This explains the demand side argument. As you can see, however, demand is not for end user consumption but rather for demand for the 'condo commodity'.  You decide/debate if this "investor" or "speculator".  Either way, here the trade is NOT illegal. However, it does influence prices/rents. 

To the Globe staff, this was the easy assignment. Please now show us the undertakings of the  Bankers and Realtors who are complicit in allowing this behavior, profiting all the way.