Rent growth slowed in most of Canada's larger markets
Nationally, rental market conditions became more uniform in 2024. Most census metropolitan areas (CMAs) experienced slower rent growth, though some exceptions remained.
- Toronto had the lowest rent growth among major CMAs. This is the result of rising vacancy rates and a low turnover rate, which declined further in 2024. For occupied units under rent control, landlords had limited ability to raise rents beyond the provincial guideline. Moreover, with a record increase in the supply of rental apartment condominiums, landlords in the purpose-built sector prioritized keeping existing tenants by taking a more cautious approach to rent increases.
- In Vancouver and Montréal, because of tighter rental market conditions and a slight rise in turnover, rent growth didn't slow as much as it did in Toronto.
- Ottawa and Edmonton were 2 CMAs that bucked the trend, with overall average rent growth slightly accelerating. In 2023, rent increases in these areas lagged their respective provincial averages. However, in 2024, stronger rental demand allowed both areas to catch up, with relatively modest adjustments for existing tenants and more significant increases for new tenants.
- Calgary's rent growth slowed in 2024 but still significantly outpaced all other large urban centres due to unabated rental demand. Strong rent increases were supported by updated rental stock over the recent years, with a growing share of newer units becoming competitive with homeownership and secondary rental options. Landlords had more flexibility to raise rents for existing tenants, as they were not bound by rent increase guidelines.
Figure 1: Rent growth slowed in most of Canada's largest rental markets
*Percentage change in average rent for a 2-bedroom purpose-built apartment based on a fixed sample
**Canada includes all urban areas with a population of at least 10,000 people
Source: CMHC
New tenants across Canada continued to face significant rent hikes. Rents for units that turned over rose by 23.5%, similar to 2023 rates. While turnover impacted 1 in 8 units, these units contributed to more than 40% of the total rent increases. (Canada Table 6.0 and 6.1)
- Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax saw some of the highest rent increases among major CMAs for turnover units. In these rent-controlled markets, persistently low tenant turnover meant that when units became available, landlords had room to adjust rents to match current market levels. Higher rents made it harder for new renters to enter the market and further limited mobility for existing tenants.
Census Metropolitan Area | Overall change in average Rent (2-bed) | Turnover rate in 2024 (all purpose-built-units) | Turnover unit average rent change when turned over (2-bed) | Turnover percentage point contribution to overall change in average rent (2-bed) | Provincial rent guideline indicator |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Canada | 5.4% (a) | 12.5% (a) | 23.5% (a) | 2.2% (a) | N/A |
Vancouver | 5.5% (b) | 9.1% (a) | 26.5% (d) | 2.0% (a) | Yes |
Edmonton | 7.0% (a) | 26.5% (a) | 10.9% (a) | 2.5% (a) | No |
Calgary | 8.9% (a) | 23.6% (a) | 18.7% (d) | 3.7% (a) | No |
Toronto | 2.7% (a) | 6.4% (a) | 40.7% (a) | 1.9% (a) | Yes |
Ottawa | 5.0% (b) | 14.5% (a) | 23.8% (a) | 2.9% (a) | Yes |
Montréal | 6.3% (b) | 11.1% (a) | 18.7% (a) | 2.0% (a) | Yes |
Halifax | 3.8% (c) | 10.0% (a) | 28.3% (d) | 2.4% (a) | Yes |
*The following letter codes are used to indicate the reliability of the estimates: (a) Excellent, (b) Very good, (c) Good, (d) Poor (Use with Caution)
Source: CMHC
Rental demand stayed strong, but signs of weakness emerged
Rental demand grew in 2024, as shown by an increase in the number of occupied units. Here are some of the key factors that impacted demand:
Migration: Population growth remains a significant driver of rental demand. As of July 1, 2024, international migration reached a record high of nearly 1.2 million people over the past 12 months. However, the introduction of a cap on international student intake and adjustments to their provincial distribution led to a shift in late 2024. As a result, fewer foreign students were admitted this school year. Our local market intelligence suggested that in Ontario and British Columbia, the 2 provinces most impacted by these measures, landlords in areas near post-secondary institutions found it harder to fill vacant units this fall.
Labour market: Employment conditions softened across most markets. This mainly affected younger renters aged 15 – 24 and made it harder for them to form their own households. The 25 to 44-year-olds had a slightly lower employment rate as well. However, due to stronger labour force growth, the number of employed in this age group grew significantly, helping to sustain strong rental demand. According to the latest Census, 40 to 50% of households in major CMAs within this age group were renters.
