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Strong finish for mediocre year in Fraser Valley real estate

SURREY, BC – After a sluggish first half of the year, property sales in the Fraser Valley started picking up speed in the summer and finished strong in December, but not enough to surpass last year’s sales totals.


The Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) processed 15,487 sales in 2019, a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to 2018’s 15,586 sales and the lowest total sales volume for the Fraser Valley since 2013. The total dollar volume of MLS® transactions for the year was $11.2 billion, dropping from $11.8 billion sold during the year prior.


In 2019, total sales of the three main residential property types – detached, townhome and apartment – was 13,773.  Of that total, 5,770 were detached, 3,888 were townhouses and 4,115 were apartments. Year‐over‐year, sales of detached and townhomes increased by 0.6 per cent compared to 2018, while apartment sales dropped by 4.2 per cent.                                                                                                                                                                                            “Comparatively, 2019 was slower than normal for our region,” said Darin Germyn, President of the Board.  “Earlier in the year, we were still feeling the impact of the stress test introduced in 2018, but with steady job growth in our region and a stable economy, we’ve seen sales in the last few months return to above‐average levels.”


In December the Board processed a total of 1,247 sales, the third best December since 2010. Active inventory finished at 4,686 units in December, 20.3 per cent lower than the 10‐year average for the month, with a total of 948 new listings entering the market throughout the month.


Germyn added, “Some sellers have been holding back on listing, waiting until the market improves, with the result that supply in many areas currently is quite tight; so if you’re looking to enter the market in 2020, now is a good time. Without a healthy supply of inventory in the coming months, we could see upward pressure on prices.”


A total of 30,568 new listings were received by the Board’s MLS® system in 2019. This year was the second lowest for new inventory for the Board in the last decade.


MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity


 Single Family Detached: At $953,700, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to November 2019 and decreased 1.2 per cent compared to December 2018.


 Townhomes: At $514,900, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley remained on par with November 2019 and decreased 3.2 per cent compared to December 2018.


 Apartments: At $405,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to November 2019 and decreased 3.1 per cent compared to December 2018.

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Unusual end-of-year demand for Fraser Valley real estate
 
 

Unusual end-of-year demand for Fraser Valley real estate


SURREY, BC – A combination of unseasonably high demand and declining supply reinforced Fraser Valley’s real estate market in November.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,405 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an 11.7 per cent decrease compared to sales in October 2019, and a 36.7 per cent increase compared to the 1,028 sales in November of last year.

Darin Germyn, President of the Board, says, "Some listings are seeing a lot of activity depending on location and property type. REALTORS® are reporting more showings, higher traffic at open houses and even some multiple offer situations, which is atypical for the time of year.



"For our region, a balanced market is when 12 to 20 per cent of active inventory is selling. In November, 33 per cent of our supply of townhomes sold, as did 29 per cent of Fraser Valley condos; indicating that the supply of attached properties isn’t keeping up with demand."



There were 6,733 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of November, a decrease of 8.5 per cent compared to November of last year and a decrease of 9 per cent compared to October 2019. The Board received 1,877 new listings in November, a 21.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2019’s intake of 2,383 new listings and a 9.6 per cent decrease compared to November of last year.



Germyn adds, "Buyers are seeing the effect that tighter supply has on prices. In early summer, the combined residential benchmark price was down 6 per cent compared to the same period last year; in November it was down by 3 per cent."

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $952,200, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley remained unchanged compared to October 2019 and decreased 2.5 per cent compared to November 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $514,700 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.3 per cent compared to October 2019 and decreased 3.4 per cent compared to November 2018.
  • Apartments: At $404,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.1 per cent compared to October 2019 and decreased 4.3 per cent compared to November 2018.


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in November was 40, and 38 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 48 days before selling.

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
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Real estate rebound continues for Fraser Valley

Real estate rebound continues for Fraser Valley


SURREY, BC – The demand for Fraser Valley real estate is the strongest it's been since the spring of 2018.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,592 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, a 18.5 per cent increase compared to sales in September 2019, and a 37.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,155 sales in October of last year.

