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
Interview: Luxury property impresario Dean Main on building a £600mn development pipeline & managing £12bn of PCL schemes
Talking legacy developments & top-end trends with the boss of Henigman & Rhodium.
‘A radical metamorphosis’: Seven-star new-builds dominating Mayfair sales market after luxury building boom
High-end new-builds accounted for more than two-thirds of sales in the iconic neighbourhood last year.
£36mn price tag for ‘sensational’ double-house in Kensington
Laterally-converted super-home on Cottesmore Gardens 'simply couldn’t be recreated these days'.
Boutique PCL agency Wilfords expands with new branch in SW London
The Kensington-based firm was founded by ex-Foxtons agents Geoff Wilford and Simon Welfare in 2011.
London’s regen zones have boosted neighbouring house prices by an extra 2.2% a year, on average
As the Government announces 12 new 'potential Canary Wharfs' around the UK, CBRE has assessed how London's big regen projects have affected neighbouring property values.
By PrimeResi
Jane Austen’s Hampshire birthplace offered for £8.5mn
Celebrated novelist Jane Austen lived in the original Steventon House for 25 years, and wrote three of her most famous works there.
By PrimeResi
Developers unveil new vision for Notting Hill’s Newcombe House
Beltane and Angelo Gordon are pursuing an office-led approach to the redevelopment of a prominent site on the corner of Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Church Street, rather than an already-consented…
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: One of the best houses on Eaton Square, asking £39.5mn
10,000 sq ft mansion has a prize spot on London's most prestigious garden square, and is attracting interest from all around the world.
LATEST ARTICLES
Interest rates rise again, to 4.25%: Industry reactions
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee has raised the base rate for the 11th month in a row.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Three-year project creates a ‘sophisticated’ 17,000 sq ft country estate in Surrey
Helen Green Design collaborated with the 'very best artisans, joiners and suppliers in the industry' on this sumptuous reworking.
Price sensitive buyers’ market across most of the UK – Garrington
'The spring market is likely to be markedly different from the conditions experienced just a year ago, but nonetheless much improved from what was being forecasted at the end of last year,' says national…
By PrimeResi
New agent tool will flag properties at risk from climate change
Data aims to help property pros assess the potential impact of flooding, subsidence, heat stress and coastal erosion.
Precede Capital adds two new faces
Real estate development lender has recruited a new Associate Director from Green Street, and a Senior Associate from Reed Smith.
By PrimeResi