Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - December 2011

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - December 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices – December 2011 Report click here

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - November 2011

HISTORICALLY NORMAL ACTIVITY KEEPS GREATER VANCOUVER HOUSING MARKET BALANCED

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 2,360 in November. This represents a 5.9 per cent decline compared to the 2,509 sales in November 2010 and a 1.9 per cent increase compared to the 2,317 sales recorded in October 2011.

Looking back further, last month’s residential sales total is 5.8 per cent below the ten-year average for sales in November.

“The pace of home listings entering the market eased slightly in November, compared to recent months, while sale levels remained fairly normal for this time of year,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “November activity helped put our market firmly in balanced territory.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 3,222 in November. This represents a 26.3 per cent decline compared to the 4,374 new listings reported in October 2011, but a 6.3 per cent increase compared to November 2010 when 3,030 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®.

Looking back further, last month’s new listing total is 2.1 per cent above the ten-year average for November.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® sits at 14,090, a decline of 9 per cent compared to October 2011 but an increase of 13 per cent when compared to this time last year.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.2 per cent to $622,087 in November 2011 from $580,080 in November 2010.

Since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.4 per cent.

Sales of detached properties on the MLS® in November 2011 reached 916, a decrease of 12.8 per cent from the 1,050 detached sales recorded in November 2010, and a 21.3 per cent decrease from the 1,164 units sold in November 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11.4 per cent from November 2010 to $890,204.

Sales of apartment properties reached 1,000 in November 2011, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,052 sales in November 2010, and a decrease of 28.4 per cent compared to the 1,396 sales in November 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 2.7 per cent from November 2010 to $399,686.

Attached property sales in November 2011 totalled 444, a 9.1 per cent increase compared to the 407 sales in November 2010, and a 15.1 per cent decrease from the 523 attached properties sold in November 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 4.5 per cent between November 2010 and 2011 to $510,960.

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - November 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices – November 2011 Report click here

STEADY DEMAND FOR HOMES HEADING INTO THE HOLIDAYS

November property sales in the Fraser Valley are up slightly compared to last year and didn’t experience the usual month-over-month seasonal decline.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,120 sales in November on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 3 per cent compared to the 1,084 sales during the same month last year and a decrease of 2 per cent compared to 1,139 sales in October. In the last decade, sales decreased on average 9 per cent from October to November.

Board president, Sukh Sidhu says, “Given the time of year, Fraser Valley is experiencing steady buying activity with notable month-over-month increases in the sale of homes with an attractive price point.

“For example, townhome sales in central Surrey increased by 20 per cent in one month and in Langley by 43 per cent.” Sidhu adds, “Fraser Valley offers buyers the key value of affordability. Currently, over half of our townhomes and condos are listed for $289,000 or less.”

While sales remained stable, MLS® inventory decreased from October to November, typical for the time of year. The board posted 1,926 new properties in November, an increase of 9 per cent compared to November of last year and a decrease of 23 per cent compared to October. November finished with 9,471 active listings in the Fraser Valley, 5 per cent more than the same month last year and 5 per cent less than October’s 10,005 listings.

Sidhu says, “Even with fewer listings coming on stream, buyers can still take advantage of almost nine months of inventory, which is putting downward pressure on prices in certain areas and property types.” Prices for a typical Fraser Valley apartment are down year-over-year and month-over-month, while both single family detached and townhomes are still showing positive price gains compared to November last year and remain stable compared to October.
In November, the benchmark price of a detached home in the Fraser Valley was $532,086, an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to $504,848 in November 2010 and an increase of 0.3 per cent compared to October.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in November was $327,764, an increase of 2.5 per cent compared to the same month last year when it was $319,623 and up 0.7 per cent compared to October. The benchmark price of apartments in November was $238,461, a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to November 2010 and a decrease of 2.2 per cent compared to October.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - November 2011 Report click here

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - October 2011

GREATER VANCOUVER AT LOWER END OF BALANCED HOUSING 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®) system reached 2,317 in October, a 1 per cent decrease compared to the 2,337 sales in October 2010 and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to the previous month. Those sales rank as the second lowest total for October over the last 10 years.

