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BC Housing Demand Forecast to be Strongest Since 2007
BCREA 2015 Second Quarter Housing Forecast

Vancouver, BC – June 1, 2015. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2015 Second Quarter Housing Forecast today.

“More robust economic growth, strong consumer confidence and rock-bottom mortgage interest rates are expected to push housing demand this year to its highest level since 2007,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist.  

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in British Columbia are forecast to rise 12.1 per cent to 94,300 units this year, before edging back 2.9 per cent to 91,600 units in 2015. The ten-year average is 83,600 unit sales. A record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005.  

Stronger consumer demand combined with fewer homes available for sale is forecast to push the average MLS® residential sales price in the province up 7.4 per cent to $610,500 this year. Modest upward pressure on mortgage interest and rising new home completions are expected to ease pressure on home prices in 2016. The average MLS® residential sales price is forecast to increase by 1.7 per cent to $621,000 in 2016.

 

To view the full BCREA Housing Forecast, click here.

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Home buyer demand outpacing supply across the Metro Vancouver housing market

Strong home buyer demand coupled with below average home listing activity has created seller's market conditions within the Metro Vancouver* housing market.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver reached 4,179 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April 2015. This represents a 37 per cent increase compared to the 3,050 sales recorded in April 2014, and a 2.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,060 sales in March 2015.

Last month’s sales were 29.3 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“The supply of homes for sale today in the region is not meeting the demand we're seeing from home buyers. This is putting upward pressure on prices, particularly in the detached home market," Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 5,897 in April. This represents a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to the 5,950 new listings reported in April 2014.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the region’s MLS® is 12,436, a 19.8 per cent decline compared to April 2014 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to March 2015.

“It’s a competitive and fast-moving market today that is tilted in favour of home sellers. To be competitive, it’s important to connect with a local REALTOR® who can help you develop a strategy to meet your home buying or selling needs,” McLeod said. 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $673,000. This represents an 8.5 per cent increase compared to April 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in April was 33.6 per cent. This is the highest that this ratio has been in Metro Vancouver since June 2007.

Sales of detached properties in April 2015 reached 1,815, an increase of 35.9 per cent from the 1,336 detached sales recorded in April 2014, and a 70.6 per cent increase from the 1,064 units sold in April 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 12.5 per cent from April 2014 to $1,078,900.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,579 in April 2015, an increase of 34.7 per cent compared to the 1,172 sales in April 2014, and an increase of 50.1 per cent compared to the 1,052 sales in April 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 4.4 per cent from April 2014 to $394,200.

Attached property sales in April 2015 totalled 785, an increase of 44.8 per cent compared to the 542 sales in April 2014, and a 53.6 per cent increase from the 511 attached properties sold in April 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 5.7 per cent between April 2014 and 2015 to $493,300.

*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.

Download the full stats package by clicking here. 

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The 2015 Spring Market Trends Report is out! Click the blue link to review the report. 
 
Most regions in Canada posted gains in average residential sale price in the first quarter of 2015.
 
The RE/MAX 2015 price projection for the average residential sale price has been increased to 3 per cent (from 2.5 per cent) after strong price appreciation in Toronto and Vancouver. Prices in both markets are being fueled by high consumer confidence and low inventory.
 
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BC Home Sales Post Strongest March in Eight Years

Vancouver, BC – April 16, 2015. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 9,101 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, up 37.6 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $5.8 billion, an increase of 57.1 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS® residential price in the province rose to $641,799, up 14.1 per cent from the same month last year.

"BC home sales climbed significantly in March," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "More homes traded hands last month than any March since 2007. On a seasonally adjusted basis, March posted the most home sales of any month since December of 2009."

"Rock bottom interest rates and rising consumer confidence have strengthened housing markets in most regions of the province, added Muir. "Many board areas are now exhibiting sellers' market conditions with home prices advancing well above the overall rate of inflation."

During the first quarter, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 33.2 per cent to $12.7 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 22.5 per cent to 20,139 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 8.7 per cent at $630,435.

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here.
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Metro Vancouver home buyers out in force in March

Demand continued to rise across Metro Vancouver's housing market in March.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 4,060 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March 2015. This represents a 53.7 per cent increase compared to the 2,641 sales recorded in March 2014, and a 32.6 per cent increase compared to the 3,061 sales in February 2015.

