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November 2023 Statistics from The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


 

News Release from The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Balanced conditions come to the Metro Vancouver housing market for the holiday season

VANCOUVER, BC – December 4, 2023– With one month left in 2023, a steady increase in housing inventory is offering home buyers across Metro Vancouveramong the largest selection to choose from since 2021.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential salesin the region totalled 1,702 in November 2023, a 4.7 per cent increase from the 1,625 sales recorded in November 2022. This was 33 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,538).

“We’ve been watching the number of active listings in our market increase over the past few months, which is giving buyers more to choose from than they’ve been used to seeing over the past few years,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “When paired with the seasonal slowdown in sales we typically see this time of year, this increase in supply is creating balanced conditions across Metro Vancouver’s housing market.”

There were 3,369 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2023. This represents a 9.8 per cent increase compared to the 3,069 properties listed in November 2022. This was 2.8 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,464).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,931, a 13.5 per cent increase compared to November 2022 (9,633). This is 3.7 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (10,543).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2023 is 16.3 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.7 per cent for detached homes, 19.8 per cent for attached, and 18.2 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Balanced market conditions typically come with flatter price trends, and that’s what we’ve seen in the market since the summer months. These trends follow a period where prices rose over seven per cent earlier in the year,” Lis said. “You probably won’t find Cyber Monday discounts, but prices have edged lower by a few per cent since the summer. And with most economists expecting mortgage rates to fall modestly in 2024, market conditions for buyers are arguably the most favorable we’ve seen in some time in our market.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,185,100. This represents a 4.9 per cent increase over November 2022 and a one per cent decrease compared to October 2023.

Sales of detached homes in November 2023 reached 523, a seven per cent increase from the 489 detached sales recorded in November 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,982,600. This represents a 6.8 per cent increase from November 2022 and a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2023.

Sales of apartment homes reached 850 in November 2023, a 0.4 per cent increase compared to the 847 sales in November 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $762,700. This represents a 6.2 per cent increase from November 2022 and a one per cent decrease compared to October 2023.

Attached home sales in November 2023 totalled 316, a 12.5 per cent increase compared to the 281 sales in November 2022. The benchmark price of a townhouseis $1,092,600. This represents a 6.9 per cent increase from November 2022 and a 0.7 per cent decrease compared to October 2023.

 

Read more HERE

VANCOUVER WEST STATS

VANCOUVER EAST STATS 

 

1. Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, South Delta, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Whistler.

2. REBGV is now including multifamily and land sales and listings in this monthly report. Previously, we only included detached, attached, and apartment sales, and these additional categories, which typically account for roughly one to two per cent of total MLS® activity per month, are being included for completeness in our reporting.

3. In calculating the MLS® HPI, Altus Group uses a narrower definition of “attached” properties than is used by REBGV in our “attached” statistics, preferring to use “townhouse” as their benchmark property.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 15,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The Board provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.rebgv.org.

For more information please contact:

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Manager, Communication and Editorial



June 2023 Stats Reports


June 2023 Dexter Report click here

 

REALTOR® Report from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

Home prices continue to rise in Metro Vancouver’s housing market to kick off the summer

 

Continuing the trend that has emerged in the housing market this year, the benchmark price for all home types in Metro Vancouver1 increased in June as home buyer demand butted up against a limited inventory of homes for sale in the region.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales2 in the region totalled 2,988 in June 2023, a 21.1 per cent increase from the 2,467 sales recorded in June 2022. This was 8.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,269).

 

“The market continues to outperform expectations across all segments, but the apartment segment showed the most relative strength in June,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “The benchmark price of apartment homes is almost cresting the peak reached in 2022, while sales of apartments are now above the region’s ten-year seasonal average. This uniquely positions the apartment segment relative to the attached and detached segments where sales remained below the ten-year seasonal averages.”

 

There were 5,348 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in June 2023. This represents a 1.3 per cent increase compared to the 5,278 homes listed in June 2022. This was 3.1 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (5,518).

 

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,990, a 7.9 per cent decrease compared to June 2022 (10,842) This was 17.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (12,091).

 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for June 2023 is 31.4 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 20.9 per cent for detached homes, 38.5 per cent for townhomes, and 39.4 per cent for apartments.

 

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

 

“Despite elevated borrowing costs, there continues to be too little resale inventory available relative to the pool of buyers in Metro Vancouver. This is the fundamental reason we continue to see prices increase month over month across all segments,” Lis said. “With the benchmark price for apartments now standing at $767,000, we repeat our call to the provincial government to adjust the $525,000 threshold exempting first-time home buyers from the Property Transfer Tax to better reflect the price of entry-level homes in our region. This is a simple policy adjustment that could help more first-time buyers afford a home right now.” 

 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,203,000. This represents a 2.4 per cent decrease over June 2022 and a 1.3 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

 

Sales of detached homes in June 2023 reached 848, a 28.3 per cent increase from the 661 detached sales recorded in June 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,991,300. This represents a 3.2 per cent decrease from June 2022 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

 

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,573 in June 2023, an 18.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,326 sales in June 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $767,000. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase from June 2022 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

 

Attached home sales in June 2023 totalled 547, a 17.6 per cent increase compared to the 465 sales in June 2022. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,098,900. This represents a one per cent decrease from June 2022 and a 1.5 per cent increase compared to May 2023.

 

Download the June 2023 stats package.

 

Vancouver - West click here 

Vancouver- East click here



End of 2022 Stats for Greater Vancouver


From The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

 

Rising mortgage rates brought uncertainty and caution to Metro Vancouver’s housing market in 2022

 

After seeing record sales and prices during the pandemic, Metro Vancouver’s housing market experienced a year of caution in 2022 due to rising borrowing costs fueled by the Bank of Canada’s ongoing battle with inflation. 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 28,903 in 2022, a 34.3 per cent decrease from the 43,999 sales recorded in 2021, and a 6.6 per cent decrease from the 30,944 homes sold in 2020. 


Last year’s sales total was 13.4 per cent below the 10-year sales average. 


“The headline story in our market in 2022 was all about inflation and the Bank of Canada’s efforts to bring inflation back to target by rapidly raising the policy rate. This is a story we expect to continue to make headlines into 2023, as inflationary pressures remain persistent across Canada,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. 


Home listings on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver reached 53,865 in 2022. This is a 13.5 per cent decrease compared to the 62,265 homes listed in 2021 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to the 54,305 homes listed in 2020. 


Last year’s listings total was 3.2 per cent below the region’s 10-year average. 


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,384, a 41 per cent increase compared to December 2021 (5,236) and a 19.6 per cent decrease compared to November 2022 (9,179). 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,114,300. This represents a 3.3 per cent decrease over December 2021, a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 9.8 per cent decrease over the past six months. 


“Closing out 2022, the data show that the Bank of Canada’s decisions to increase the policy rate at seven of the eight interest rate announcement dates in 2022 has translated into downward pressure on home sale activity and, to a lesser extent, home prices in Metro Vancouver,” Lis said. “While the consensus among many economists and forecasters suggests the Bank of Canada may be near the end of this tightening cycle, rates may remain elevated for longer than previously expected since the latest inflation figures aren’t showing signs of abating quickly. We’ll watch the 2023 spring market closely to see if buyers and sellers have adjusted to the higher borrowing-costs and are participating more actively in the market than we have seen over the last 12 months.” 

 

December 2022 summary

 

Residential home sales in the region totalled 1,295 in December 2022, a 51.8 per cent decrease from the 2,688 sales recorded in December 2021, and a 19.8 per cent decrease from the 1,614 homes sold in November 2022. 


Last month’s sales were 37.7 per cent below the 10-year December sales average. 


There were 1,206 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver in December 2022. This represents a 38 per cent decrease compared to the 1,945 homes listed in December 2021 and a 60.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022 when 3,055 homes were listed. 


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for December 2022 is 17.5 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.3 per cent for detached homes, 19.5 per cent for townhomes, and 21.7 per cent for apartments. 


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


Sales of detached homes in December 2022 reached 371, a 53.3 per cent decrease from the 794 detached sales recorded in December 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,823,300. This represents a 5.1 per cent decrease from December 2021, a 1.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and an 11.4 per cent decrease over the past six months. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 702 in December 2022, a 52 per cent decrease compared to the 1,464 sales in December 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $713,700. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase from December 2021, a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 6.9 per cent decrease over the past six months. 


Attached home sales in December 2022 totalled 222, a 48.4 per cent decrease compared to the 430 sales in December 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,012,700. This represents a 0.2 per cent decrease from December 2021, a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to November 2022, and a 9.2 per cent decrease over the past six months. 

 

Download the December 2022 stats package.



September 2022 Stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


 

From The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

Metro Vancouver saw more home sellers and fewer buyers in September

 

Home sellers were more active in Metro Vancouver’s housing market in September while home buyer demand remained below the region’s long-term averages. 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,687 in September 2022, a 46.4 per cent decrease from the 3,149 sales recorded in September 2021, and a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 1,870 homes sold in August 2022. 


Last month’s sales were 35.7 per cent below the 10-year September sales average. 


“With the Bank of Canada and other central banks around the globe hiking rates in an effort to stamp out inflation, the cost to borrow funds has risen substantially over a short period,” said Andrew Lis, REBGV director, economics and data analytics. “This has resulted in a more challenging environment for borrowers looking to purchase a home, and home sales across the region have dropped accordingly.” 


