VANCOUVER, BC – March 2, 2018 – Metro Vancouver* home sales dipped below the long-term historical average in February.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential property sales in the region totalled 2,207 in February 2018, a nine percent decrease from the 2,424 sales recorded in February 2017, and a 21.4 percent increase compared to January 2018 when 1,818 homes sold.
Last month’s sales were 14.4 percent below the 10-year February sales average. By property type, detached sales were down 39.4 percent over the same period, attached sales were down 6.8 percent, and apartment sales were 5.5 percent above the 10-year February average.
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“Rising interest rates and stricter mortgage requirements have reduced home buyers’ purchasing power, particularly for those at the entry level of our market,” Jill Oudil, REBGV president said. “Even still, the supply of apartment and townhome properties for sale today is unable to meet demand. On the other hand, our detached home market is beginning to enter buyers’ market territory.”
REBGV Stats Package, February 2018
There were 4,223 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in February 2018. This represents a 15.2 percent increase compared to the 3,666 homes listed in February 2017 and an 11.2 percent increase compared to January 2018 when 3,796 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,822, a three percent increase compared to February 2017 (7,594) and a 12.6 percent increase compared to January 2018 (6,947).
“The spring is traditionally the busiest time for home buyers and sellers in our market. We’ll wait to see how they react to the taxes and other policy measures that our provincial and federal governments have introduced so far this year,” Oudil said. “To help you navigate these changes in today’s housing market, it’s important to work with your local REALTOR®.”
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2018 is 28.2 percent. By property type, the ratio is 13 percent for detached homes, 37.6 percent for townhomes, and 59.7 percent for condominiums.
Generally, analysts say that downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below the 12 percent mark for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 percent over several months.
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,071,800. This represents a 16.9 percent increase over February 2017 and a 1.4 percent increase compared to January 2018.
Sales of detached properties in February 2018 reached 621, a 16.6 percent decrease from the 745 detached sales recorded in February 2017. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,602,000. This represents an 8.2 percent increase from February 2017 and is virtually unchanged from January 2018.
Sales of apartment properties reached 1,185 in February 2018, a 7.1 percent decrease compared to the 1,275 sales in February 2017. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $682,800. This represents a 27.2 percent increase from February 2017 and a 2.6 percent increase compared to January 2018.
Attached property sales in February 2018 totalled 401, a 0.7 percent decrease compared to the 404 sales in February 2017. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $819,200. This represents an 18.1 percent increase from February 2017 and a 1.9 percent increase compared to January 2018.
* Editor’s Note: Areas covered by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver include: Whistler, Sunshine Coast, Squamish, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, and South Delta.
The real estate industry is a key economic driver in British Columbia. In 2017, 35,993 homes changed ownership in the Board’s area, generating $2.4 billion in economic spin-off activity and an estimated 17,600 jobs. The total dollar value of residential sales transacted through the MLS® system in Greater Vancouver totalled $37 billion in 2017.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver is an association representing more than 14,000 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.
Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
