Housing affordability improved for the 10th consecutive quarter as falling home prices offset rising mortgage rates, with mortgage payments on a representative home dropping to 51.1% of median income. This improvement shifted from rate-driven to price-driven, especially in Vancouver and Toronto. Despite gains, affordability remains below historical norms nationwide, with Vancouver the least affordable. Future improvements depend on income growth and controlled home-price increases.

Vancouver housing starts fell 42% in July compared to last year, with 1,810 starts, mainly due to a 44% drop in multi-unit homes. Single-detached starts also declined 13%. Toronto saw a 10% decrease, while Montreal's starts rose 3%, driven by multi-unit construction. Nationally, the annualized housing start rate dropped 5% from June, with multi-unit starts down 6% and single-detached nearly unchanged.

Scarcity increases value only when the limited supply is visible to buyers; hidden or private listings create obscurity, not scarcity, reducing demand and price. Studies show that visible scarcity drives competition and higher prices, while secret reserves or limited awareness lower buyer interest and sale outcomes. Full exposure with a set showing period leverages true scarcity psychology, benefiting sellers by attracting serious buyers and maximizing value.

Well-maintained yards significantly boost home value, often more than costly interior renovations. Simple, low-cost landscaping projects like spreading mulch, edging lawns, pressure washing driveways, planting perennials, adding solar path lights, painting the front door, seeding bare patches, and removing dead trees can increase property value by thousands. These affordable improvements enhance curb appeal, attract buyers, and yield high returns on investment.

You can invest in real estate with minimal capital through options like publicly traded REITs, crowdfunding platforms, house hacking, wholesaling, and seller financing. REITs offer liquidity and income without control, while crowdfunding pools funds for managed projects. House hacking involves living in part of a property and renting out the rest to offset costs. Wholesaling requires contracts and market knowledge, and seller financing allows direct payments to sellers. Research and legal review are essential to manage risks and ensure profitable investments.