Nova Scotia has set ambitious goals for the future of transportation. The provincial government of Nova Scotia aims for all new car and light-duty truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035, a federal target, that phases out gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric vehicles (EVs). On the surface, that sounds like a progressive step toward sustainability, but when you look closer at the housing and infrastructure side of the equation, there is a major gap that directly affects homebuyers, sellers, and investors.
The Missed Opportunity
Earlier this year, Halifax Regional Municipality included a requirement in its Regional Plan that would have ensured new multi-unit residential and commercial developments be EV-ready. This would have meant that new condo and apartment buildings would be constructed with the electrical capacity and infrastructure needed for charging stations.
That amendment was sent to the provincial government for approval. On August 8, the Honourable John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, declined the request, leaving the clause out of the final plan. In practical terms, this means that despite the government’s mandate for an all-EV future, there is no requirement for developers to include charging infrastructure in the very buildings where people will need it most.
For buyers considering condo living, this is a significant oversight. This directly impacts condo and apartment buyers, since they are the ones who would rely on shared or pre-built EV charging infrastructure. Unlike detached homeowners, condo buyers cannot just install their own charger without significant condo board approval, cost, and retrofitting. For sellers and landlords, it may create a serious value gap in the years ahead.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
The refusal to mandate EV-ready spaces raises real questions. If the province expects every Nova Scotian to eventually drive an electric vehicle, where will people charge them? Detached homeowners may have the option of installing a charger, but condo and apartment residents face limited or no options.
This creates long-term concerns for buyers. Purchasing a new condo without EV infrastructure could mean costly retrofits down the road causing assoication fees to rise, or worse, being locked out of EV ownership entirely. From a seller’s standpoint, condos without charging capability may struggle to compete in the market as EV adoption accelerates.
MLS and the Missing Feature
This issue goes deeper than construction standards. In my day-to-day work as a realtor, I use the MLS system to help clients search for homes based on features like fireplaces, pools, or accessibility modifications. Yet despite the government’s EV mandate, there is still no searchable category for EV chargers. I personally put forth the request through the council at NSAR to consider this change to support consumers home search.
The MLS system allows us to check boxes for dozens of features, but EV chargers are not one of them. That disconnect between government policy and the tools we use to navigate the market is telling. Buyers want to know if a property will support their lifestyle, and EV readiness will soon rank alongside basics like the number of bedrooms or bathrooms. The fact that MLS does not currently reflect this reality shows just how unprepared we are for the transition.
The Bigger Picture
The contradiction is clear: the government is pushing for an EV-only future while at the same time declining measures that would prepare our housing stock for it. This disconnect puts families, students, and future homeowners in a bind. Buyers face uncertainty when purchasing properties that are not EV-ready, while sellers risk losing value in a market that increasingly prioritizes sustainability. Developers, too, may struggle to market projects that are already outdated by the time they’re complete.
For Nova Scotia, the ripple effects are bigger than just inconvenience. Properties built without EV readiness today may face higher retrofit costs tomorrow, driving up condo fees and creating affordability challenges. Families and individuals who want to embrace sustainable living will be forced to weigh homes without EV infrastructure against higher long-term costs.
Where I Stand
As someone deeply involved in helping clients buy and sell in Nova Scotia, I believe this is more than a policy oversight. It is a market issue that directly affects affordability, housing choice, and long-term property value. I will continue to advocate for EV charger readiness to be added to MLS and to push for conversations about how our housing market will adapt to the government’s EV deadlines.
My experience working with clients navigating both today’s housing challenges and tomorrow’s policy shifts gives me a unique perspective. I understand how these decisions trickle down to everyday buyers and sellers, and I use that knowledge to help clients prepare wisely. Whether you are buying your first property or selling your house, understanding these gaps now will protect your decisions in the years to come.
Business Information:
1959 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS B3J 3N2, Purdy’s Wharf Tower 1
Alisha Caillie-Fleet- Realty in Halifax, Nova Scotia
alishasellshfx@gmail.com
902-489-4911
