Housing Inventory
Explore housing inventory in Canadian real estate — why it matters, how it's measured, and how it affects market conditions and strategy.
June 09, 2025
What is Housing Inventory?
Housing inventory refers to the total number of homes available for sale in a specific real estate market at a given time.
Why Housing Inventory Matters in Real Estate
In Canadian real estate, housing inventory is a critical factor in determining market conditions, such as whether it's a buyers’ or sellers’ market.
Low inventory typically leads to:
- Increased competition among buyers
- Higher sale prices and bidding wars
- Reduced time on market
High inventory, on the other hand, gives buyers more options and negotiating power. Inventory levels are tracked by real estate boards and influence pricing, development, and marketing strategies.
Understanding housing inventory trends helps buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions about timing and pricing.
Example of Housing Inventory in Action
With only a two-month supply of homes in the region, analysts flagged a record low in housing inventory, pushing average prices upward.
Key Takeaways
- Reflects number of homes actively for sale
- Helps determine market competitiveness
- Low inventory drives prices up
- Influences seller strategy and buyer urgency
- Used in industry reporting and analysis
Related Terms
- Buyers' Market
- Sellers' Market
- Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)
- Market Type
- Housing Supply
The community hub building planned for the corner of Walker Avenue and Arcola Street in Burnaby. / Courtesy of Gracorp
Ground-level renderings of buildings proposed for 7135 Walker Avenue and 7244 Arcola Street in Burnaby. / Courtesy of Gracorp
Ground-level renderings of buildings proposed for 7135 Walker Avenue and 7244 Arcola Street in Burnaby. / Courtesy of Gracorp
Evan Pawliuk, AVP Commercial Mortgages, First National Financial LP.
The new Industrial Action Plan under the Citywide Growth Strategy. / City of Calgary
Giocomo Ladas, Associate Director of Communications at Rentals.ca
Kimberly Sears, Director of Rental Suites Management at Menkes Developments
Imraz Samim, Managing Partner and Head of Property Management at Hazelview Properties
