TSX closed
Loading markets…

Advertisement

Stocks

Building Permits in Canada: What’s Behind the Expected Growth?

By Qayyum Rajan, CFA -
Photos provided by Pexels

Canadian building permits are forecasted to rise by 1% for September, suggesting potential growth in the housing sector. However, we still don’t have the previous month’s figure, which leaves some uncertainty.

The latest data on building permits will be released on November 12, 2026, and it’s expected to show a month-over-month increase of 1%. This growth could indicate a rebound in construction activity, which is important for the Canadian economy. Here’s a quick look at the expected figures:

Advertisement

MetricActualEstimatePrevious
Building Permits—1—

Investor takeaway: Long-term investors should keep an eye on the housing sector's performance as it reflects the overall health of the economy.

Bull case

If building permits come in strong, it could mean:

  • More confidence in the housing market, leading to more construction jobs.
  • An increase in home supply, which might stabilize or even lower housing prices.
  • A boost for related sectors like materials and home goods.

Bear case

On the flip side, if the numbers are weak or don’t meet expectations, it could suggest:

  • Ongoing issues in the housing market, possibly due to rising interest rates.
  • A slowdown in economic growth, which could affect consumer spending and investment.
  • Increased fluctuations in housing prices, impacting affordability and access.

Advertisement

What the Building Permits Print Could Indicate

The expected increase in building permits is a key sign of construction activity. When permits rise, it usually means more future construction projects, which can create jobs and drive economic growth. If the actual figures match expectations, it could show renewed confidence among builders and developers.

Why Canadian Investors Should Care

Building permits are a leading indicator of how strong the housing market is. A strong construction sector can lead to more jobs and spending, both crucial for economic growth. On the other hand, a decline might point to weaknesses that could hurt consumer confidence and spending habits.

Advertisement

Wealth Awesome
Written by

Wealth Awesome

Timely coverage of Canadian stocks, earnings, dividends, and market movers for DIY investors. Stories are checked against exchange data and public filings.

View Full Profile →

✅ Reviewed by Certified Financial Professionals

This content has been reviewed by CFA® charterholders and Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) with over a decade of experience in Canadian financial markets. All information is fact-checked against official Canadian sources and regulations.

Why these credentials matter: CFA® charterholders complete 900+ hours of rigorous study in investment analysis and ethics. CFP® professionals are held to the highest standards of financial planning competency and fiduciary duty in Canada.

📊 Data AccuracyVerified sources
🇨🇦 Canadian FocusLocal expertise
🔍 Fact-CheckedEditorial review

⚠️ Professional Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized financial advice. While our team brings professional expertise, individual circumstances vary. For personalized guidance, consult with a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or mortgage specialist.

Published: October 9, 2026
Last Updated: October 9, 2026

Core portfolio

Awesome Portfolio™

14.8% a year since 2017, against 9.7% for the S&P/TSX Composite. Ten stocks, easy to manage. We update it once a month.

Annualized

+14.8%

Awesome Portfolio™

+9.7%

S&P/TSX

+5.0 pp better a year

Total return

+254%

Awesome Portfolio™

+134%

S&P/TSX

+119 pp better than the TSX

2017-07-31 to 2026-09-29, dividends reinvested, before fees and tax.

Awesome Portfolio™S&P/TSX CompositeCumulative return · 2017-07-31–2026-09-29
-11.7%42.5%96.7%150.9%205.1%259.3%Jul 17Oct 19Feb 22Jun 24Sep 26

Sponsored links

Advertisement