Fraser Valley sees further decline in activity in August

SURREY, BC – Market activity declined further in August with sales dropping to their lowest level this year.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,155 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, a decrease of 38.5 per cent compared to the 1,879 sales in August of last year, and a 10.5 per cent decrease compared to the 1,290 sales in July 2018.

Sales of attached homes continued to represent over fifty per cent of all activity in the Fraser Valley this month, with 294 townhouses and 318 apartments selling in August.

“With demand slowing down and prices staying put, both buyers and sellers can expect to see an easing of competition with less multiple offer situations,” said John Barbisan, President of the Board. “Right now, effective pricing is key and will be the determining factor for a successful transaction.”

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley in July finished at 7,339 listings, decreasing 0.8 per cent month-over-month and increasing 28.5 per cent year-over-year. 2,575 new listings were received by the Board in August, an 11.8 per cent decrease from July 2018’s 2,921 new listings, and a 2.2 per cent decrease compared to August 2017’s intake.

“Our market continues to open up the further we get into the year, and that means you can make more considered, informed decisions if you’re looking to jump in,” continued Barbisan. “The best first step you can take is talking to a local REALTOR® who can help you determine your options and a plan forward.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment and a townhome in August was 27. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 35 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $1,008,700, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.9 per cent compared to July 2018 and increased 2.9 per cent compared to August 2017.

• Townhomes: At $548,300 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.7 per cent compared to July 2018 and increased 11.5 per cent compared to August 2017.

• Apartments: At $443,200, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.6 per cent compared to July 2018 and increased 26.9 per cent compared to August 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201808.pdf

Inventory builds as summer slowdown hits

SURREY, BC – Overall housing supply continued to grow in July as sales dropped to their lowest point this year since January.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,290 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, a decrease of 33.4 per cent compared to the 1,937 sales in July of last year, and a 11.2 per cent decrease compared to the 1,452 sales in June 2018.

Of the 1,290 sales processed last month 346 were townhouses and 337 were apartments, together representing 53 per cent of all transactions in July.

Active inventory for the Fraser Valley in July finished at 7,399 listings, increasing 3.6 per cent month-over-month and 23.9 per cent year-over-year.

“Despite a much healthier level of inventory, demand continues to be influenced by pricing and market barriers such as the mortgage stress test and rising interest rates,” remarked Board President John Barbisan. “On top of that, summer is busy for people and usually a slow season for real estate.”

2,921 new listings were received by the Board in July, a 7 per cent decrease from June 2018’s 3,140 new listings, and a 11.5 per cent decrease compared to July 2017’s intake.

“A slower market like this one is an excellent opportunity for buyers to explore their options and enjoy a more relaxed purchasing environment,” continued Barbisan. “If you’re looking, talk to your REALTOR® who can help you get a full view on everything available that fits your needs.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in July was 21, and 24 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 31 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $1,017,400, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.1 per cent compared to June 2018 and increased 5.3 per cent compared to July 2017.

• Townhomes: At $557,500, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.1 per cent compared to June 2018 and increased 14.7 per cent compared to July 2017.

• Apartments: At $450,400, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.7 per cent compared to June 2018 and increased 32 per cent compared to July 2017.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201807.pdf