September 23, 2025

As mentioned in previous updates, on September 14, the Federal Government announced the launch of Build Canada Homes, a program intended to build affordable housing at scale. On August 28, UDI submitted feedback to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada on the Build Canada Homes (BCH) Market Sounding Guide. Priority recommendations include:  

• Recapitalize or replace key federal loan programs (ACLP, MLI Select); 
• Provide loan guarantees so banks can finance projects with lower presale thresholds; 
• Develop attainable homeownership programs accessible to all builders; 
• Avoid imposing additional standards that increase costs and delay delivery; 
• Align BCH with provincial and municipal housing programs while addressing fees and approval timelines.  

More information can be found in the official announcement. 

September 9, 2025

On August 28, UDI submitted feedback to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada on the Build Canada Homes (BCH) Market Sounding Guide. With Canada’s housing market facing its deepest downturn in decades, urgent federal action is needed to restore the capacity of market builders, who deliver 95% of new homes. Without immediate support, housing starts will continue to decline, further undermining affordability and jobs. 

UDI supports the program’s proposed mix of loans, guarantees, equity partnerships, and attainable homeownership opportunities, but stressed these must be implemented quickly and without new cost burdens. These programs must also be accessible to market builders, who have the experience and capacity to deliver the majority of new homes Canadians need. Priority recommendations include: 

• Recapitalize or replace key federal loan programs (ACLP, MLI Select);
• Provide loan guarantees so banks can finance projects with lower presale thresholds;
• Develop attainable homeownership programs accessible to all builders;
• Avoid imposing additional standards that increase costs and delay delivery;
• Align BCH with provincial and municipal housing programs while addressing fees and approval timelines. 

UDI’s full recommendations can be reviewed in the letter.