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% 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.”
“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.
Fraser Valley real estate market continues to stabilize heading into fall season
SURREY, BC – Continued slowing sales and a slight rise in inventory in September combined to bring greater stability to the Fraser Valley housing market.
In September, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 897 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a decrease of 11.8 per cent compared to last month and a 51.9 per cent decrease compared to this time last year.
“There’s no question that interest rates continue to be a primary factor in the market trends over the past six months or so,” said Sandra Benz, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The sales slowdown we’re seeing reflects a level of caution exercised by buyers, who are likely waiting for the market to settle further before jumping in. In the meantime, we anticipate prices may continue to decline across all categories.”
Weaker demand in the face of interest rate hikes, continued to bring downward pressure on Benchmark prices across all property categories. Prices have been falling steadily since late spring and, in the case of detached homes, are at October 2021 levels.
“It’s encouraging to see inventories start to rise in the region, however slight,” said Board CEO Baldev Gill. “Adequate supply is a key underpinning of a vibrant and equitable housing market – not just in the Fraser Valley, but throughout the province. As we meet with candidates during the upcoming municipal elections and later on this month with MPs in Ottawa, FVREB Realtors will continue to press for swift action on this fundamental issue.”
Across the Fraser Valley in September, the average number of days spent on the market before selling continued to increase: 34 days for a single-family detached, 32 for townhomes, and 30 for apartments.
Get in touch with Iwa if you want to know specifically about any areas, property types, or trends that you can take advantage of.
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.