A Slow Start to 2026 & Interest Rate Uncertainty — Real Estate Roundtable (March 2026)

Toronto and Vancouver's housing markets are off to a very slow start in 2026. Sales activity in both cities has come in well below last year's levels as buyers remain cautious amid broader economic uncertainty. In this month's Real Estate Roundtable, John Pasalis, Steve Saretsky, and David Larock discuss what's keeping buyers on the sidelines and what it might take for confidence to return. One of the biggest questions right now is the outlook for interest rates. While many economists had expected modest rate cuts this year, the war in the Middle East has added a new layer of uncertainty that could complicate the Bank of Canada's path forward. We also discuss a major policy development on the West Coast: the Musqueam Nation's agreement with the federal government, which could reshape how land is developed in Vancouver and raise important questions about governance, planning, and housing supply. Finally, we look at how multiplex policies are beginning to influence housing markets in both Vancouver and Toronto. While still early, these changes are starting to affect land values, redevelopment decisions, and the types of housing being built across both cities. Contact & Follow Follow John Pasalis on X/Twitter: @JohnPasalis | Email: [email protected] Follow Steve Saretsky on X/Twitter: @SteveSaretsky | Email: [email protected] Follow David Larock on X/Twitter: @Dave_at_IMP | Email: [email protected] Watch this episode on the Move Smartly YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/movesmartly If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, share, review, and comment — your support helps us reach more listeners.