Spring housing market surge unlikely as affordability, cost of living weigh on buyers

After five straight holds of the Bank of Canada's key interest rate that followed its hiking cycle of more than a year, economists say a rebound awaits the national housing market — but don't expect a big surge just yet.

The central bank is expected to again hold its key rate steady when it announces its decision Wednesday, but it's unclear what direction it will take next.

With modest cuts likely in store later this year — some forecasts call for those to begin as soon as June — it could take months before buyers are confident enough to come crawling back from the sidelines.

That uncertainty may keep some buyers cautious throughout the spring, said TD Bank economist Rishi Sondhi.