There were 4,229 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2022. This represents an 18.2 per cent decrease compared to the 5,171 homes listed in September 2021 and a 27.1 per cent increase compared to August 2022 when 3,328 homes were listed. 


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,971, an eight per cent increase compared to September 2021 (9,236) and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to August 2022 (9,662). 


“With fewer homes selling and new listings continuing to come to market, inventory is beginning to accumulate, providing buyers with more selection compared to last year,” Lis said. “With more supply and less demand within this market cycle, residential home prices have edged down in the region over the last six months.” 


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2022 is 16.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.4 per cent for detached homes, 18.4 per cent for townhomes, and 20.9 per cent for apartments. 


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,155,300. This represents a 3.9 per cent increase over September 2021, an 8.5 per cent decline over the past six months, and a 2.1 per cent decline compared to August 2022.


Sales of detached homes in September 2022 reached 525, a 44.7 per cent decrease from the 950 detached sales recorded in September 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,906,400. This represents a 3.8 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 2.4 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 888 in September 2022, a 45.2 per cent decrease compared to the 1,621 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $728,500. This represents a 6.2% per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.6 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 


Attached home sales in September 2022 totalled 274, a 52.6 per cent decrease compared to the 578 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,048,900. This represents a 9.1 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 

 

Download the September 2022 stats package.



Prices Are Not Falling Relative to Interest Rates Climbing Nor Drooping Sales Volume...YET


Chart is from BCREA:

In Greater Vancouver sales are down YOY almost 41%, but prices are up close to 2% YOY.  It takes time for the reaction to rising interest rates and overall inflation to work into market prices, and, it takes a higher inventoried market.  

 

 

2022 08 condensed table



March 2022 Stats from The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


 

click here for full stats:

march 2022 stats infographic 770



December 2021 Stats for Vancouver West




February Statistics for Greater Vancouver Real Estate Market


rebgv stats pkg february 2021

 

March 2, 2021

Home buyer competition intensifies across Metro Vancouver’s housing market

 

Competition amongst home buyers is putting upward pressure on home prices across Metro Vancouver’s* housing market. 

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 3,727 in February 2021, a 73.3 per cent increase from the 2,150 sales recorded in February 2020, and a 56 per cent increase from the 2,389 homes sold in January 2021. 

 

Last month’s sales were 42.8 per cent above the 10-year February sales average. 

 

“Metro Vancouver’s housing market is experiencing seller’s market conditions. The supply of listings for sale isn’t keeping up with the demand we’re seeing,” Colette Gerber, REBGV Chair said. “Competition amongst home buyers is causing multiple offer situations and upward pressure on prices.

 

“This is particularly true in the townhome market where demand is outstripping the available supply. Conditions differ depending on location and property type so it’s important to work with your local REALTOR® to develop strategies to meet your needs.” 

 

There were 5,048 detached, attached and apartment homes newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in February 2021. This represents a 26.1 per cent increase compared to the 4,002 homes listed in February 2020 and a 12.7 per cent increase compared to January 2021 when 4,480 homes were listed. 

 

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,358, a 9.1 per cent decrease compared to February 2020 (9,195) and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to January 2021 (8,306). This is 21.2 per cent below the February 10-year average for new listings. 

 

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2021 is 44.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 41.8 per cent for detached homes, 61.8 per cent for townhomes, and 41.7 per cent for apartments. 

 

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

 

“Low interest rates remain a key driver in today’s market. We’re seeing steady numbers of first-time home buyers and move-up buyers entering the market,” Gerber said. 

 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,084,000. This represents a 6.8 per cent increase over February 2020 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to January 2021. 

 

Less populated communities within the region continue to experience the largest year-over-year price increases across all property types. Examples, according to the MLS HPI®. include Bowen Island (34.4 per cent increase), the Sunshine Coast (32.7 per cent increase), West Vancouver (16.1 per cent increase) Maple Ridge (14.8 per cent increase) and Ladner (13.7 per cent increase). 

 

Sales of detached homes in Metro Vancouver reached 1,231 in February 2021, a 79.7 per cent increase from the 685 detached sales recorded in February 2020. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,621,200. This represents a 13.7 per cent increase from February 2020 and a 2.8 per cent increase compared to January 2021.

 

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,759 in February 2021, a 65.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,061 sales in February 2020. The benchmark price of an apartment is $697,500. This represents a 2.5 per cent increase from February 2020 and a 2.5 per cent increase compared to January 2021. 

 

Attached home sales in February 2021 totalled 737, an 82.4 per cent increase compared to the 404 sales in February 2020. The benchmark price of an attached home is $839,800. This represents a 7.2 per cent increase from February 2020 and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to January 2021. 

 

Download the February 2021 stats package



Market Update




July Home Sales Break Records Across Canada


 

 

From Western Investor:

 

Blowing past predictions from Canada’s housing agency, July home sales in Canada hit the highest level in history with a 26 per cent increase from a year earlier.

For the third month in a row, transactions were up on a month-to-month basis across the country, reports the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), with new listings also setting an all-time high.

Among Canada's largest markets, sales rose by 49.5 per cent in the Greater Toronto Area, 43.9 per cent in Greater Vancouver, 39.1 per cent in Montreal, 36.6 per cent in the Fraser Valley, 28.7 per cent in Ottawa, 15.7 per cent in Calgary, 12.1 per cent in Winnipeg and 9.7 per cent in Edmonton.

The 62,355 transactions recorded in July 2020 marked the highest monthly sales figure on record going back more than 40 years, according to CREA data.

"With more and more of regular everyday life opening back up, Realtors and their clients across Canada are making up for lost time, and it's been a very busy summer as a result," said Costa Poulopoulos, chair of CREA.

Record low mortgage rates are seen as a key driver of housing sales.

On August 14 the Bank of Canada lowered its five-year conventional mortgage rate from 4.94 per cent to 4.79 per cent, the second rate cut since May.

But actual rates are much lower.

HSBC Canada, Canada’s seventh largest bank, is offering a five-year, fixed rate mortgage of 1.89 per cent as of August 14, available for 120 days.

The current lowest five-year rates from Canada’s big six banks, on August 14, were 2.19 per cent at Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank and CIBC, according to RateSpy.

The number of newly listed homes climbed by another 7.6 per cent in July compared to June. New supply was up in about 60 per cent of markets.

The sales activity is far outpacing the recovery in new supply, as the national sales-to-new listings ratio tightened to 73.9 per cent in July compared to 63.1 per cent posted in June. It was one of the highest levels on record for this measure.

According to CREA, there were just 2.8 months of inventory on a national basis at the end of July 2020 – the lowest reading on record for this measure.

The national average price for homes sold in July 2020 hit a record high of $571,500, up 14.3 per cent from the same month last year.

When Greater Toronto and Metro Vancouver, the two most expensive housing markets in the country, are excluded, the average price falls to around $454,000.

In Calgary, for example, the average home price is now $411,200 and the average price in Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg is less than $300,000.

The sizzling housing market is in stark contrast to dire warnings from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. The federal housing agency has consistently forecast a sharp drop in housing sales and prices across Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March.

 

 
 

 

Frank O'Brien
Frank O'Brien is the editor of Western Canada's biggest commercial real estate newspaper, Western Investor, as well as a contributing editor at West Coast Condominium, real estate contributor to Business in Vancouver and a regular media commentator on real estate investment.

 



June province-wide Stats


A much stronger June than 2019 despite COVID!  It looks like the Spring market happened in June.

https://www.bcrea.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020-06.pdf

 

 



April 2020 Statistics in Covid19 land



May 4, 2020

Home sales and listings down amid COVID-19, new tools and practices emerge to help buyers and sellers adapt

 

While Metro Vancouver home sale and listing activity remains limited by the COVID-19 situation, REALTORS® across the region are fast adopting new tools and practices to help advise and serve their clients in a responsible way. 

  

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,109 in April 2020, a 39.4 per cent decrease from the 1,829 sales recorded in April 2019, and a 56.1 per cent decrease from the 2,524 homes sold in March 2020. 

 

Last month’s sales were 62.7 per cent below the 10-year April sales average and was the lowest total for the month since 1982. 

 

“Predictably, the number of home sales and listings declined in April given the physical distancing measures in place,” Colette Gerber, REBGV’s president-elect said. “People are, however, adapting. They’re working with their Realtors to get information, advice and to explore their options so that they’re best positioned in the market during and after this pandemic.”  

 

Realtors have been named an essential service by the provincial government to help the home buying and selling community meet their housing needs during the pandemic. 

 

“We’re seeing more innovation in today’s market, with Realtors using different technology to showcase homes virtually, assess neighbourhood amenities with their clients and handle paperwork electronically,” Gerber said.  

 

There were 2,313 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in April. This represents a 59.7 per cent decrease compared to the 5,742 homes listed in April 2019 and a 47.9 per cent decrease compared to March 2020 when 4,436 homes were listed. 

 

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,389, a 34.6 per cent decrease compared to April 2019 (14,357) and a 2.3 per cent decrease compared to March 2020 (9,606). 

 

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for April 2020 is 11.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10 per cent for detached homes, 14.7 per cent for townhomes, and 12.4 per cent for apartments. 

