The Loonie Hour Canada Records Sharpest Population Decline in 80 Years
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Dec 19, 2025 Canada faces its first population decline in 80 years, with insights on falling real estate prices and rising vacancies. Developers are pivoting to rentals as housing demand shifts. A significant drop in home sales is reported, highlighting a mismatch between immigration rates and housing supply. The hosts explore the implications of zero population growth on rental markets, while also addressing recent challenges in private credit and Ford's retreat from its electric vehicle ambitions.
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Kitsilano Land Went Round-Trip
- Steve described a Kitsilano development site that sold for $15M in 2015, $25M in 2018, then $10.7M recently, illustrating the full cycle.
- He attributes the reversal to skyrocketing construction costs, government fees, and changing market assumptions.
Choose Price Or Liquidity, Not Both
- If you need cash quickly, accept a lower price; forced liquidity reduces achievable sale prices.
- Wait for buyers if you want price, but don't expect both full price and immediate liquidity.
Price Drops Don't Equal Affordability
- Real disposable income has been flat for years, so even falling nominal house prices haven't made housing meaningfully more affordable.
- Affordability gains are limited if incomes don't keep pace with housing costs or inflation.