Darin Germyn, President of the Board, says, "Our market started to pick up in the summer and we've been steadily improving since. It's rare to see October home sales in the Fraser Valley outpace April and that's what we've seen this year; our typical spring and fall markets have flipped.



"Consumers are feeling more confident. Buyers have grown accustomed to the government's regulation changes. Interest rates have thankfully remained stable and we're likely seeing some pent-up demand from buyers who were holding off earlier this year. October's beautiful, sunny weather didn't hurt either."



There were 7,398 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of October, a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to October of last year and a decrease of 6.9 per cent compared to September 2019. The Board received 2,383 new listings in October, a 13.9 per cent decrease compared to September 2019's intake of 2,769 new listings and a 14.2 per cent decrease compared to October of last year.
   



Germyn adds, "We're still seeing some hesitation from sellers to list as they continue to watch for further price erosion, however, it's important to talk to your local market expert because prices in some areas have turned the corner and are starting to creep up again."

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $952,600, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.3 per cent compared to September 2019 and decreased 3.5 per cent compared to October 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $516,000 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.8 per cent compared to September 2019 and decreased 4.2 per cent compared to October 2018.
  • Apartments: At $405,100, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.1 per cent compared to September 2019 and decreased 6.4 per cent compared to October 2018.



For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 34, and 37 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 46 days before selling.


Full Package: http://fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201910.pdf

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Property sales in Fraser Valley have recovered bringing market into balance

Property sales in Fraser Valley have recovered bringing market into balance


SURREY, BC - For the third straight month, home sales in the Fraser Valley surpassed 2018 levels bringing the market back in line with long-term averages.


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,343 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, a 3.5 per cent increase compared to sales in August 2019, and a 29.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,035 sales in September of last year.


Darin Germyn, President of the Board, says, "The market's return to balance is good news for both buyers and sellers, however it's important to put the 30 per cent year-over-year increase in sales into context. September's sales went from amongst the worst in 10 years to just above our 10-year average."

"Home prices are still dropping compared to a year ago, but on a month-to-month basis, prices are moderating because supply is shrinking. Our incoming supply of new listings has dropped consistently for the last four months pushing our total inventory in the Fraser Valley to the lowest it's been since April, which has had an impact on prices."

There were 7,946 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of September, an increase of 3.9 per cent compared to September of last year and a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to August 2019. The Board received 2,769 new listings in September, a 17.5 per cent increase compared to August 2019's intake of 2,357 new listings and a 6 per cent decrease compared to September of last year.

Germyn adds, "Financing is still a challenge for many clients, but fortunately in a balanced market like this, REALTORS® have the time to work with clients and advise them of the best strategies for them, whether they are buying or selling."

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $950,000, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.4 per cent compared to August 2019 and decreased 3.9 per cent compared to September 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $520,000 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.3 per cent compared to August 2019 and decreased 4.8 per cent compared to September 2018.
  • Apartments: At $405,500, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.9 per cent compared to August 2019 and decreased 7.6 per cent compared to September 2018.


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in September was 41, and 37 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 46 days before selling.



Latest Statistics Package

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Fraser Valley housing market continues to stabilize as sales pick up compared to last year

SURREY, BC – For the second month in a row, home sales in the Fraser Valley surpassed 2018 levels bringing the market closer to historical norms.  


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,297 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, an 11 per cent decrease compared to sales in July 2019, and a 12.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,155 sales in August of last year.   


Darin Germyn, President of the Board, observed, “Compared to last year, this August has been quite robust. All property types are selling and we’re seeing a resurgence in the single‐family detached market. Across North Delta, Surrey and Langley, sales are up over 25 per cent.  


“It’s great to see. We’re returning to a normal, steady market. Our sales, new listings and number of active listings in August were all slightly below the 10‐year average.”


There were 8,040 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of August, an increase of 9.6 per cent compared to August of last year and a decrease of 3.6 per cent compared to July 2019. The Board received 2,357 new listings in August, a 15.7 per cent decrease compared to July 2019’s intake of 2,797 new listings and an 8.5 per cent decrease compared to August of last year.


