Canadian Housing Starts Down Slightly in October Compared to September but Vancouver Starts Increased 3 Percent Year over Year in October
Canadian housing starts declined to 204,107 units at a
seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) in October, down from
September's 223,995 units. New home construction in BC urban centres was
essentially flat in October at 26,788 units (SAAR) compared to 27,184 in
September. On a year-over-year basis, multiple unit starts in BC were
unchanged while single family starts were 6 per cent lower. Overall, BC housing
starts were 2 per cent lower than
in October 2011.
Looking at major metropolitan areas in BC, Vancouver starts increased 3 per
cent year over year in October. The increase was driven by an 8 per cent rise
in multiple starts. Vancouver single starts fell 16 per cent year-over-year.
New home construction in Abbotsford was off 71 per cent compared to 2011 due to
relative inactivity in multiple starts this October compared to last.
Abbotsford singles were 6 per cent lower than last year. Housing starts in
Kelowna dipped 8 per cent year- over-year due to a slower pace multiple starts
while single starts increased 8 per cent. Housing starts in Victoria fell
26 per cent compared to October 2011 as multiple unit starts fell short of 2011
levels. Victoria single starts were up 4 per cent year-over-year.
Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association