Canada Housing Starts Rise 3% in September to 248,896 Units
Canadian housing construction increased in September 2026, topping economist projections. Home starts reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 248,896 units, marking a 3% gain from August's revised figure of 242,223 units. The result beat consensus forecasts, which had called for 232,500 units. Rural construction accounted for an estimated 18,094 units during the month.
Regional results varied significantly across major urban centers. Vancouver recorded a 6% increase in its six-month trend due to higher multi-unit construction, while Montreal experienced an 8% drop driven by lower multi-unit starts. Toronto's trend remained unchanged. Despite the monthly rebound, actual starts in centers with at least 10,000 residents fell 11% year-over-year to 19,984 units. Year-to-date housing starts totaled 170,964 units, down 4% from 2025.
The national six-month moving average held virtually steady at 250,411 units, indicating underlying momentum in overall building activity. Analysts will continue watching local urban trends and multi-unit development rates to evaluate whether September's pace can be sustained through the end of the year.
Key points
- Canada housing starts rose 3% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 248,896 units in September 2026.
- The monthly figure surpassed market expectations of 232,500 units and increased from August's revised pace of 242,223 units.
- Vancouver saw its six-month trend rise 6% due to multi-unit starts, while Montreal fell 8% and Toronto was flat.
- Year-to-date starts reached 170,964 units, down 4% compared to the same period in 2025.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
How many housing starts were recorded in Canada in September 2026?
Canada recorded a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 248,896 housing starts in September 2026, up 3% from August.
Did Canadian housing starts beat market expectations in September 2026?
Yes, Canadian housing starts reached 248,896 units in September 2026, exceeding market expectations of 232,500 units.
How did housing starts perform across major Canadian cities in September 2026?
Vancouver's six-month trend rose 6% on higher multi-unit starts, while Montreal's trend fell 8% due to lower multi-unit starts. Toronto's trend remained flat.