 

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,036,000. This represents a 2.5 per cent increase over April 2019 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to March 2020. 

 

“Home prices have held relatively steady in our region since the COVID-19 situation worsened in March,” Gerber said.   

 

Sales of detached homes in April 2020 reached 388, a 33.8 per cent decrease from the 586 detached sales recorded in April 2019. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,462,100. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase from April 2019 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to March 2020. 

 

Sales of apartment homes reached 503 in April 2020, a 43.2 per cent decrease compared to the 885 sales in April 2019. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $685,500. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from April 2019 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to March 2020. 

 

Attached home sales in April 2020 totalled 218, a 39.1 per cent decrease compared to the 358 sales in April 2019. The benchmark price of an attached home is $796,800. This represents a 2.8 per cent increase from April 2019 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to March 2020. 



January Stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


February 4, 2020

Home sale activity up, supply down to start 2020

 

Home sale and price activity remained steady in Metro Vancouver to start 2020 while home listing activity declined in January.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,571 in January 2020, a 42.4 per cent increase from the 1,103 sales recorded in January 2019, and a 22.1 per cent decrease from the 2,016 homes sold in December 2019.

 

Last month’s sales were 7.3 per cent below the 10-year January sales average.

 

“We’ve begun 2020 with steady home buyer demand that tracks close to the region’s long-term average,” Ashley Smith, REBGV president said. “Looking at supply, we’re seeing fewer homes listed for sale than is typical for this time of year. As we approach the traditionally more active spring market, we’ll keep a close eye on supply to see if the number of homes being listed is keeping pace with demand.”

 

There were 3,872 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in January 2020. This represents a 20.1 per cent decrease compared to the 4,848 homes listed in January 2019 and a 143.8 per cent increase compared to December 2019 when 1,588 homes were listed.

 

Last month’s new listings were 17.4 per cent below January’s 10-year average.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,617, a 20.3 per cent decrease compared to January 2019 (10,808) and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to December 2019 (8,603), and is 13.7 per cent below the 10-year January average.

 

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2020 is 18.2 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 11.6 per cent for detached homes, 22.6 per cent for townhomes, and 23.9 per cent for apartments.

 

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,008,700. This represents a 1.2 per cent decrease over January 2019, a 1.4 per cent increase over the past six months, and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to December 2019.

 

Sales of detached homes in January 2020 reached 439, a 29.5 per cent increase from the 339 detached sales recorded in January 2019. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,431,200. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from January 2019, a one per cent increase over the past six months, and a 0.5 per cent increase compared to December 2019.

 

Sales of apartment homes reached 814 in January 2020, a 45.6 per cent increase compared to the 559 sales in January 2019. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $663,200. This represents a one per cent decrease from January 2019, a 1.5 per cent increase over the past six months, and a one per cent increase compared to December 2019.

 

Attached home sales in January 2020 totalled 318, a 55.1 per cent increase compared to the 205 sales in January 2019. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $782,500. This represents a 0.7 per cent decrease from January 2019, a 1.6 per cent increase over the past six months, and a 0.5 per cent increase compared to December 2019.

 

Download the January 2020 stats package



Relatively Robust Sales In August


 

 

 From REBGV  stats click rebgv stats pkg august 2019

Metro Vancouver housing market sees summer uptick in sales VANCOUVER, BC – September 4, 2019 – Home buyer activity increased to more typical
levels in Metro Vancouver* throughout the summer months.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,231 in August 2019, a 15.7 per cent increase from the 1,929 sales recorded in August 2018, and a 12.7 per cent decrease from the 2,557 homes sold in July 2019.
Last month’s sales were 9.2 per cent below the 10-year August sales average.
“Home sales returned to more historically normal levels in July and August compared to what we saw in the first six months of the year,” said REBGV President Ashley Smith.
There were 3,747 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2019. This represents a 3.5 per cent decrease compared to the 3,881 homes listed in August 2018 and an 18.8 per cent decrease compared to July 2019 when 4,613 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 13,396, a 13.3 per cent increase compared to August 2018 (11,824) and a 5.9 per cent decrease compared to July 2019 (14,240).
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2019 is 16.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12 per cent for detached homes, 18.4 per cent for townhomes, and 21.2 per cent for apartments.
Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.
“With more demand from home buyers, the supply of homes listed for sale isn’t accumulating like earlier in the year. These changes are creating more balanced market conditions,” Smith said.
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $993,300. This represents an 8.3 per cent decrease over August 2018 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to July 2019.

Sales of detached homes in August 2019 reached 706, a 24.5 per cent increase from the 567 detached sales recorded in August 2018. The benchmark price for detached homes is $1,406,700. This represents a 9.8 per cent decrease from August 2018 and a 0.7 per cent decrease compared to July 2019.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,116 in August 2019, an 8.9 per cent increase compared to the 1,025 sales in August 2018. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $771,000. This represents a 7.4 per cent decrease from August 2018 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to July 2019.

Attached home sales in August 2019 totalled 409, a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the 337 sales in August 2018. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $654,000. This represents a 7.8 per cent decrease from August 2018, a 0.2 per cent increase compared to July 2019.



July Stats Show Improvement But Lack of Affordable Inventory


Buyers are taking advantage of the opportunity to move up and buy into the townhouse and detached home market with their price decreases in the last 2 years.

There were 2,584 homes sold of all types in Greater Vancouver in July this year compared with 2,098 homes sold last month, 2,018 sales in July last year and 3,012 homes sold in July 2017. This was 8 per cent below the 10-year average for July (compared with 33 per cent below the 10-year average last year in July). It was still the lowest number of homes sold in July since 2012 at 2,135.   1998 to 2000 saw some of the lowest number of sales in the month of July (1,758 in 2000, 2,217 in 1999 and 1,860 in 1998). Buyers are engaging. There were 841 detached houses sold in July 2019 up 32% from June's 637 sales in Greater Vancouver.  We've seen a 10.5 per cent decrease in the benchmark price of these homes year over year. For townhouses there were 473 sales in July 2019 compared to 354 in July 2018 (up 33.6 per cent) with a 9 per cent decrease in the benchmark price year over year; and for condos there were 1,243 sales in July, an increase in sales from 1,079 in July 2018 (up 15.2 per cent) with an 8.8 per cent decrease in the benchmark price year over year. 

 

Active Listings are at 15,037 for month end (up 17 per cent compared to July 2018) and after listing expiries at month’s end, there were only 14,469 active listings to start August. This was a much more significant drop in listings at the end of July than we’ve seen after the through the month of July for the last 10 years. Over the last 25 years the number of new listings in the last 6 months of the year has been 30 to 35 per cent less than the number of new listings in the first half of the year – so expect the active listing count to drop even further.  Buyers will need to be decisive to take advantage of buyer market conditions.

Supply of homes in Greater Vancouver saw a decrease in the number of new listings in July compared to last month and July of last year. There were 4,719 new listings during July in Greater Vancouver, down 3 per cent from July last year and down 12 per cent from July 2017 and overall are 6 per cent below the 10-year average for July.

 

The mix of supply currently has 10,000 active listings priced at $1M are more – leaving less than 4,700 active listings priced below $1M in Greater Vancouver. Looking at 13,576 sales in the first 7 months of 2019, there have been only 347 sales above $3M; 672 sales between $2m to $3M; 3,382 sales between $1M to $2M and 9,018 sales below $1M. The competition is clearly in the least suppled range of homes, yet this is not the focus of policy for all levels of government. The provincial government is intent on focusing policy on the least active segment of the market by trying to control that demand. Which begs the question, how are they making housing more affordable by not focusing on the supply of the lower end of the market?

 

Below is the historical month by month data in Greater Vancouver going back to the early 90’s showing sales, new listings and active listings. The yellow highlighted areas for sales show the slowest months of the market and for active listings, the highest number of active listings we’ve seen in the market. Clearly this latest slowdown in the real estate market saw one of the more prolonged decrease in sales but the least number of active listings for a down market. Sellers are confident and the idea of a significant drop in values won’t happen with that confidence.

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See Full Stats Package here:



Sluggish June For End of Spring 2019 Market


June stats released by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

http://members.rebgv.org/news/REBGV-Stats-Pkg-June-2019.pdf



April Numbers


 

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

 

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 1,850 – up from 1,745  (6%) in March 2019, down from 2,631 (30%) in April 2018, down from 3,617 (49%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 15,060 compared to 10,474 at this time last year (up 44%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 17% compared to March 2019; were down 1% compared to April 2018 and up 18% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 31% compared to 35% in March 2019.

 

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 342 – up from 333  (3%) in March 2019, down from 441 (22%) in April 2018, down from 613 (44%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 2,808 compared to 1,985 at this time last year (up 41%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 18% compared to March 2019; were the same compared to April 2018 and up 34% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 34% in March 2019.

 

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 215 – up from 174 (24%) in March 2019, down from 298 (28%) in April 2018, down from 355 (39%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,403 compared to 1,223 at this time last year (15%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 16% compared to March 2019; were down 17% compared to April 2018 and up 1% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 36% compared to 34% in March 2019.

 

North Vancouver Residential Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 149 – down from 165 (10%) in March 2019, down from 221 (33%) in April 2018, down from 255 (42%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,049 compared to 635 at this time last year (up 65%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 26% compared to March 2019; were up 7% compared to April 2018 and up 44% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 42% in March 2019.

