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Home Listings Continue to Rise in the Greater Vancouver Housing Market

Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver News Release  VANCOUVER, B.C. – October 4, 2011
 

Consistent increases in property listings and fewer home sales over the summer months has helped move the Greater Vancouver housing market into the upper end of a buyers’ market.

      The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties on the region’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) reached 2,246 in September, a 1.2 per cent increase compared to the 2,220 sales in September 2010. Those sales also rank as the third lowest total for September over the last 10 years.

      “There's more competition amongst home sellers in today's market, providing more options for prospective buyers," Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said."Buyers now have more properties to choose from and more time to make decisions compared to the spring season.”

      New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 5,680 in September, the third highest volume for September in 17 years. This represents a 20.1 per cent increase compared to September 2010 when 4,731 properties were listed for sale on the MLS® and a 21.2 per cent increase compared to the 4,685 new listings reported in August 2011.

      The number of properties listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® system has increased each month since the beginning of the year. At 16,085, the total number of residential property listings on the MLS® increased 4.6 per cent in September compared to August 2011 and rose 4.4 per cent compared to this time last year.

      “Our sales-to-active-listing ratio currently sits at 14 per cent, which is the lowest it’s been this year. Generally analysts say that a buyer’s market takes shape when the ratio dips to about 12 to 14%, or lower, for a sustained period of time,” Setticasi said.

      The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 8.8 per cent to $627,994 in September 2011 from $577,174 in September 2010.

      Since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 0.5 per cent.

      Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in September 2011 reached 957, an increase of 10.5 per cent from the 866 detached sales recorded in September 2010, and a 32.8 per cent decrease from the 1,423 units sold in September 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 13.4 per cent from September 2010 to $896,701.

      Sales of apartment properties reached 922 in September 2011, a 5 per cent decrease compared to the 971 sales in September 2010, and a decrease of 38.1 per cent compared to the 1,489 sales in September 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 4.4 per cent from September 2010 to $405,569.

      Attached property sales in September 2011 totalled 367, a 4.2 per cent decrease compared to the 383 sales in September 2010, and a 43.3 per cent decrease from the 647 attached properties sold in September 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 5.4 per cent between September 2010 and 2011 to $516,697.
 

The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2010, 30,595 homes changed ownership in the Board's area, generating $1.28 billion in spin-off activity and 8,567 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouvertotalled $21 billion in 2010. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 10,000 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.

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Real Estate Market Stable at 2009 Year-End

VANCOUVER, January 5, 2011 - The Greater Vancouver residential housing market entered three distinctive phases in 2010. Continued buoyancy from the post-recession recovery began the year, followed by a summer lull and, throughout the fall, a sustained period of stability.
 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2010 reached 30,595, a 14.2 per cent decrease from the 35,669 sales recorded in 2009, but a 24.2 per cent increase from the 24,626 residential sales in 2008. Last year’s number of housing sales was 10.3 per cent below the ten-year average for annual Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) sales in the region.

 

The number of residential properties listed for sale on the MLS® in Greater Vancouver increased 9.7 per cent in 2010 to 58,009 compared to the 52,869 properties listed in 2009. Compared to 2008, last year’s total represents a 7.3 per cent decline compared to the 62,561 residential properties listed in 2008. The number of properties added to the MLS® peaked in April and generally declined for the remainder of the year. 
 

“The last two years have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the real estate market. However, sales over the past six months have definitely shown a trend toward stability. We think that’s good news for home buyers and sellers,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said. “The Greater Vancouver housing market experienced a modest increase in home prices in 2010, and a continual decrease in the number of properties being listed for sale.”

 
Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,899 in December 2010, a decrease of 24.5 per cent from the 2,515 sales recorded in December 2009—an all time record for the month—and a 24.3 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 2,509 home sales occurred. 
 
More broadly, last month’s residential sales represent a 105.5 per cent increase over the 924 residential sales in December 2008, a 0.1 per cent increase compared to December 2007’s 1,897 sales, and a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 1,686 sales in December 2006.
 
The residential benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for Greater Vancouver increased 2.7 per cent to $577,808 between Decembers 2009 and 2010. However, prices have decreased 2.6 per cent since hitting a peak of $593,419 in April 2010.

