SURREY, BC – In a year when the real estate market was at a standstill for months due to COVID‐19, total annual sales in the Fraser Valley still finished 12.4 per cent above the 10‐year average due to unrelenting, pent‐up consumer demand during the second half of 2020.  

In December, the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed a staggering 2,086 sales, the strongest December on record and 81.2 per cent above normal for the month. New listings in December, were the second highest on record at 1,502. By month’s end, active inventory finished below typical levels, at 3,949 units.

The total sales volume for the year in Fraser Valley was 19,926; an increase of 28.7 per cent compared to 2019’s 15,487 sales and placing it fourth highest for annual sales since 2011.

In 2020, sales of the three main residential property types were as follows: 8,176 single‐family detached; 5,102 townhouses; and 4,357 apartments. Year‐over‐year, sales of detached soared by 41.7 per cent compared to 2019; townhome sales increased by 31.2 per cent and sales of apartments increased by 5.9 per cent.                                                                                                                                                                        

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “The pandemic upended everything in 2020 and how the real estate market responded to it was nothing short of remarkable. No one could have anticipated a six‐month stretch like we’ve just experienced. Typical seasonal cycles did not apply, how we conduct business had to change to keep the public safe; and most unexpected, has been the unwavering demand for family‐sized homes in our region and so far, there is no sign of it slowing down.”

A total of 31,693 new listings were received by the Board’s MLS® in 2020, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to 2019. As with annual sales, 2020 saw the fourth highest volume of new inventory for the Board in the last decade.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "Although listing volumes appear healthy, our region’s current overall inventory is 28 per cent below normal. For those who have been thinking of selling but have held off due to the pandemic, the industry has mastered how to keep consumers safe using technology and strictly following provincial health guidelines. Ask your REALTOR® if now is a prudent time to list because the market currently is favouring sellers.”

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $1,079,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single‐family detached home increased 1.7 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 13.3 per cent compared to December 2019.

 Townhomes: At $576,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.1 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to December 2019.

 Apartments: At $438,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.6 per cent compared to November 2020 and increased 4.7 per cent compared to December 2019.

SURREY, BC – For the fifth consecutive month, demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley showed no signs of waning. Overall property sales for the month of November again set a new Board record.  Sales records were also broken in September and October; and since July, all activity including new listings, has continued to be inordinately high.

 The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,173 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an increase of 54.7 per cent compared to the 1,405 sales in November of last year, and an 8.3 per cent decrease month‐over‐month compared to the 2,370 sales in October.  

The Board received 2,217 new listings in November, a 28.0 per cent decrease compared to October’s intake and an 18.1 per cent increase compared to the 1,877 new listings received during the same month last year. For November, it was the second highest volume of new inventory in the last decade.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “We’re running out of superlatives. We expected November activity to moderate due to the season, but the desire for family‐sized homes and their benefits continues to dominate. Since the summer, we’ve seen the strongest demand in our Board’s 99‐year history specifically for single‐family detached and townhomes.  

“For example, in Cloverdale, demand for detached homes exceeded supply; and in four of our communities the sales‐to‐ actives ratio for townhomes was 50 per cent or more. Meaning, for every 100 active listings, 50 were selling.”  

November finished with 5,847 active listings, a decrease of 14.9 per cent compared to October and a decrease of 13.2 per cent year‐over‐year. November’s total inventory was the fourth lowest for the month in the last decade.  

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, "It’s impressive how consumers – in very high numbers, the highest ever – have adapted to the shifting realities and appreciate our industry’s adherence to strict safety measures. REALTORS® are working very hard currently serving their buyers and sellers using technology and innovation and the numbers clearly show that it’s working.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 34 days, and 25 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 32 days before selling.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $1,061,500 the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to October and, increased 11.5 per cent compared to November 2019.

 Townhomes: At $570,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to October and increased 5.8 per cent compared to November 2019.

 Apartments: At $435,900, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased by 0.3 per cent compared to October and increased 4.6 per cent compared to November 2019.

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) saw the second highest number of property sales and the highest number of new listings in August within the last two decades, when 2,298 sales were recorded in August 2005.

The FVREB processed a total of 2,039 sales in August, a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to sales in July, but an increase of 57.2 per cent compared to the 1,297 sales during August of last year. Last month’s sales were 39 per cent above the ten-year average for August, representing the highest August in the last decade and second only to what was recorded back in August 2005.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, indicated that, “we are seeing better sales volumes increase month over month because buyers are recognizing that the Fraser Valley offers increased choice and diversified housing opportunities, while offering more value as well.”

