Housing Activity to Strengthen in 2010

OTTAWA, November 2, 2009 — Housing starts have started to recover and are expected to continue to improve in the second half of 2009. Starts are expected to reach 141,900 for the year and will increase to 164,900 for 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) fourth quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition* report.

“We expect housing markets across Canada to strengthen leading into and over the course of 2010 as economic conditions improve�, said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC.

“Demand for existing homes has rebounded since the beginning of the year. In addition, lower inventory levels characterize both the new and existing home markets. As a result, stronger housing demand will be reflected in higher levels of housing starts in 2010�, said Mr. Dugan.

The strong pace of MLS® 1 sales seen in the second and third quarters of this year reflects, in part, activity that was delayed in the previous two quarters and is not likely to be sustained. The level of sales is expected to move back closer in line with anticipated economic conditions. As a result, existing home sales, as measured by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), will reach 441,300 units in 2009 and increase to 445,150 units in 2010. The average MLS® price is expected to be $312,950 in 2009 and $324,500 in 2010.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

* The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook are based on information available as of October 1, 2009. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect economic uncertainty.

1 The term MLS® stands for Multiple Listing Service and is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Data are for 10 provinces.

Information on this release:

Charles Sauriol
CMHC
Media Relations
613-748-2799
csauriol@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

National Housing Outlook
Key Housing Market Indicators
2008
Actual 2009
Forecasts 2010
Forecasts
Total Housing Starts (units) 211,056 141,900 164,900
Forecast Ranges 138,000 – 146,000 135,000 – 190,000
Total Single-detached Houses 93,202 70,350 79,700
Forecast Ranges 68,800 – 72,150 63,100 – 93,600
Total Multiple Housing Units 117,854 71,550 85,200
Forecast Ranges 69,200 – 73,850 71,900 – 96,400
Total MLS® Sales1 433,990 441,300 445,150
Forecast Ranges 437,000 – 453,500 415,000 – 460,000
Average MLS® Selling Price ($) 303,607 312,950 324,500
Forecast Ranges 309,000 – 316,500 313,000 – 341,500


Provincial Housing Outlook
Total Housing Starts
2008
Actual 2009
Forecasts 2010
Forecasts
Newfoundland and Labrador 3,261 2,900 3,000
Prince Edward Island 712 740 725
Nova Scotia 3,982 3,275 3,500
New Brunswick 4,274 3,400 3,525
Quebec 47,901 43,300 43,000
Ontario 75,076 47,400 56,500
Manitoba 5,537 4,000 4,800
Saskatchewan 6,828 3,600 4,350
Alberta 29,164 17,950 22,000
British Columbia 34,321 15,200 23,400

Source: CMHC Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition, Fourth Quarter 2009. Totals may not add due to rounding.