Myddleton Real Estate Group

SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley real estate hit two historical highs in March, setting records for both sales and new listings processed in one month since the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s (FVREB) inception in 1921.    

In March, the FVREB processed 3,329 residential and commercial sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 131 per cent compared to March 2020 and 18 per cent more than were processed in February. The previous record of 3,006 sales was set in March of 2016.

Larry Anderson, President of the Board, said of this month’s statistics, “This market is uncharted territory for Fraser Valley real estate. The surprising strength of the economy, the influence of the pandemic and a lack of inventory of all property types has created unprecedented demand for housing in our region.

“It is very stressful for buyers. REALTORS® are working hard to guide them through what has become a protracted, powerful seller’s market. As we continue to help our clients grapple with escalating prices and multiple offers, March did bring some good news. It set a record for volume of new listings received improving selection,” said Anderson. 

  The Board received 5,087 new listings in March, an increase of 91 per cent compared to March of last year, and 56 per cent more than were processed in February. The previous high for new listings was 4,458 in April 2008. Total active inventory for March was 5,012, a decrease of 18 per cent compared to last year’s 6,083 active listings, however 22 per cent higher than February 2021.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “The impact of the pandemic on the market cannot be overstated and as we know from the province’s latest announcement, we are in a precarious situation currently. Since the end of the first lockdown in 2020, the real estate profession has led the way on protecting its members and the public.  

“Realtors take this extra duty to protect their clients during private, in‐person showings very seriously and will continue to remain vigilant until vaccines are rolled out to the greater population,” added Gill.

Across Fraser Valley, in March, the average number of days to sell a single‐family detached home was 15 and a townhome was 14 days. Apartments took, on average, 31 days to sell.  

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $1,237,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single‐family detached home increased 6.4 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 25.3 per cent compared to March 2020.

 Townhomes: At $624,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 4.0 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 13.7 per cent compared to March 2020.

 Apartments: At $465,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 3.2 per cent compared to February 2021 and increased 6.5 per cent compared to March 2020.

SURREY, BC – For the sixth consecutive month, Fraser Valley’s real estate market experienced property sales at levels never seen before in the 100‐year history of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB).  

In February, the FVREB processed a total of 2,815 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 108 per cent compared to February 2020 and 64 per cent more than were processed in January 2021. To provide a historical perspective, sales in February were 88 per cent above the 10‐year average for that month; and 18 per cent higher than the previous record of 2,387 sales in February 2016.    

Chris Shields, President of the Board said of this month’s record numbers, “This is new territory for us. We have never seen such consistent and persistent demand for housing in the Fraser Valley.  

“What’s fueling the demand is the combination of record‐low interest rates and the response to the pandemic. It’s not something that could have been predicted and it has created a very complex market for buyers that requires the knowledge and expertise of a professional. For family‐sized homes, prices climbed 3 to 5 per cent in February alone and sold on average in three weeks. We understand the stress and frustration with the market currently and we’re here to help guide and protect home buyers.”  

The Board received 3,265 new listings in February, an increase of 28 per cent compared to February of last year, placing it second highest for February for new listings in the last decade. The total active inventory for February was 4,120, down 28 per cent from last year’s 5,741 active listings, and the lowest ever for the month.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “We know more people are choosing to move to the Fraser Valley right now because they’re seeking more usable space, a better quality of life, and they recognize that their housing dollar goes further. The challenge is selection. We anticipate as the vaccination roll‐out accelerates, confidence to list will increase and we’ll see inventory return to more normal levels. In the meantime, REALTORS® will continue to ensure consumer safety is at the forefront of all home viewings and transactions.”

Across Fraser Valley, in February, the average number of days to sell a single‐family detached home and a townhome was 21 days. Apartments took on average 35 days to sell.  

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $1,163,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single‐family detached home increased 5.1 per cent compared to January 2021 and increased 19.9 per cent compared to February 2020.

 Townhomes: At $600,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 3.4 per cent compared to January 2021 and increased 10.1 per cent compared to February 2020.

 Apartments: At $450,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.5 per cent compared to January 2021 and increased 5.3 per cent compared to February 2020. —30 — The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board is an association of 3,840 real estate professionals who live and work in the BC

SURREY, BC – In a month that is usually one of the quietest in real estate, Fraser Valley’s market continued at a breakneck pace, producing the strongest January sales on record as well as a modest uptick in new listings.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed a total of 1,718 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January 2021, an increase of 76 per cent compared to January 2020 and 18 per cent fewer then were processed in December 2020. Sales in January set a new, record high for the month; 72 per cent above the 10‐year average, and 28 per cent higher than the previous record of 1,338 sales set in January 2016.   

 “Buyers are very motivated right now,” said Chris Shields, President of the Board, “Lending rates are the lowest they’ve ever been, your housing dollar goes further in the Fraser Valley and we’ve seen a societal shift in the last year in how people value their homes. People are asking us to find them more space.  

“I am working with a young couple who want and are able to move up – from a condo to a townhome – due to interest rates and the equity they’ve gained over the last couple of years. The challenge is supply. It improved slightly in January, but we’ve got a long way to go to replenish our housing stock. It remains a seller’s market.”

The Board received 2,784 new listings in January 2021, an increase of 26 per cent compared to January of last year. Total active inventory for the month was 4,210, down 18 per cent from last year’s 5,143 active listings, and still 30 per cent below the 10‐year average.

Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “Homeowners may be reluctant to sell because of concerns about buying and selling safety protocols; or the challenge of finding a new home to buy. The industry has worked hard to make it as easy as possible for you to thoroughly evaluate homes online first and then, for serious, final consideration, strict regulations are in place for in‐person viewing.   

“And note, we’re already seeing an improvement in supply levels compared to December, a  trend we anticipate that will continue as spring approaches bringing what is typically one of the busiest markets of the year.”   

In January 2021, the average number of days to sell a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley was 35, compared to 60 days in January 2020; 28 days on average to sell a townhome and 37 days for apartments, compared to 47 and 49 days respectively, in January of last year.  

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

 Single Family Detached: At $1,106,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single‐family detached home increased 2.5 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 15.2 per cent compared to January 2020.

 Townhomes: At $580,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.8 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 7.2 per cent compared to January 2020.

 Apartments: At $439,800, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.3 per cent compared to December 2020 and increased 4.4 per cent compared to January 2020.

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.