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Housing Supply

Understand housing supply in Canadian real estate — how it's shaped, why shortages happen, and what it means for affordability and planning.

Housing Supply

June 09, 2025


What is Housing Supply?

Housing supply refers to the total number of homes — both for sale and under construction — available to meet the housing needs of a population in a specific area.

Why Housing Supply Matters in Real Estate

In Canadian housing policy and real estate, the balance between housing supply and demand determines affordability, vacancy rates, and development trends.



Factors influencing housing supply:
  • New home construction and zoning approvals
  • Demolition or redevelopment projects
  • Government incentives or regulations
  • Availability of land and infrastructure



A shortage in housing supply contributes to affordability crises in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, prompting new municipal and federal strategies.



Understanding housing supply dynamics is vital for real estate professionals, policymakers, and planners focused on equitable growth.

Example of Housing Supply in Action

To address housing supply shortages, the city announced a policy to fast-track approvals for multi-unit residential developments.

Key Takeaways

  • Reflects total homes available and being built
  • Affects affordability and rental vacancy
  • Influenced by planning and regulation
  • Shortages drive market pressure
  • Central to housing policy debates

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Sale and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP)

A Sale and Investment Solicitation Process (SISP) is a formal court-supervised method of marketing, selling, or refinancing distressed assets during. more

Retail Zoning

Retail zoning is a land use designation that permits commercial activities such as stores, restaurants, and service-based businesses to operate in. more

Ingress and Egress

Ingress and egress refer to the legal rights of access into (ingress) and out of (egress) a property, particularly important in commercial real. more

Housing Inventory

Housing inventory refers to the total number of homes available for sale in a specific real estate market at a given time.. more

Gentrification

Gentrification is the process by which a traditionally lower-income neighbourhood undergoes revitalization and attracts higher-income residents,. more

CREA

CREA stands for the Canadian Real Estate Association, the national organization that represents real estate professionals across Canada.. more

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