“In an unusual situation given the pandemic, we remain cautiously optimistic and are encouraged by the numbers we are seeing,” added Shields.

The Fraser Valley Board received 3,309 new listings in August, a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to July’s intake of 3,549 new listings and a 40.4 per cent increase compared to August of last year. August’s new listings were 28.9 per cent above the ten-year average for the month, the highest in the last ten years. Last month finished with 7,404 active listings, an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to July’s inventory and a decrease of 7.9 per cent year-over-year.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “the highly competitive market with multiple offers and shorter days on market for various properties, provides further indication of the role REALTORS® are playing in this market. What we hear from our Realtor members is how consumers are seeking their guidance, advice and expertise during these unusual times.”

In August, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 36; 24 for townhomes, and 31 for single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,019,600, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.2 per cent compared to July and, increased 6.9 per cent compared to August 2019.

• Townhomes: At $563,900, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.1 per cent compared to July and increased 3 per cent compared to August 2019.

• Apartments: At $437,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley remain unchanged compared to July and increased 4 per cent compared to August 2019.

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) saw the second-highest number of both property sales and new listings ever recorded in July.

The FVREB processed a total of 2,100 sales in July, an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to sales in June and an increase of 44 per cent compared to the 1,458 sales during July of last year. Last month’s sales were 25.5 per cent above the tenyear average for July and second only to July 2015.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “In the context of the current pandemic environment, our market is significantly ahead of what we anticipated. We’re seeing market conditions representing a seller’s market for townhomes and single-family homes in the Fraser Valley. For example, in North Delta, Cloverdale, Langley, Abbotsford and Mission, for every 100 active detached listings, 40 or more sold in July.”

“We attribute it to continued pent-up demand from what would have been a strong spring market for us; and clearly, near record-setting low interest rates. Buyers should take note that in some of our communities, the lack of supply and increase in demand is putting upward pressure on home prices. The average price of a detached home in our region set a record high in July, last set two years ago during the same month.”

The Fraser Valley Board received 3,549 new listings in July, a 2.7 per cent increase compared to June’s intake of 3,456 new listings and a 26.9 per cent increase compared to July of last year. July’s new listings were 18.3 per cent above the ten-year average for the month and second only to July 2008. Last month finished with 7,341 active listings, an increase of 3.9 per cent compared to June’s inventory and a decrease of 12 per cent year-over-year.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, adds, “The real estate profession has worked hard to make the buying and selling process safe during this pandemic and consumers have responded. Homeownership is a prudent, long-term investment strategy that isn’t as vulnerable to short-term fluctuations, and in this period of economic uncertainty, it’s encouraging to see the strong demand currently for Fraser Valley real estate.”

In July, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 34; 28 for townhomes and 34 for single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,008,000, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to June and, increased 5.3 per cent compared to July 2019.

• Townhomes: At $563,200, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.6 per cent compared to June and increased 3.3 per cent compared to July 2019.

• Apartments: At $437,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to June and increased 3.8 per cent compared to July 2019.

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market saw a resurgence in activity in June as the industry and consumers continue to successfully adapt to doing business during a pandemic.  

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 1,718 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June, an increase of 113 per cent compared to sales in May and a increase of 32 per cent compared to the 1,306 sales during June of last year. Last month’s sales were 6.4 per cent below the ten‐year average for June.  

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “We’re cautiously optimistic. June’s numbers clearly indicate that the market is functioning in this challenging new environment and we’re returning to more typical activity levels.”

“It’s due to a combination of factors. Obviously, very low interest rates, pent‐up demand from the previous three months when the market was on hold, and the new CMHC rules that came into effect on July 1st making it harder to qualify for mortgage insurance. Also, consumers have told us that they respect and appreciate the safety protocols and use of technology we’ve implemented and they’re getting more comfortable with the new buying and selling process.”

The Fraser Valley Board received 3,456 new listings in June, a 57 per cent increase compared to May’s intake of 2,207 new listings and a 23 per cent increase compared to June of last year. June finished with 7,063 active listings, an increase of 9 per cent compared to May’s inventory and a decrease of 17 per cent year‐over‐year.

Shields adds, “We can’t predict how our market will continue to respond during COVID, but what we do know is that historically, over 80 per cent of Fraser Valley buyers move within our region and half purchase within their own community. People buy and sell for lifestyle reasons and currently, even during this uncertain time, conditions are favourable. The market is balanced, inventory is growing, and prices remain stable.”  

