IN THIS ISSUE

🎩 New year, same housing crisis?

👏 This edition of good news in housing

• For Trent U, it takes a village

• Largest Indigenous-led development coming soon

• Energy efficient housing, but make it affordable

🧩 More from Studenthaus

🗂 Rental resources

TOP STORY

🔨 New year, same housing crisis?

We’re only a few weeks into 2025, but it’s already clear that affordability is still a mess. For the students or young renters out there wondering if things will get any easier this year, here’s what’s shaping up.

Say landlords, I hear rent might be cooling off

For the past few years, rent prices have been climbing faster than your caffeine intake during finals season. But according to CMHC, rental demand is starting to slow down in some of the largest cities. Why? Fewer people are immigrating, and more tenants are finally leaving the rental market to buy homes (not us, but someone). Plus, a record number of new apartments and condos are opening this year, meaning more supply = slightly less landlord power.

Does this mean rent is getting cheaper? Not exactly. But the days of bidding wars for basement suites might be over.

The condo market is looking… messy

If you live in a high-rise city, you might have noticed more “For Rent” signs popping up. That’s because a bunch of investors who bought condos before the market went nuts are now trying to sell before they lose money. This is causing a flood of listings — especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Why does this matter if you’re renting? More available condos could mean better rental deals in some areas. So if your landlord tries to pull a “market value increase” on you, maybe remind them that “market value” is looking a little shaky.

Trade war = higher prices for literally everything

Canada and the U.S. are squabbling over trade again, and if you thought that wouldn’t affect housing, think again. BNN Bloomberg reports that tariffs on Canadian imports (and Canada’s response) could drive up costs for everything from groceries to gas to new housing construction. If developers slow down on building new rentals, supply could tighten again — and we’re back to square one. That means no more Kendrick jokes.

So… is anything actually improving?

Honestly? Kinda. If you’re renting, you might see more options and fewer price hikes this year, at least in some cities. If you’re hoping for affordable homeownership… well, that’s still a long shot. But hey — at least your rent might not go up by 200% this year. That’s what we call a win in 2025. 🎉

Stay tuned, and we’ll keep you posted on whether things actually get better.

👏 Good news in housing

For Trent U, it takes a village

The Peterborough school is going all-in on housing, adding 900 residence beds and 325 townhomes for students by 2028. Trent also plans to add a seniors’ village and long term care home to support the broader community. Keep reading…

Walkable Sen̓áḵw development ready by end of 2025

Canada’s largest ever Indigenous-led housing project offered a sneak peek at its first phase. The 6,000 unit development is carbon-neutral, transit-friendly, and puts a focus on Squamish art. Keep reading…

Energy efficient housing, but make it affordable

The federal government is putting serious money into energy upgrades for 420 affordable homes in Vancouver, which means lower energy bills for renters and a little less guilt for leaving the lights on. Keep reading…

🧩 More from Studenthaus

🗂 Rental resources

Whether it’s your first time living on your own or you’ve been renting for years, this is the time of year that lots of young people are considering their future housing plans.

Is your landlord illegally entering your unit, trying to change your agreement without your consent, or unreasonably preventing you from having overnight guests?

If so, and you can’t quite figure out how to word a message to your landlord, check out the list of template letters from BC’s Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre to help you out.

There’s even a template roommate agreement.

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