 

“Although we saw some pressure on home prices throughout the year, home values in 2010 remained relatively steady in the region compared to the last few years when we witnessed much more fluctuation,” Moldowan said.

 
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 1,699 in December 2010. This represents a 21.1 per cent decline compared to the 2,153 units listed in December 2009 and a 43.9 per cent decline compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed.
 
Sales of detached properties in December 2010 reached 769, a decrease of 14.8 per cent from the 902 detached sales recorded in December 2009, and a 121.1 per cent increase from the 348 units sold in December 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 4.0 per cent from December 2009 to $797,868.
 
Sales of apartment properties reached 811 in December 2010, a decline of 29.7 per cent compared to the 1,154 sales in December 2009, and an increase of 94.5 per cent compared to the 417 sales in December 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 1.2 per cent from December 2009 to $387,115.
 
Attached property sales in December 2010 totalled 319, a decline of 30.5 per cent compared to the 459 sales in December 2009, and a 100.6 per cent increase from the 159 attached properties sold in December 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 2.7 per cent between December 2009 and 2010 to $490,869.
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Number of Listings Rise to Start Off the Spring Season!

VANCOUVER, B.C. – April 6, 2010

A steady influx of new listings has helped create a balanced ‘typical spring’ housing market in the Greater Vancouver region.
 
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that new listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 7,004 in March 2010. This represents a 60%increase compared to March 2009 when 4,385 new units were listed, and a 52.1% increase compared to February 2010 when 4,606 properties were listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). At 13,538, the total number of property listings on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) increased 19% in March compared to last month, but remains 7.6% below this time last year.
 
“The total number of homes listed for sale on our MLS® is at its highest level in 10 months, which translates into more options and variety for those looking to buy during the traditionally busy spring period,” Jake Moldowan, REBGV president said.
 
Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver reached 3,137 in March 2010, a 38.5% increase compared to March 2009, a 4.7% increase over March 2008, and a 12.4% decrease compared to March 2007. The current figure also represents a 26.8% increase compared to the 2,473 sales recorded in February 2010.
 

“With a sales-to-listing ratio of 23%, we see a healthy balance between buyer demand and seller supply in the marketplace,” Moldowan said.

 
Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 20.3% to $584,435 from $485,845 in March 2009. This price is 2.8% above the previous high point in the market in May 2008 when the residential benchmark price sat at $568,411.
 
Sales of detached properties in March 2010 reached 1,336, an increase of 49% from the 897 detached sales recorded in March 2009 and a 19.7% increase from the 1,116 units sold in March 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 23.3% from March 2009 to $800,341, but declined 0.6% compared to last month when the benchmark price was $800,796.
 
Sales of apartment properties in March 2010 reached 1,252, an increase of 28.3% compared to the 976 sales in March 2009 and a decline of 8.6% compared to the 1,370 sales in March 2008.The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 17.3% from March 2009 to $395,507 and is up 1.2% compared to last month when the benchmark price was $390,899.
 
Attached property sales in March 2010 totalled 549, an increase of 40.1% compared to the 392 sales in March 2009 and a 7.4% increase from the 511 attached properties sold in March 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 17.3% between March 2009 and 2010 to $493,263, but declined 0.5 % compared to last month when the benchmark price was $495,496.
 
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Slow Start/Strong Finish for Housing Market in 2009!

After beginning the year at near record low sales levels, buyers’ confidence in the Greater Vancouver housing market quickly returned, allowing for significant and sustained increases in the number of residential property sales for much of 2009.

 
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that total unit sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in 2009 reached 35,669, a 44.8% increase from the 24,626 unit sales recorded in 2008, but a 6.3% decline from the 38,050 residential sales in 2007.
 
The number of homes listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver declined 15.5% in 2009 to 52,869 compared to the 62,561 properties listed in 2008.
 
“Low interest rates, an economy emerging from recession and continuing to improve, and consumer confidence led to the resurgence experienced in the Greater Vancouver housing market in 2009,” Scott Russell, REBGV president said. “Home sales neared or passed monthly records in Greater Vancouver throughout the latter half of 2009. In fact, last month’s home sales rank as the third highest selling December in the 90-year history of our organization.”
 
Residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,515 in December 2009, an increase of 172.2% from the 924 sales recorded in December 2008, and an 18.4% decline compared to November 2009 when 3,083 home sales occurred. 
 
