National house price index increased just 0.5% over the last year
Dip in apartment constructions offsets gains in single-family homes
Toronto and Montreal made gains, while B.C. saw declines
Sales in Calgary also declined in the first half
Rate of urban starts increased by 26%
The measure for Toronto, however, remained at historical highs in Q1
Reversal comes after six months of decreases
The program covers 5% of a mortgage for an existing home or 10% for a new home
Softening market wards off an "unsustainable appreciation trend"
Ontario saw a 41% dip in starts compared to April