Just a few months ago economists were predicting that the Bank of Canada would take a bullish stance on interest rates following its talk of ‘normalization’ of the interest rate environment.
Since then several things have changed. Despite some positive economic data and employment stats, issues such as the discounting of Canadian oil, slowing housing market, and the planned closure of the GM Oshawa plant, are all weighing on forecasts.
Give the gift of real estate success this year – grab a seasonal CREW subscription.
Use code HOLIDAYS2018 to claim your free festive gift.
The economists at the British Columbia Real Estate Association have issued their latest outlook for interest rates and say that, all things considered, they don’t see more than two rate hikes in 2019 with a single rise being the most likely scenario.
Specifically on mortgage rates, BCREA Economics says that lenders have been hesitant to raise their 5-year qualifying rate amid the slowest pace for mortgage book growth in 17 years, exacerbated by the tighter regulations.
Its outlook is that the 5-year qualifying rate of 5.34% in Q4 2018 will rise to 5.54% by Q2 2019 and remain there for the rest of the year. The 5-year average discounted rate is forecast to dip slightly from 3.74% in Q4 2018 to 3.64% in Q1 2019 before returning to 3.74% for the remainder of 2019.
Steve Randall has more than three decades of media experience encompassing online, newspapers, magazines, radio, and podcasts. He focuses on insights and news for professionals in finance, real estate, and legal services. Steve writes for multiple Key Media titles in Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