“Right now, prospective home buyers have a good selection of properties to choose from and more time to make decisions,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Home sellers should be mindful of local market conditions to ensure they are pricing their properties competitively.”

New listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver totalled 4,374 in October, which is on par with the 10-year average. This represents an 18.3 per cent increase compared to October 2010, when 3,698 properties were listed for sale on the MLS®, and a 23 per cent decrease compared to the 5,680 new listings reported in September 2011.

The total number of properties listed for sale on the Greater Vancouver MLS® system currently sits at 15,377, which is 9.3 per cent higher than the 14,075 properties listed for sale during the same period last year. October was the first month that the total number of property listings showed a decrease this year.

The MLSLink® Housing Price Index (HPI) benchmark price for all residential properties in Greater Vancouver over the last 12 months has increased 7.5 per cent to $622,955 in October 2011 from $579,349 in October 2010. However, since reaching a peak in June of $630,921, the benchmark price for all residential properties in the region has declined 1.3 per cent.

Sales of detached properties in October reached 974, which represents virtually no change from the 976 detached sales recorded in October 2010, and a 34.5 per cent decrease from the 1,487 units sold in October 2009. The benchmark price for detached properties increased 11 per cent from October 2010 to $884,778, but decreased 1.3 per cent compared to the previous month.

Sales of apartment properties reached 958 in October, a 2.6 per cent decrease compared to the 984 sales in October 2010, and a decrease of 40.4 per cent compared to the 1,607 sales in October 2009. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 3.2 per cent from October 2010 to $402,702, but decreased 0.7 per cent compared to the previous month.

Attached property sales in October totalled 382, a 1.3 per cent increase compared to the 377 sales in October 2010, and a 37.4 per cent decrease from the 610 attached properties sold in October 2009. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 6.5 per cent between October 2010 and 2011 to $519,455, and increased half a per cent compared to the previous month.

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - October 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - October2011 Report click here

ADVANTAGE BUYERS… IN FRASER VALLEY’S HOUSING MARKET

Below average home sales combined with a regular influx of new listings continue to give buyers the upper hand in communities south of the Fraser River, including Mission. However, according to the president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Sukh Sidhu, “There is action when the property is competitively priced.

“It is not a quiet market. Priced-right properties are selling thanks to the continuation of low interest rates.” Sidhu adds, “What’s happening is that there is a large amount of inventory available in the Fraser Valley, in particular with condos and townhomes, and that’s what’s holding prices in check.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,139 sales in October on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 12 per cent compared to the 1,014 sales during the same month last year and a decrease of 2 per cent compared to 1,165 sales in September.

In terms of listings, the board posted 2,511 new properties in October, an increase of 18 per cent compared to October of last year and a decrease of 5 per cent compared to September. The number of active listings in the Fraser Valley dipped in October, going from 10,096 in September to 10,005.

Sidhu says, “The good news for sellers is that although inventory is high, it’s not near record highs and sales remain steady. This is why the overall benchmark price for residential properties has remained unchanged for six months.”

The benchmark price (the price of homes with characteristics typical to that area) of a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley in October was $530,335, an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to $505,759 in October 2010 and on par with the price in September.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in October was $325,482, an increase of 2 per cent compared to the same month last year when it was $319,058 and down 0.6 per cent compared to September. The benchmark price of apartments in October was $243,725, an increase of 1.3 per cent compared to October 2010 and on par with the price in September.

The average number of days to sell a Fraser Valley home varies depending on the property type. Sidhu says the average of 45 days to sell a single family detached home has been constant for three months. In October, townhomes took on average 55 days to sell and apartments 75 days.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - October 2011 Report click here

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - August 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - August 2011 Report

HOME SALES IN FRASER VALLEY HOLD STEADY IN AUGUST

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,341 sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, an increase of 35 per cent compared to the 997 sales during the same month last year and slightly higher than the 1,322 sales in July.

