Canada's suburbs had an increase in home values that outpaced downtown areas during the pandemic, according to a new study. Many downtown businesses closing and people's desire for greater living space are driving the rising demand for suburban properties, according to research released on Monday by the Bank of Canada. Proximity premiums associated with metropolitan regions, where land is limited and commutes are shorter, have been undercut by this shift in the housing market, according to the central bank. In most neighbourhoods, housing prices rose significantly during the epidemic, but the gain was particularly pronounced in the suburbs, according to the data. Canada's suburbs and downtown districts had already been decreasing progressively pre-pandemic, but now the distance has shrunk significantly, the bank says. As an example, research by a major Canadian bank found that, on average, suburban residences sold for 33% less than those in the city centre in 2016. By 2019, the price difference had shrunk by 26%. In 2021, if the current trend continues, properties in the suburbs will sell for around 21% less than those in urban regions. According to a report from the bank, the difference in price between the suburbs and downtown districts has narrowed by around 10% in the past year. There has also been an increase in businesses reopening or transitioning to a combined working environment, wherein the staff is only required in the office part of the week. There have also been reopenings of services and amenities that had been closed during the pandemic like salons, gyms, and restaurants. Workplace changes and the reinstatement of downtown offices and businesses may have an impact on the housing market once again. Mortgage rates could be affected in suburbs because of the shift toward larger residences outside the city centre, according to the bank. According to the report, "if this preference shift is transient, the proximity premium could return partly to its pre-pandemic level," the bank stated. In anticipation of rising local demand, a significant change in housing supply in more suburban locations could be particularly troublesome.