 

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 48 – up from 34 (41%) in March 2019, down from 56 (14%) in April 2018, down from 100 (52%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 723 compared to 653 at this time last year (up 11%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 48% compared to March 2019; were down 12% compared to April 2018 and up 13% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 15 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 19% compared to 20% in March 2019.

 

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 172 – down from 178 (3%) in March 2019, down from 312 (44%) in April 2018, down from 510 (66%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 2,220 compared to 1,475 at this time last year (up 51%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 4% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 13 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 25% compared to 26% in March 2019.

 

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 15 down from 17 (12%) in March 2019, down from 35 (51%) in April 2018, down from 46 (63%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 153 compared to 120 at this time last year (up 28%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 12% compared to March 2019; were down 14% compared to April 2018 and down 5% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 10 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 26% compared to 33% in March 2019.

 

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 81 – up from 77 (5%) in March 2019, down from 135 (40%) in April 2018, down from 200 (59%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 634 compared to 387 at this time last year (up 64%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 26% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 34% in March 2019.

 

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 97– the same as March 2019, down from 108 (10%) in April 2018, down from 164 (41%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 819 compared to 467 at this time last year (up 75%); New Listings in April 2019 were down 3% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 33% in March 2019.

 

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 108 – up from 81 (33%) in March 2019, down from 133 (19%) in April 2018, down from 179 (40%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 533 compared to 286 at this time last year (up 86%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 41% compared to March 2019; were up 21% compared to April 2018 and up 34% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 38% compared to 40% in March 2019.

 

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 153 – up from 142 (8%) in March 2019, down from 202 (24%) in April 2018, down from 295 (48%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,068 compared to 809 at this time last year (up 32%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 2% compared to March 2019; were up 2% compared to April 2018 and up 17% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 33% compared to 35% in March 2019.

 

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 60 – up from 38 (58%) in March 2019, up from 54 (11%) in April 2018, down from 85 (29%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 252 compared to 155 at this time last year (up 63%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 53% compared to March 2019; were up 28% compared to April 2018 and up 12% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 41% compared to 40% in March 2019.

 

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 67 – up from 59 (14%) in March 2019, down from 103 (35%) in April 2018, down from 121 (45%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 395 compared to 197 at this time last year (up 101%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 17% compared to March 2019; were up 7% compared to April 2018 and up 32% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 35% in March 2019.

 

Ladner: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 29 – up from 25 (16%) in March 2019, down from 32 (9%) in April 2018, down from 46 (37%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 190 compared to 129 at this time last year (up 47%); New Listings in April 2019 were down 16% compared to March 2019; were up 14% compared to April 2018 and up 14% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 45% compared to 32% in March 2019.

 

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 18 – up from 15 (20%) in March 2019, down from 38 (53%) in April 2018, down from 41 (56%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 296 compared to 243 at this time last year (up 22%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 28% compared to March 2019; were down 7% compared to April 2018 and up 54% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 16 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 17% compared to 18% in March 2019.

 

Pitt Meadows: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 28 – up from 24 (31%) in March 2019, up from 25 (12%) in April 2018, down from 56 (50%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 136 compared to 72 at this time last year (up 89%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 28% compared to March 2019; were up 24% compared to April 2018 and down 11% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 38% compared to 43% in March 2019.

 

Maple Ridge: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 124 – up from 15 (20%) in March 2019, down from 205 (39%) in April 2018, down from 205 (60%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 792 compared to 512 at this time last year (up 56%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 31% compared to March 2019; were down 5% compared to April 2018 and up 23% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 36% compared to 44% in March 2019.

 



































 

 

 

 

April has underperforme.  Click HERE for the stats 

 

 



Vancouver Real Estate Market Update April 2019


Reduced demand and increased supply remain the trend across Metro Vancouver’s housing market

Decreased demand continues to allow the supply of homes for sale to accumulate across the Metro Vancouver housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,829 in April 2019, a 29.1 per cent decrease from the 2,579 sales recorded in April 2018, and a 5.9 per cent increase from the 1,727 homes sold in March 2019.

Last month’s sales were 43.1 per cent below the 10-year April sales average.

“Government policy continues to hinder home sale activity. The federal government’s mortgage stress test has reduced buyers’ purchasing power by about 20 per cent, which is causing people at the entry-level side of the market to struggle to secure financing,” Ashley Smith, REBGV president said. “Suppressing housing activity through government policy not only reduces home sales, it harms the job market, economic growth and creates pent-up demand.”

There were 5,742 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in April 2019. This represents a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to the 5,820 homes listed in April 2018 and a 16 per cent increase compared to March 2019 when 4,949 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver is 14,357, a 46.2 per cent increase compared to April 2018 (9,822) and a 12.4 per cent increase compared to March 2019 (12,774).

“There are more homes for sale in our market today than we’ve seen since October 2014. This trend is more about reduced demand than increased supply,” Smith said. “The number of new listings coming on the market each month are consistent with our long-term averages. It’s the reduced sales activity that’s allowing listings to accumulate.”

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio for April 2019 is 12.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.4 per cent for detached homes, 15.4 per cent for townhomes, and 15.3 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,008,400. This represents an 8.5 per cent decrease over April 2018, and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to March 2019.

Detached home sales totalled 586 in April 2019, a 27.4 per cent decrease from the 807 detached sales in April 2018. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,425,200. This represents an 11.1 per cent decrease from April 2018, a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to March 2019.

Apartment home sales totalled 885 in April 2019, a 32.3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,308 sales in April 2018. The benchmark price of an apartment is $656,900 in the region. This represents a 6.9 per cent decrease from April 2018 and is unchanged from March 2019.

Attached home sales totalled 358 in April 2019, a 22.8 per cent decrease compared to the 464 sales in April 2018. The benchmark price of an attached home is $783,300. This represents a 7.5 per cent decrease from April 2018 and is unchanged from March 2019.

Download the April 2019 stats package.



Larger Inventory of Homes Has Increased Choices For Buyer


Finally, a good supply of properties in the market for Buyers to choose from, and, Buyers are facing less competition than they have in the past couple of years.  This is a GREAT time to buy!

 

 

Slow housing sales boosting supply: BCREA

 

Overall housing market now balanced, but this varies between home types and areas, says BCREA

 

 

 

 

 

Shutterstock

 

A slow October for residential real estate sales across the province has led to an overall balanced market and a “much-needed” increase in available homes for sale, according to the latest monthly statistics from the B.C. Real Estate Association.

In total, 6,405 homes traded hands on the MLS last month, which is 26.2 per cent lower than October last year. However, that total is a jump of 14.9 per cent compared with the even slower month of September 2018, as the market picked up some fall activity.

Of the 12 B.C. real estate boards, only B.C. Northern –  which takes in the entire northern two-thirds of the province including Prince George and the booming Kitimat – posted a year-over-year increase in home sales last month.

The BCREA said that average home sale price across the province in October was $690,161. That is a decline of 4.1 per cent from October 2017, but a slight month-over-month increase of 0.6 per cent, or $4,412. Only three boards reported an annual price decline, but as one of them was Greater Vancouver, that pulled down the provincial average sale price.

BCREA

The BCREA maintained its stance that mortgage “stress testing” introduced this year was to blame for the slowdown in housing demand. “The B.C. housing market continued to grapple with tougher mortgage qualifications in October,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA’s chief economist. “However, more moderate consumer demand has led to a much-needed increase in the supply of homes for sale.”

The total number of homes listed for sale as of the end of October was up nearly 30 per cent year over year to 36,195 units. The BCREA’s report said, “While the B.C. housing market exhibited balanced conditions overall in October, market conditions do vary between regions and by product type.”

The B.C. boards still in seller’s market territory (above 20 per cent sales-to-active-listings ratios) are Vancouver Island (30.9 per cent), Victoria (29.2 per cent), Powell River (27.7 per cent), B.C. Northern (22.5 per cent) and Kamloops (21.5 per cent). At the other end of the scale, the smaller regions of South Okanagan and Northern Lights are both in overall buyer’s markets. All the other B.C. regions, including Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, are currently in balanced market conditions.

However, even within those markets, conditions differ between home types – for example, detached houses in Greater Vancouver are in a buyer’s market while condos are bordering seller’s market conditions.

Despite the overall market downturn, the BCREA has issued a series of optimistic sales forecasts asserting that the market will recover over the next six months.

Glacier Media Real Esta

 

 

 



October Sales almost 27% below 10 year average


 

October 2018 Media Stats Package

Infographic-October2018-portal

Home listings at four-year October high as sales remain below typical levels

Home sale activity across Metro Vancouver* remained below long-term historical averages in October.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,966 in October 2018, a 34.9 per cent decrease from the 3,022 sales recorded in October 2017, and a 23.3 per cent increase compared to September 2018 when 1,595 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 26.8 per cent below the 10-year October sales average.

“The supply of homes for sale today is beginning to return to levels that we haven’t seen in our market in about four years,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “For home buyers, this means you have more selection to choose from. For sellers, it means your home may face more competition, from other listings, in the marketplace.”

