MUST READ: Peel Region Votes To Lower Development Charges By 50%

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

Budgeting

Budgeting in real estate refers to the process of forecasting and managing income and expenses associated with owning, operating, or developing a property.. more

Tenant Improvements

Tenant improvements refer to custom modifications or build-outs made to a leased space to suit the tenant’s operational needs, often negotiated as. more

Highest and Best Use

Highest and best use refers to the reasonably probable use of a property that results in the highest value, provided it is legally permissible,. more

Gross Lease

A gross lease is a commercial lease where the tenant pays a fixed rent, and the landlord covers most or all operating expenses such as property. more

Brownfield

A brownfield is a property that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is now vacant or underused, often requiring. more

Record of Site Condition (RSC)

A Record of Site Condition (RSC) is a formal document filed with a provincial environmental authority certifying that a property meets required. more

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