2020 BC Residential Building Statistics & Trends Report
ABOUT BC HOUSING BC Housing develops and administers a wide range of initiatives supporting different housing options across British Columbia. In partnership with the private and non-profit sectors, provincial health authorities and ministries, other levels of government and community groups, BC Housing increases affordable housing solutions for British Columbians. Under the Homeowner Protection Act , BC Housing is mandated to help improve consumer protection for buyers of new homes and the quality of residential construction in the province. BC Housing fulfils this mandate by monitoring and enforcing the mandatory third-party home warranty insurance on all new homes constructed in B.C., licensing residential builders and maintaining a register of new homes and performing research and education functions to advance and promote better building and retrofit practices to benefit B.C.’s residential construction industry and consumers. BC Housing’s Research Centre works in collaboration with housing sector partners to foster excellence in residential construction and find innovative solutions for affordable housing in British Columbia. Sharing leading-edge research, advances in building science, and new technologies encourages best practice. The Research Centre identifies and bridges research gaps to address homelessness, housing affordability, social housing challenges and the needs of distinct populations. Mobilizing knowledge and research expertise helps improve the quality of housing and leads to innovation and adoption of new construction techniques, Building Code changes, and enhanced education and training programs.
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CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was prepared by The Sentis Group in collaboration with BC Housing Licensing and Consumer Services and the BC Housing Research Centre.
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1 New Home Registrations........................................................................................................ 4 OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................... 4 REGISTERED AND ENROLLED NEW HOMES ................................................................................... 5 REGION .............................................................................................................................................. 8 MULTI-UNIT BUILDING SIZE .......................................................................................................... 10 Licensed Residential Builders.............................................................................................. 13 OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................................ 13 LICENSING....................................................................................................................................... 14 LICENSED RESIDENTIAL BUILDER SURVEY.................................................................................. 16 Survey Methodology.................................................................................................................. 16 Survey Results............................................................................................................................ 17 Current New Homeowners and Prospective New Home Buyers ..................................... 30 CURRENT NEW HOMEOWNERS SURVEY ...................................................................................... 30 Survey Methodology.................................................................................................................. 30 Survey Results............................................................................................................................ 31 PROSPECTIVE NEW HOME BUYERS SURVEY................................................................................ 38 Survey Methodology.................................................................................................................. 38 Survey Results............................................................................................................................ 39 Appendix 1: Methodology .................................................................................................... 49 NEW HOME REGISTRATION ........................................................................................................... 49 LICENSED RESIDENTIAL BUILDER SURVEY.................................................................................. 50 CURRENT NEW HOMEOWNERS SURVEY ...................................................................................... 51 PROSPECTIVE NEW HOME BUYERS SURVEY................................................................................ 52 Appendix 2: Glossary ............................................................................................................ 53 Appendix 3: Registered New Homes by Building Type for Select Cities, 2002-2020...... 54
Introduction The B.C. Residential Building Statistics & Trends Report presents an analysis of new construction activities and the state of Licensed Residential Builders (LRBs) and Licensed Building Envelope Renovators (BERs). This report provides forward-looking market information and insights for residential construction professionals and homeowners seeking market intelligence and current industry trends to plan ahead and make informed decisions. Data provided in this report are collected through several channels: › All new homes in British Columbia (B.C.) must be registered with BC Housing before the issuance of building permits and construction starts. New home registration data is a leading indicator 1 of housing and economic activity in B.C., providing information on registered new homes by building type, location, and building size. › LRBs and BERs are licensed by BC Housing. To obtain home warranty insurance, LRBs and BERs must apply for and be accepted for home warranty insurance coverage by a warranty insurance provider. Further information on both home warranty insurance and builder licensing is available on the BC Housing website. ›
The Licensed Residential Builder Survey is an annual province-wide quantitative survey covering the typical builder profile (industry experience, builder types), construction activities, and satisfaction and perceptions related to research and education initiatives. › The Current New Homeowners Survey and the Prospective New Home Buyers Survey are conducted every two years as part of a province- wide Consumer Survey. Results of the 2020 Consumer Survey are included in this report.
“The Trends Report is a targeted snapshot of residential development in BC with detailed, region by region, consumer data presented by building type. Industry experts will appreciate the forecast opportunity this business intelligence provides.”
Anne McMullin President and CEO Urban Development Institute
The B.C government declared a state of emergency in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The pandemic altered typical personal and business behaviour patterns. As a result, readers should be aware that the data covered in this report has likely been affected.
1 Bank of Canada, 2016. New Housing Registrations as a Leading Indicator of the BC Economy. Document available at: www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/sdp2016-3.pdf
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2020 Residential Building in BC
31,957 Total new registered homes
22,315 New homes in multi-unit buildings
Home Registration Data
down 37.0%
down 27.5%
Where builders work by region
Builder Data
7,993 Licensed Residential Builders Building Envelope Renovators 76
2 % Central/ Northern BC
10 % Okanagan
16 % Southern Islands 69 % Lower Mainland
3 % Kootenays
Consumer Data
What type of home do new home buyers want?
What do prospective new home buyers plan to purchase ?
6 % custom built 5 % unsure 16 % previously owned home
49 % single detached
73 % homes built by a builder/ developer
22 % condominium
29 % townhouse or duplex
8,400 Purpose-built rentals
9,642 New single-detached homes
up 11.5%
down 36.7%
Builders by building type
46 % of builders expect an increase in their construction activity
96 % built single-
detached homes
3 % built multi-unit high rise
97 %
of new homeowners feel confident knowing their home was built by a licensed residential builder
of new homeowners are satisfied with the construction of their home
83 %
New Home Registrations
2020 Highlights › Close to 32,000 new homes were registered, a 27.5% decrease from 2019 and the lowest recorded since 2014 › The decline in total registrations was driven by multi-unit homes, which declined by 37.0% between 2019 and 2020 › Between 2019 and 2020, registrations of single detached homes increased by 11.5%, the first increase since 2016
OVERVIEW Under the Homeowners Protection Act , all new homes in B.C. must be registered with BC Housing prior to the issuance of building permits and housing starts. Data is collected based on the information provided by Licensed Residential Builders (LRBs) and owner builders through the New Home Registration forms and Owner Builder Authorization applications respectively. In addition to registration, single detached and multi-unit homes constructed by LRBs are required to be covered by home warranty insurance in B.C. Over time minor adjustments may be made to new home registration data as registrations are withdrawn or cancelled from home warranty insurance.
“ Access to this type of public information is invaluable for housing researchers, policymakers and planners. The new homes registration data supports evidence-based approaches to understanding the housing system and developing innovative solutions along the housing continuum.”
Penny Gurstein, Director Housing Research Collaborative University of British Columbia
BC Housing tracks registration of four different home types: single detached and multi-unit homes enrolled in home warranty insurance, homes constructed by an owner builder not covered by home warranty insurance, and purpose-built rental units that are exempt from home warranty insurance. Registered new homes in multi-unit buildings (two or more dwelling units) include new homes enrolled with home warranty insurance and new homes in multi-unit rental buildings with a home warranty insurance exemption. Registered new single detached homes are new homes enrolled with home warranty insurance or with an Owner Builder Authorization issued by the Registrar of BC Housing.
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REGISTERED AND ENROLLED NEW HOMES The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected both the residential construction industry and home buyer behaviour. Although residential construction was considered an essential service in B.C., the industry has been impacted by new public health requirements and supply chain instability. At 31,957 registered new homes 2 recorded, 2020 was the lowest since 2014 when 30,079 were registered. Of the 31,957 registered new homes, 22,315 were in multi-unit buildings 3 and 9,642 were single detached homes 4 .
Figure 1: Share of Registered New Homes by Building Type, 2020
30.2%
70% Multi-units
69.8%
The total number of registered homes in 2020 was down 27.5% from 2019. The last time the total number of registered homes fell at a similar rate over a one-year period was from 2007 to 2008 during the Canadian housing market recession (a 34.2% decline) and then again from 2008 to 2009 (a 31.4% decline).
Single Detached Registered Homes Multi-unit Registered Homes
After increasing each year since 2009, the number of multi-unit homes declined by 37.0% in 2020 (22,315) compared to 2019 (35,400). As a proportion of total registrations, homes in multi-unit buildings accounted for 69.8%, down compared to 2019 when they accounted for 80.4%. The number of single detached homes registered in 2020 (9,642) was greater than in 2019 (8,650), which was the first time since 2016 that single
50,000
Figure 2: Number of Registered New Homes by Building Type, 2002-2020
45,000
40,000
35,000
30,000
31,957
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Single Detached Registered Homes
Multi-unit Registered Homes
Total
2 Over time minor adjustments may be made to the figures as registrations are withdrawn or cancelled. New home registration data is accurate as of January 4, 2021. 3 Calculations of “registered new homes in multi - unit buildings” include new homes in multi -unit buildings (two or more dwelling units) enrolled with home warranty insurance, and new homes in multi-unit rental buildings which are exempt from home warranty insurance. 4 “Registered new single detached homes” refers to new single detached homes enroll ed with home warranty insurance or with Owner Builder Authorizations issued by the Registrar of BC Housing.
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detached home registrations increased over the previous year. Single detached homes accounted for 30.2% of total registrations, up from 19.6% in 2019. Of the 22,315 multi-unit homes registered in 2020, 62.4% (13,915) were multi-unit homes enrolled in home warranty insurance and 37.6% (8,400) were purpose-built rental homes 5 . After peaking in 2019 at 13,269 registrations, the number of purpose-built rental homes declined in 2020 (8,400). Despite this, 2020 was the third highest year on record for number of purpose-built rental homes since 2002.
In 2020, 22,573 homes were enrolled with home warranty insurance, the lowest recorded since 2013 (22,340). The number of new homes enrolled with home warranty insurance in 2020 (22,573) declined 24.3% from 2019 to 2020. Homes enrolled with home warranty insurance accounted for 70.6% of registered new homes, followed by purpose-built rentals (26.3%) and owner-built homes (3.1%).
Figure 3: Share of Homes Enrolled in Home Warranty, Owner-built Homes and Purpose-built Rental Homes, 2020
26.3%
27.1%
71% Enrolled in home warranty
3.1%
43.5%
Single Detached Homes Enrolled Multi-unit Homes Enrolled Owner Built Homes Purpose ‐ built Rental Homes
Figure 4: Homes Enrolled with Home Warranty, Owner-built Homes and Purpose-built Rental Homes, 2002-2020
50,000
45,000
40,000
31,957
35,000
30,000
22,573
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Single Detached Homes Enrolled
Multi-unit Homes Enrolled
Owner Built Homes
Purpose ‐ built Rental Homes
Total Registered New Homes
Total Enrolled New Homes
5 The total number of purpose built rentals does not include all rental units constructed. Rental units that are enrolled in home warranty insurance would be included in the multi-unit registered total.
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For multi-unit enrollments by warranty provider in 2020, Travelers Canada represented the largest market share (38.3%), followed by Guarantee Company of North America (28.0%).
Figure 5: Market Share of Multi-unit Homes Enrolled by Warranty Provider, 2012-2020
2,954
1,662
5,290
3,867
2020
6,963
1,529
10,859
2,682
2019
6,649
1,555
13,023
779
4,570
2018
4,648
1,153
11,122
2,286
1,404
2017
4,268
1,001
14,802
2,615
2016
5,468
884
9,031
2,421
2015
4,040
819
9,130
1,647
2014
3,077
752
9,429
2,498
2013
2,657
722
10,835
1,841
2012
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
Aviva (National Home Warranty) Echelon (Pacific Home Warranty) RSA Canada (WBI Home Warranty)
Aviva (Pacific Home Warranty)
Travelers Canada
Guarantee Company of North America (WBI Home Warranty)
New Home Warranty Insurance Corporation
Echelon (Pacific Home Warranty) (35.1%) and Aviva (31.5%) had the largest market shares in single detached home enrollments in 2020. Travelers Canada (27.2%) followed in third place.
Figure 6: Market Share of Single Detached Homes Enrolled by Warranty Provider, 2012-2020
2,666
2,967
2,301
2020
2,321
2,716
2,173
2019
3,211
3,348
2,548
2018
3,762
3,561
3,110
2017
3,717
3,068
3,229
2016
3,105
2,568
2,693
2015
3,497
2,454
2,556
2014
2,657
1,627
1,960
2013
2,876
1,698
2,180
2012
-
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
Aviva (National Home Warranty) Echelon (Pacific Home Warranty) RSA Canada (WBI Home Warranty)
Aviva (Pacific Home Warranty)
Travelers Canada
Guarantee Company of North America (WBI Home Warranty)
New Home Warranty Insurance Corporation
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REGION In 2020, over three-quarters (77.5%) of registered new homes in B.C. were located in Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, the Central Okanagan Regional District, or the Fraser Valley Regional District. Metro Vancouver accounted for over half (53.6%) of all registered new homes in B.C., followed by the Capital Regional District (9.1%), Central Okanagan Regional District (6.0%), and Fraser Valley Regional District (7.2%). New home registrations between 2019 and 2020 declined by approximately a third in Metro Vancouver (34.9%), Capital Regional District (31.4%), and Central Okanagan Regional District (30.0%). The Fraser Valley Regional District experienced a more modest 4.1% decline in new home registrations between 2019 and 2020. The decline in 2020 compared to 2019 across all four regional districts was driven by fewer multi-unit homes. Metro Vancouver (a 42.7% decline) and the Capital Regional District (a 40.8% decline) experienced the greatest decreases, followed by Central Okanagan Regional District (37.1% decline), and the Fraser Valley Regional District (12.5% decline). Meanwhile, single detached home registrations increased across all four regional districts from 2019 to 2020. There was close to a 25% increase in Metro Vancouver (23.5%), followed by the Fraser Valley Regional District (16.2%) and the Capital Regional District (11.8%). In the Central Okanagan Regional District, single detached home registrations grew more modestly from 2019 to 2020 by 1.4%.
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Figure 7: Registered New Homes by Regional District, 2002-2020
Number of Single Detached Homes Regional % Share of Provincial Total
Number of Homes in Multi-unit Buildings Regional % Share of Provincial Total
Population Regional % Share of Provincial Total
Single Detached Homes Homes in Multi-unit Buildings
Number of Registered New Homes (Monthly Average) > 1,000 500 to 1,000 1 to 500 0
Metro Vancouver 3,832 39.7%
13,286 59.5%
2,737,681 53.2%
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
-
Central Okanagan 512 5.3%
1,393 6.2%
222,748 4.3%
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
-
Fraser Valley
Capital
818 8.5%
1,492 6.7%
335,229 6.5%
852 8.8%
2,062 9.2%
425,503 8.3%
4,000
2,500
2,000
3,000
1,500
2,000
1,000
1,000
500
-
-
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MULTI-UNIT BUILDING SIZE Of the 1,910 multi-unit buildings that were registered in 2020, duplexes were the most popular multi-unit building size (40.1%), followed by buildings with 5 to 50 units (28.6%) and quadplexes (16.6%). Between 2019 and 2020, the number of buildings registered only increased for duplexes (33.1% to 40.1%) and
“A true market-leading indicator, the New Homes Registry data and reports are an invaluable resource for our members when looking to plan and forecast their projects moving forward.”
quadplexes (14.9% to 16.6%). Triplexes held stable at 8.0%, while the remaining building category registrations fell. Buildings with more than 100 units experienced the greatest relative decrease (4.8% in 2019 to 2.4% in 2020, just over a 50% decline), while buildings with 51 to 100 units declined from 5.5% to 4.3%. Those with 5 to 50 units declined from 33.7% to 28.6%.
Ron Rapp, CEO, HAVAN Homebuilders Association Vancouver
Figure 8: Registered New Multi-Unit Buildings by Building Size in B.C., 2002-2020
2,500
45
46
33
83
93
75
38
56
2,000
92
45
61
68
78
129
26
82
72
576
532
100
107
45
553
45
40
562
15
663
408
67
55
28
1,500
547
27
68
564
668
42
652
33 42
41
342
41
405
393
337
59
387
622
330
343
146
474
428
31 26
317
413
395
157
170
1,000
352 394
232
18 12
161
288
129
337
254
153
256
110
206
248
249
193
191
179 157
139
218
155
146
162
128
90
94
132
124
118
1,055
500
61
960
83
939
874
861
766
754
667
652 670
640
624
561
555
548
508
499
478
434
-
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Duplex
Triplex
Quadplex
5-50 Units
51-100 Units
>100 Units
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By number of units, buildings with more than 100 units accounted for 33.6% of total registered units, followed by buildings of 51 to 100 units (26.8%) and buildings with 5 to 50 units (24.9%). While the overall number of registered units fell 37.0% from 2019 to 2020, buildings of more than 100 units experienced the greatest decline (17,072 to 7,508 units). All other building sizes also had decreased numbers of registered units, with the exception of duplexes (increasing from 1,280 units to 1,532) and quadplexes (increasing from 1,152 to 1,268 units).
“National Home Warranty relies on BC Housing’s insightful, data -driven market analysis to strengthen our risk portfolio. It is an effective tool to assist in prospecting, qualifying, and retaining BC’s top builders and developers.”
Colleen Wilson, President National Home Warranty
Figure 9: Registered Units in New Multi-Unit Buildings by Building Size in B.C., 2002-2020
40,000
35,000
30,000
14,660 17,072
25,000
12,384
7,726
13,152
20,000
6,356 7,157
7,508
9,396
6,055
15,000
9,101
7,763 7,880
7,839
6,659
5,447
4,461
2,266
7,128
5,311
5,327
4,161 5,232 7,451
5,987
3,797
4,720
3,121
4,873
10,000
4,585
3,810
4,230
2,989 2,908 2,357
7,883 6,879 6,938
7,180 7,592
2,183
6,409 6,805
5,249 6,144
5,559
2,039 1,243 1,860
6,135
5,111
5,000
4,503
4,537 4,394
3,980 4,307
3,520
-
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Duplex Triplex Quadplex 5-50 Units 51-100 Units >100 Units
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In 2020, the largest building registered in B.C. was located in Burnaby with 345 units. In total there were 10 buildings with 230-plus units registered in 2020, 3 of which had over 300 units. By location, 4 buildings were in Burnaby, 3 in Vancouver, 1 in Coquitlam, 1 in Victoria, and 1 in Kelowna. Of the top 10 largest registered buildings, all were enrolled with home warranty insurance except for 4 purpose-built rentals. In comparison, 10 buildings with 300-plus units were registered in 2019, of which 1 had over 500 units and the rest were between 303 and 474 units.
The following table provides the street addresses of the largest registered multi-unit buildings in 2020.
Table 1. Top 10 Largest Registered Multi-Unit Buildings in B.C., 2020 Address City
Number of Units
2181 Madison Avenue
Burnaby
345
6511 Sussex Avenue
Burnaby
327
551 Emerson Street
Coquitlam
308
9861 Austin Avenue
Burnaby
262
3430 East Kent Avenue
Vancouver
258
560 Bernard Avenue
Kelowna
257
1700 Blanshard Street
Victoria
245
5931 Cambie Street
Vancouver
238
9861 Austin Avenue
Burnaby
237
5931 Cambie Street
Vancouver
231
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Licensed Residential Builders
OVERVIEW The Homeowner Protection Act and regulations require that all new homes built in B.C. are built by Licensed Residential Builders (LRBs) and are covered by mandatory, third-party home warranty insurance. BC Housing licenses home builders and is responsible for administering the Act and regulations. As part of the enhanced licensing system, builders are required to meet or exceed minimum qualification standards in order to become a new LRB. In addition, current LRBs must participate in continuing professional development activities to keep their license in good standing. These requirements enhance professionalism in the residential construction sector and give home buyers confidence that their home has been built by a qualified builder to a good standard. › Nearly 70% of B.C. builders reported working in the Lower Mainland › B.C. builders reported completing 4.1 homes per year on average › Around a third of builders (34%) said the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way they design or plan to design their housing projects 2020 Highlights › The number of Licensed Residential Builders has grown steadily since 2010 and reached a new high of 7,993 in 2020
The data in this section is fromBC Housing’s Builder Licensing Registry as well as the Licensed Residential Builder Survey . Further information on licensing requirements is available on the BC Housing website.
“The increasingly competitive B.C . construction market is a hot bed of activity. The BC Residential Building Statistics & Trends Report is as an essential resource for industry experts from across the development and construction supply chain. Having this information allows them to understand market trends and forecasts before making their next strategic move to stay ahead of the pack.”
Fiona Famulak, President Vancouver Regional Construction Association
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LICENSING The number of Licensed Residential Builders (LRBs) grewmodestly from 2019 to 2020, while the number of Licensed Building Envelope Renovators (BERs) generally remained stable over the same time period. The number of LRBs has grown continuously since 2010, reaching a new high of 7,993 in 2020. LRBs increased 3.0% compared to 2019. BERs remained fairly stable, decreasing slightly from 78 in 2019 to 76 in 2020.
“Construction is an intensely competitive sector. Success means knowing your market and planning your next move strategically and analytically. The BC Residential Building Statistics and Trends Report provides detailed information that savvy business owners can turn into a competitive advantage.”
Chris Atchison, President BC Construction Association
Figure 10: Number of Licensed Residential Builders and Building Envelope Renovators, 2002-2020
10,000
200
9,000
180
7,993
8,000
160
7,000
140
6,000
120
5,000
100
76
4,000
80
3,000
60
2,000
40
1,000
20
0
0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
LRB
BER
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As of January 4, 2021, both Echelon represented by Pacific Home Warranty (34.6%) and Aviva (32.9%) each had approximately one-third of the LRB market share, while Travelers Canada had just over one-fifth (21.8%).
To obtain warranty insurance for new homes and building envelope renovations, LRBs and BERs must apply and be accepted for home warranty insurance coverage by a warranty insurance provider. In some cases, a LRB or BER may be registered with more than one warranty provider. Of the 7,960 LRBs with warranty acceptance from warranty providers, Echelon accounted for 2,757 (34.6%), followed by Aviva with 2,617 (32.9%), Travelers Canada with 1,736 (21.8%), and the Guarantee Company of North America represented by WBI Home Warranty with 822 (10.3%).
Of the 95 BERs, Aviva accounted for 46 (48.4%), followed by Travelers Canada at 27 (28.4%), and the Guarantee Company of North America represented by WBI Home Warranty at 18 (18.9%).
Figure 11. Market Share of Licensed Residential Builders, 2020
Figure 12: Market Share of Building Envelope Renovators, 2020
48.4%
34.6%
32.9%
28.4%
21.8%
18.9%
10.3%
3.2%
1.1%
0.0%
0.3%
0.1%
◼
Aviva
◼
Echelon (Pacific Home Warranty)
◼
Travelers Canada
◼
RSA Canada (WBI Home Warranty)
◼ Guarantee Company of North America (WBI Home Warranty) ◼ New Home Warranty Insurance Corporation
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LICENSED RESIDENTIAL BUILDER SURVEY Survey Methodology
The Licensed Residential Builder Survey is a province-wide quantitative survey that includes questions on the typical builder 6 profile (industry experience, type of builder), their construction activities, and their satisfaction and perceptions related to research and education projects.
The survey was conducted bi-annually between 2003 and 2011 and annually between 2012 and 2020.
For the 2020 survey, email invitations were sent to 6,429 builders in good standing without expired, suspended, or cancelled licenses. A total of 1,291 builders completed the online surveys which represented a response rate of 20.1%. To ensure the final sample accurately reflected the total population and composition of builders in B.C., mathematical weights were applied based on region (i.e., the area of B.C. where they primarily build) and the number of homes built, or started, in the past year.
Two new questions were added to the 2020 survey:
• Indigenous identity : This question was added to better understand Indigenous participation in the residential building sector. A total of 1.9% of respondents identified as either First Nation, Metis, or Inuit. • Impacts of COVID-19 on housing design : This question was added to better understand how COVID-19 changes housing design among builders.
Further information on survey methodology is provided in Appendix 1.
6 Includes licensed developers, custom home builders, general contractors, building envelope renovators, project/construction managers, and others.
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Survey Results
Figure 13: Percentage of Builders by Primary Area of Construction, 2020
Construction Activity
3%
10%
Primary Area of Construction In 2020, 69% of builders reported working primarily in the Lower Mainland 7 , followed by 16% in the Southern Islands 8 , 10% in the Okanagan, 3% in the Kootenays, and 2% in Central and Northern B.C.
69% Based in Lower Mainland
16%
69%
This was almost identical to the 2019 results.
Lower Mainland Southern Islands Okanagan Kootenays Central/North BC
Base: (n=1,291)
Figure 14: Percentage of Builders by Primary Area of Construction, 2003-2020
61% 58% 57% 57% 60% 63% 64%
67%
67%
70% 69% 69% 69% 69%
22% 22%
20% 23%
21% 18%
17% 16% 16%
15% 15% 15% 15% 16%
14% 14% 15% 15% 12% 11% 10% 10%
10% 9%
10% 10%
10% 10%
4% 4%
4% 4%
4% 5% 5% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%
4%
2003 (n=968)
2005 (n=1,094)
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,316)
2012 (n=1,477)
2013 (n=1,452)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
Lower Mainland Southern Islands
Okanagan Kootenays
Central/North BC
7 For the purposes of this survey, the Lower Mainland region includes Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, and the area from Squamish to Whistler. 8 The Southern Islands includes Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
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Housing Type Constructed in Past Five Years In 2020, 96% of builders reported building single detached homes in the past five years, while 26% built rowhouses, townhouses or duplexes, 9% built low-rises, and 3% built high-rises. The proportion building rowhouses, townhouses or duplexes has increased considerably since 2019.
Figure 15: Percentage of Builders by Housing Type Constructed in the Past Five Years, 2003-2020
97% 97% 97% 96% 97% 96% 96%
96% 94%
95% 95% 94%
92% 93%
26%
25% 25% 25%
22% 20%
21% 19% 19%
21%
20%
18% 20% 18%
14%
13%
12%
10% 10% 9% 9%
10% 9%
9%
7% 7% 9% 8%
3% 4% 3%
3% 3%
2003 (n=968)
2005 (n=1,094)
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,347)
2012 (n=1,463)
2013 (n=1,434)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
Single detached
Row/townhouse/duplex
Multi-unit low-rise
Multi-unit high-rise
Note: Multi-unit low-rise refers to buildings with less than four storeys and multi-unit high-rise to buildings with four storeys or more.
18 | P a g e
Homes Built or Started Building in Past Year 9 Most surveyed builders (75%) reported that they built or started building between 1 and 5 homes in the last year. About half (49%) of builders reported building or starting between 1 and 2 homes, followed by 26% reporting between 3 and 5 homes, and 18% reporting no home construction. The proportion of builders with more than 5 homes started or built was lower at 6%.
Figure 16: Percentage of Builders by Number of Homes Built or Started, 2020
18%
75% Started 1 to 5 homes in past years
26%
49%
In 2020, the proportion of builders reporting no home construction increased from 13% to 18%, the highest ever recorded. The average number of homes built or started decreased from a high of 8.2 in 2019 to 7.8 in 2020. The average number of homes built or started for 2020 still exceeded trends dating back to 2011. Base: (n=1,291) None 1 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20* 21 to 50* 51+*
Figure 17: Percentage of Builders by Number of Homes Built or Started, 2003-2020
6% 5% 4% 4% 5% 4%
3%
4% 4%
3% 3%
8% 3%
4% 5%
10%
25% 27%
11% 11%
27%
27% 26% 26%
29% 31% 29% 26%
24%
31%
32% 26%
49%
50%
57% 54%
55%
56% 57%
53% 52% 51%
43%
43%
39% 40%
18%
16%
15%
13% 11% 11% 13%
13%
11% 10% 12%
7% 5% 6%
2003 (n=968)
2005 (n=1,094)
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,347)
2012 (n=1,463)
2013 (n=1,434)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
None 1 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20* 21 to 50* 51+*
*Response category grouping different prior to 2012.
9 All homes worked on over the past year, including homes started but unfinished and homes previously started and finished.
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Homes Completed in Past Year 10 In 2020, nearly three quarters (72%) of builders surveyed reported finishing between 1 and 5 homes in the past year. Over half (54%) reported finishing between 1 and 2 homes, followed by 22% reporting no homes and 18% reporting between 3 and 5 homes. The proportion of builders reporting more than 5 homes completed in the past year was 6%. The distribution of homes finished in 2020 was similar to 2019. The average number of homes completed in the past year was 4.1 in 2020. This was a decline from 2019 (5.1) but more in line with 2018 (4.0). The
Figure 18: Percentage of Builders by Number of Homes Completed, 2020
3%
22%
18%
72% Finished 1 to 5 homes in past year
54%
None 1 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20* 21 to 50* 51+*
Base: (n=1,291)
average number of homes finished in 2020 compared to 2019 decreased among builders of all types of homes, with the exception of single detached builders. On average single detached builders reported a modest increase. 11
Figure 19: Percentage of Builders by Number of Homes Completed, 2007-2020
3% 4% 3% 4% 4
3%
7%
17% 17% 17% 18%
16% 18% 19%
18% 17%
18%
9%
18%
21%
54% 55%
57%
58% 55% 54%
55% 56%
60% 57%
49%
41%
24%
22% 18%
21% 20% 20% 22%
21% 21%
17%
17%
16%
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,347)
2012 (n=1,463)
2013 (n=1,434)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
None 1 to 2 3 to 5 6 to 10 11 to 20* 21 to 50* 51+*
*Response category grouping different prior to 2012.
10 Only homes that were finished in the past year. Does not include started but unfinished homes. 11 Caution: small base size.
20 | P a g e
Builder Profile
Industry Experience Approximately a third (34%) of builders reported 20 years or more experience as a residential builder, while around half (47%) had 10 years or less experience and 20% had between 11 and 19 years. Since 2003, the proportion of builders with 3 to 10 years’ experience i ncreased from 22% to 38% in 2020. Over the same timeframe, the largest decline was for builders with 20 to 29 years’ experience, from 26% to 17%. The average reported builder experience was 16 years in 2020, close to the 15 years average experience reported in 2019. The average builder experience has varied from a high of 17 years in 2009 to a low of 13 years in 2017.
Figure 20: Percentage of Builders by Years of Industry Experience, 2020
9%
17%
34% 20+ years of experience
16%
17%
22%
5%
15%
0 - 2 years
3 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
11 - 15 years
16 - 19 years 20 - 29 years 30+ years
Base: (n=1,291)
The average builder experience in 2020 was the lowest in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan at 15 years and the highest in the Southern Islands and Central and Northern B.C. at 20 years. Builders constructing single detached homes reported the least amount of experience with an average of 16 years, while those building multi-unit homes averaged between 20 to 21 years of experience.
Figure 21: Percentage of Builders by Years of Industry Experience, 2003-2020
14% 13% 15% 13% 15% 15% 17%
14% 15% 16%
19% 18% 17% 17%
15%
17%
19% 18% 18%
17% 17%
24% 22%
26%
22% 21%
4%
25% 23%
5% 5%
4% 4% 3%
5%
14%
4%
5%
12% 12% 13%
13% 13%
5%
7% 9% 9%
15%
6%
11%
10% 11%
11%
9%
20%
17% 13%
19% 19% 19%
20% 22%
12%
22%
22%
21%
12%
18% 22%
13%
19%
19%
18%
19%
18%
21% 17%
9% 14%
15% 15%
16%
15% 13%
15% 15% 15%
13% 13% 13%
10% 10% 13%
10% 10% 9%
9%
7%
2003 (n=968)
2005 (n=1,094)
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,316)
2012 (n=1,477)
2013 (n=1,452)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
0 - 2 years
3 - 5 years
6 - 10 years
11 - 15 years
16 - 19 years
20 - 29 years
30+ years
21 | P a g e
Type of Licensed Residential Builder In 2020, 70% of builders referred to themselves as general contractors and 67% considered themselves to be custom home builders. Over a third of builders classified themselves as developers (36%) or project/construction managers (35%). A relatively small proportion identified as a building envelope renovator (5%) or other (2%).