Access to homeownership: Even with the recent decline in entry-level home prices particularly in higher-priced markets like Toronto and Vancouver, and lower mortgage rates, renting remained the more affordable option. Renters struggled to transition to homeownership because of the additional pressure from rising non-shelter costs. These rising costs made it more difficult to save for a down payment and to qualify for a mortgage, which led many to stay in rentals.
- In CMAs like Calgary and Edmonton, where homeownership was more affordable, renter outflow to homeownership was evident in high turnover and rising vacancy rates.
- Vacancy rates in higher-priced CMAs like Toronto and Vancouver remained low due to limited homeownership options for potential first-time homebuyers.
More purpose-built rentals brought much-needed relief to tight markets
Demand remained high. However, the highest supply growth in over 3 decades outpaced it, resulting in higher vacancy rates and a cooling in rent growth in many urban centres (Canada Table 1.0).
- Calgary and Edmonton saw the largest increases in rental completions, resulting in the highest vacancy rates among major CMAs (Figure 2). Many of these completions occurred in the second half of the year, with some projects still in the lease-up phase. The slower absorption of new units further contributed to the increase in vacancy rates.
- Montréal's rental apartment completions remained among the highest on record, surpassing those of any other CMA despite a decline from the record levels seen in 2023. With a large share of its population living in rental apartments compared to other CMAs, Montréal continued to experience high rental demand. However, according to market intelligence, longer lease-up periods for new units suggest some moderation in demand. This, combined with strong supply growth, has pushed up the rental vacancy rate.
- Similarly, in Ottawa, record rental apartment completions pushed the vacancy rate higher. Census data shows that a larger share of renters live in the secondary low-rise market (single-detached, semi-detached, and row homes) in Ottawa compared to other large urban centres. The decline in low-rise completions in 2024 drove increased demand for purpose-built rental apartments, which was outpaced by stronger increases in supply.
Figure 2: Purpose-built rental apartment completions far exceed historical averages
*Based on the 12-month period prior to June 30th of the survey reference year.
Source: CMHC
Substantial rise in condominium apartment completions contributed to rental supply growth
Rental supply also increased with a strong uptick in condominium apartment3 completions that were subsequently rented out. These new units, featuring modern finishes and amenities, attracted renters, raising vacancy rates in the purpose-built rental market. This trend was especially evident in newer, higher-priced purpose-built units, which, according to our local market intelligence, had to offer incentives to remain competitive.
- In Toronto, condominium apartment completions reached new highs. Many of these units were purchased by investors a few years ago at the pre-construction stage. This increased the share of rented condominium apartments to 41%, the highest among all CMAs. Despite negative cash flows and plans to sell upon completion, oversupply in the resale market led investors to lease them instead. However, the influx of renters kept condominium apartment vacancy rates low and stable.
- In comparison, Vancouver's rental share increased more modestly, due to a higher proportion of homeowners in apartments and a lower investor share. Compared to Toronto, a more balanced resale market allowed more investors to sell upon completion, reducing the number of units entering the rental market.
- In contrast, Calgary and Edmonton saw rental shares decline as investors sold units to capitalize on strong market demand. Homebuyers seeking affordable options and intra-provincial migrants increased demand for condominium ownership. These factors led to price hikes and favourable selling conditions.
Affordability conditions yet to improve
Rental supply grew at a record pace in 2024 due to new completions. These higher-priced additions were unaffordable to many renters and primarily served higher-income households. Because of the filtering effect (PDF), they will still play an essential role in improving overall affordability over time.
Despite slower rent growth in 2024, there has been no improvement in affordability. Rent increases slightly outpaced wage growth for the 25 to 44-year-old core renter group. Rent arrears rates showed a marginal decline (Canada Table 5.0) but remained significantly higher than arrears rates for mortgage holders. This reflects greater difficulty among renters in coping with financial stress.
Rent arrears rates were highest in Ontario, where affordability challenges persist. Rental operators in the region also reported that a backlog at the Landlord and Tenant Board has kept many units in arrears.
This year highlighted that increasing supply alone is insufficient to address immediate affordability issues. Our findings underscore the need for policies that tackle both supply constraints and affordability challenges for low- to middle-income renters.
Footnotes
- Privately initiated rental apartments with 3 or more units.
- Percentage change of average rents from fixed sample.
- The Condominium Apartment Survey (CAS) represents self-contained units in condominium apartments. The CAS is a census of all apartment condominiums with 3 or more units, except for Montréal, where a sample of structures is surveyed.