The residential benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for Greater Vancouver increased 16.2% to $562,463 between Decembers 2008 and 2009.
 
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,153 in December 2009. This represents a 38.9% increase compared to the 1,550 new units listed in December 2008 and a 41.1% decline compared to November 2009 when 3,653 properties were listed.
 

“The number of homes listed for sale on our MLS® has been in decline in Greater Vancouver for eight of the last nine months, which results in upward pressure on home prices and less selection for buyers to choose from,” Russell said.

Total active listings in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 8,939, a decrease of 41% from December 2008, and a decrease of 19% from November 2009.
 
Sales of detached properties in December 2009 increased 159.2% to 902, compared to 348 sales in December 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 18.3% to $766,816 compared to December 2008.
 
Sales of apartment properties in December 2009 increased 176.7% to 1,154, compared to 417 sales in December 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 14.8% since December 2008 to $382,573.
 
Attached property sales in December 2009 increased 188.7% to 459, compared with the 159 sales in December 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 12.9% between Decembers 2008 and 2009 to $478,093. 
 
To read the complete report from the REBGV, go to
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Strong Demand Carries Into Late Fall!

VANCOUVER, B.C. – December 2, 2009
Home values continued to edge upward in November as demand in the Greater Vancouver housing market remains well above seasonal norms according to the Real Estate Board of Vancouver.
 
Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 12.4 per cent to $557,384 from $495,704 in November 2008. This price, however, remains down 1.9 per cent from the most recent high point in the market in May 2008 when the residential benchmark price sat at $568,411.
 
“This unseasonably high level of demand can be attributed in large part to low interest rates, but it also speaks to the diverse range of housing options available in Greater Vancouver,” Scott Russell, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “Prospective homebuyers today have more options at different price levels than ever before."
 
The REBGV reports that residential property sales in November were the third highest volume ever recorded in Greater Vancouver for that month. Sales in the region totalled 3,083 in November 2009, an increase of 252.7 per cent compared to November 2008 when 874 sales were recorded and a 16.8 per cent decrease compared to the 3,704 sales recorded in October 2009.
 
“We are experiencing a brisker than normal market for this time of year, although we have begun to see a reduction in the number of homes listed for sale, which is normal as we head into the holiday season,” Russell said.
 
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,653 in November 2009. This represents a 21.3 per cent increase compared to November 2008 when 3,012 new units were listed, and a 26.6 per cent decline compared to October 2009 when 4,977 properties were listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver.
 

At 11,039, the total number of property listings on the MLS® decreased 8.6 per cent in November compared to last month and declined 39 per cent from this time last year. In contrast to this year, note that November 2008 was the lowest selling November in Greater Vancouver in 27 years.

 
Sales of detached properties increased 261.5 per cent to 1,164 from the 322 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties increased 13.6 per cent from November 2008 to $757,209.
 
Sales of apartment properties in November 2009 increased 240.5 per cent to 1,396 compared to 410 sales in November 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 11.6 per cent from November 2008 to $381,945.
 

Attached property sales in November 2009 are up 268.3 per cent to 523, compared with the 142 sales in November 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 10.2 per cent between Novembers 2008 and 2009 to $469,686.

 
To see the complete report on November statistics, visit http://www.rebgv.org/sites/default/files/REBGV%20Stats%20Package_November%202009.pdf
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High Sales Levels Spur Rise in Home Values

According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, strong demand has led to a steady rise in Greater Vancouver home prices compared to last year.

 

Over the last 12 months, the MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver increased 6.8 per cent to $553,702 from $518,668 in October 2008.

 

“While home prices have been rising in 2009, they have not eclipsed the peaks reached in early 2008,” Scott Russell, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) president said. “We’re coming off several months of unseasonably high sales levels, which has allowed for a gradual increase in home values this year,”

 

The REBGV reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,704 in October 2009, an increase of 4.1 per cent from the 3,559 sales recorded in September 2009, and an increase of 171.6 per cent compared to October 2008 when 1,364 sales were recorded. Looking back two years, last month’s sales increased 22.3 per cent compared to October 2007 when 3,028 sales were recorded.