Last month’s sales were 26.8 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

"We're seeing strong competition amongst home buyers today. This is leading to more multiple offer situations and some upward pressure on home prices,” Darcy McLeod, REBGV president said. “For sellers, this means that it's taking less time, on average, for your home to sell if you have it priced correctly for today's market."
   
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 5,968 in March. This represents a 13 per cent increase compared to the 5,281 new listings reported in March 2014.
   
Last month’s new listing count was 4.7 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.
   
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the REBGV MLS® is 12,376, a 14.5 per cent decline compared to March 2014 and a 4 per cent increase compared to February 2015.

“The number of homes for sale today is below what’s typical for this time of year,” McLeod said. “If you’ve been considering putting your property on the market, these market conditions indicate that now may be a good time to list.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $660,700. This represents a 7.2 per cent increase compared to March 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in March was 32.8 per cent. This is the highest that this ratio has been in Metro Vancouver since July 2007.

Sales of detached properties in March 2015 reached 1,711, an increase of 53.3 per cent from the 1,116 detached sales recorded in March 2014, and an 83.4 per cent increase from the 933 units sold in March 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 11.2 per cent from March 2014 to $1,052,800.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,627 in March 2015, an increase of 47.1 per cent compared to the 1,106 sales in March 2014, and an increase of 65.7 per cent compared to the 982 sales in March 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.3 per cent from March 2014 to $390,200.

Attached property sales in March 2015 totalled 722, an increase of 72.3 per cent compared to the 419 sales in March 2014, and a 67.1 per cent increase from the 432 attached properties sold in March 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.9 per cent between March 2014 and 2015 to $484,900.

*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.

Download the complete stats package by clicking here.

 
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Home buyer and seller activity outpaces historical averages in February

Conditions within the Metro Vancouver* housing market continued to strengthen in February as home sale and listing totals came in well above the region’s ten-year average for the month. 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 3,061 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February 2015. This represents a 21 per cent increase compared to the 2,530 sales recorded in February 2014, and a 60 per cent increase compared to the 1,913 sales in January 2015.

Last month’s sales were 20.2 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“It’s an active and competitive marketplace today. Buyers are motivated and homes that are priced competitively are selling at a brisk pace right now,” Ray Harris, REBGV president, said.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver totalled 5,425 in February. This represents a 15.4 per cent increase compared to the 4,700 new listings reported in February 2014.

Last month’s new listing count was 11.8 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the REBGV MLS® is 11,898, an 11.3 per cent decline compared to February 2014 and a 10.1 per cent increase compared to January 2015.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $649,700. This represents a 6.4 per cent increase compared to February 2014.

The sales-to-active-listings ratio in February was 25.7 per cent. This is the highest that this ratio has been in Metro Vancouver since March 2011.

“We’re seeing more multiple offer situations and generally more traffic at open houses today,” Harris said. “In a market such as this, it’s important to do your homework and work with your local REALTOR® before embarking on your home buying and selling journey.”

Sales of detached properties in February 2015 reached 1,296, an increase of 25.6 per cent from the 1,032 detached sales recorded in February 2014, and an 84.1 per cent increase from the 704 units sold in February 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 9.7 per cent from February 2014 to $1,026,300.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,244 in February 2015, an increase of 20.5 per cent compared to the 1,032 sales in February 2014, and an increase of 63.7 per cent compared to the 760 sales in February 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3 per cent from February 2014 to $386,500.

Attached property sales in February 2015 totalled 521, an increase of 11.8 per cent compared to the 466 sales in February 2014, and a 56.5 per cent increase from the 333 attached properties sold in February 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.6 per cent between February 2014 and 2015 to $481,500.

*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.

Click here to download the complete stats package.

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BC Home Sales Forecast to Rise Through 2016
BCREA 2015 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update

Vancouver, BC – February 11, 2015. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2015 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update today.

"Stronger economic conditions both at home and abroad combined with favourable interest rates and population growth are expected to bolster housing demand over the next two years,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “After a year in which housing demand ratcheted higher across the province, the retrenchment of oil prices is expected to attenuate housing demand in some regions while bolstering it in others."

Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales in British Columbia are forecast to rise 2.4 per cent to 86,050 units this year and a further 3.9 per cent to 89,400 units in 2016. The ten-year average is 82,100 unit sales. A record 106,300 MLS® residential sales were recorded in 2005. 
 