Figure 22: : Percentage of Builders by Type, 2007-2020
72% 74% 72%
70% 70%
69%
69%
68%
66%
66% 68%
62%
69%
68% 67% 66% 67%
65% 65% 63%
65%
62%
60%
59%
37%
36% 36%
35%
35%
35%
33% 33%
31%
31%
30%
28%
35% 35%
34%
34%
32% 31%
30%
30% 30%
28%
25% 25%
7% 5%
4% 5% 4% 5% 5% 4% 6% 6% 6% 4%
2007 (n=1,162)
2009 (n=1,125)
2011 (n=1,316)
2012 (n=1,477)
2013 (n=1,452)
2014 (n= 1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
Custom Home Builder
General Contractor
Developer
Project/Construction Manager
Building Envelope Renovator
Other
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Energy Efficiency
Use of a Green Building Program In 2020, 16% of builders reported participation in a green building program, which is unchanged from 2018 and 2019. Kootenay (23%) builders were most likely to report participation in a green building program, followed by builders in the Lower Mainland, Southern Islands, and the Okanagan (all 16%). Central and Northern B.C. builders were the least likely to report participation in a green building program (5%). By housing type, single detached builders were the least likely to report building homes that were part of a green building program (16%). Builders involved in the construction of multi-unit high-rises were the most likely to report building homes as part of a green building program (34%) 12 . Approximately one-quarter of multi-unit low-rise builders (27%) and builders of rowhouses, townhouses, and duplexes (23%) reported using a green building program. By experience, builders with 2 years or less were the least likely to report green building program participation (8%). Builders with between 3 and 19 years of experience were the most likely to report building homes as part of a green building program (18%). Nearly half (47%) of those using a green building programparticipated in Energy Star. Close to a third of builders using a green building program reported participating in BuiltGreen (30%), followed by approximately one-quarter in R-2000 (24%).
Figure 23: Use of a Green Building Program, 2012-2020
16%
16% 16% 16%
15%
13% 13%
12%
11%
2012 (n=1,464)
2013 (n=1,419)
2014 (n=1,097)
2015 (n=1,288)
2016 (n=1,526)
2017 (n=1,008)
2018 (n=1,206)
2019 (n=1,230)
2020 (n=1,291)
12 Caution: small base size.
23 | P a g e
Figure 24: Breakdown of Green Building Programs by Use, 2017-2020
57%
55%
47%
47%
39%
39%
34%
33%
33%
30%
26%
24%
18%
16% 13%
13% 11%
13%
12% 11%
8%
10%
6%
4%
7%
5%
4%
2017 (n=164)
2018 (n=206)
2019 (n=202)
2020 (n=225)
Energy Star*
BuiltGreen
R-2000
LEED
Passive House
Net Zero Home Labelling Program Other
*Energy Star was added as an option in 2017. NetZero Home was added in 2018. Green Globes and EnerGuide were removed as options in 2018.
24 | P a g e
Use of an Energy Advisor Across B.C., 54% of builders reported working with an Energy Advisor in the past year. This was a considerable increase over 2019 (41%) and represented a steady increase since first measured in 2017 (32%). Builders in the Lower Mainland (59%) and Kootenay (60%) regions were the most likely to report working with an Energy Advisor. In comparison, Central and Northern B.C. builders were the least likely (27%), followed by Southern Islands (42%) and Okanagan builders (41%). Between 48% to 62% of builders with over 2 years of experience reported using an Energy Advisor. This dropped to 41% among builders with 2 years or less of experience.
Figure 25: Used an Energy Advisor in the Past Year, 2020
54% Used an energy advisor
46%
54%
Yes No
Base: (n=1,291)
Over 60% of builders of multi-unit high 13 and low-rises (62%) and rowhouses, townhouses, or duplexes (63%) reported they worked with an Energy Advisor. However, among single detached builders just over half (54%) reported working with an Energy Advisor in the past year.
13 Caution: small base size.
25 | P a g e
BC Energy Step Code Awareness and involvement in the BC Energy Step Code has increased considerably over the past three years. In 2020, 89% of builders reported being aware of the BC Energy Step Code compared to 52% in 2017. More than half (56%) of builders reported participating in BC Energy Step Code training sessions in 2020, which was up from 2019 (49%). Builders who reported building homes in the past year meeting BC Energy Step Code requirements grew substantially to 44% in 2020 from 32% in 2019. Of the builders who reported building to the BC Energy Step Code, 41% achieved Step 3, followed by 24% at Step 2 and 17% at Step 1.
Figure 26: Built a Home Meeting a Step of the BC Energy Step Code in the Past Year, 2020
11%
44% Built a home to Step Code
44%
44%
Yes
No Have not heard about Energy Step Code
Base: (n=1,291)
Builders in the Kootenays (73%), followed by the Okanagan (56%) were the most likely to report building to the BC Energy Step Code, while Lower Mainland builders were the least likely at 41%. Builders working to the BC Energy Step Code were most likely to report achieving Step 3 for all regions, with Kootenay builders substantially more likely to report building to Step 5 (15%). Builders with 2 or less years’ experience as a residential builder were the least likely to report building to the BC Energy Step Code (27%). Builders with over 10 years of experience were the most likely to report building to the BC Energy Step Code at 47%, followed by 44% of builders with 3 to 10 years’ experience. Builders of single detached homes were the least likely to report building to the BC Energy Step Code (45%), while approximately half of all other builders reported building to the BC Energy Step Code. Step 3 was the most common step achieved across all housing types, ranging from 46% for multi-unit high-rise builders 14 to 40% for single detached builders. Builders of multi-unit high-rises were the most likely to build to Step 5 (8%) 15 .
14 Caution: small base size.
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