As Canada’s housing market shows signs of levelling off, Brantford is experiencing an unexpected construction boom—particularly in the multi-unit residential sector—according to new figures released today by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
While national housing starts in May held steady with a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 279,510 units, Brantford recorded a tenfold increase in housing starts for the first five months of the year.
Between January and May 2025, the city saw 1,037 new residential units break ground—up dramatically from just 100 units during the same period in 2024.
The most striking change came from multi-unit developments. In early 2024, only 13 multi-unit housing starts were recorded.
This year, that number has skyrocketed to 933 units, reflecting a wave of new apartment and condominium projects aimed at easing demand in the local rental and affordable housing market.
Single-detached housing also continues to grow at a steady pace.
So far in 2025, Brantford has recorded 104 single-family housing starts, compared to 87 over the same period last year—a nearly 20 percent increase.
The CMHC’s national report noted that Toronto and Vancouver experienced declines, particularly in condominium construction, while housing starts rose in Quebec and the Prairie provinces.
Brantford’s gains place it among the standout mid-sized municipalities contributing positively to the national housing landscape.
City staff are expected to release updates later this summer on specific development permits tied to these new builds.
CMHC will publish its next monthly housing data on July 15.
For Brantford residents struggling with low rental availability and rising home prices, the numbers offer cautious optimism: more units are coming, and the city is growing.
