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June 10, 2026

Does more supply really produce lower rents?

No.

It should be unequivocal, but if you need proof, check Rentals.ca annual report on Canadian cities, which states that Nova Scotia overtook BC for the highest rents in purpose-built rental and condo housing, at $2,302/month. This is during a year that rents generally declined (e.g. by 12.9% in Markham, 10.6% in Scarborough). Ontario rents decreased by 6.0 % in the past year, BC rents by 5.7%, and Alberta by 3.9%. Vancouver’s rents decreased by 5.9% since May 2022. Youth unemployment and decreased immigration are cited as causes–while NS still has interprovincial migration. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are also seeing increased rents.

By the way, housing starts in Halifax have broken records in 2022, 2023, and 2025.

 “Nova Scotia also has a high concentration of new supply, contributing to higher average asking rents.”

The question remains…why do politicians and developers keep saying that more supply will lower costs?

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