The average MLS® residential sales price is forecast to rise 4.5 per cent to $594,000 this year, with most of the upward pressure being exhibited on the South Coast. Elevated consumer demand is expected to be partially offset by resale inventories and additions to the housing stock in 2016. As a result, the average MLS® residential sales price is forecast to increase by 2.4 per cent to $608,500 next year.
For a PDF version of this news release, including data table, follow this link:

www.bcrea.bc.ca/docs/news-2015/2015-02-11forecast.pdf.
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Home buyers remain active despite reduced selection

The first month of 2015 saw home sale activity above historical norms, while the number of homes listed for sale trended below typical levels.
   
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 1,913 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2015. This represents an 8.7 per cent increase compared to the 1,760 sales recorded in January 2014, and a 9.6 per cent decline compared to the 2,116 sales in December 2014.

Last month’s sales were 14.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for the month.

“While demand remains steady, we’re seeing fewer homes for sale at the moment,” Ray Harris, REBGV president, said. "This is creating greater competition amongst buyers, particularly in the detached home market. The number of detached homes listed for sale today is the second lowest we’ve seen in four years.”
   
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver(1) totalled 4,737 in January. This represents an 11.4 per cent decline compared to the 5,345 new listings reported in January 2014.
   
Last month’s new listing count was 1.2 per cent higher than the region’s 10-year new listing average for the month.
   
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the REBGV MLS® is 10,811, a 14.2 per cent decline compared to January 2014 and a 4.8 per cent increase compared to December 2014.

The MLS® Home Price Index(2) composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $641,600. This represents a 5.5 per cent increase compared to January 2014.

With the sales-to-active-listings ratio at 17.7 per cent, the region remains in balanced market territory.

“The Bank of Canada’s recent announcement to lower its benchmark interest rate is an important one for home buyers, sellers and owners to note,” Harris said. “A reduced rate could allow you to pay down your mortgage a little faster, save some money on your monthly payments, or change the amount you qualify for. It’s important that you do your homework and understand how these announcements impact your situation.”

Sales of detached properties in January 2015 reached 781, an increase of 7.3 per cent from the 728 detached sales recorded in January 2014, and a 44.1 per cent increase from the 542 units sold in January 2013. The benchmark price for a detached property in Metro Vancouver increased 8.4 per cent from January 2014 to $1,010,000.

Sales of apartment properties reached 809 in January 2015, an increase of 7.4 per cent compared to the 753 sales in January 2014, and an increase of 40.5 per cent compared to the 576 sales in January 2013. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.5 per cent from January 2014 to $382,800.

Attached property sales in January 2015 totalled 323, an increase of 15.8 per cent compared to the 279 sales in January 2014, and a 38.6 per cent increase from the 233 attached properties sold in January 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.3 per cent between January 2014 and 2015 to $479,600.

Download the complete stats package by clicking here.

Editor’s Notes: 

1.) 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.

2.) The national MLS® Home Price Index (MLS® HPI) operations group underwent an annual review of the model in January. This led to the following changes:

• Neighbourhoods where home sales over the past three years totaled 12 or less have been removed from the model. Neighbourhoods where sales have increased to 20 or more over the past three years have been added. Historical MLS® HPI data has been recalculated to reflect these changes.

• The benchmark property descriptions have been updated to reflect current buying trends.

Background: MLS® HPI benchmark prices represent the value of a ‘typical’ property within a market. When the HPI was developed in 2011, a composite description was created for every neighbourhood and property type based on MLS® sales data for that specific area. What people typically purchase can change over time due to changes in affordability and buyer preferences. Therefore, it’s necessary for these descriptions to be occasionally updated.

The MLS® HPI methodology has been updated to reflect these changes and is available athttp://homepriceindex.ca/hpi_tool_en.html.

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Home sale and listing activity reach historical norms in 2014

It was a typical year for the Metro Vancouver housing market in certain respects. The region’s home sale and listing totals for 2014 both rank fifth when compared against the past 10 years of activity, while home prices increased.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2014 reached 33,116, a 16.1 per cent increase from the 28,524 sales recorded in 2013, and a 32.3 per cent increase over the 25,032 residential sales in 2012.

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver increased 2.4 per cent in 2014 to 56,066 compared to the 54,742 properties listed in 2013. Looking back further, last year’s total represents a four per cent decline compared to the 58,379 residential properties listed for sale in 2012.

