3 +t‘ eA t VC%, m L. Housing starts up fourth consecutive month HIGHLIGHTS Q Urban starts of singleâ€"detached dwellings jumped 14.4 per cent to 72,300 units Q Housing starts edged up 0.5 per cent in December for a fourth conâ€" secutive monthly gain Housing starts edged up 0.5 per cent in December for a fourth consecutive monthly gain, reported Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Total starts reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 172,100 units, up from 171,300 units in November. Urban starts of singleâ€"detached dwellings jumped 14.4 per cent to 72,300 units (SAAR) in December, from 63,200 the previous month. This was nearly fully offset by a fall of 10.4 per cent in multiple unit construction, to 71,500 units (SAAR), from a level of 79,800 units recorded in November. "Further gains are expected in coming months as economic conditions improve and mortgage rates stay low. But progress will be limited due to a recent inventory buildâ€"up of new vacant units," said Gilles Proulx, Chief Economist at CMHC‘s Market Analysis Centre. "Singleâ€"detached construction reached its highest level since December 1992. Multiple unit construction dropped mainly as a result of fewer starts in Ontario. This led to lower activity in the province while all other regions recorded higher starts," Proulx added. Urban housing starts in Ontario fell to 47,500 units (SAAR) in December, from an 18â€"month high of 52,600 units in November. The decline reflected lower starts of multiple units, mainly those built on a government assisted basis. Starts of singleâ€"detached dwellings recorded an increase, continuing on a moderate upward trend since the middle of the year. British Columbia urban starts rose to 45,400 units (SAAR) in December, folâ€" lowing November‘s level of 43,900 units. Multiple unit construction has been at a near record high level for two months. Starts of singleâ€"detached dwellings fell marginally, impacted by reduced affordability, limited serviced lots, and a gradually rising supply of new vacant units. Urban starts in Quebec recovered marâ€" ginally to 23,500 units (SAAR), from 22,300 units in November, due to higher starts of singleâ€"detached dwellings. The construction market remains weak, although recent reductions of inventories and somewhat lower rental apartment vacancies should help sustain activity. A N O T H E R R O YA L Thinkng of Selling? Call Us For A Free Evaluation Sales Representative 24â€"HOUR PAGER PRICED TO SELL $239,900. Located on a quiet crescent in River Oaks. 4 large bedrooms. Close to all amenities. A terrific buy! ANNE CLARKE* 338â€"3737. HAT A BUY!! $179,900. 3â€"bedroom bungalow with large kitchen and fully finished basement. Inground pool, separate fenced. Steps to Coronation Park/Hopedale Mall. ANNE CLARKE* 338â€"3737. $89,900. Glen Abbey condo near QEW recreation centre. 5 appliances, cxcellenégnce. Fireplace air conditioning. DOUG PEAR, N* 338â€"3737. RELAX AND STAY $185,900.Delight bungalow in established area. Bright rms., deck w/walkâ€"out from kit. Private yard, C/A. AL LILLICROP* 338â€"3737. 338â€"3737 * Sales Representative Associate Broker $215,000. Mature Glen Abbey location. Great family, kitchen, lovely backyard, rec. room w/fireplace. MONIKA 24â€"HOUR PAGER IMAGINE THE VALUE $329,000. Executive 3,400 sq. ft. in family area, main floor den, gas fireplace, wet bar, jacuzzi, ceramics, large pie lot, inground separately fenced pool. It‘s a winner! HELEN MIRRLEES* 338â€"3737 DETACHED BUNGALOW _ $159,900. 65° x 120‘ mature lot. Separate dining rm. Large gesgrgorsns potential inâ€"law suite. BOB CWIRENKO®* â€"3737. PERFECT MODEL RICHARDSON®* 338â€"3737. LE PA G E Sales Representative 398â€"3737 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS FABULOUS JOSHUA CREEK $639,000. Executive home for the discriminating family. Ravine, pool, nanny suite, spa. For further information, call JACKIE van‘t HULLENAAR* 338â€"3737. GLEN ABBEY $1,750/month. Rental, 4â€"bedroom home in Glen Abbey, super location. All the amenities. Call today. JACKIE van‘t HULLENAAR* 338â€"3737. ow ... ROYAL LEPAGE Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Broker Bradley Thompson A D V A N T A G E Sales Representative GOLD AWARD WINNER 1993, 1992, 1991 ESE :E $429,000. Exec. home in desirable Joshua Creek Estates. Open concept plan with approx. 3,400 sq. ft. + prof. fin. bsmt. Elegant hrdwd. firs. french drs. on main level. Inground pool! JEFF MAHANNAH* 338â€" SUPERBLY UPGRADED $219,900. 4â€"bdrm. home w/top quality finishes. Quiet court in mature neighbourhood. New white kit. w/builtâ€" in appls. ceramics. Plush new brdim., updated baths, skylight. JEFF MAHANNAH* 338â€"3737. 251 NORTH SERVICE RD. W., . OAKVILLE p6eeL,‘92 ‘uer Kepsqupaem ‘aiiim1e0 9y1 ‘0e1s3 jeoy â€" 11. ie uied io ns T old s ooo e lt oo P io o on s lc