Buying a home is a bit like saving for the long term. As a homeowner, you make monthly mortgage payments that finance your asset and allow you to build significant equity that you will recoup later when you sell your property.
Across Canada, real estate properties have increased significantly in value over the past decade. In Quebec, the median price of single-family homes has increased significantly in recent years, from $209,500 in 2010 to $416,500 in 2023. This represents an average appreciation of about 5% per year over this period. This growth is certainly not over.
What is driving the residential real estate market?
Whether you are already a homeowner or about to become one, a property is one of the most important investments you will ever make. It is therefore essential that you understand the four main factors that influence the housing market: population growth, interest rates, income, and socio-demographic trends.
It goes without saying that everyone needs a place to live, which is why the strength of the residential real estate market is directly linked to population growth. Whether through immigration, migration, or natural population growth, the more positive the population growth, the stronger the demand for housing will be.
Interest rates also play a very important role in this sector. When they are low, they significantly reduce financing costs and encourage consumers to become homeowners, buy a larger or more luxurious property, or renovate.
The increase in property values is also a fairly accurate reflection of households’ ability to pay. Thus, the strength of the market is closely linked to job creation and household disposable income.
Finally, certain socio-demographic trends influence the real estate market. For example, when household sizes decrease, meaning that more people live alone, as has been the case for several decades, more properties find buyers.
In conclusion, remember that, regardless of the economic sector, price is always, no more and no less, an indicator of scarcity. Thus, all things being equal, increased demand means higher prices.
