The upward trend for new home construction in Prince George continued in August, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation numbers release this week.
Over the month, there were starts on 19 single-family homes, up from 11 for the same month last year. Year-to-date, the total now stands at 113, seven more than by the same point last year.
By comparison, there were just 71 starts by the same points in 2014 and 2013.
Canadian Home Builders Association - Northern B.C. president Jody Tindall said the numbers show the city's new-home market is strong.
"Anecdotally, I know that most of the builders are very busy with custom homes this year which is great to hear," Tindall said.
She said the speculative market has been a challenge due to increasing costs, although prices have improved somewhat.
"Lower margins on spec homes will reduce the number of homes being built of course so the fall stats will be interesting to watch as an indicator of our confidence in the spring market.," Tindall said.
She said the 15 per cent tax levied on foreign buyers in Vancouver has not had an effect on Prince George. She said there is a possibility university and college students could opt for UNBC or CNC and purchase homes through their parent in this city as a consequence.
A "looming" tariff on drywall from the United States could come into play, Tindall also said.
"This may have quite an impact for all construction in the very near future as it is not your normal tariff. We are just compiling details on this," she said.
CMHC senior market analyst Taylor Pardy said both the resale and new-home markets have been "pretty steady" over the last year or so.
"Builders are just moving along steadily and there's been steady demand for housing in Prince George," Pardy said.
