Canadians Household Net Worth Increased 1.6% Thanks To Real Estate Values
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The recent Q2 report released by Stats Canada revealed the latest insights into the state of Canada’s housing market and housing supply challenges.
The report highlighted household mortgage borrowing has decelerated for a fourth consecutive quarter amid higher interest rates. Meanwhile, the housing market continued to rebound despite higher interest rates emphasizing Canada’s ongoing housing supply issues and its impact on the market.
Key Takeaways
- Household net worth increased 1.6%, driven by the value of real estate.
- Housing investments declined 2.1% due to a sharp drop in new construction.
- The demand for mortgage loans reached its lowest point since 2005.
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The Power of Home Equity Highlighted
The StatsCan report showed the significant role that home equity plays in boosting household net worth. In the second quarter of 2023, household net worth increased by 1.6% to $16 trillion. This increase was primarily driven by the value of real estate, which has been on an upward trajectory since the second quarter of 2022.
The value of dwellings has risen approximately $215 billion since Q2 2022. This emphasizes the long-term benefits of homeownership as a wealth-building strategy.
The real estate market’s recovery played a significant role in increasing household net worth. The value of residential real estate rose by 2.0% in the second quarter, indicating a rebound from previous declines. Average resale sales prices jumped 8.1% in Q2 of 2023 despite increasing interest rates.
Appreciating real estate values contributes to the accumulation of home equity, increasing household net worth. Homeowners can build equity over time, providing a stable foundation for their financial future. This highlights the importance of homeownership as a key driver of wealth creation for individuals, as well as generational wealth when homes are passed down by families.
Housing Supply a Continuous Problem
Despite the positive growth in the housing market, the report also highlighted the ongoing issue of housing supply in Canada. The volume of housing investment declined during Q2 by 2.1%, the 5th consecutive quarterly decline. This was primarily due to the sharp drop in new construction, down 8.2%.
This imbalance between demand and supply puts pressure on housing prices, making it increasingly more difficult for individuals and families to enter the housing market and afford a home. The housing supply shortage has significant implications for first-time homebuyers (FTHB) and lower-income households.
There are concerns about the future supply of housing and the potential impact on affordability. The value of residential real estate may continue to rise despite higher interest rates.
Canada’s surging mortgage rates are straining homebuyers’ borrowing capacity, with the mortgage stress test reaching new heights. These same concerns are driving many Canadians to enter the housing market during this period of surging rates to avoid even higher rates in the future as our housing supply dwindles.
Mortgages Squeeze Household Budgets
Mortgage costs have been on the rise in Canada, putting financial pressure on household budgets. In the second quarter of 2023, the decline in the demand for mortgage loans reached its lowest point since 2005.
Households are borrowing less as mortgage rates soar. The slower borrowing can be attributed to higher interest rates, making mortgages less affordable and harder to qualify for many Canadians.
The cautious approach to borrowing aligns with the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) efforts to manage inflation and stabilize the economy. However, it also poses challenges for potential homebuyers.
Homebuyers must carefully assess their financial situation and consider the impact of higher interest rates on mortgage affordability. Homeowners need to clearly understand their financial situation and develop a budget that allows them to meet their future mortgage obligations while maintaining overall financial well-being.
Seeking professional advice and exploring different mortgage options can help mitigate the impact of rising mortgage costs on homebuyers. A knowledgeable mortgage expert can help prospective borrowers understand affordability and help shop for the lowest rate available.
Although shopping for a low rate may be a priority for most homebuyers, it’s equally valuable to shop for the right mortgage.
What’s the right mortgage? The right mortgage is a borrowing solution that satisfies your current needs and mitigates future risks. Mortgage experts possess industry knowledge to highlight the features and benefits that may be most valuable for your financial situation.
For example:
- If you solely choose a mortgage based on its low rate without considering the impact of excessive penalties some of these low-rate mortgages come with, you could be left with a hefty penalty if you or your family need to relocate for work. By honestly discussing your situation with a mortgage expert, you could avoid considering solutions that don’t come with flexible options, such as portability or lower discharge penalty calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ) section, where we answer the most popular questions designed and crafted by our in-house mortgage experts to help you make informed mortgage financing decisions.
How can households manage their mortgage costs amidst rising interest rates?
Households can consider refinancing their mortgage to extend their amortization, make extra payments to reduce the principal faster, and shop around for the best mortgage rates and terms to manage mortgage costs amidst rising interest rates. It is advisable to consult with a mortgage expert to determine the best course of action based on individual circumstances.
Note: subprime and private mortgages offer longer amortizations, but they are typically suitable for borrowers looking for short-term solutions with an exit strategy. It’s important to be wary of mortgage brokers who jump to these solutions before explaining why you can’t qualify on the prime lending side.
What can be done to address the housing supply shortage?
Addressing the housing supply shortage requires a multi-faceted approach. Policymakers can implement measures to incentivize the construction of new housing units, such as offering tax incentives, removing municipal policy roadblocks against increased housing density, or streamlining the regulatory process.
Additionally, investing in affordable housing initiatives and encouraging the development of rental properties can alleviate the strain on the housing market. Collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and communities will be crucial to finding sustainable solutions to Canada’s housing supply issues.
What should potential homebuyers consider in a tight housing market?
In a tight housing market, potential homebuyers should be prepared to act quickly and make competitive offers. It is essential to have a solid understanding of the local real estate market, set a realistic budget, and seek professional advice before making an offer.
Final Thoughts
The Stats Canada report provides valuable insights into the ongoing challenges in housing supply and the impact of rising mortgage costs on household budgets. Homeownership continues to be a significant wealth-building strategy, with the appreciation of real estate values contributing to the accumulation of home equity.
However, the persistent housing supply shortage poses challenges for potential buyers and affordability concerns for existing homeowners. Rising mortgage costs further strain household budgets, burdening the economy and consumers, emphasizing the need for careful financial planning and shopping for the best rates possible.
Reach out to nesto’s mortgage experts to understand how much mortgage you can afford.
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