In June, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 37; 30 for townhomes and 31 for single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $994,500, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to May and, increased 3.6 per cent compared to June 2019.

 Townhomes: At $559,600, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.8 per cent compared to May and increased 1.9 per cent compared to June 2019.

 Apartments: At $435,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to May and increased 3.3 per cent compared to June 2019.

SURREY, BC – In May, Fraser Valley listings and property sales started to bounce back as REALTORS® helped their clients adjust to the new, necessary safety measures required to buy and sell a home during the provincial state of emergency due to COVID‐19.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 805 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, an increase of 17 per cent compared to sales in April and a decrease of 47 per cent compared to the 1,517 sales during May of last year.  

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “This is an encouraging sign. Real estate is an essential service and it’s one of the most important economic drivers in BC’s economy.   

“Realtors and consumers deserve to be congratulated. It’s not easy to adapt quickly to physical distancing, virtual tools and strict personal safety protocols and yet we’re seeing more and more transactions happening daily as we all get more comfortable and confident with the new normal.”   

The Fraser Valley Board received 2,207 new listings in May, a 56 per cent increase compared to April’s intake of 1,416 new listings and a 38 per cent decrease compared to May of last year. May finished with 6,454 active listings, an increase of 8 per cent compared to April’s inventory and a decrease of 24 per cent year‐over‐year.

Shields adds, “Although our overall numbers remain significantly lower than seasonal norms, it’s to be expected. The market is resilient and as all of us continue to work together responsibly for the betterment of public safety, it will continue to improve.  

“It’s important for buyers to note that prices overall remain stable. We’re not seeing a lot of downward pressure on prices because for many areas there is a shortage of inventory. We’re even seeing multiple offer situations currently where buyers are paying asking price. When supply and demand stay in balance, prices remain relatively firm.”  

In May, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 38; 36 for townhomes and 31 for single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $990,400, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.2 per cent compared to April and, increased 2.7 per cent compared to May 2019.

 Townhomes: At $555,000, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.4 per cent compared to April and increased 1.8 per cent compared to May 2019.

 Apartments: At $433,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.0 per cent compared to April and increased 1.0 per cent compared to May 2019.

SURREY, BC – As anticipated, real estate activity saw a steep decline last month in response to the pandemic lockdown, resulting in one of the slowest Aprils in Fraser Valley history. 

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed a total of 688 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, a decrease of 52 per cent compared to sales in March and a decrease of 50 per cent compared to April of last year.   According to FVREB historical data, last month’s sales were on par with April sales in 1983 through to 1985; and new listings are in line with numbers last seen in April 1981.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, “Even though March’s initial numbers promised a banner spring, we expected the market to respond this way in April. Both sales and listings contracted in tandem as we all moved swiftly to embrace the measures necessary to respond to this global pandemic.  

Given that the volume of new listings coming on stream fell even faster than sales in April, the market remains stable.”    “What has been most impressive is how the industry – both REALTORS® and our clients – have pivoted and adapted to innovations such as live streaming open houses and e‐transactions that we anticipate will become mainstream even when physical distancing is no longer a requirement. These tools not only ensure public safety; clients appreciate their speed and efficiency.”

The Fraser Valley Board received 1,416 new listings in April, a 47 per cent decrease compared to March’s intake of 2,666 new listings and a 58 per cent decrease compared to April of last year. April finished with 5,997 active listings, a decrease of 1 per cent compared to March’s inventory and a decrease of 24 per cent year‐over‐year.

Shields adds, “Although we’re seeing fewer transactions, it’s important to emphasize that Realtors are still advising and protecting their clients every day. We were deemed a non‐health essential service because there are always people who need to buy or sell a home, potentially due to the economic downturn.  So, for those who need real estate guidance now, or who want to start preparing for the pending market rebound, feel free to call your Realtor to get the advice you need.”  

In April, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 31; 30 for townhomes and 33 for single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $993,400, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to March and, also increased 3.0 per cent compared to April 2019.

 Townhomes: At $553,200, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.7 per cent compared to March and increased 1.4 per cent compared to April 2019.

 Apartments: At $424,100, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to March and increased 0.8 per cent compared to April 2019.

COVID-19 has made a large finacial impact on homeowners and tenants. Here are some of the many relief and information resources available. We will update this with new information as it becomes available.

MORTGAGES:

Many financial institutions are offering payment deferrals. If you are currently facing financial hardship it is worth talking with your lender to see if this is an appropriate option for you.

