The total value of Canadian building permits fell 5.5 per cent on a monthly basis in January to $8.4 billion. A decline in construction intentions for commercial buildings was the primary driver of the decline.
In BC, the total value of permits fell 24 per cent to $1.6 billion after reaching a milestone of $2 billion in December. A decline in Vancouver commercial building permits was largely responsible for the overall drop in the value of permits, falling 56 per cent on a monthly basis. Total non-residential permits were down 52 per cent on a monthly basis and were essentially flat year-over-year. Residential permits fell 4.3 per cent compared to December but were up 4.5 per cent year-over-year to $1.19 billion.
Construction intentions in January were mostly down in BC's four census metropolitan areas (CMA):
In BC, the total value of permits fell 24 per cent to $1.6 billion after reaching a milestone of $2 billion in December. A decline in Vancouver commercial building permits was largely responsible for the overall drop in the value of permits, falling 56 per cent on a monthly basis. Total non-residential permits were down 52 per cent on a monthly basis and were essentially flat year-over-year. Residential permits fell 4.3 per cent compared to December but were up 4.5 per cent year-over-year to $1.19 billion.
Construction intentions in January were mostly down in BC's four census metropolitan areas (CMA):
- Permits in the Abbotsford-Mission CMA fell 49 per cent on a monthly basis to $33.5 million. Year-over-year, permit values were down 48 per cent.
- In the Victoria CMA, total permit values were up 19 per cent on a monthly basis to $110.2 million, but were down 28.5 per cent over last year.
- In the Kelowna CMA, permits values fell for a third straight month, declining 4.5 per cent on a monthly basis to $81.1 million. However, the value of permits was up 42 per cent compared to January 2018.
- In the Vancouver CMA, the value of permits fell 28 per cent to just over $1 billion. On a year-over-year basis, the value of permits was 15 per cent higher.
For more information, please contact:
Cameron MuirBrendon OgmundsonChief EconomistDeputy Chief EconomistDirect: 604.742.2780Direct: 604.742.2796Mobile: 778.229.1884Mobile: 604.505.6793Email: cmuir@bcrea.bc.caEmail: bogmundson@bcrea.bc.caThe British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is the professional association for about 23,000 REALTORS® in BC, focusing on provincial issues that impact real estate. Working with the provinces 11 real estate boards, BCREA provides continuing professional education, advocacy, economic research and standard forms to help REALTORS® provide value for their clients.
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