Why Canada’s ban on foreign homebuyers is unlikely to affect housing affordability
A new act in Canada bans non-citizens, non-permanent residents and foreign commercial enterprises from buying Canadian residential properties; but there is no single policy that could address the affordability issue without introducing other challenges, writes Associate Professor Diana Mok...

Associate Professor of Real Estate Finance and Economics, Western University. My research interests are broadly defined in the realm of real estate and urban economics, with a focus on housing and urban development. Most of my research studies have been applied, empirical studies of urban phenomena drawn from existing theories, and I often adopt a spatial lens to study my research questions. Specifically, my research has evolved and developed around three themes, intertwined, and with a spatial focus: risk, real estate, and urban growth. I seek to understand the interrelatedness among risk, the real estate market, and how the real estate market affects people’s economic activities in everyday life.
Canada blocks foreign property investment for two years
'The desirability of Canadian homes is attracting profiteers, wealthy corporations, and foreign investors,' says Canada's ruling party.
Balearic Islands consider a ban on foreign property buyers
A Canadian-style ban on non-resident property buyers 'would be a definitive step to start solving the housing problem' on Mallorca and Ibiza, suggests a senior politician.
New Zealand bans the sale of homes to foreign buyers
'We should not be tenants in our own land', declares NZ Finance Minister
By PrimeResi
Most read
Knight Frank boosts billionaire division with Head of Global Private Capital
International property consultancy rolls out new strategy to 'align its capabilities across super-prime residential, global capital markets & capital advisory.'
By PrimeResi
Luxury property developer scales up with five senior hires & new HQ
Valouran’s founders say the business has reached a ‘pivotal juncture’ as its PCL pipeline builds.
Top-end estate agency to list property prices in Bitcoin
Cryptocurrency pricing 'offers an engaging and modern lens through which to view property values,' says Moveli.
By PrimeResi
D&G recruits self-employed brokers in Dulwich, Fulham & Balham
Estate agency reports 'strong early momentum' in its search for 50 new partners this year, with new joiners moving from Winkworth & eXp UK.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Kelly Hoppen picked to design £38mn ‘quinque-plex’ penthouse at Thames City
Excel Winner's near-10,000 sq ft 'sanctuary in the sky' is one of the largest & highest homes currently available in London.
By PrimeResi
International estate agency adds two senior recruits to fortify global network
Sarah Kemp & Yulia Klim have joined Chestertons Global to manage marketing & the affiliate network.
By PrimeResi
‘Extraordinary’ Cotswolds development opp offered for sale
Agency lists rare chance to create a 9,500 sq ft contemporary super-home in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Property firms strike gold at Chelsea Flower Show
Big wins for London Square & Hamptons as sponsored gardens take top honours at star-studded showcase in SW3.
‘This could be the moment to act for global investors’: Evaluating the UK’s prime residential markets in an era of uncertainty
Middleton Advisors & Yolande Barnes explain why the stage is set for a renewed influx of overseas investment in PCL & country markets.
Former Maskells director joins Harding Green
Clem Byron Evans worked for Savills before joining Maskells in Chelsea. He has now moved to become a self-employed prime property broker.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Landlords face new rules under major Westminster licensing drive
Rollout aims to raise housing quality - and regulatory scrutiny - across 15 of 18 wards, including prime hotspots.
RBKC property prices sink to 11-year low
Analysis by the Financial Times shines a light on prime London's long-running property slump.
By PrimeResi
£17.25mn Little Venice villa finds a buyer
'Totally unique' residence facing the Regent's Canal is one of the area's finest, say agents.
Design studio Sims Hilditch shifts to partnership model
High-end firm says 'progressive' leadership reshuffle reflects evolving client needs & will future-proof the business.
In Pictures: Stanley Kubrick’s former Hertfordshire home listed for £6.95mn
Savills is pitching Abbots Mead as 'a wonderful opportunity to own a true piece of filmmaking history that helped shape some of the most iconic films in cinema.'
By PrimeResi