With the 2025 federal election on the horizon, real estate is once again a dominant issue for voters. From affordability and supply to investor confidence and taxation, every major political party is putting forward bold ideas to shape Canada’s housing future. As a REALTOR serving the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver, I’m keeping a close eye on how these policies could affect our local market. Here’s a breakdown of each federal party’s housing plan, and how their approach may impact you as a buyer, seller, or investor.
Conservative Party of Canada
Leader: Pierre Poilievre
Approach: Unlocking supply, cutting taxes, and restoring affordability
The Conservatives are laser-focused on solving Canada’s housing crisis by targeting supply shortages, cutting construction costs, and removing tax barriers for both builders and investors.
Key housing policies:
- Axe the GST on new home construction: The Conservatives have pledged to eliminate GST on new residential builds up to $1.3 million — a major incentive for developers, particularly in high-cost provinces like BC and Ontario.
- Re-investment tax deferral: Under their plan, property owners who sell real estate and reinvest the proceeds into another Canadian property would be exempt from capital gains tax and property transfer tax (PTT). This encourages continued investment in Canadian housing without penalizing movement or growth.
- Unlock federal land for housing: Thousands of acres of federally owned land — especially near transit hubs — would be made available to fast-track housing developments.
- Tie federal funding to municipal outcomes: Cities would only receive infrastructure funding if they meet clear housing targets, cutting through red tape and incentivizing quicker approvals.
- End NIMBYism at the municipal level: Federal support would be withheld from municipalities that delay or reject high-density projects without valid reasons.
- Repeal the carbon tax: Eliminating this tax would reduce construction and utility costs — savings that could help offset affordability challenges.
Bottom Line: These proposals aim to spark housing starts, reduce costs, and attract private investment. A results-driven plan grounded in supply economics — one that resonates with builders, investors, and many working Canadians.
Liberal Party of Canada
Leader: Mark Carney
Approach: Expand existing programs and support first-time homebuyers
The Liberals are continuing their affordability push through subsidies, financial incentives, and partnerships with municipalities.
Key housing policies:
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Maintain support for this registered savings plan, allowing first-time buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free.
- Rent-to-own program: Expand this model to help renters become owners through gradual equity-building.
- Affordable Housing Accelerator Fund: Continue grants to cities that streamline their zoning and approval processes.
- Co-op housing investment: Pledge of $1.5 billion to support co-op and non-market housing initiatives.
- Foreign buyer ban extension: Extend the two-year ban on residential property purchases by non-residents.
Bottom Line: The Liberal strategy leans on financial assistance and co-op housing. While helpful in targeted areas, critics argue these efforts haven’t scaled enough to move the needle on national affordability.
️ New Democratic Party (NDP)
Leader: Jagmeet Singh
Approach: Increase government-led housing and renter protections
The NDP believes the federal government should take a more active role in providing and regulating housing.
Key housing policies:
- Build 500,000 affordable homes over 10 years with public funding.
- National rent subsidies and stronger controls to limit rental increases.
- Tax vacant and foreign-owned properties to discourage speculation.
- Implement an anti-flipping tax on homes sold within short time frames.
- Create a national housing acquisition fund to help nonprofits buy and preserve affordable rental units.
Bottom Line: Ambitious and heavily interventionist, the NDP’s platform may appeal to renters and those in urban cores, but it raises questions about implementation timelines and funding.
Green Party of Canada
Approach: Focus on sustainability, tenants, and non-market housing
Though not a major contender, the Greens offer a platform centered on housing equity and climate-friendly development.
Key housing policies:
- Expand co-op and public housing projects nationwide.
- Mandate green building standards in all new developments.
- Stronger rent control and eviction protections.
- Support for tiny homes and community land trusts as affordable alternatives.
Bottom Line: A progressive plan that emphasizes climate and social equity, but with limited focus on incentivizing private-sector participation.
Summary: Which Plan Will Actually Deliver More Housing?
From investor tax reform to aggressive rezoning incentives, all parties acknowledge that Canada needs more homes — and fast. But the solutions vary significantly.
- The Conservative Party is offering a highly targeted, pro-development approach focused on reducing tax burdens, cutting red tape, and incentivizing municipalities to deliver results.
- The Liberal and NDP platforms aim to support affordability through financial assistance and public housing, but past programs have shown limited impact on inventory.
- The Green Party is prioritizing sustainability and renters’ rights, but lacks a broader supply-side strategy.
✅ Our view: The Conservative platform offers the clearest path to unlocking inventory, lowering costs, and stimulating construction — especially in supply-starved markets like Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
What This Means for You as a Buyer, Seller, or Investor
No matter the outcome of the 2025 election, it’s clear that federal housing policy will play a big role in shaping market conditions. Whether it’s through tax changes, funding incentives, or rental rules — these proposals could influence everything from home prices to investment returns.
Let’s Build a Real Estate Strategy Around What’s Coming
If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest in the Fraser Valley or Greater Vancouver in the next 6–12 months, now’s the time to align your strategy with potential policy shifts.
Get in touch today for a personalized game plan based on your goals and the evolving political landscape.