CHBA Advocacy: Government to Expand 30-year Amortizations  

In another advocacy victory for CHBA, the federal government has announced they will expand the availability of 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages to include all first-time homebuyers, as well as all those purchasing new builds. The government will also raise the mortgage cap for insured mortgages to $1.5 million. These changes reflect CHBA recommendations to the federal government and come on the heels of CHBA CEO Kevin Lee’s recent discussions at the Cabinet Retreat where he pushed for these needed changes. They are an important step in helping to address falling housing starts and get the market headed in the right direction. CHBA was instrumental in getting the government to move on expanding to 30-year amortizations for first-time buyers of new builds that was announced in Budget 2024. The new changes, coming into effect on December 15, will enable still more buyers to enter the market and drive demand for more supply. Please see CHBA’s press release for more information.

CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey Now Available    
Want to know what home buyers are looking for in a new home? What features they are willing to trade-off to get what they want? And what they’re willing to pay? If you’re looking for powerful insight into today’s new home buyer market, then CHBA’s nationwide market research study – powered by Avid Ratings Canada – is a must read. The ninth CHBA Home Buyer Preference Study surveyed nearly more than 18,500 buyers from across 6 provinces. The full survey report is free for CHBA members, and it includes a link to the full set of data via Microsoft Power BI, where you can filter the data based on a variety of geographic and demographic criteria. To learn more, and to order your free copy of the survey, click here. 

COMING SOON: Call for Entries – CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

The CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, Canada’s premiere awards for new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing is opening later in October! Categories feature a range of awards for many different types of projects, including entry-level homes, attached and detached, production and custom homes, renovations at different price points, net zero homes and renovations, new and growing communities, and a variety of residential marketing efforts. Find all the information, including the updated 2025 entry forms for those who want a head start, here.

Get Discounted Access to IBS with your CHBA Membership 

CHBA “CANADA NIGHT” RECEPTION FEB 26 
Since 2013, CHBA has been partnering with NAHB to bring special value and discounted rates to CHBA members interested in attending the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS), which is an annual event put on by NAHB (our American counterparts) that connects, educates and improves the residential construction industry. CHBA members receive NAHB member pricing, including first-timer discounts, and a free expo pass if you register in September. If you are attending, make sure you join other CHBA members for the “Canada Night” reception happening Wednesday, February 26. All details, including hotel block information and how to register, can be found here. 

Call for Applications – CHBA Net Zero Council Membership & Sponsorship

APPLY BY OCTOBER 4  
Join the Net Zero Council and be part of the leadership group working together to accelerate the voluntary adoption of Net Zero Homes in Canada. CHBA members are invited to apply for membership on the Council for a 2-year term starting November 1, 2024. There are 8  voting member seats available within the following categories: Silver Sponsor Members, Bronze Sponsor Members, Builder/Renovator Members, Academia Members. Visit the Net Zero Council webpage to learn about the benefits of Membership, check out the updated Sponsorship benefits, and review the Terms of Reference (which includes the annual fees) before submitting an Application Form to CHBA’s Director, Net Zero Housing Sonja Winkelmann via email by October 4 @ 5PM ET.