Despite reports to the contrary, a recent report created in part by the City of Vancouver, finds that most housing types in the city have yet to be sold to absentee landlords.
A report by Vancouver city staff and software company Ecotagious Inc. have found the rate of unoccupied homes in Vancouver to be in in line with other big cities, and flat since 2002, according to an article in The Globe and Mail. The number of unoccupied units is still growing, however, due to growth in the overall supply of the city's housing. Condos are by far the most commonly unoccupied form of housing in the city—reaching 12.5 percent unoccupied in 2015.
Vancouver is perhaps the most famous example of an expensive city where the housing woes are blamed on the effects of foreign investors—speculating on real estate but not occupying it, and gobbling up supply from local residents. The condo market in Vancouver has also been hot for a long time.
FULL STORY: Vancouver’s vacant homes in line with other cities, but condos most likely empty
Foreign Investors Driving Up Housing Costs, Creating Zombie Communities
A slew of analysis in recent weeks has examined the negative consequences of foreign real estate speculation in cities like New York City, London, and Vancouver.
Luxury Condos for Sale in Vancouver as Non-Resident Owners Balk at New Taxes
A tax on non-resident property owners is working as it's intended, as a wave of luxury condo units hit the real estate market all over the city of Vancouver.
Putting in Condos Without Kicking Out Renters in Vancouver
Transit oriented development doesn’t have to mean evictions and demolitions for existing renters, but often it does.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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