Market Insights

From RENX.ca – CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal says Canada is navigating a difficult transition period, but improving conditions could set the stage for stronger economic growth through 2027 and 2028. Infrastructure investment, easing mortgage pressures and a stabilizing housing market are among the factors expected to support the recovery, despite continued concerns around inflation, tariffs and elevated interest rates.

From RENX.ca – High Art Capital is advancing a $1.3-billion GTA housing initiative aimed at acquiring unsold condominium units and converting them into long-term rentals. The firm has also partnered with SEIU Healthcare to provide below-market housing for eligible workers, supported by up to $300 million in financing from the Building Ontario Fund.

From Altus Group – Commercial real estate showed improving momentum in Q2 2026, with property values posting modest gains and transaction volume increasing. However, the recovery remains uneven, with larger deals driving much of the activity while broader buyer participation remains limited. Office, medical office and storage showed signs of resilience, while capital continued to shift between asset classes as investors assessed pricing, cash flow and changing market conditions.

From RENX.ca – Commercial real estate investment activity across the Greater Toronto Area strengthened considerably in the first half of 2026, with transaction volume reaching nearly $10.2 billion, up approximately 35% year-over-year. Multifamily led the recovery with a 244% increase in investment volume, while office and industrial activity also posted significant gains. Private capital continues to drive much of the market, with investors increasingly targeting assets offering stable income, constrained supply and long-term growth potential.

From Urbanation.ca – Ontario’s rental housing industry is building at levels not seen in decades, yet the province remains on track for a 121,000-unit rental shortage by 2036, on top of an estimated 249,000-unit deficit already accumulated since 2016. Rental demand is projected to grow by 399,000 households over the next 10 years against only 278,000 units of new supply.

From Altus Group – Based on data from Altus Data Studio, during the first half of 2026, investor confidence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) commercial real estate market improved, with total investment volume rising nearly 35% year-over-year to $10.2 billion. The increase was supported by stronger transaction activity in the office and multi-family sectors. Retail continued to attract investor interest, but severe inventory constraints in high-demand corridors contributed to a 30% year-over-year decline in retail investment volume, limiting its contribution to broader GTA totals.