RENTAL SUPPLEMENT:

BC housing is providing up to $500 as a temporary rental supplement to qualifying tenants.

More info: https://www.bchousing.org/BCTRS

BC HYDRO

• Relief Fund: Applies a 3-month credit to your BC Hydro account for eligible customers (avg credit will be $477).
• Bill deferral and payment plans.
• Customer Crisis Fund: Grants of up to $600 off your energy bill.
• BC Hydro is halting all service disconnections for non-payment of bills

https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/bill-payment/ways-to-pay/covid-19-relief-fund.html

For more information on individual and business income support:

Federal Supports

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals

Provincial Supports:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/business/small-business/resources/covid-19-supports

SURREY, BC – The most up to date Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) data from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) indicates COVID-19 has put the market on pause, as REALTORS® and the public adhere to health authority rules and government guidelines on the pandemic.

By the end of March, the FVREB processed a total of 1,441 sales on its MLS®, a 7 per cent increase compared to sales in February 2020, and an 18 per cent increase compared to the 1,221 sales in March 2019. During the first seven business days of the month, property sales were tracking 60 per cent higher compared to the same period in March of last year, however finished significantly lower.

Chris Shields, President of the Board, observes, "Sales were steadily increasing as is typical moving into spring, and then understandably and necessarily, they started to decline. We serve the public and we understand it is very challenging to buy or list a home while maintaining physical distancing, however if you need us, know that we are here for you."

"We are grateful that the BC government has designated real estate an essential service, and accordingly, our industry has implemented numerous measures to mitigate and manage risk. We have suspended open houses, restricted showings, pivoted to using technology as much as possible, and are urging Realtors in the middle of completing transactions with their clients to do so electronically."

The Board received 2,666 new listings in March, a 4 per cent increase compared to February’s intake of 2,557 new listings. In the lead up to March 10, new listings were tracking 3 per cent higher compared to the same period last year.

By month end, new listings finished 7 per cent lower compared to March of last year taking the number of active listings to 6,083, an increase of 6 per cent compared to February’s inventory and a decrease of 13 per cent year-over-year.

"Shields adds, "A Realtor’s duty is to protect our clients. Now, as a society, we all have a duty. We are urging consumers to follow all recommended health and government guidelines and are committed to doing our part for as long as necessary."

In March, the average number of days to sell an apartment was 27; 28 for townhomes and 38 or single family detached.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $988,500, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.8 per cent compared to February and, also increased 2.6 per cent compared to March 2019.
• Townhomes: At $549,600*, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.7 per cent compared to February and increased 1.3 per cent compared to March 2019.
  *Effective Mar 2020, MLS® HPI for townhomes updated and revised back to Jan 2005
• Apartments: At $423,200, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 2.1 per cent compared to February and increased 1.2 per cent compared to March 2019.

SURREY, BC – In February, property sales in the Fraser Valley finished slightly above the 10‐year average for the month, while new listings came in 3 per cent below, keeping overall inventory at historically below‐average levels. 

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,352 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a 39 per cent increase compared to sales in January 2020, and a 38 per cent increase compared to the 982 sales in February of last year. Of the 1,352 total MLS® sales of residential and commercial combined in the Fraser Valley, 534 were single family detached homes, 341 were townhouses, and 315 were apartments.

“Supply is a challenge currently in some areas and for certain property types. In February, in Langley for example, for every 10 active townhomes, six sold. In Cloverdale, there were 26 active condo listings last month; and 20 sold,” said Darin Germyn, President of the Board.

There were 5,741 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of February, an increase of 12 per cent compared to January’s inventory and a decrease of 10 per cent year‐over‐year. Additionally, 2,557 new listings were received by the Board for the month, a 15 per cent increase compared to January’s intake of 2,216 new listings and a 15 per cent decrease compared to February of last year.

“We are seeing more traffic at open houses, more multiple offers and a slight increase in year‐over‐year prices, so if you’ve been thinking about selling, talk to your local REALTOR® to find out if it’s the right time for you,” observed Germyn.

“Another indicator we look at is how long it takes to sell a home and in February, the three main residential property types sold on average six days faster than last year.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in February was 35, and 33 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 37 days before selling.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $971,300, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 1.1 per cent compared to January and, also increased 1.3 per cent compared to February 2019.

 Townhomes: At $523,200*, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.0 per cent compared to January and increased 1.4 per cent compared to February 2019. *Preliminary number pending further review

 Apartments: At $414,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 1.5 per cent compared to January and increased 1.2 per cent compared to February 2019.