The scarcity of housing is getting worse. The vacancy rate fell again, reaching its lowest level in several years.
The rental housing vacancy rate in Matane is now at 2%. It is therefore difficult to find them in the most sought-after sectors, and especially at affordable prices.
According to figures from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), this occupancy rate is below the market equilibrium point of 3%. For comparison, it was 6.8% in 2016, 6.2% in 2017, 3.6% in 2018, 3.6% in 2016 and 2.8% in 2019. So steadily decreasing and below the Quebec average of 2.5%.
You don't even need to announce them
As soon as posted, immediately rented: the apartments fly away like hot cakes. The first to confirm it: Candy Bond from Immeubles Alexandre Pelletier, which owns more than 300.
"I've never seen that," she said. We don't even have to announce them! We receive a lot of calls, but unfortunately we have almost nothing available at short notice. »
In Immeubles Rioux: the same phenomenon with a potential supply of 275 housing units. There is almost nothing free until June or even July, but again, things are changing quickly.
At the Office d’habitation de la Matanie, director Isabelle Durette also notes a greater scarcity of housing in the areas most in demand, especially near the city center. The Pop Homes it manages are sold out, even with 134 units.
Multiple reasons
How can such a phenomenon of housing scarcity be explained? The reasons given are many.
First, there is the sharp decline in listings of homes for sale. This has an effect on the demand for housing.
Another factor: the arrival of new residents from major centers, no doubt attracted here because of the lesser effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, the presence of Cégep students who had to rent apartments in town while waiting for the end of the renovation work at the residence. Moreover, notes the director of communications Brigitte Lavoie, each year, the educational institution works hard to facilitate their search for housing. Mainly because more than 60% of its clientele comes from all over Quebec and internationally.
