 55+ while decreasing among those under 35. Why? Older Canadians are taking on debt to help their children — or to cover rising living costs. The “Bank of Mom & Dad” is becoming the central lender of last resort.

Real estate sentiment is weak. After a short-lived spring rebound, confidence is flatlining, echoing what we’re seeing in sales volumes. Buyers are hesitant, sellers are holding back, and uncertainty is the only constant.

Where are rates headed? With inflation lingering and capital fleeing, don’t expect the Bank of Canada to cut anytime soon. Fixed mortgage rates remain in the mid 4% range, while the U.S. holds firm at nearly 7%. The result? A stagnant, supply-heavy, high-cost housing market — with no easy way out.

_________________________________

Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife

Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA

604.809.0834

dan@thevancouverlife.com

Ryan Dash PREC

778.898.0089
ryan@thevancouverlife.com

www.thevancouverlife.com

In this week’s episode of The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast, we unpack a tidal wave of economic data that’s painting a clear — and sobering — picture for Canada’s housing and financial landscape. The big headline? There will be no rate cut in July. Inflation is ticking up again, job numbers came in scorching hot, and bond yields are surging — all of which are keeping fixed mortgage rates in the uncomfortable mid-4% range.

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We begin with an announcement for homeowners: our team is hosting a live webinar that breaks down how Bill 44 (the Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing Initiative) is reshaping Vancouver’s real estate game. With over 700 building permits already submitted between Vancouver and Burnaby and projects under construction right now, homeowners can now partner with developers, leverage new zoning allowances, and walk away with up to $1 million more than a traditional home sale. Curious? We’ll show you real numbers, real case studies, and a clear step-by-step process on how to get involved. Register at www.thevancouverlife.com/multiplex

Next, we highlight the launch of our latest project, Sarena, a new 7-unit boutique townhome development in Richmond. Each 3-bed, 3-bath home is priced under $1M, allowing first-time buyers to claim the GST rebate while enjoying private outdoor space, timeless design, and air conditioning. Visit SarenaLiving.com for details.

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On the macro side, Canada’s June jobs report beat expectations, adding 83,100 jobs instead of the predicted 3,000 loss. While impressive on paper, most were part-time roles. Youth unemployment remains stuck at 14.2%, and wage growth continues to outpace inflation. Speaking of inflation — it’s back up to 1.9%, and core measures remain sticky. That’s why bond markets are pricing in zero chance of a July rate cut.

We then shift to the June housing data for Canada: home sales are up modestly month-over-month and year-over-year, especially in the GTA. Inventory is hovering just below long-term averages, and national home prices are down only 1.3% year-over-year. It’s what we call a "flatline market" — stable, slow-moving, and possibly already past the bottom of this cycle.

Toronto gets its own spotlight. While condo prices are down 22% from peak and back to March 2021 levels, cash flow metrics are improving. Negative carry is down from -$950/month to -$300, and factoring in mortgage pay down, investors are now in slightly positive territory. Still, sales are tepid and inventory is high — a tipping point is coming, but we’re not there yet.

Then comes the gut punch: Toronto’s pre-sale condo market is collapsing. Q2 saw only 502 new condo sales — a shocking 91% below the 10-year average. Over 4,300 units have been cancelled since 2024, and inventory has ballooned to 60 months of unsold stock. Developers are pulling back, new launches are rare, and some are converting to rentals to stay afloat.

This episode is a wake-up call and a roadmap — whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or buyer, understanding what’s happening beneath the headlines is critical to making informed real estate decisions in 2025.

👉 Register for our free webinar at www.thevancouverlife.com/multiplex
👉 Explore Richmond’s newest townhomes at SarenaLiving.com

_________________________________

Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife

Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA

604.809.0834

dan@thevancouverlife.com

Ryan Dash PREC

778.898.0089
ryan@thevancouverlife.com

www.thevancouverlife.com