There were 4,873 detached, attached and apartment homes newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in October 2018. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase compared to the 4,539 homes listed in October 2017 and a 7.7 per cent decrease compared to September 2018 when 5,279 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,984, a 42.1 per cent increase compared to October 2017 (9,137) and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to September 2018 (13,084).

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2018 is 15.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.3 per cent for detached homes, 17.3 per cent for townhomes, and 20.6 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Home prices have edged down between three and five per cent, depending on housing type, in our region since June,” said Moore. “This is providing a little relief for those looking to buy compared to the all-time highs we’ve experienced over the last year.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential homes in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,062,100. This represents a one per cent increase over October 2017 and a 3.3 per cent decrease over the last three months.

Sales of detached homes in October 2018 reached 637, a 32.2 per cent decrease from the 940 detached sales recorded in October 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,524,000. This represents a 5.1 per cent decrease from October 2017 and a 3.9 per cent decrease over the last three months.

Sales of apartments reached 985 in October 2018, a 35.7 per cent decrease compared to the 1,532 sales in October 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $683,500. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase from October 2017 and a 3.1 per cent decrease over the last three months.

Attached homes sales in October 2018 totalled 344, a 37.5 per cent decrease compared to the 550 sales in October 2017. The benchmark price of an attached home is $829,200. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from October 2017 and a 2.8 per cent decrease over the last three months.

*Editor’s Note:

Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2017, 35,993 homes changed ownership in the Board’s area, generating $2.4 billion in economic spin-off activity and an estimated 17,600 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $37 billion in 2017.



May 2018 Stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


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June 4, 2018

Reduced demand is allowing housing supply to accumulate

Home buyer demand continues to decline across the Metro Vancouver housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 2,833 in May 2018, a 35.1 per cent decrease from the 4,364 sales recorded in May 2017, and a 9.8 per cent increase compared to April 2018 when 2,579 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 19.3 per cent below the 10-year May sales average.

“With fewer homes selling today compared to recent years, the number of homes available for sale is rising,” Phil Moore, REBGV president said. “The selection of homes for sale in Metro Vancouver has risen to the highest levels we’ve seen in the last two years, yet supply is still below our long-term historical averages.”

There were 6,375 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2018. This represents a 5.5 per cent increase compared to the 6,044 homes listed in May 2017 and a 9.5 per cent increase compared to April 2018 when 5,820 homes were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,292, a 38.2 per cent increase compared to May 2017 (8,168) and a 15 per cent increase compared to April 2018 (9,822).

The total number of listings available today is 17.2 per cent below the 10-year May average.

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2018 is 25.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 14.7 per cent for detached homes, 30.8 per cent for townhomes, and 41.7 per cent for condominiums.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“For home sellers to be successful in today’s market, it’s important to price your property competitively given the shifting dynamics we’re experiencing,” Moore said. “It’s also important to work with your local Realtor to better understand these changing conditions.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,094,000. This is an 11.5 per cent increase over May 2017 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of detached properties in May 2018 reached 926, a 40.2 per cent decrease from the 1,548 detached sales recorded in May 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,608,000. This is a 2.4 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,431 in May 2018, a 29.3 per cent decrease from the 2,025 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $701,700. This is a 20.2 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

Attached property sales in May 2018 totalled 476, a 39.8 per cent decrease from the 791 sales in May 2017. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $859,500. This represents a 16 per cent increase from May 2017 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to April 2018.

click here for full stats package

rebgv stats pkg may 2018



Market Update February 2018


FOR DATA BY AREA AND HOUSING TYPE SEE OUR STATS AT THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z7dtb497t3yjqyu/AACk18Caw4sVCKZURBQilLZja?dl=0

 

There were 2,241 homes sold in Greater Vancouver in February this year compared with 2,461 sales in a record February last year and 4,254 homes sold in February 2016. This was 14 per cent below the 20 year average for February. Detached houses have seen a significant drop in sales with there being 622 sold in February 2018, 749 in February 2017 and 1,784 in February 2016. This was most pronounced in Vancouver’s West Side with there being 53 sales in February 2018, 93 sales in February 2017 and 226 sales in February 2016. In Richmond it was a similar story with 52 Detached Houses sold in February 2018, 92 sold in February 2017 and 204 in February 2016. It seems that the detached market lost all the speculation from it far before the provincial government stepped in. In February 2016, detached homes sales made up 42 per cent of all sales, in February 2017 they were only 30 per cent of all sales while this year that decline continued to 27 per cent. While the percentage of attached homes remained consistent between the three years, apartments made up 42 per cent of sales in February 2016 and 52 per cent of sales in February 2017 and 53 per cent this year.

 

There were 4,363 new listings in February in Greater Vancouver, up 16 percent from February last year and down from 27 per cent from February 2016. The amount of new listings in February 2018 were 9 per cent below the 20 year average for February. While detached homes are increasing in numbers, townhouse and apartment properties still remain in short supply with apartments seeing more instances of multiple offers than townhouses. Detached houses are entering buyer’s market conditions, certainly in the higher price points. With the implementation of the new taxes, the above $3 Million market will likely go deeper into a buyer’s market. With the lower end of the market in the attached side becoming more competitive and prices will continue to climb. Affordability certainly won’t be achieved by these government changes. And the Speculation Tax may decrease the rental supply even more as landlords decide to sell instead of paying the tax, even B.C Residents who could get a tax credit but would still have to pay the tax up front. We’ll await the final details of the tax in the coming months.

 

“Rising interest rates and stricter mortgage requirements have reduced home buyers’ purchasing  power, particularly for those at the entry level or our market,” Jill Oudil, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said. “Even still, the supply of apartment and townhome properties for sale today is unable to meet demand. On the other hand, our detached home market is beginning to enter buyer’s market territory.”

 

East of the Fraser River, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,385 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® in February, a decrease of 0.8 per cent compared to 1,396 sales in February of last year, and 14.5 per cent increase compared to the 1,210 sales in January 2018. Of the 1,385 sales processed last month 336 were townhouses and 379 were apartments, together representing 52 per cent of all transactions in February.

 

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

 

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 2,241 – up from 1,846 (21%) in January 2018, down from 2,461 (9%) in February 2017, down from 4,254 (47%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 8,421 compared to 8,200 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 16% compared to February 2017 and down 27% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 51% compared to 65% in February 2017.

 

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 429 – up from 1,846 (37%) in January 2018, down from 505 (15%) in February 2017, down from 852 (50%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 1,553 compared to 1,376 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 29% compared to February 2017 and down 26% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 48% compared to 73% in February 2017.

 

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 244 – up from 137 (78%) in January 2018, up from 229 (7%) in February 2017, down from 342 (29%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 981 compared to 966 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 17% compared to February 2017 and down 8% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 51% compared to 56% in February 2017.

 

North Vancouver Residential Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 166 – up from 132 (26%) in January 2018, down from 216 (23%) in February 2017, down from 346 (52%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 494 compared to 414 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 9% compared to February 2017 and down 34% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 52% compared to 73% in February 2017.

 

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 42 – down from 43 (2%) in January 2018, down from 57 (26%) in February 2017, down from 169 (75%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 570 compared to 448 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 36% compared to February 2017 and down 25% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady up to 14 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 20% compared to 38% in February 2017.

 

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 262 – down from 275 (5%) in January 2018, down from 338 (23%) in February 2017, down from 533 (51%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 1,290 compared to 1,182 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 28% compared to February 2017 and down 15% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady up to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 41% compared to 67% in February 2017.

 

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 34 – up from 29 (17%) in January 2018, up from 17 (200%) in February 2017, down from 43 (21%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 121 compared to 92 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 40% compared to February 2017 and up 3% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 51% compared to 35% in February 2017.

 

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 89 – up from 73 (22%) in January 2018, down from 113 (21%) in February 2017, down from 195 (55%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 297 compared to 332 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were down 18% compared to February 2017 and down 41% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 51% compared to 54% in February 2017.

 

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 135 – up from 102 (32%) in January 2018, up from 95 (42%) in February 2017, down from 227 (40%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 353 compared to 384 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 3% compared to February 2017 and down 38% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 75% compared to 54% in February 2017.

 

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 103 – up from 96 (7%) in January 2018, down from 108 (5%) in February 2017, down from 162 (36%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 210 compared to 230 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 6% compared to February 2017 and down 34% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 2 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 67% compared to 74% in February 2017.

 

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 178 – up from 156 (14%) in January 2018, down from 194 (8%) in February 2017, down from 372 (52%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 511 compared to 455 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 13% compared to February 2017 and down 36% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 60% compared to 73% in February 2017.

 

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 42 – down from 46 (9%) in January 2018, down from 49 (14%) in February 2017, down from 87 (52%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 131 compared to 123 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 7% compared to February 2017 and down 39% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 47% compared to 59% in February 2017.

 

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 84 – up from 58 (45%) in January 2018, up from 80 (5%) in February 2017, down from 190 (55%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 168 compared to 185 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were down 1% compared to February 2017 and down 44% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady down to 2 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 65% compared to 61% in February 2017.

 

Ladner: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 19 – flat to 19 in January 2018, down from 47 (60%) in February 2017, down from 27 (30%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 115 compared to 150 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were down 15% compared to February 2017 and down 26% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market with Attached Acting Like a Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 42% compared to 89% in February 2017.

