3 Signs That COVID-19 Will Cause a Housing Market Crash

With chances of a housing market crash amid the pandemic, investing in a diversified REIT like Canadian Apartment Properties REIT could be the way to go.

| More on:
edit Back view of hugging couple standing with real estate agent in front of house for sale

Image source: Getty Images

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on economies worldwide. At writing, the deadly virus has infected 2.7 million people around the world, with 191,000 deaths and counting. Canada has reported 42,110 cases and 2,147 deaths as of April 24, 2020. The numbers keep on rising.

The housing market in Canada has already been a bubble for several years. I am going to discuss some of the signs that indicate the possibility of a housing market crash as a result of COVID-19.

Countrywide unemployment surge

There is a necessity to enforce social distancing to curb the spread of the disease. If governments are unable to reduce the curve, the healthcare system might become overwhelmed and unable to help the substantial number of infected people. Part of the measure is to shut down any businesses not providing essential services.

With people being unemployed, they no longer possess the ability to buy houses.

Loan defaults

With millions of Canadians without jobs, the number of loan defaulters will likely skyrocket in the coming months. Banks have offered mortgage deferrals to help Canadians through this challenging time, but they will eventually need to pay off debts. Banks with significant exposure to mortgage debts are at high risk.

Waning demand and increase in supply

Investors who are already two or three months in arrears might instead try to get something out of their assets by selling their properties. With little to no income for most Canadians, the number of people willing to buy properties might not be substantial. The demand for real estate might fall.

Currently, the number of sales has not taken a massive hit. The stimulus package introduced by the government is making it possible for banks to defer mortgages. However, the stimulus package might not be effective if there is a longer-term layoff of Canadians due to the pandemic. It can all begin to crumble and lead to a drastic decline in the housing market, affect the banks, and put the economy into a full-blown recession.

Diversified REITs

Residential real estate might not be the most lucrative asset class to consider in the situation. However, there are prospects Canadians can consider that will give them a more diversified exposure to the real estate sector without assuming too much risk.

A real estate investment trust (REIT) like Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (TSX:CAR.UN) could be an excellent pick to this end. It is a top stock trading on the TSX that increased its share price by more than 85% in the last five years.

CAPREIT is one of the most significant among diversified REITs with a substantial portfolio consisting of manufactured home communities (MHC) as well as new suites. It boasts a growing portfolio of more than 11,000 MHC sites from 72 communities across Canada, making it the second-biggest MHC owner in the country.

Its portfolio is also spread across Canada, making its assets geographically diverse, as opposed to being concentrated in at-risk housing markets. Between the geographic diversity and its healthy balance sheet, CAPREIT can likely ride out a market crash better than REITs with weaker balance sheets.

Foolish takeaway

With a housing market crash likely to take place this year, it would be advisable to invest in assets that can protect your capital. To this end, a diversified REIT like CAPREIT can offer you the insulation you need.

At writing, the stock is trading for $44.92 per share, and it has a decent 3.07% dividend yield. The stock’s current price is 26% lower than its March 2020 peak. It could be worth your while to allocate some of your capital to shares of this REIT if the market crash takes place.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Royalty: 3 Fabulous Stocks to Buy Now for Decades of Passive Income

Rogers Communications stock and Canadian Natural Resources stock could pay you dividends for decades to come.

Read more »

Payday ringed on a calendar
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks That Pay Me More Than $54.57 Per Month

These three dividend stocks have done me well over the years, so let's look at how much I've gotten in…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The Top Canadian REITs to Buy in April 2024

For growth and dividends this April, look to these two REITs that have quite the promising present as well as…

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »