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 cuts house price forecast; PCL set for -4% drop this year
'A combination of high supply & faltering confidence means we now expect slower UK house price growth this year & in 2026,' says research chief Tom Bill - with prime markets set for sharp declines.
By PrimeResi
London property ‘no longer a safe bet’, warns top wealth manager
'The London property boom is well and truly over,' declares Rathbones
By PrimeResi
‘A market in transition’: Inside London’s evolving luxury resi development scene
New report reveals how policy, branding & global demand are reshaping the next phase of the capital’s ultra-prime development cycle.
Super-prime St John’s Wood mansion finds a buyer
Trophy home on Hamilton Terrace sold 'within a few months' of being listed at £20mn.
By PrimeResi
Indie estate agency Wilfords branches out in SW London
Boutique firm adds to its growing network with a new base close to Clapham Common.
Super-prime Notting Hill development opp seeks £12mn
Buyer sought for standout freehold property with "one of the most ambitious planning consents in the area".
‘A fundamental reshaping of the global wealth landscape’: Europe re-emerges as a prime destination for the super-rich
'What we’re witnessing is more than just a demographic shift,' says Knight Frank, as the firm reveals who is buying what, where, and why...
By PrimeResi
International luxury brokerage launches, promising ‘a new era of property marketing’
Led by former Nest Seekers boss Daniel McPeake, London-based Aperture Global UK wants to 'set a bold new standard for how prime properties are represented.'
By PrimeResi
Behind the Schemes: Crafting a family-friendly pied-à-terre at Chelsea Barracks
Rebecca Hughes Interiors lifts the lid on a recent project for a returning client at the super-prime scheme in SW1.
£10mn price cut for trophy Knightsbridge penthouse
Ultra-prime residence at The Knightsbridge has been relaunched at £70mn.
LATEST ARTICLES
Unanimous approval for luxury developer’s ‘transformative’ new Queensway scheme
Vabel's second project in Central London's most up-and-coming address will deliver 94 new homes opposite The Whiteley.
By PrimeResi
New name on the luxury development scene targets north London sites
Gracie Group launches with a £550mn portfolio & ambitions to expand across the capital.
W-branded apartment sets new Manchester price record
£3.5mn unit at ultra-luxe scheme achieved the highest per square foot rate ever recorded in the city.
Super-prime building firm appoints trio of new directors
Phin Isles, Philippa Waldron & Charlie Ellis have all stepped up as directors at London-based CC Construction Group.
Winkworth sales revenue jumps 27%
Estate agency boss is 'delighted' with the latest interim results.
By PrimeResi