 

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in February 2018 was 29 – up from 16 (81%) in January 2018, up from 26 (11%) in February 2017, down from 60 (51%) in February 2016; Active Listings are at 173 compared to 192 at this time last year; New Listings in February 2018 were up 37% compared to February 2017 and down 55% compared to February 2016; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 43% compared to 53% in February 2017.

 

FOR DATA BY AREA AND HOUSING TYPE SEE OUR STATS AT THE LINK BELOW:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z7dtb497t3yjqyu/AACk18Caw4sVCKZURBQilLZja?dl=0

 

 



2017 Review of Vancouver Real Estate Market


 

Click on the link for December 2017 stats

metro vancouver



January Stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


The West Side market remains a divided tale, slow on the detached side and fast on the condo and town home side.

 

Click to see sales and listing stats:

January Stats for West Side By Neighbourhood

 

January Stats for East Side By Neighbourhood

 

 

 



December Stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


January 4, 2017

A heated year for Metro Vancouver real estate draws to a close

The Metro Vancouver housing market had its third highest selling year on record in 2016, behind only 2015 and 2005.

Sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in the region reached 39,943 in 2016, a 5.6 per cent decrease from the 42,326 sales recorded in 2015, and a 20.6 per cent increase over the 33,116 residential sales in 2014.

“It was an eventful year for real estate in Metro Vancouver. Escalating prices caused by low supply and strong home buyer demand brought more attention to the market than ever before,” Dan Morrison, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. 

“As prices rose in the first half of the year, public debate waged about what was fuelling demand and what should be done to stop it. This led to multiple government interventions into the market. The long-term effects of these actions won’t be fully understood for some time.”

Residential properties listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver reached 57,596 in 2016. This is an increase of 0.6 per cent compared to the 57,249 properties listed in 2015 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to the 56,066 properties listed in 2014. 

“The supply of homes for sale couldn't keep up with home buyer demand for much of 2016. This allowed home sellers to raise their asking price. It wasn’t until the last half of the year that prices began to show modest declines.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver ends the year at $897,600. This represents a 2.2 per cent decrease over the past six months and a 17.8 per cent increase compared to December 2015. 

December summary

Residential property sales in the region totalled 1,714 in December 2016, a decrease of 39.4 per cent from the 2,827 sales recorded in December 2015 and a decrease of 22.6 per cent compared to November 2016 when 2,214 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 8.1 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 1,312 in December 2016. This represents a decrease of 35.1 per cent compared to the 2,021 units listed in December 2015 and a 58.3 per cent decrease compared to November 2016 when 3,147 properties were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver is 6,345, a 5.3 per cent increase compared to December 2015 (6,024) and a 24.3 per cent decrease compared to November 2016 (8,385).

Sales of detached properties in December 2016 reached 541, a decrease of 52.4 per cent from the 1,136 detached sales recorded in December 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,483,500. This represents an 18.6 per cent increase compared to December 2015 and a 1.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2016.

Sales of apartment properties reached 915 in December 2016, a decrease of 25.3 per cent compared to the 1,225 sales in December 2015.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $510,300. This represents a 17.3 per cent increase compared to December 2015 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to November 2016.

Attached property sales in December 2016 totalled 258, a decrease of 44.6 per cent compared to the 466 sales in December 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $661,800. This represents a 20.4 per cent increase compared to December 2015 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2016.

Download the full December 2016 stats package by clicking here



September Market Update



New Lending Criteria Announced


 

  1. Home
  2. Publications and Reports
  3. Backgrounder: Ensuring a Stable Housing Market for All Canadians 

Backgrounder: Ensuring a Stable Housing Market for All Canadians 

Protecting the long-term financial security of Canadians is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s efforts to help the middle class and those working hard to join it. Recognizing that for many families, their homes are their most important asset, the Government is taking preventative measures today to ensure a healthy, competitive and stable housing market for all Canadians.

Today’s actions recognize the effect that years of low interest rates and shifting attitudes towards debt and indebtedness have had on the housing market. While the overall Canadian housing market is sound, house prices have risen significantly in some markets, notably Toronto and Vancouver, and some borrowers are taking on high levels of debt. In these circumstances, it is important to ensure that these debt levels are sustainable, that lenders are acting prudently, and that financial stability risks do not arise in the event of increases in interest rates or a housing market downturn.

The Minister of Finance has been actively engaged on the housing file. One of the Government’s first steps since being elected nearly a year ago was to address pockets of risk in the housing market by raising the minimum down payment for homes priced above $500,000. Since then, Department of Finance Canada officials have been further studying the housing market, and have led a working group with municipalities and provinces, as well as federal agencies such as the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. 

This in-depth analysis, informed by the productive dialogue with our partners, has informed today’s announcement of three complementary measures designed to reinforce the Canadian housing finance system, to help protect the long-term financial security of borrowers, and to improve tax fairness for Canadian homeowners. Analysis and cooperation are ongoing as the Government continues to carefully monitor the situation. 

1. Bringing Consistency to Insured Mortgage Rules

“Mortgage rate stress test” for all insured borrowers:

To help ensure new homeowners can afford their mortgages even when interest rates begin to rise, mortgage insurance rules require in some cases that lenders “stress test” a borrower’s ability to make their mortgage payments at a higher interest rate. Currently, this requirement only applies to a subset of insured mortgages with variable interest rates or fixed interest rates with terms less than five years. Effective October 17, 2016, this requirement will apply to all insured mortgages, including fixed-rate mortgages with terms of five years and more. Homeowners with an existing insured mortgage or those renewing existing insured mortgages are not affected by this measure.

Safer lending:

There are currently different rules in place depending on what proportion of the value of the property is covered by a loan. For example, mortgage insurance criteria for a loan that represents 80 per cent of the value of the property or less (low loan-to-value ratio mortgages) are not as stringent as for high loan-to-value ratio mortgages (loans that represent more than 80 per cent of the value of the property). This could lead to increased risk for the taxpayers who ultimately back insured mortgages. To help ensure that taxpayer support for mortgage funding is targeted towards safer lending, effective November 30, 2016, mortgages insured by lenders through portfolio insurance and other low loan-to-value ratio mortgage insurance must meet the same loan eligibility criteria as high loan-to-value insured mortgages. 

2. Improving Tax Fairness and Closing Loopholes

The Government is committed to tax fairness, and to ensuring that the exemption from capital gains tax on the sale of a principal residence is available only in appropriate cases. Proposed changes to the tax rules would ensure that the principal residence capital gains exemption is not abused, including by non-residents buying and selling a property in the same year. An additional measure would improve compliance and administration of the tax system with respect to dispositions of real estate, including the sale of a principal residence. 

3. Managing Risk and Protecting Taxpayers

The Government continuously monitors the housing market and is committed to implementing policy measures that maintain a healthy, competitive and stable housing market. As a part of this effort, the Government is looking at whether the distribution of risk in Canada’s housing finance system is balanced, and appropriately reflects all parties’ abilities to share in the management of housing risks.

To this end, the Government will launch a consultation process with market participants this fall on lender risk sharing, a potential policy option that would require mortgage lenders to manage a portion of loan losses on insured mortgages that default. Currently, lenders are able to transfer virtually all of the risk of insured mortgages to mortgage insurers, and indirectly to taxpayers through the government guarantee.

Date modified: 2016-10-03


Market Sats For September 2016 from The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


October 4, 2016

Home buyers and sellers face changing market dynamics

Metro Vancouver* home sales dipped below the 10-year monthly sales average last month. This is the first time this has occurred in the region since May 2014.

Metro Vancouver home sales totalled 2,253 in September 2016, a decrease of 32.6 per cent from the 3,345 sales recorded in September 2015 and a decrease of 9.5 per cent compared to August 2016 when 2,489 homes sold.

Last month’s sales were 9.6 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.

“Supply and demand conditions differ today depending on property type,” Dan Morrison, REBGV president said. “We’re seeing more demand for condominiums and townhomes today than in the detached home market.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,799 in September 2016. This represents a decrease of one per cent compared to the 4,846 units listed in September 2015 and an 11.8 per cent increase compared to August 2016 when 4,293 properties were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,354, a 13.4 per cent decline compared to September 2015 (10,805) and a 10 per cent increase compared to August 2016 (8,506).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2016 is 24.1 per cent. This is the lowest this ratio has been since February 2015. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches the 20 to 22 per cent range in a particular community for a sustained period.

“Changing market conditions are easing upward pressure on home prices in our region,” Morrison said. “There’s uncertainty in the market at the moment and home buyers and sellers are having difficulty establishing price as a result. To help you understand the factors affecting prices, it’s important to talk with a REALTOR®.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $931,900. This represents a 28.9 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent decline compared to August 2016.

Sales of detached properties in September 2016 reached 666, a decrease of 47.6 per cent from the 1,272 detached sales recorded in September 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,579,400. This represents a 33.7 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to August 2016.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,218 in September 2016, a decrease of 20.3 per cent compared to the 1,529 sales in September 2015.The benchmark price of an apartment property is $511,800. This represents a 23.5 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.5 per cent decline compared to August 2016.

Attached property sales in September 2016 totalled 369, a decrease of 32.2 per cent compared to the 544 sales in September 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $677,000. This represents a 29.1 per cent increase compared to September 2015 and a 0.1 per cent decline compared to August 2016.