“While home buyer and seller activity created balanced market conditions within the region, we also experienced some upward pressure on home prices over the course of the year,” Ray Harris, REBGV president said.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver ends the year at $638,500. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase compared to December 2013.

“Detached homes continue to be the most sought after property type in our market,” Harris, said. “Detached homes in Metro Vancouver have increased 8.1 per cent in value over the last 12 months while townhome and condominium properties have increased 4.5 and 3.5 per cent over the same period.”

December summary

Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,116 in December 2014, an increase of 8.3 per cent from the 1,953 sales recorded in December 2013 and a 15.9 per cent decline compared to November 2014 when 2,516 home sales occurred.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,888 in December 2014. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase compared to the 1,856 units listed in December 2013 and a 37.4 per cent decline compared to November 2014 when 3,016 properties were listed.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,320, a 10.7 per cent decline compared to December 2013 and a 17.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2014.

Sales of detached properties in December 2014 reached 833, an increase of 9.3 per cent from the 762 detached sales recorded in December 2013. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 8.1 per cent from December 2013 to $1,002,200.

Sales of apartment properties reached 912 in December 2014, an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to the 850 sales in December 2013.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.5 per cent from December 2013 to $380,700.

Attached property sales in December 2014 totalled 371, an increase of 8.8 per cent compared to the 341 sales in December 2013. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.5 per cent between December 2013 and 2014 to $476,800.

Download the complete stats package by clicking here.

 
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Housing Market Ends Year in Balanced Conditions


Vancouver, BC – December 12, 2014. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA)
reports that a total of 5,972 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service®
(MLS®) in November, up 8.8 per cent from November 2013. Total sales dollar volume was $3.4
illion, an increase of 12.1 per cent compared to a year ago. The average MLS® residential price
in the province rose to $574,694, up 3.1 per cent from the same month last year.


“BC home sales were robust in November,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Improving economic conditions, strong consumer confidence and persistently low mortgage interest rates are providing a solid foundation for elevated consumer demand."

“Market conditions have improved province wide, with most regional markets now in the mid to high range of a balanced market,” added Muir.

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 22.1 per cent to $44.8 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales were up 15.3 per cent to 78,973 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 6.0 per cent at $567,292.

For the complete news release, including detailed statistics, click here.
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The 2015 RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook is Out. Click on the pdf. report below to read the full report. Excellent information for the coming year. 

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Metro Vancouver home sales remain strong

Home buyers in Metro Vancouver remained active in November, a month that is traditionally a quieter time of year for real estate.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Metro Vancouver reached 2,516 on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November 2014. This represents an 8.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,321 sales in November 2013, and a 17.7 per cent decline compared to the 3,057 sales in October 2014.
 
Last month’s sales were 6.9 per cent above the 10-year sales average for November.

“It’s been a more active fall than we typically see in the Metro Vancouver housing market,” Ray Harris, REBGV president said. “Home prices across the region have experienced steady gains in 2014 of between three and seven per cent depending on property type.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver* totalled 3,016 in November. This represents a 7.1 per cent decrease compared to the 3,245 new listings in November 2013 and a 32.8 per cent decline from the 4,487 new listings in October.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,553, a 10.2 per cent decline compared to November 2013 and a 9.4 per cent decrease compared to October 2014.

“This is traditionally a low inventory time of year, so it’s a good time to list your home for sale if you want to face less competition in the marketplace,” Harris said. 
 
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $637,300. This represents a 5.7 cent increase compared to November 2013.

Sales of detached properties in November 2014 reached 1,012, an increase of 9.3 per cent from the 926 detached sales recorded in November 2013, and a 60.9 per cent increase from the 629 units sold in November 2012. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 7.9 per cent from November 2013 to $997,800.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,052 in November 2014, an increase of 8.6 per cent compared to the 969 sales in November 2013, and a 40.3 per cent increase compared to the 750 sales in November 2012. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.2 per cent from November 2013 to $379,500.

Attached property sales in November 2014 totalled 452, a 6.1 per cent increase compared to the 426 sales in November 2013, and a 47.2 per cent increase over the 307 attached properties sold in November 2012. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.8 per cent between November 2013 and 2014 to $480,200.

Click here to download the full stats package.
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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.