Industry Updates: Housing Starts Down, Home Sales Up, Charges Reduced

Home sales in the Greater Toronto Area rose 9.4% in June despite a 12.9% drop in new listings, with prices declining at a slower rate. Ontario's Development Charge Reduction Program aims to boost housing starts by lowering municipal charges and funding infrastructure. National housing starts fell 2.8% in June, impacted by costs and demand, though Toronto saw a 25% increase. A new $150 million fund targets rental housing in major urban markets.