What the BoC’s latest rate hold means for mortgages
“Canada’s housing market had been showing signs of stabilisation, but the ongoing trade war could put that recovery back on hold,” she said.
“The housing market needs confidence as much as it needs lower borrowing costs. If the trade war persists, weakening economic sentiment could weigh on sales activity even if mortgage rates remain relatively stable. For buyers who are financially ready to move, waiting for significantly lower rates or home prices may not necessarily be the best strategy, as affordability is unlikely to improve meaningfully in the months ahead.”
Commercial real estate feels the chill
The prolonged hold is registering beyond the residential market. Fieder said the combination of trade tensions, higher tariffs, and shifting global conditions is producing a broader pause on development activity.
“Let’s not forget the ongoing unpredictability stemming from trade tensions, higher tariffs, and shifting global markets, which continue to support a ‘wait and see’ approach,” he said.
“We are seeing early signs of some commercial real estate projects being delayed, particularly in the industrial sector, although private and institutional investors alike continue to demonstrate appetite for assets with durable income and long-term stability.”