 

“High confidence and low mortgage rates are continuing to drive the activity we’re seeing in the housing market today,” Russell said.

 

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,977 in October 2009. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase compared to October 2008 when 4,867 new units were listed, and a 13.4 per cent decline compared to September 2009 when 5,764 properties were listed on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver.

 

At 12,084, the total number of property listings on the MLS® decreased 4.1 per cent in October compared to last month and declined 37 per cent from this time last year.

 

Sales of detached properties increased 201.6 per cent to 1,487 from the 493 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties increased 7.7 per cent from October 2008 to $749,808.

 

Sales of apartment properties in October 2009 increased 148.4 per cent to 1,607, compared to 647sales in October 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 6.3 per cent from October 2008 to $380,975.

 

Attached property sales in October 2009 are up 172.3 per cent to 610, compared with the 224 sales in October 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.6 per cent between Octobers 2008 and 2009 to $468,798.

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Market Conditions Drive Strong June Housing Sales!

VANCOUVER, B.C. – July 3, 2009 – The combination of low interest rates and more affordable pricing helped propel Greater Vancouver home sale numbers to the second all-time highest total for the month of June.

 
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that sales of detached, attached and apartment properties increased 75.6 per cent in June 2009 to 4,259, from the 2,425 sales recorded in June 2008. The figure is just short of the record-breaking 4,333 sales which occurred in June 2005.

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 17.9 per cent to 5,372 in June 2009 compared to June 2008, when 6,546 new units were listed. However, new listings increased 13.5 per cent from May to June of this year. Total active listings in Greater Vancouver currently sit at 13,252, down 27 per cent from June 2008 and 2.9 per cent below the active listings count at the end of May 2009.

 

“Price reductions and low interest rates have created an improvement in affordability, which is causing the number of sales to rise to levels comparable to 2003 to 2007,” Scott Russell, REBGV president said.
 
“Many people who were reluctant to purchase a home last fall and earlier this year are returning to the market because they see conditions that appeal to their personal and financial needs,” Russell said. “However, the current marketplace is such that buyers are more inclined to walk if they don’t like the terms of an offer.”

 
Residential benchmark prices, as calculated by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index, declined 8.2 per cent to $518,855 in June 2009 compared to June 2008.
 
The number of sales of detached properties increased 81.6 per cent to 1,667 from the 918 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price for detached properties declined 8.4 per cent to $701,384 in June 2009 compared to June 2008.
 
The number of sales of apartment properties in June 2009 increased 69.3 per cent to 1,790, compared to 1,057 sales in June 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 8.2 per cent from June 2008 to $356,880.
 
The number of attached property sales in June 2009 increased 78.2 per cent to 802, compared with the 450 sales in June 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 7.3 per cent between June 2009 and 2008 to $441,620.

Bright spots in Greater Vancouver in June 2009 compared to June 2008:

Detached

  • Burnaby up 109.7 per cent (151 units sold from 72)
  • Coquitlam up 122.2 per cent (160 units sold from 72)
  • Delta - South up 107.7 per cent (56 units sold from 27)
  • Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows up 54.3 per cent (162 units sold from 105)
  • New Westminster up 104.8 per cent (43 units sold from 21)
  • North Vancouver up 96.2 per cent (153 units sold from 78)
  • Port Moody/ Belcarra up 120 per cent (33 units sold from 15)
  • Richmond up 77.4 per cent (204 units sold from 115)
  • Squamish up 107.7 per cent (27 units sold from 13)
  • Sunshine Coast up 33.9 per cent (75 units sold from 56)
  • Vancouver East up 71.2 per cent (238 units sold from 139)
  • Vancouver West up 85.2 per cent (200 units sold from 108)
  • West Vancouver/Howe Sound up 117.8 per cent (98 units sold from 45)


Attached

  • Burnaby up 81.8 per cent (140 units sold from 77)
  • Coquitlam up 80 per cent (54 units sold from 30)
  • Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows up 48.6 per cent (55 units sold from 37)
  • North Vancouver up 121.2 per cent (73 units sold from 33)
  • Port Coquitlam up 82.6 per cent (42 units sold from 23)
  • Port Moody/ Belcarra up 77.3 per cent (39 units sold from 22)
  • Richmond up 84.5 per cent (155 units sold from 84)
  • Vancouver East up 118.5 per cent (59 units sold from 27)
  • Vancouver West up 121.8 per cent (122 units sold from 55)

Apartments

  • Burnaby up 60.4 per cent (239 units sold from 149)
  • Coquitlam up 93.9 per cent (95 units sold from 49)
  • New Westminster up 57.1 per cent (121 units sold from 77)
  • North Vancouver up 71.4 per cent (120 units sold from 70)
  • Port Coquitlam up 58.1 per cent (49 units sold from 31)
  • Port Moody/Belcarra up 128.6 per cent (48 units sold from 21)
  • Richmond up 54.1 per cent (225 units sold from 146)
  • Vancouver East up 58.7 per cent (165 units sold from 104)
  • Vancouver West up 87.2 per cent (627 units sold from 335)
  • West Vancouver/Howe Sound up 155.6 per cent (23 units sold from 9)
To view the entire BCREA News Release, go to
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Buyer Activity Brings Greater Stability to Housing Market

 

VANCOUVER, B.C. – May 4, 2009 – With more buyers and fewer homes for sale in recent months, the Greater Vancouver housing market has entered a more moderate and balanced state.

 

For the sixth consecutive month, new listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined in Greater Vancouver, down 33.7 per cent to 4,649 in April 2009 compared to April 2008, when 7,010 new units were listed. The total number of property listings on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), while slightly down compared to last month, remains unchanged compared to the same period in 2008.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in Greater Vancouver totalled 2,963 in April 2009, a decline of eight per cent from the 3,218 sales recorded in April 2008, and an increase of 31 per cent compared to last month.

 

“We’re seeing greater balance in the housing market, as evidenced by a strong sales to active listings ratio of over 19 per cent,” Scott Russell, REBGV president said. “The result is a relatively stable market in which homes are being realistically priced.

 

“The bridge between buyer demand and housing supply is continuing to narrow, which, as we see, helps bring stability to home prices,” he said. “The trends in our housing market over the last couple of months offer a much more comfortable, historically normal set of conditions.”

 

Sales of detached properties declined eight per cent to 1,190 from the 1,293 detached sales recorded during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties declined 12.2 per cent from April 2008 to $675,268.

 

Sales of apartment properties in April 2009 declined 10.5 per cent to 1,179, compared to 1,317 sales in April 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 12.6 per cent from April 2008 to $340,203.

 

Attached property sales in April 2009 are down 2.3 per cent to 594, compared with the 608 sales in April 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit decreased 9.7 per cent between April 2008 and 2009 to $431,759.

 

Bright spots in Greater Vancouver in April 2009 compared to April 2008:

 

Detached:

Vancouver West        up 59.5 per cent (193 units sold from 121)

 

Attached:

Port Coquitlam          up 69.6 per cent (39 units sold from 23)

Richmond                  up 17.9 per cent (132 units sold from 112)

Vancouver West        up 46.3 per cent (98 units sold from 67)

 

Apartments:

North Vancouver      up 29.2 per cent (84 units sold from 65)

 

To read the entire news release, or to find more interesting articles and statistics, visit http://www.rebgv.org.

 

 

 

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There are 3 Kinds of Lies: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics  
Mark Twain
 
Over the past 6 months, the public has been inundated with sensationalist information in the media that has contributed to our current housing slowdown. Just like in the run-up in housing prices through the 2000s, the media has been a large contributor to a market psychology that is decoupled from market fundamentals. The difference being that the story is now negative.
 
Below are the 3 most commonly MISUSED STATISTICS in the media:
 

1) Housing Starts Drop 70%!
http://www.vancouversun.com/Business/story.html?id=1369898

 
This shouldn't really matter to buyers or sellers out there. Sure, this is related to the Real Estate market, but really, we're already overbuilt and it only makes sense for developers to stop when prices are no longer escalating.
 
Remember, these are CONSTRUCTION figures. Not sales or pricing figures. Unless you're a construction worker or materials supplier, this type of information is largely irrelevant to your real estate decision-making process.
 
 
This kind of information is important for buyers and sellers to know and also helpful for realtors to use. Gone are the days when a realtor could put up a sign and sell it $20,000 over list price in 12 hours. Back then, product was king and realtors spent most of their time trying to convince sellers to list with them. Now, with more product available and time-on-market figures increasing, the market is more balanced.
 
