New home prices continued slowdown in January

The national index edged down 0.1% on a month-over-month basis in January, following the same decline in the previous month. Prices were unchanged in 15 out of the 27 surveyed census metropolitan areas (CMAs). Meanwhile, nine CMAs saw an increase, while three CMAs were down. Even though more CMAs recorded price increases in January, a decline was seen at the national level. This decrease was driven by Toronto (-0.4%), the largest new housing market in Canada, accounting for nearly one-quarter (23.6%) of the national weight.

The largest month-over-month decrease of new home prices in January was recorded in Ottawa (-0.5%), followed by Toronto (-0.4%) and Edmonton (-0.2%). The weight of these three CMAs accounts for 38.8% of the national index. The latest new housing sales figures show a slowdown in the Ottawa and Toronto markets. Data collected from the Greater Ottawa Home Builder's Association shows a 21.2% monthly decline in sales of new detached houses and townhouses in December 2024. In the case of Toronto, Altus Group reported a decline in new single-family home sales (-68.6%) in December 2024.

The largest monthly increases in January 2025 were registered in Saskatoon (+0.6%) and St. Catharines–Niagara region (+0.6%), followed by Québec (+0.5%) and Winnipeg (+0.4%). Reduced borrowing costs fuelled the demand for housing in the CMAs where prices were relatively more affordable. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported declines in inventory of completed and unsold single-family homes in Québec (-10.8%) and Winnipeg (-3.3%) in December 2024 compared to the previous month.

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250220/dq250220c-eng.htm