Forget a Crash: Canada Housing Market Just Got a Big Thumbs-Up!

Canada’s housing market has been soaring high for the last few years. The bull ride is expected to continue in 2021.

| More on:

Canada’s housing market has been soaring to record levels for the last few years. Evidently, the consistent surge has made investors anxious. While we fear a significant price correction or even a crash, the country’s real estate sector just got a big thumbs-up from our central bank governor.

Forget a Canadian housing market crash!

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem is not concerned about the rising housing market. In an interview with Bloomberg News, he said, “So far we are not seeing the kind of excessiveness in the housing market that would really get us worried.”

The housing market in Canada has been hot for over two decades now. The market held up relatively well during the 2008 financial crisis. It continued to remain one of the most desirable areas last year as well. That was remarkable, especially when the economy plunged into a deep recession due to the pandemic. Interestingly, the bull ride is expected to continue in 2021 as well.

That indeed makes sense, because there are fundamental factors driving Canada’s housing market. Record-low interest rates have increased affordability. Besides, people are spending more time at home due to work-from-home culture, which has pushed the demand.

The strength to continue in 2021

Things would have been somewhat worrisome if people were just speculating and hoping the prices to rise. The housing market surge’s primary factor has been the demand and not profiteering. This will likely continue to push the real estate further higher in 2021.

Royal Bank economist Robert Hogue sees a record-breaking year for Canada’s housing market this year. He expects some cooldown next year if interest rates increase even marginally. Contrastingly, interest rates are forecast to remain at these levels through 2023. The destruction caused by the coronavirus pandemic will likely take a couple of years to patch up, influencing the rates to stay low.

Additionally, consumer sentiment should recover this year, driven by vaccinations and the normalizing economic growth. Employment should also see impressive growth in the next few quarters, as the corporate investment cycle restarts.

How to bet on Canada’s booming housing market

If you think real estate in the country could remain red hot for the next few years, there are a couple of safe options you can consider. Consider iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF (TSX:XRE). It gives a broad mix of REITs that focus on real estate sectors like housing, healthcare, industrial, etc. Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust is the largest holding and forms over 15% in the fund.

This ETF will give you diversified exposure to several REITs. This will avoid your time and efforts to select the top-performing one and omitting the underperformer in your portfolio.

Also, the XRE ETF currently yields 4.5%. An investment of $10,000 will generate $450 in dividends every year. You would also gain from the capital appreciation. REITs generally play well amid the economic recovery. XRE is currently trading at $16.5, almost 30% lower compared to its pre-pandemic levels. The discounted price against last year’s high implies a lucrative opportunity for long-term investors.

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 Vineet Kulkarni has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks

3 Strong Canadian Stocks That Could Actually Benefit in a Trade War

Are you still worrying about the trade war? These Canadian stocks can put your mind at ease.

Read more »

investor looks at volatility chart
Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Real Estate Stock Down 18% to Buy and Hold Forever

Here's why Dream Industrial REIT (TSX:DIR.UN) is one top real estate stock long-term investors should consider on its current dip.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

A 60% Discount: 1 High-Yield Dividend Opportunity

Not only does this dividend stock offer passive income, but it also offers a massive discount!

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

I’d Put $7,000 in This TSX Giant Before it Recovers Completely

Looking for a great long-term option to buy? This TSX giant trades at a huge discount right now and screams…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Industrial Giant Down 45% to Buy and Hold Forever

It’s down 45%, but with strong cash flow and a smart growth plan, this TSX stock may be too good…

Read more »

woman retiree on computer
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks for Earning Consistent Passive Income

These three high-yielding dividend stocks with consistent dividend payouts are ideal for earning a reliable passive income.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

I’m Adding This 7% Dividend Stock for a Recession-Resistant Portfolio

This dividend stock is an excellent way for investors to simply stop worrying about a potential recession.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Secure $250 Monthly Dividends With a $35,000 Investment

With just two Canadian dividend payers, you could turn $35,000 into a stream of $250 per month in passive income.

Read more »