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.
What to read next
Spanish PM threatens to ban non-EU property buyers
'We are going to propose to ban non-EU foreigners from buying houses in our country,' said Pedro Sánchez.
By PrimeResi
Six ways to improve housing taxation around the world
“There is significant scope for countries to improve the design and functioning of housing taxes,” declares the OECD, as it advises high-income economies including the UK to cut residential transaction…
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
Savills consolidates flagship PCL teams
Big-brand agency is relocating its Knightsbridge operations to Sloane Street.
By PrimeResi
Full-floor shell penthouses atop Park Lane ‘Grande Dame’ building seek £50mn
Agents instructed on 19,000 sq ft with planning for four big laterals in Art Deco landmark overlooking Hyde Park.
By PrimeResi
Super-prime buying ‘flurry’ drives London’s £5mn+ market
New analysis reveals how many high-value sales went through in Q2, plus which outer-prime neighbourhood has joined London's top three £5mn+ enclaves for the first time.
By PrimeResi
High-profile buying agency toasts 20 years in business
Sloane Square-based firm reveals acquisition record and says industry shifts have made the market 'increasingly difficult' for buyers to navigate.
Veteran sales director joins Douglas & Gordon
Former Aspire, KFH and Fine & Country operator joins London agency's self-employed network.
What do the wealthiest want? Four questions, 32 experts, ten key findings
'Something has shifted at the very top of the market,' declares LPF boss Priya Rawal after consulting a panel of luxury property insiders.
By PrimeResi
High-profile developer wins £1.9mn SDLT battle over Chelsea mega-mansion
Upper Tribunal dismisses HMRC appeal in long-running tax dispute.
Developer offers £42k private school sweetener to homebuyers
Two years of fees are on the table at a north London scheme as firms look to tempt purchasers with increasingly inventive incentives.
Super-prime construction firm builds leadership team
Knowles makes trio of senior appointments amid ‘increasing demand’ for top-end services in London and further afield.
Knightsbridge Estate & Harrods begin Hans Crescent revamp
Public realm upgrade will bring new planting, trees, seating and lighting to the well-trodden Knightsbridge route.
LATEST ARTICLES
‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’: Historic Cotswolds estate hits the open market
Grade II* mansion in 230 acres, used as a school for more than a century, has the potential to be reborn as a spectacular private residence.
Super-prime construction firm builds leadership team
Knowles makes trio of senior appointments amid ‘increasing demand’ for top-end services in London and further afield.
‘2026 likely to prove one of the lowest years for London transaction volumes on record,’ warns Foxtons boss
Major estate agency's profits hit hard by 'materially lower' sales volumes and 'short-term volatility' in the lettings market.
By PrimeResi
Agency reports flurry of high-end rental deals in St John’s Wood
Recent run of activity in the NW London enclave included the off-market letting of a £20k pw mansion.
My Property Career: Quickfire Q&A with Craig Draper
Recruitment guru Barry Collins chats with prime resi industry leaders & entrepreneurs, distilling decades of experience & career highlights into 60 seconds.