Concordia University research on Canada's housing affordability

🏚️ HOW CAN LAND POLICY CONTRIBUTE TO HOUSING AFFORDABILITY?   Yesterday, I had the opportunity to take part in a very stimulating session of the UN-Habitat and European Commission "Expert Group on Housing Indicators and Policies in the European Union".   At the invitation of the Expert Group (many thanks again for this opportunity - Annika Lenz, Frédéric J. Saliez), I sought to provide some reflections on the following question: How can land policy contribute to housing affordability?   My contribution drew on insights developed through: 1️⃣ The research project “What actions could be taken to reconcile ‘No Net Land Take’ (NNLT) and housing affordability?”, carried out in the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of European Union in 2024. 2️⃣ The COST Action “Public Value Capture of Increasing Property Values across Europe” 👉 https://lnkd.in/gf-_qY-M 👉 https://lnkd.in/gd5aarCa 👉 https://lnkd.in/gdbzVYEi Two main conclusions emerged: 1️⃣ Various land policy instruments can play a crucial role in addressing the housing affordability crisis. Examples include a split-rate system for property taxation, developer obligations, inclusionary housing, and more. 2️⃣ In most European countries, such instruments remain underutilized, and there is an urgent need to give them much greater attention.  

Over the last few weeks, we've been following the key party conferences that have been taking place across the country, to make sure we've got the key housing takeaways from each event. We've pulled together those insights into one main summary that captures the key themes shaping the political conversation around housing: from reforming planning and boosting supply to funding retrofit and strengthening regional powers. With the upcoming Autumn Budget, housing remains a fundamental talking point for every major party. The conference discussions reveal where new investment could land and where fiscal restraints might limit ambition. The guide is available to download on our website: https://lnkd.in/eGDN-3XC

Delivering more homes isn’t simply a numbers game, it’s a mission to drive social change and create a long-lasting positive impact for communities.   Achieving this takes a combined effort from across the industry – and ensuring that economic growth is balanced with finding solutions to deliver high-quality affordable homes that provide a base for people to thrive.   Great to hear Ben Denton discuss this with Alan Bunce and Matthew Battle on UK Property Forum’s Battle & Bunce Talking Property podcast.   There are challenges to overcome, but so much potential for our sector to make further strides to drive positive change.   #Goldentriangle #UKhousing https://lnkd.in/eRkEHQ6j

This is a critical moment for CRE in Canada, with macroeconomic uncertainty, demographic shifts and policy decisions reshaping the environment in which CRE operates. At this year’s CRE.Converge conference, Altus Group's Peter Norman shared new insights on the economic impact of Canada’s commercial real estate sector, drawing on fresh research prepared with the NAIOP Research Foundation. https://ow.ly/2O8h50XgfPt

This is a critical moment for CRE in Canada, with macroeconomic uncertainty, demographic shifts and policy decisions reshaping the environment in which CRE operates. At this year’s CRE.Converge conference, Altus Group's Peter Norman shared new insights on the economic impact of Canada’s commercial real estate sector, drawing on fresh research prepared with the NAIOP Research Foundation. https://ow.ly/2O8h50XgfPt

According to the Housing Observatory, the median price reaches €273,851 per are in the capital, compared to €46,851 in the most remote communes. Discover the six new price zones and the growing disconnect between land and housing prices in our full article 👇 https://lnkd.in/e3kmi-aE

Council of the EU, Analysis and Research Team (ART) One roof, many realities: Europe's complex housing crisis [October 2025] https://lnkd.in/gb7dtXKp   Housing issues lie at the intersection of local, regional, national, and, by extension, European priorities. While housing is a concern in every member state, citizens across the EU hold different views on how to best address the issue. This analysis explores the key challenges for a European housing policy as a result of the trends shaping the sector and provides an overview of the current housing landscape and the potential implications for addressing these pressing issues as part of the EU’s policy agenda.

Last week at Shaping Ontario’s Economic Future, Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance made the case for building Ontario’s future by building at home.    Some key takeaways: 1) The Minister made clear that Ontario must play offense in a protectionist world  2) We must build capacity through infrastructure and energy  3) Ontario's fiscal strength serves as a foundation  4) Capital is waiting for clarity and speed   Thanks to our event partners: EY, University of Toronto, Morningstar DBRS   Read our full recap: https://lnkd.in/guxJnZ95

TLDR: 1. Homes exist within an interconnected ecosystem, not in isolation. 2. Short-term or first-order issues often overshadow systemic challenges. 3. Many households are financially vulnerable due to broader socioeconomic and political structures. 4. The housing ecosystem can be conceptualized as a building with: -Foundation: Government, legal, regulatory, and governance frameworks. -Five Pillars: Infrastructure, construction, finance (demand and supply side), informal settlements/slums, and land. -Roof: Financial sector overseeing investment flows. 5. Structural weaknesses in any part of this framework lead to systemic housing problems. Systemic reform based on first principles is necessary for sustainable housing and real estate investment. 6. The video sets the stage for a deeper dive into each pillar in subsequent discussions. Follow for more.

The 5th issue of Epsilon Living magazine is out now! Featuring features, research, and articles on the real estate market, as well as topics that matter to every property owner, buyer, or tenant. In this issue you’ll discover: • Analysis on the housing shortage in Greece • Research on how foreign buyers are positioning themselves in 2025 • Tips from Despina Moiraraki in a unique interview • Articles on taxation, renovations, and investment security Read it today at 👉 www.epsilonliving.gr