Demystifying the legislation that shapes the Canadian housing market
For decades, housing prices were largely driven by simple supply and demand. However, since 2020, government intervention has become the third dominant force. Whether it's the Foreign Buyer Ban aiming to curb speculation, or Zoning Reform aiming to legalize density, understanding these rules is now critical for any buyer or investor.
B-20 "Stress Tests" and foreign bans aim to lower the number of eligible buyers.
The $4B Housing Accelerator Fund forces cities to speed up permits.
Tax changes (GST removal on rentals) encourage purpose-built construction.
Read our 3,500-word analysis on the effectiveness of these policies.
Tracking key housing policies and initiatives across Canada. Real progress being made to improve affordability for the next generation.
Housing policy is a powerful lever, but it is not an instant fix. There is a significant "Policy Lag" between a rule change and its impact on the street. Demand-side changes (like mortgage rule updates) reflect in weeks, while supply-side changes (like the Housing Accelerator Fund) often take 3 to 5 years to result in actual keys in hands.
Interest Rate Lag: Bank of Canada decisions take 12-18 months to fully filter through consumer spending.
Zoning Inertia: Provincial mandates to legalize density often face local municipal pushback, adding months to approval timelines.
Read our comprehensive 3,500-word assessment of how these policies are actually affecting market prices and affordability in 2025.