That said, a drop in sales has no bearing on price. Remember, these are UNIT SALE figures, not price figures. As an example, in December, the number of home sales dropped off in Kelowna; however, the average home sale price increased.
 
3) Average House Prices Expected to Drop 11% in 2009!
http://www.economicnews.ca/cepnews/wire/article/23902
 
This is the most damaging type of media reports that come out. Yes, it is technically true that Average Canadian Home Prices in 2009 will likely show an 11% drop from the Average Price in 2008; however, it does not take into account the fact that the market already turned in the middle of 2008, with the average price falling drastically since then. Also, the number of units sold in a given period has a huge effect on how averages are calculated.
 
A simple example:
2008 Jan - June > 100 Units Sell at $200,000 Average
2008 July - Dec > 50 Units Sell at $170,000 Average
What is the Average for 2008? $190,000
 
Of course, at the beginning of the year in January 2009, prices are ALREADY at the December 2008 figure of $170,000, or 11% BELOW the 2008 Average of $190,000. In this example, the slowdown began in the middle of 2008.
 
So even though the average price in 2009 is expected to be 11% below the average price in 2008, the January price already reflects this difference and a further drop in prices is not expected. Using these predictive models, we can see how average prices over the year can really skew the figures.
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Property Sales Strengthen in Current Market Cycle

A news release from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
 
VANCOUVER, B.C. - April 2, 2009.
The Metro Vancouver housing market experienced a movement away from volatility and toward stability to start the spring season.

 

Home sales in March 2009 returned to levels witnessed at the beginning of the decade, with 2,265 sales recorded across Metro Vancouver for the month, a 53 per cent increase over February but a 24.4 per cent decrease over March 2008, when 2,997 sales were recorded.

 

Since 1999, March sales have increased 31 per cent, on average, over the month of February. March 2009 marks the second consecutive month that sales have outperformed the ten-year average for this

month-over-month comparison.

 
"There’s more confidence in the housing market today than we were seeing late last year. Sales activity is rising to more typical levels given the season, and the number of homes being listed for sale is
levelling off," said Scott Russell, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).
 
New residential listings on the MLS® declined 22 per cent in March 2009 to 4,385 compared to

March 2008. This is the fifth month in a row that new listings have decreased year-over-year and the third consecutive month where those declines exceeded 20 per cent. Despite these trends, total active listings at the end of March 2009 had still reached 14,579, a 19 per cent increase compared to the end of March 2008.

 
"REALTORS® are seeing an increasing level of interest from first-time buyers who are attracted to

low interest rates, good supply of housing, greater affordability, and a considerably lower overall cost of servicing a mortgage compared to recent years," Russell said.

 

Sales of detached properties in March 2009 declined 19.6 per cent to 897 from the 1,116 units sold during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties declined 15.1 per cent from March 2008 to $649,342.

 
Sales of apartment properties declined 28.8 per cent last month to 976, compared to the 1,370 sales in March 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 13.5 per cent from March 2008 to $337,099.
 
Attached property sales in March 2009 decreased 23.3 per cent to 392, compared with the 511 sales during the same month in 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 11.2 per cent between March 2008 and 2009 to $420,563.
 
To see the news release in its entirety, including graphs and charts, go to http://www.rebgv.org/sites/default/files/REBGV%20Stats%20Package_April%202009.pdf
 
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 9,400 REALTORS®. The Real Estate Board provides a variety of membership 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.
 
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According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), residential housing sales in Greater Vancouver rose 94 per cent in February compared to the month before, with 1,480 sales registered in February compared to 762 sales in January, which was the slowest month for housing sales in 25 years. Over the past 10 years, February sales have typically surpassed January by an average increase of 53 per cent.

 

At the same time, new MLS® listings for residential properties continued to decrease for the fourth month in a row. New listings decreased 25.6 per cent in February compared to the previous year; 20 per cent in January; 8.6 per cent in December; and 10 per cent in November.

 

“There are terrific opportunities out there right now, but with property listings continuing to decrease, those opportunities may be available only for a brief window of time,” said Dave Watt, president of the REBGV.
 
