Canadian housing starts increased 4 per cent from the previous month, totalling 250,900 units in February at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were up 13 per cent from the same month last year (SAAR). In areas with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached housing starts decreased by 12 per cent year-over-year, while multi-family and other starts increased by 15 per cent compared to February 2025

In British Columbia, starts fell by 16 per cent from last month to 45,709 units (SAAR) in all areas of the province. In areas of the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts increased by 13 per cent to 4,148 units, while multi-family starts fell by 17 per cent to 38,554 units month-over-month (SAAR). Starts in the province were 53 per cent above the levels from February 2025 (SAAR). Year-to-date starts are up 127 per cent in Victoria, 46 per cent in Vancouver, and 15 per cent in Kelowna, but down 90 per cent in Abbotsford and 85 per cent in Nanaimo.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.