Sukh Sidhu, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, says, “We typically see a summer dip in sales in August compared to July and that didn’t happen this year. We attribute the current steady market to interest rates remaining favourable, as well as buyers taking advantage of home prices softening slightly in certain markets and an influx of new inventory across all property types.”

The board posted 2,644 new properties on its MLS® in August, an increase of 26 per cent compared to August of last year and 10 per cent fewer than it received in July. The number of active listings in the Fraser Valley remained at 10,074 in August, on par with July’s volume.

“The number of homes on the market remains at a yearly high, which combined with a decrease in sales, can put downward pressure on pricing. We’re only seeing this in some communities for certain property types underlining the importance for both sellers and buyers to obtain local real estate expertise.

“Year over year, home prices in the Fraser Valley are either on par or showing increases; month over month, benchmark prices for the three main residential property types combined declined by 1.3 per cent.”

The benchmark price of a single family detached house in the Fraser Valley in August was $528,959, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to $510,107 in August 2010.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in August was $327,317, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to $324,485 during the same month last year. The benchmark price of apartments in Fraser Valley in August was $245,751, an increase of 2.5 per cent compared to $239,659 in August 2010.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - August 2011 Report click here

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - August 2011

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 2,378 in August. This total represents an eight per cent increase compared to the 2,202 sales in August 2010, but also ranks as the third lowest total for August in the last 10 years.

August marked the third consecutive month that home sale activity in Greater Vancouver was below the 10-year average for the month. In contrast, home listing activity in the region has exceeded the 10-year norm every month since the beginning of the year.

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Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - July 2011

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 2,571 in July, a 14 per cent increase compared to the 2,255 sales in July 2010 and a 21.2 per cent decline compared to the 3,262 sales in June 2011.

While the balance between home buyer and seller activity remains in an equilibrium range in the Greater Vancouver housing market, last month’s home sale total was below the 10-year average for July.

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - July 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - July 2011 Report

RATIO OF PROPERTY SALES TO INVENTORY REMAINS STABLE IN THE FRASER VALLEY

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,322 sales on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the 1,101 sales during the same month last year, however 17 per cent fewer than the 1,588 sales in June.

While sales decreased month-over-month, listings went up. The board posted 2,931 new properties on its MLS® in July – 6 per cent more than received in June and 24.5 per cent more than in July 2010 – pushing overall inventory to 10,073 active listings, the highest level in the Fraser Valley since last summer.

Sukh Sidhu, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, says, “Last month, we were busier listing rather than selling properties, which is good news for prospective buyers. A buyers’ market means REALTORS® will have more homes to show their clients and increased negotiating power on their behalf.”

“For sellers in this market, expert guidance to determine your home’s list price is essential. Overall, we’re seeing home prices remain strong compared to a year ago, but not for every property type or every community. We’re still seeing tremendous regional variation in prices – some areas showing increases; others decreases – as well as local differences in the average number of days on the market.”

For example, in July, it took on average 18 days to sell a townhome in North Delta; 45 days on average to sell a single family home in White Rock/South Surrey; and, 65 days on average to sell an apartment in Abbotsford.

The benchmark price of a single family detached house in the Fraser Valley in July was $534,042, an increase of 4.6 per cent compared to $510,470 in July 2010.

For townhouses, the benchmark price in July was $328,318, an increase of 0.8 per cent compared to $325,856 during the same month last year. The benchmark price of apartments in Fraser Valley in July was $248,043, an increase of 1.5 per cent compared to $244,368 in July 2010.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - July 2011 Report click here

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - June 2011

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties reached 3,262 in June, a 9.8 per cent increase compared to the 2,972 sales in June 2010 and a 3.4 per cent decline compared to the 3,377 sales in May 2011.

Home sellers outpaced buyers on Greater Vancouver’s Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®) in June, drawing the market back toward balance this summer.

