As trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to evolve, ripple effects are felt across industries, including real estate and technology companies, shaping Canada’s future.
Cross-border tariffs and shifting economic policies can drive up costs, disrupt supply chains, and create uncertainty for businesses operating in both countries. For Canada’s proptech sector, which sits at the intersection of real estate and innovation, these changes raise important questions: How will tariffs impact construction costs? Will cross-border investment slow down? How hesitant are buyers and sellers becoming? And what does this mean for the future of housing affordability in Canada?
To get a better sense of what’s happening on the ground, we reached out to Canadian proptech leaders and founders to hear their take and heed their advice. From insights on the role of technology amid the uncertainty to optimism about the solutions available, here’s what they had to say:
Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency
“This trade war has introduced new layers of uncertainty in the real estate market for all parties involved. If home prices soften, sellers become more focused on maximizing their returns, which increases the demand for smarter, tech-driven sales strategies. That puts a premium on selecting the right agent and ensuring they present a tailored, data-driven approach to selling your property”.
“At the same time, if the market tightens, agents will need direct access to high-quality listings to improve their ROI and conversion rates, moving away from traditional soft lead sources. In both cases, real estate technology will play a defining role in driving transparency and efficiency for buyers, sellers, and agents”. – Patrick Armstrong, CEO of Hyyve.
Leverage Technology to Stay Ahead
“With the Bank of Canada cutting interest rates to counteract the economic fallout from the U.S.-Canada trade war, economic uncertainty is hitting homebuyers hard. Affordability is already a significant challenge for many Canadians, and the ripple effects of tariffs on steel and aluminum will only make housing more difficult to access.”
“A recent survey from Zown found that 49% of non-homeowners say they are significantly less likely to purchase a home in the next two years due to current living expenses. This is where Zown’s services, like our Down Payment Assistance program, help buyers navigate these uncertain times while leaving the door to homeownership open. As Canadians grapple with economic uncertainty, leveraging technology to create opportunities for aspiring homeowners will be crucial.” – Rishard Rameez, Co-Founder and CEO of Zown.
Don’t Forget: Canada is Resilient
“While rising costs from US tariffs may make buyers more cautious in the short term, and pricier construction could limit new builds, pushing up prices in the resale market, we’re still seeing a rise in first-time homebuyers and people searching for their forever homes. At the end of the day, getting the keys to a new home is the most exciting part of the journey. Even during tough times, people are working hard to turn that dream into a reality.”
“The good news is that with more efficient, digital-first real estate solutions like Ownright and alternative financing options, those dreams are more achievable than ever. While we may face some turbulence, the Canadian real estate market has shown time and again that it’s resilient, and I’m confident it will adapt and remain strong in the long run.” – Robert Saunders, Co-Founder and CEO of Ownright.
Plan During Times of Uncertainty
“Tariff threats are fueling uncertainty in the Canadian economy, making homebuyers and sellers more hesitant. This instability could lead to a softer spring market than many expect as financial confidence wavers. However, if the Bank of Canada continues with rate cuts, it could offer much-needed relief – not just for the millions of Canadians with variable-rate mortgages but also for those renewing their loans this year.”
“At Pine, we’re here to help Canadians navigate these changes with confidence. My advice: use this time to financially plan so you’re ready to make informed decisions when it matters most.” – Justin Herlick, Co-Founder and CEO of Pine.
Deregulation as a Way Forward
“We’re facing a critical moment for Canadian proptech. Tariff uncertainties from the U.S.-Canada trade tensions, combined with the ongoing investment downturn, have created an increasingly hostile environment for real estate technology startups. According to the latest Proptech Collective report, total investment in Canadian proptech significantly declined in 2024, and only 5% of Canadian founders believe Canada is the best place to scale their companies—an alarming reality highlighted by Allen Lau last year.”
“To reverse this trend, the government must urgently increase funding support for early-stage innovation and take decisive steps toward deregulation. Reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles while injecting capital, will help Canadian innovators stay competitive, retain homegrown talent, and prevent a devastating exodus of ideas and intellectual property abroad.” – Jon Christensen, CEO of Bidmii
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