Download the complete stats package by clicking here. 



Market Trends


 

From Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver:

 

august 2016 market summary a

 



August 2016 Stats From The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver


Metro Vancouver home sales return to typical August levels

VANCOUVER, BC – September 2, 2016 – For the second straight month, home buyer demand in Metro Vancouver* moved off of the record-breaking pace seen earlier this year and returned to more typical levels.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver totalled 2,489 in August 2016, a decline of 26 per cent compared to the 3,362 sales in August 2015; 10.2 per cent less than the 2,771 sales in August 2014; and one per cent less than the 2,514 sales in August 2013. August 2016 sales also represent a 22.8 per cent decline compared to last month’s sales.

From a historical perspective, last month’s sales were 3.5 per cent below the 10-year sales average for the month.

“The record-breaking sales we saw earlier this year were replaced by more historically normal activity throughout July and August,” Dan Morrison, REBGV president said. "Sales have been trending downward in Metro Vancouver for a few months. The new foreign buyer tax appears to have added to this trend by reducing foreign buyer activity and causing some uncertainty amongst local home buyers and sellers.

“It’ll take some months before we can really understand the impact of the new tax. We'll be interested to see the government's next round of foreign buyer data."

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,293 in August 2016. This represents an increase of 0.3 per cent compared to the 4,281 units listed in August 2015 and an 18.1 per cent decrease compared to July 2016 when 5,241 properties were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver is 8,506, a 21.9 per cent decline compared to August 2015 (10,897) and a 1.9 per cent increase from July 2016 (8,351).

The sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2016 is 29.3 per cent. This is indicative of a seller’s market.

Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches the 20 to 22 per cent range in a particular community for a sustained period.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $933,100. This represents a 31.4 per cent increase compared to August 2015 and a 4.9 per cent increase over the last three months.

“In aggregate, we continue to see an imbalance between supply and demand in most communities. However, we’re also seeing fewer detached sales in the highest price points and fewer detached home sales relative to all residential sales,” Morrison said. “This is causing average sale prices to show a decline in recent months, while benchmark home prices remain virtually unchanged from July.”

The average price is the simplest home price measure to explain but is not the most accurate since it may be skewed by the mix of properties. More high-end or low-end sales will skew the number up or down. Based on the Consumer Price Index, MLS HPI® benchmark prices are a more reliable and stable indicator of typical home prices across regions over time.

Sales of detached properties in August 2016 reached 715, a decrease of 44.6 per cent from the 1,290 detached sales recorded in August 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 35.8 per cent from August 2015 to $1,577,300. This represents a 4.2 per cent increase over the last three months.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,343 in August 2016, a decrease of 10.1 per cent compared to the 1,494 sales in August 2015.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 26.9 per cent from August 2015 to $514,300. This represents a 6.1 per cent increase over the last three months.

Attached property sales in August 2016 totalled 431, a decrease of 25.4 per cent compared to the 578 sales in August 2015. The benchmark price of an attached home increased 31.1 per cent from August 2015 to $677,600. This represents a 7.1 per cent increase over the last three months. 

 

Click for full stats package

 

8 rebgv stats pkg august 2016

 

 

 



June Review of Market Conditions



Still A Seller's Market


sales and listings report all regional may 15 2016

 

The phenomenon of low supply and high demand continues apace this month, though anecdotally Realtors are murmuring some evidence of a teeny slowing in light of prices having reached the stratosphere and, as a result, some Buyers have backed away or moved to other markets.  Personally, every deal I've been party to this month has been a multiple offer situation but perhaps not as many competing offers on some properties as we've been accustomed to in recent months.  Still, as you can see from the above sales and listing report, there is a dearth of supply on the West and East Sides of Vancouver with only 1 or 2 months supply.  So, we are squarely in a Seller's market still.

 



BC Budget Brings Changes To Real Estate Purchases


BC Budget 2016 – the impact on you and your clients

The BC government introduced its 2016 budget today. The budget included a number of items intended to affect affordability and availability in the Lower Mainland’s housing market. 

Here’s a summary:

Property Transfer Tax (PTT)

• a New Housing exemption will apply to newly built homes or newly subdivided units priced up to $750,000, saving buyers up to $13,000; and

• a partial exemption will apply on newly built homes priced $750,000 to $800,000.

• a new 3% PTT rate will apply to the portion of a home sale that exceeds $2 million. For homes that sell for below $2 million, the PTT will continue to apply at a rate of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance. 

These changes will take effect on February 17, 2016. 

 “While we applaud the government’s efforts to improve affordability for home buyers purchasing new housing, there’s more work to be done, including indexing PTT thresholds to keep pace with changes in home prices over time,” Darcy McLeod, Board president said. 

Data collection

Starting this summer, individuals and corporations buying property must disclose if they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and if neither, their home country. These changes will provide information on the volume of foreign investment in BC. 

Your Board supports this change. We advocated for this initiative in a letter to the Finance Minister earlier this year. 

Home Owner Grant

The Home Owner Grant threshold will increase to $1.2 million from $1.1 million for the 2016 tax year.

Affordable housing

The province will invest $355 million to help the BC Housing Management Commission support more than 2,000 affordable housing units for residents with low-to-moderate incomes. 

Watch for more information on today’s budget in next week’s edition of our REALTOR® News.

Additional government resources:

Read the Housing Affordability Backgrounder. Read the Budget Speech. (Opens 24-page pdf)

 



2015 A Record Year


Metro Vancouver home sales set an all-time record in 2015

In a year when the number of homes listed for sale was below historical averages, actual home sales in Metro Vancouver set a new record.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that 2015 home sales were the highest annual total in REBGV history. This was powered early in the year by four straight months with more than 4,000 sales a month from March to June, another first for REBGV.

Sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2015 reached 42,326, a 27.8 per cent increase from the 33,116 sales recorded in 2014, and a 48.4 per cent increase over the 28,524 residential sales in 2013.

The total number of homes listed for sale on the MLS® in 2015 ranked fifth in the last ten years, while the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) saw double-digit year-over-year price increases.

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in 2015 reached 57,249. This is an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to the 56,066 properties listed in 2014 and an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to the 54,742 properties listed in 2013.

With sales-to-active-listings ratios above 25 per cent for 11 months in 2015, the Metro Vancouver market experienced seller’s market conditions for much of the year.

"Home buyers were active and motivated throughout 2015 despite the pressure on supply of homes on the market," Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. "Housing markets typically experience quieter periods within a calendar year, but that wasn't the case in Metro Vancouver last year."

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver ends the year at $760,900. This represents an 18.9 per cent increase compared to December 2014.
     
“We often hear economists say that seller’s market conditions put upward pressure on home prices,” McLeod said. “That was certainly the case in 2015, with price increases ranging from 14 to 24 per cent depending on property type.” 
     
December summary
Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,827 in December 2015, an increase of 33.6 per cent from the 2,116 sales recorded in December 2014 and a 19.8 per cent decline compared to November 2015 when 3,524 home sales occurred.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,021 in December 2015. This represents a 7 per cent increase compared to the 1,888 units listed in December 2014 and a 40.4 per cent decline compared to November 2015 when 3,392 properties were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 6,024, a 41.6 per cent decline compared to December 2014 and a 25.6 per cent decrease compared to November 2015.

Sales of detached properties in December 2015 reached 1,136, an increase of 36.4 per cent from the 833 detached sales recorded in December 2014. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 24.3 per cent from December 2014 to $1,248,600.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,225 in December 2015, an increase of 34.3 per cent compared to the 912 sales in December 2014.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 14 per cent from December 2014 to $436,200.

Attached property sales in December 2015 totalled 466, an increase of 25.6 per cent compared to the 371 sales in December 2014. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 13.6 per cent from December 2014 to $543,700.

Download the complete stats package by clicking here.

 



December Sales Ramping Up While Inventory Continues To Decline


 December is showing a continued decline of home inventory in the market as sales are exceeding new listings coming on market Greater Vancouver and throughout the market. Demand continues to be strong and with the holidays approaching, once again more so than previous years and with the typical December listings lull total active listings come January are likely to be a record low. Here is a summary of the activity so far:

 

Greater Vancouver – 1,350 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 2,173 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 1,200 compared to 3,523 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 8,184 (9,017 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 113% compared to 102% in November 2015.

 

Vancouver West - 250 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 415 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 211 compared to 646 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 1,313 (1,466 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 118% compared to 107% in November 2015.

 

Vancouver East – 121 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 266 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 104 compared to 335 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 558 (630 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 116% compared to 99% in November 2015.

 

North Vancouver – 107 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 156 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 89 compared to 269 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 340 (399 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 120% compared to 102% in November 2015.

 

West Vancouver – 41 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 66 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 43 compared to 139 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 409 (468 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 95% compared to 78% in November 2015.

 

Richmond – 185 Units Sold so far in December 2015 compared to 302 Units Sold in December 2014. Total New Listings so far in November are 232 compared to 539 total in November 2015. Total Active Listings are at 1,289 (1,348 at the end of November). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 80% compared to 93% in November 2015.

