Role of Investors in BC’s Housing Market

Premier Eby Acknowledges the Role of Investors in BC’s Housing Market – A Shift in Perspective

For years, real estate investors in British Columbia have been cast as villains in the housing affordability crisis. But during a recent address at the BC Real Estate Association in Victoria, Premier David Eby made an unexpected acknowledgment: investors play a vital role in the economy and the housing sector.

This is a significant shift from the premier who has long positioned himself against speculation and house flipping. Now, he’s recognizing that strategic real estate investment is not just a market force but a necessary component of housing development.

“The shadow side of the work that we've done to address investment in housing is a lot of the existing real estate model around pre-sales, and everything else was built around the idea that people were buying pre-sales and flipping them… And so one of the things that we're looking at is, well, how do we harness that energy around investment… and do it in a way that facilitates access to more housing for people?” – Premier David Eby

At MARAK, we understand the critical role that investors, developers, and pre-sale buyers play in bringing new homes to market. Pre-sales provide essential funding for developers to move forward with construction, ensuring that much-needed housing is actually built. With today’s softer pre-sale market, policy decisions that encourage investment rather than deter it are more important than ever.

The Role of Landlords in BC’s Housing Future

Another key takeaway from Eby’s remarks was his unexpected support for landlords, particularly small-scale investors who own rental properties. The premier acknowledged concerns about the challenges landlords face—such as tenant-related property damage, unpaid rent, and the complexities of eviction under current regulations.

“Can we find a vehicle where [small landlords] would be able to participate in rental housing… with professional management, and insulated from some of those impacts that they're worried about?” – Premier David Eby

While details are yet to be announced, this shift suggests that the provincial government is exploring ways to encourage rental housing investment while providing more security for landlords. At MARAK, we support a balanced approach that ensures rental supply remains strong while protecting property owners and investors from undue risk.

What Does This Mean for BC’s Real Estate Market?

Eby’s comments come at a time when BC is facing ambitious housing targets, with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimating a need for 3.5 million new homes by 2030. This goal cannot be met without developers, investors, and real estate professionals working together with policymakers.

MARAK has always championed strategic real estate marketing that connects buyers with the right opportunities. Whether it’s selling standing inventory, revitalizing pre-sale projects, or supporting investors looking to maximize their returns, our focus remains on driving results in a changing market.

As the provincial government explores new policies, one thing is clear: investment in real estate isn’t the problem—it’s part of the solution.