Real eState

China’s Evergrande reports $81 billion in losses amid real estate woes

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2023

Chinese real estate developer Evergrande has disclosed losses of $81 billion over 2021 and 2022, underscoring how its massive debts remain a serious concern for the financial health of the Chinese property sector — and the world’s second-largest economy overall.

China’s post-pandemic recovery is threatened by the sluggish real estate sector, which is still responsible for a quarter of the economy’s growth.

As one of China’s largest builders of apartments, Evergrande slid rapidly into financial distress in late 2021, causing alarm around the world as some analysts feared a collapse that could be China’s “Lehman moment” — and the start of another financial crisis.

Evergrande’s $300 billion cash crunch is deepened by demolition order

Instead off letting the company implode under a $300 billion pile of debt, Chinese authorities opted for what analysts called a “controlled demolition” — essentially managing the corporation through a gradual collapse. Since then, the company has continued to limp on, posing a continual headache for the policymakers who are trying to restore confidence in the real estate sector.

The group finally came clean about the extent of its near-fatal cash crunch and the slow progress it has made toward resolving its financial difficulties when it released a repeatedly delayed earnings report late on Monday local time.

Aside from the $81 billion in losses, Evergrande’s total liabilities continued to grow in 2022, reaching $335 billion compared with just $251 billion in assets, according to the earnings statement.

That disclosure underscored the Chinese government’s tricky effort to tackle real estate debt without bursting a possible property bubble, as it tries to ensure a tepid post-pandemic recovery doesn’t get knocked off track by a worsening real estate slump.

The Chinese economy missed expectations to grow by 6.3 percent year over year in the second quarter, according to data released on Monday. That slower than expected recovery is in part caused by falling property investment, which was down 20.6 percent in June, according to Reuters.

Lingering uncertainty over Evergrande’s fate reflects the poor state of the sector — and threatens to worsen it, analysts warn.

“Evergrande’s insolvency, beyond its own liquidity coming to a standstill, is also related to the cooling of housing sales” and the increased pressure for indebted property developers to finish projects, Xie Yifeng, president of the China Urban Real Estate Research Institute, told state-run Beijing Business Today. “It’s a vicious cycle.”

The continued insolvency means that “simple debt restructuring may be unable to save Evergrande,” Chen Xin, a finance professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, wrote on Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter. The situation is “tantamount to disaster” for the company’s creditors, Chen added.

Surging demand for homes and government reliance on land sales for income meant that developers like Evergrande had easy access to bank loans and could aggressively expand using a borrow-to-build model throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

But the government soon became wary of ballooning debt that might cause defaults, and regulators severely limited borrowing in 2020. Evergrande was left on the verge of collapse, in a crisis that many saw as marking the end for China’s housing boom.

Reduced access to loans has left property developers struggling to finish apartments, hurting buyer confidence and dragging down sales. Floor area bought in June fell by 28 percent compared with the same period a year before, official data released on Monday showed.

That slump extends a dilemma for Chinese policymakers, who are torn between stimulus measures to revive confidence and determination to defuse financial risks that could ultimately do more damage to the economy.

So far, however, Evergrande has neither collapsed nor significantly improved its financial situation.

Most of the $81 billion net losses disclosed on Monday was accumulated in 2021, resulting in a crisis and promises to restructure at the end of that year. But even last year, it still reported nearly $15 billion in net losses, underscoring how the company has struggled to substantially resolve its insolvency problems.

In another sign of the group’s uncertain financial future, Evergrande’s external auditor, Prism, said it could not comment on the financial statements because it was unable to obtain sufficient evidence regarding the group’s ability to meet its obligations.

Hong Kong-traded shares in Evergrande have been suspended since March 2022, meaning the company is just two months away from being delisted from the stock exchange.

Evergrande also said on Monday that it will meet with its overseas creditors this month to try to reach a deal on debt restructuring.

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Real eState

Two Quebec real estate brokers suspended for using fake bids to drive up prices

Published

4 days ago

September 11, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.

Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.

She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.

The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.

One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.

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Real eState

Montreal home sales, prices rise in August: real estate board

Published

1 week ago

September 6, 2024

Anne Joseph

MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.

The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.

The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.

The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.

QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.

Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.

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Canada’s Best Cities for Renters in 2024: A Comprehensive Analysis

Published

2 months ago

July 24, 2024

Harry Miller

In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.

Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:

St. John’s, NL

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.

Sherbrooke, QC

Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.

Québec City, QC

Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.

Trois-Rivières, QC

Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Saguenay, QC

Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.

Granby, QC

Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.

Fredericton, NB

Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Saint John, NB

Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.

Saint-Hyacinthe, QC

Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Lévis, QC

Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.

This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.

Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.

Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.

For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.

While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.