 

 

 


November Market Booming


November finished with 3,603 sales in Greater Vancouver – the only higher November for sales was 1989. Despite a shrinking inventory of homes for sale, the market remains very active. Total listings available as of November 30th were at 9,017 homes in Greater Vancouver. This past month Active Listings in Vancouver were a record low for the month of November, and in fact this November shattered that with 23% fewer properties on the market. Most other neighbourhoods followed suit. “November is typically one of the quietest months of the year in our housing market, but not this year,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said.

 

While most areas experienced a slight drop in sales in November compared to October, a few areas such as New Westminster, Richmond and Vancouver’s Westside were at the same level or above October sales. Sales to Listings Ratios in most markets were above 100% meaning that there were more sales in the month than new listings. Greater Vancouver saw a Sales to Listings Ratio at 102% in November, compared to 83% in November 2014 and 71% in November 2013. This contributes to the rapid decline in inventories throughout the region. This trend is actually being experienced across the province and country and was reported as a factor in the decline of resale properties for October and November in the United States.

 

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

 

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 3,603 – down from 3,714 (3%) in October 2015, up from 2,567 (40%) in November 2014, up from 2,390 (51%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 9,017 compared to 13,698 at this time last year and 10,513 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 17% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 3 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 102% compared to 88% in October 2015 and 83% in November 2014.

 

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 694 – down from 700 (1%) in October 2015, up from 493 (41%) in November 2014, up from 488 (42%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 1,466 compared to 2,349 at this time last year and 1,787 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 23% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 2 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 107% compared to 84% in October 2015 and 84% in November 2014.

 

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 333 – down from 357 (7%) in October 2015, up from 284 (17%) in November 2014, up from 282 (17%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 630 compared to 1,046 at this time last year and 753 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 17% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 2 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 99% compared to 89% in October 2015 and 89% in November 2014.

 

North Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 274 – down from 289 (5%) in October 2015, up from 190 (44%) in November 2014, up from 197 (39%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 399 compared to 753 at this time last year and 494 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 7% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 1 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 102% compared to 100% in October 2015 and 89% in November 2014.

 

West Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 108 – down from 148 (27%) in October 2015, up from 79 (37%) in November 2014, up from 89 (21%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 468 compared to 568 at this time last year and 545 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 29% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 78% compared to 75% in October 2015 and 75% in November 2014.

 

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in November 2015 was 501 – up from 488 (3%) in October 2015, up from 330 (52%) in November 2014, up from 290 (73%) in November 2013; Active Listings are at 1,348 compared to 2,023 at this time last year and 1,529 at the end of October; New Listings in November 2015 were down 8% compared to October 2015; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 3 Months (Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 93% compared to 83% in October 2015 and 74% in November 2014.



October Sales statistics


Metro Vancouver home buyers push October sales above long-term averages

Home buyers remain active across Metro Vancouver despite a reduced supply of homes for sale.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in *Metro Vancouver reached 3,646 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2015. This represents a 19.3 per cent increase compared to the 3,057 sales recorded in October 2014, and a 9 per cent increase compared to the 3,345 sales in September 2015.

Last month’s sales were 36.2 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“Home sales are more than one-third above what’s typical for this time of year yet the supply of homes for sale is the lowest we’ve seen in five years,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. “This activity has created favourable market conditions for anyone considering selling their home today.” 

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,126 in October. This represents an 8 per cent decline compared to the 4,487 new listings reported in October 2014.

The total number of properties listed for sale on the real estate board’s MLS® is 9,569, a 30 per cent decline compared to October 2014 and an 11.4 per cent decline compared to September 2015.

This is the lowest active listing total in Metro Vancouver since December 2010.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $736,000. This represents a 15.3 per cent increase compared to October 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in October was 38.1 per cent. Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio declines below the 12 per cent mark, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it reaches 20 per cent, or higher, in a particular community for a sustained period of time.

Sales of detached properties in October 2015 reached 1,437, an increase of 13.1 per cent from the 1,271 detached sales recorded in October 2014, and a 34.7 per cent increase from the 1,067 units sold in October 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 20.1 per cent from October 2014 to $1,197,600.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,543 in October 2015, an increase of 21.7 per cent compared to the 1,268 sales in October 2014, and an increase of 40.5 per cent compared to the 1,098 sales in October 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 11.4 per cent from October 2014 to $425,800.

Attached property sales in October 2015 totalled 666, an increase of 28.6 per cent compared to the 518 sales in October 2014, and a 34.3 per cent increase from the 496 attached properties sold in October 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 9.3 per cent between October 2014 and 2015 to $526,700.

*Editor’s Note:  Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

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September stats from Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver



August Stats from REBGV


Competition continues to drive Metro Vancouver’s housing market

Metro Vancouver* home buyers spent the summer months searching for their next home. Between June and August, home sales were between 25 and 30 per cent above the ten-year sales average.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver reached 3,362 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August 2015. This represents a 21.3 per cent increase compared to the 2,771 sales recorded in August 2014, and a decrease of 15.5 per cent compared to the 3,978 sales in July 2015.

Last month’s sales were 27.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“There was no summer lull in our market this year. Home buyers have been working with their REALTORS® throughout the summer months,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. “They’re motivated, but they’re competing for a smaller supply of homes for sale than is typical for this time of year — that’s the dynamic driving our market right now.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 4,281 in August. This represents an 8.7 per cent increase compared to the 3,940 new listings reported in August 2014.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the region’s MLS® is 10,897, a 26.2 per cent decline compared to August 2014 and a 5.3 per cent decline compared to July 2015.

“Those who have a sound buying strategy and an understanding of current price trends are having the most success in today’s market,” McLeod said.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $708,500. This represents a 12 per cent increase compared to August 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in August was 30.9 per cent. This is the sixth consecutive month that this ratio has been above 30 per cent in Metro Vancouver.

Sales of detached properties in August 2015 reached 1,290, an increase of 11.4 per cent from the 1,158 detached sales recorded in August 2014, and a 22.6 per cent increase from the 1,052 units sold in August 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 17.5 per cent from August 2014 to $1,159,600.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,494 in August 2015, an increase of 32.7 per cent compared to the 1,126 sales in August 2014, and an increase of 46.8 per cent compared to the 1,018 sales in August 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 6.3 per cent from August 2014 to $405,400.

Attached property sales in August 2015 totalled 578, an increase of 18.7 per cent compared to the 487 sales in August 2014, and a 30.2 per cent increase from the 444 attached properties sold in August 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 7.3 per cent between August 2014 and 2015 to $511,500.

*Editor’s Note: Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

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Record breaking Year In Real Estate Continues



June 2015 stats,


From: The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver

Metro Vancouver home sales set record pace in June

Last month was the highest selling June, and the second highest overall monthly total, on record for the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).

The REBGV reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver* reached 4,375 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June 2015. This represents a 28.4 per cent increase compared to the 3,406 sales recorded in June 2014, and an increase of 7.9 per cent compared to the 4,056 sales in May 2015.

Last month’s sales were 29.1 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month. It’s the fourth straight month with over 4,000 sales, which is a first in the REBGV’s history. The previous highest number of residential home sales was 4,434, recorded in May 2005.

“Demand in our detached home market continues to drive activity across Metro Vancouver,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. “There were more detached home sales in the region last month than we’ve seen during the month of June in more than 10 years.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $694,000. This represents a 10.3 per cent increase compared to June 2014.

“Housing market activity comes in cycles; we're in an up cycle right now that looks similar to the mid-2000s,” McLeod said. “It would be easy to point to one factor that's causing this cycle, but the truth is that it's a number of different factors.

"Conditions today are being driven by low interest rates, a declining supply of detached homes, a growing population, a provincial economy that's outperforming the rest of Canada, pent-up demand from previous years and, perhaps most importantly, the fact that we live in a highly desirable region," McLeod said. 

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 5,803 in June. This represents an 8.7 per cent increase compared to the 5,339 new listings reported in June 2014.

"We’re seeing a steady stream of new listings entering the market, but the overall number of homes for sale is not keeping up with buyer demand," McLeod said.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the region’s MLS® is 12,181, a 23.9 per cent decline compared to June 2014 and a 1.3 per cent decline compared to May 2015. This is the lowest active listing total for June since 2006. 

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in June was 35.9 per cent. This is the highest that this ratio has been in Metro Vancouver since June 2006. A seller’s market typically occurs when this ratio exceeds 20 per cent for a sustained period of time. 

“The competition in today’s market means that buyers have less time to make decisions,” McLeod said. “Given this, it’s important to work with your REALTOR® to gain insight into the local market, to get quick access to new MLS® listings, to develop a buying strategy that meets your needs and risk appetite, and to receive other services and protections that come from having professional representation.”

Sales of detached properties in June 2015 reached 1,920, an increase of 31.3 per cent from the 1,462 detached sales recorded in June 2014, and a 74.2 per cent increase from the 1,102 units sold in June 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 14.8 per cent from June 2014 to $1,123,900.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,774 in June 2015, an increase of 35.6 per cent compared to the 1,308 sales in June 2014, and an increase of 66.1 per cent compared to the 1,068 sales in June 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 5.3 per cent from June 2014 to $400,200.

Attached property sales in June 2015 totalled 681, an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to the 636 sales in June 2014, and a 44.3 per cent increase from the 472 attached properties sold in June 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 7.1 per cent between June 2014 and 2015 to $506,900.

*Editor’s Note:  Areas covered by Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.

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