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - June 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - June 2011 Report

RATIO OF PROPERTY SALES TO INVENTORY REMAINS STABLE IN THE FRASER VALLEY

For three consecutive months, the percentage of properties sold in the Fraser Valley compared to those that were available for purchase has remained at 16 per cent, reflecting a balanced market starting to favour buyers.

In June, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,588 property sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®), while at the same time had 9,758 active listings available.

Sukh Sidhu, president of the Board, explains, “When supply and demand remain as consistent as they have since April, it indicates a stable market."

“However, it is important for both buyers and sellers to be aware that Fraser Valley’s market is highly localized. In general, 16 out of every 100 properties sold in June, but that’s referring to every property type in all six of our communities. Be sure to ask your REALTOR® for the percentage of properties selling specific to your home in your area.”

The Board received 2,762 new listings in June, a decrease of 10 per cent compared to May and a decrease of 12 per cent compared to the 3,153 new listings received in June 2010.

Sidhu adds, “Although the volume of new homes coming on stream saw a seasonal dip in June, selection remains very good in particular for Fraser Valley apartments. With interest rates remaining stable, there are some excellent opportunities for first-time buyers this summer.”

In June, the benchmark price for Fraser Valley detached homes was $528,060, an increase of 1.9 per cent compared to $518,355 in June 2010 and a decrease of 0.3 per cent compared to May.

The benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhomes in June was $327,457, a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to $328,080 in June 2010 and up 0.8 per cent compared to May. The benchmark price of apartments was $249,537 in June, an increase of 1.3 per cent compared to the $246,351 price in June of last year and down 0.6 per cent compared to May.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - June 2011 Report click here

Greater Vancouver Real Estate Prices - May 2011

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales of detached, attached and apartment properties in Greater Vancouver reached 3,377 in May 2011, a 7 per cent increase compared to the 3,156 sales in May 2010 and a 4.7 per cent increase compared to the 3,225 sales in April 2011.

Home sales remained at typical springtime levels on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Greater Vancouver in May.

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Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - May 2011

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - May 2011 Report

FRASER VALLEY HOUSING MARKET SHOWS LOCAL VARIATION

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,608 property sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in May, an increase of 9 per cent compared to 1,477 sold during May of last year, and an increase of 6 per cent compared to April’s 1,516 sales.

Sukh Sidhu, president of the Board, reports, “Overall, the Fraser Valley market is in a balanced position, however there are significant differences amongst individual communities and property types stressing the importance of getting local expertise if you’re thinking of buying or selling.

“For example, sales of single family detached homes in South Surrey/White Rock, Cloverdale and North Delta remain brisk with those markets favouring sellers, however in Abbotsford and Mission high inventory and downward pressure on prices is good news for buyers. In Langley, Surrey Central and North Surrey, conditions are balanced for sales of detached homes.”

Variation is also evident in home prices. In May, the benchmark price for Fraser Valley detached homes was $529,810, an increase of 2.8 per cent year-over-year. The benchmark price is the predicted sale price of a typical property in the Fraser Valley. Contrast that to May’s average price of $630,870 for detached homes, an 11.6 per cent increase compared to May 2010 – influenced by the sale of higher-end homes or homes with larger lots.

Sukh Sidhu explains, “The average price and its percentage change often do not provide an accurate picture of the real market, which is why we talk about prices of “typical” homes that most people are buying or selling.”

In May, the benchmark price of Fraser Valley townhomes was $324,730, a decrease of 1.1 per cent compared to $328,295 in May 2010. The benchmark price of apartments was $250,988 in May, a decrease of 0.5 per cent compared to the $252,221 price in May of last year.

May finished with 2.9 per cent more active listings on the MLS® than it had in April – 9,978 compared to 9,697 – however, 12.6 per cent fewer than the 11,411 listings that were active during May of 2010. The Board received 3,070 new listings in May, an increase of 5.2 per cent compared to April and a decrease of 11.2 per cent compared to the 3,457 new listings received in May 2010.

Fraser Valley Real Estate Prices - May 2011 Report click here