The Housing Bubble Is Over: Trouble Is Brewing

Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) was right when it said “the rapidly rising real estate market will end poorly for consumers.”

| More on:
The Motley Fool
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

A rising tide lifts all boats. In Canada’s case, rising home prices have lifted the entire economy, even in the face of lower energy and metal prices.

While oil-rich havens such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have struggled mightily, other regions such as Ontario and British Columbia have picked up the slack–almost completely due to their rapidly rising real estate markets.

Compared to 2015 levels, the Vancouver area has seen average home prices increase by 25% with the median selling price topping $1 million. This year, Royal LePage expects Vancouver prices to rise a total 27% along with a 15% rise in the Toronto market.

“I believe it is the highest value put forward by a serious forecasting agency since the turn of the century,” said Royal LePage’s CEO.

Soon, however, the governments of both Toronto and Vancouver will have foreign buyer taxes aimed at cooling a red-hot housing market. The party may be over, and that could have major consequences on the rest of the Canadian economy.

New taxes are achieving their desired effect

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, sales of existing Canadian homes fell in August, the fourth straight month of volume declines. The drop–the largest monthly decline in two years–was preceded by a tax on foreign buyers in Vancouver.

“Single family homes sales were already cooling before the new land-transfer tax on foreign home buyers in Metro Vancouver came into effect,” said the chief economist of the Canadian Real Estate Association. “The surprise announcement of the new tax caused sales to brake hard.”

House purchases in Vancouver declined by 26% in August compared with the same month a year earlier.

Toronto is likely to follow suit with its own buyer tax.

Benjamin Tal, an economist at CIBC, says that Ontario will have little choice but to enact a tax on foreign house buyers, similar to the 15% surcharge recently implemented on home purchases in Vancouver. Vancouver’s tax has shifted demand to other cities such as Toronto, further inflating the problem.

Tal believes that Toronto will inevitably have to enact a tax, likely putting an end to a multi-year housing market rise. “Policymakers have to use demand tools to deal with what is essentially a supply problem,” he said. “Ontario will have little choice but to do the same.”

No relief in 2017

Canadian Real Estate Association recently trimmed its forecast for 2017, projecting a 0.6% decline in national home sales and a 0.2% drop in prices. In June, it had forecast sales to rise 0.2% and for prices to rise 0.1%.

This reversal could be catastrophic.

According to Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO), the rapidly rising real estate market will end poorly for consumers, lenders, and the economy as a whole. “Odds are that if this kind of price growth continues, it will end badly,” a bank analyst said in a research note.

It seems that the period of perpetual price growth is over.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Ryan Vanzo has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Bank Stocks

Bank sign on traditional europe building facade
Bank Stocks

The 3 Canadian Bank Stocks Worthy of Your TFSA

TD Bank (TSX:TD) and two other Big Six Canadian bank stocks look like great value options for TFSA investors in…

Read more »

think thought consider
Bank Stocks

RBC Stock: Should You Invest in February 2023?

Royal Bank of Canada has delivered stellar returns to investors in the last 20 years. But is RBC stock a…

Read more »

Bank Stocks

I Keep Buying Shares of This Dividend Stock Hand Over Fist

I have been buying shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) hand over fist for years.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Bank Stocks

BNS Stock: A Smart Investment Today?

BNS stock has risen 11% in 2023 so far. But is it worth buying today? Let’s find out.

Read more »

edit Businessman using calculator next to laptop
Bank Stocks

Why RBC Stock Is the Most Valuable Stock on the TSX Today

Any investor can have peace of mind their growing wealth long term by owning Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) shares…

Read more »

sad concerned deep in thought
Bank Stocks

Is goeasy the Best Growth Stock to Buy in February 2023?

goeasy stock has lost 15% in the last 12 months but has returned over 250% in the last five years.…

Read more »

Man holding magnifying glass over a document
Bank Stocks

BMO Stock: Is it a Good Investment Today?

Have you considered BMO for your portfolio? Here’s why this big bank may be a good investment for today, tomorrow,…

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Bank Stocks

TD Stock: Is it a Good Investment Today?

TD stock is up more than 6% in 2023. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »