Bank Regulator Highlights Silver Linings Amidst Toronto’s Condominium Market Challenges

Condominium Market Challenges Offer Silver Lining, According to Canada’s Banking Regulator

By Barbara Shecter, Financial Post — September 3, 2025

Toronto – Canada’s urban condominium markets face challenges. The GTA and Vancouver show slowing condo sales and rising inventories. Peter Routledge, head of the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), sees hidden benefits in these trends. He links the tough market conditions closely to potential gains for buyers.

At the Scotiabank Financials Summit in Toronto on Wednesday, Routledge focused on the slowdown in sales and increase in new condo inventories. He noted that Toronto lost 75 percent of its condo sales from 2022 to 2025, while Vancouver saw a 37 percent drop. Despite these falls, he stressed that Canada’s banks are still strong and well-capitalized to handle these issues.

Oversupply and Price Adjustments

In the GTA, the market shows a clear oversupply. New condo completions rise quickly. A report from Altus Group Ltd highlights both the oversupply and the steady stream of new builds. This excess pushes down prices and rents during the first half of 2025. Data released in June by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) backs this view. It reports fewer sales, nearly double the inventories, and softer prices across urban Canada. These trends follow a long phase of high prices and a low supply of housing.

A Market Correction Helping Affordability

Routledge sees the slowdown as a chance to improve affordability. He explained that not long ago, many noted the lack of housing units for Canadians. Now, the buildup of condo supply can help young buyers. Prices are falling from their high peaks, which may help first-time buyers enter the market.

This market correction can make owning a home more reachable by easing pressure on prices.

Banking Sector Preparedness and Market Resilience

OSFI has set up strong safeguards to support banks. They have set clear capital requirements and stress-tested mortgages. These steps help banks manage shocks from the real estate sector. Even though risks remain—especially in commercial real estate and slow-selling condo projects—the system stays robust. Routledge reassured that if stability is the focus, the system is doing well.

Letting the Market Find Its Level

Routledge agreed that some condo developments may fall short of investor hopes. Still, he favors market forces over strict regulation. He said, “We have the resilience already. The goal is to let the market decide the price that will bring young Canadians in so they can afford a home.” His words stress that careful letting of supply and demand should set the right prices.

Broader Implications

While a slowing condo market might seem bad at first, it can help balance Canada’s urban housing supply. This shift may ease long-standing affordability issues and open the door for new buyers. The challenge may not spell disaster for everyone but instead point to a more accessible housing market in major cities.

Contact: Barbara Shecter, bshecter@nationalpost.com
Financial Post
Photo credit: Peter J. Thompson / Financial Post

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