REBGV reports that year-over-year property sales in Greater Vancouver declined 44.7 per cent in February 2009 from the 2,676 sales recorded in February 2008. Year-over-year, those are the lowest sales figures for February since the mid-1980s.
 
“REALTORS® are reporting more activity compared to recent months as people begin to see whether their position in the housing market has strengthened as a result of falling interest rates and improved affordability,” Watt says.It took, on average, 67 days to sell a home in Greater Vancouver in February, seven days less than last month, but behind the seller’s market of last February when the average stood at 33 days.
 
Sales of detached properties in February 2009 declined 41 per cent to 587 from the 995 units sold during the same period in 2008. The benchmark price, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, for detached properties declined 14.2 per cent from February 2008 to $653,452.
 
Sales of apartment properties declined 45.6 per cent last month to 650, compared to the 1,197 sales in February 2008. The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 13.9 per cent from February 2008 to $333,143.
 
Attached property sales in February 2009 decreased 49.8 per cent to 243, compared with the 484 sales during the same month in 2008. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 9.7 per cent between Februarys 2008 and 2009 to $426,268.
 
New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 25.6 per cent to 3,916 in February 2009 compared to February 2008, when 5,260 new units were listed.
 
REBGV News Release March 3, 2009
 
 
Read

Improved Housing Affordability
to Greater Vancouver in 2008

 
VANCOUVER, B.C. – January 5, 2009 –
The record-breaking real estate market cycle in Greater Vancouver, longer than normal at seven consecutive years, ended in 2008 amidst global economic challenges. The change brought relief from rising prices that saw benchmark prices escalate from $357,770 for a single family detached home in December 2001 to $648,421 by December 2008.

 

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that sales of detached, attached and apartment properties decreased 35.3 per cent in 2008 to 24,626 sales compared to 38,050 sales in 2007. Property listings for the year increased 13.9 per cent to 62,561 compared to 2007 when 54,945 new properties were listed.

“Trends in the latter half of 2008 showed a consistent month-over-month decrease in residential housing prices, a departure from the rising home prices and record-breaking sales that were experienced in Greater Vancouver for much of this decade,” said REBGV president, Dave Watt. “It’s also important to note that our December statistics show a third consecutive month of a decrease in active

property listings in Greater Vancouver. That means supply is coming down,” Watt said. “Last month was also the first time in 27 years that Greater Vancouver homes sales for December were higher than November.”

 

Residential benchmark prices, as calculated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index®, declined 10.9 per cent between Decembers 2007 and 2008. Since May 2008, the overall residential benchmark price has declined 14.8 per cent in Greater Vancouver to $484,211 from $568,411.

 
“For buyers, lower prices haven’t been a concern as much as the perception that prices are falling. It’s difficult to identify the ‘bottom’ of the market. The reality is that people tend to buy when prices are going up, not when they’re going down,” Watt said.
 
In December 2008, sales of detached, attached and apartment properties totalled 924, a decrease of 51.3 per cent compared to the 1,897 sales in December 2007. New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties declined 8.6 per cent to 1,550 in December 2008 compared to December 2007 when 1,695 new units were listed. Total listings in December declined 17.2 per cent to 15,193 from the 18,348 total active listings in Greater Vancouver in November 2008. Sales of detached properties in December 2008 declined 48.7 per cent to 348 from the 679 units sold during the same period in 2007.
 
The benchmark price for detached properties declined 11.2 per cent from $730,399 in December 2007 to $648,421 in December 2008. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for a detached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 15.9 per cent. Sales of apartment properties declined 53.7 per cent last month to 417 compared to 901 sales in December 2007.
 
The benchmark price of an apartment property declined 11.7 per cent from $377,579 in December 2007 to $333,275 in December 2008. Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an apartment property in Greater Vancouver has declined 14.5 per cent. Attached property sales in December 2008 decreased 49.8 per cent to 159, compared with the 317 sales in December 2007. The benchmark price of an attached unit declined 7.4 per cent from $456,941 in December 2007 to $423,338 in December 2008.
 
Since May 2008, the benchmark price for an attached property in Greater Vancouver has declined 11.6 per cent.
 
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 9,500 REALTORS®. The Real Estate Board provides a variety of membership 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.
 
To read the REBGV latest news release in its entirety, including the latest statistics, click here!
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