Germyn adds, “Inventory has stopped growing as demand has picked up, which is why we’re also seeing prices moderate. Last month, prices of typical homes in the Fraser Valley were on par with prices from six months ago.”


HPI® Benchmark Price Activity


 Single Family Detached: At $954,100, the Benchmark price for a single‐family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.3 per cent compared to July 2019 and decreased 5.4 per cent compared to August 2018.


 Townhomes: At $521,400, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley increased 0.1 per cent compared to July 2019 and decreased 4.9 per cent compared to August 2018.


 Apartments: At $409,200, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.1 per cent compared to July 2019 and decreased 7.7 per cent compared to August 2018.


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in August was 45, and 36 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 44 days before selling.


Full Stats Package: http://fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201908.pdf

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Fraser Valley home sales rebound in July after lackluster June

SURREY, BC – A noticeable lift in home sales and slight decrease in new listings bolstered the Fraser Valley housing market in July.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,458 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, a 11.6 per cent increase compared to sales in June 2019, and a 13 per cent increase compared to the 1,290 sales in July of last year.

Chris Shields, President-Elect of the Board, observed, "We've been expecting market improvement, but didn't quite anticipate July's momentum. We've gone from the worst June in almost 20 years to a July that's only slightly below the 10-year average. For both buyers and sellers, a return to an active, more balanced market is welcome news."

"We attribute the change in July to pent-up demand and an increase in consumer confidence. REALTORS® in our market saw more activity at open houses and an increase in the number of first-time buyers. Data from our informal member market poll in July showed the highest level of first-time buyer purchases in the Fraser Valley since early 2016."

There were 8,340 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of July, an increase of 12.7 per cent compared to July of last year and a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to June 2019. The Board received 2,797 new listings in July, a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to June 2019's intake of 2,810 new listings and a 4.2 per cent decrease compared to July of last year.

"Sales of single family detached in our region increased by over 18 per cent in July compared to last year," added Shields. "Sellers are now recognizing that although listing prices are down, it's also now more affordable to buy."

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $957,400, the Benchmark price for a single-family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.3 per cent compared to June 2019 and decreased 6.3 per cent compared to July 2018.
  •  Townhomes: At $520,700, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.9 per cent compared to June 2019 and decreased 6.6 per cent compared to July 2018.
  •  Apartments: At $409,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley remained unchanged compared to June 2019 and decreased 9 per cent compared to July 2018.
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Both buyers and sellers taking a wait-and-see approach in the Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC - Last month's property sales in the Fraser Valley were 29.3 per cent below the 10-year sales average for June and were the second lowest total for the month since the year 2000. The number of new listings also decreased in June, coming in at 9.6 per cent below the 10-year average for the number of listings received during that month.


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,306 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June, a 13.9 per cent decrease compared to sales in May 2019, and a 10.1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,452 sales in June of last year.


Darin Germyn, President of the Board, commented, "The Fraser Valley market is still adjusting to the federal government's new mortgage requirements and to the provincial government's speculation and vacancy taxes. We're seeing historically low levels for home purchases in our region, and at the same time, we're seeing some prospective sellers holding back on listing their homes; waiting to see what the market will do.


"This has created a great opportunity for buyers in the Fraser Valley. Inventory overall is growing; prices of benchmark, or typical homes, have decreased 6 to 10 per cent over the past year and interest rates are still holding firm."


There were 8,516 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of June, an increase of 19.3 per cent compared to June of last year and an increase of 0.1 per cent compared to May 2019. The Board received 2,810 new listings in June, a 20.7 per cent decrease compared to May 2019's intake of 3,542 new listings and a 10.5 per cent decrease compared to June of last year.


"There is tremendous variation in the market depending on the property type and location", added Germyn. "It's currently a buyers' market for detached homes in South Surrey/White Rock; but is leaning towards a sellers' market for townhomes in Langley, so if you're considering taking advantage of the market slowdown, first, talk to your REALTOR®."


HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $960,100, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.4 per cent compared to May 2019 and decreased 6.1 per cent compared to June 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $525,200, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to May 2019 and decreased 5.9 per cent compared to June 2018.
  • Apartments: At $409,800, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.7 per cent compared to May 2019 and decreased 9.6 per cent compared to June 2018.
Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201906.pdf
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Slower than normal market still attracting buyers in the Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market experienced its second slowest April in ten years and yet sales of certain property types and price ranges remain solid.


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,383 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, a 13.3 per cent increase compared to sales in March 2019, and a 19 per cent decrease compared to the 1,708 sales in April of last year. Of the 1,383 total sales of residential and commercial combined, 489 were residential detached homes, 379 were townhouses, and 374 were apartments.


Darin Germyn, President of the Board, said of the market: “Consumers may not have the purchasing power that they did prior to January 2018, but the desire for home ownership is still there and we’re seeing that reflected in our MLS® data. 


“Detached homes under one million dollars and attached homes – ranging from $400,000 to $700,000 – continue to attract buyers in the Fraser Valley. Townhome sales in Abbotsford increased by almost 60 per cent compared to March and were on par with last year’s April sales.”


There were 7,870 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of April, an increase of 12.3 per cent compared to March 2019’s inventory and an increase of 38.9 per cent year-over-year.


The Board received 3,391 new listings during the month, an 18.1 per cent increase compared to March 2019’s intake of 2,872 new listings and a decrease of 1.1 per cent compared to April of last year.


"A slower, stable market has had a positive impact on affordability in our region. Prices of typical residential homes in the Fraser Valley have decreased between 5 and 6 per cent in the last year. In the last three months, benchmark prices have either plateaued or have experienced a small recovery,” added Germyn.


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in April was 37, and 31 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 37 days before selling.


HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $964,600, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to March 2019 and decreased 4.8 per cent compared to April 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $521,800 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley increased 0.9 per cent compared to March 2019 and decreased 5.1 per cent compared to April 2018.
  • Apartments: At $420,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.6 per cent compared to March 2019 and decreased 6 per cent compared to April 2018.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201904.pdf

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Fraser Valley real estate market gears up for spring


SURREY, BC – Coming off a mild January, the Fraser Valley real estate market saw an increase in sales activity and overall inventory in February along with decreased prices in several of its communities.


The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 982 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, a 25.3 per cent increase compared to sales in January 2019, and a 29.1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,385 sales in February of last year. Of the 982 total sales, 354 were residential detached homes, 236 were townhouses, and 288 were apartments.


Darin Germyn, President of the Board, said of the market: “With inventory continuing to build, and prices softening across many of our areas and property types, buyers will be well positioned to make a move this spring.”

There were 6,406 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of February, an increase of 6.9 per cent compared to January 2019’s inventory and an increase of 47.6 per cent year-over-year.


The Board received 2,216 new listings during the month, a 15.1 per cent decrease compared to January 2019’s intake of 2,609 new listings and a 3.4 per cent decrease compared year-over-year.


“Demand within our region varies depending on the community, with both residential detached homes and attached properties garnering interest when priced effectively,” continued Germyn. “If you’re looking to list, contact a REALTOR® who can help you understand the local market and what price point will bring you the buyers you’re looking for.”


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in January was 40, and 39 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 43 days before selling.


HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $958,900, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2019 and decreased 3.7 per cent compared to February 2018.
  • Townhomes: At $516,000, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.2 per cent compared to January 2019 and increased 2.8 per cent compared to February 2018.
  • Apartments: At $409,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 0.2 per cent compared to January 2019 and decreased 3 per cent compared to February 2018
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Inventory rises and apartment sales take lead during modest January market


SURREY, BC – Overall inventory levels continued to recover as market activity remained moderate through January. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 784 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, a 2 per cent decrease compared to sales in December 2018, and a 35.2 per cent decrease compared to the 1,210 sales in January of last year.


Of the 784 total sales, 250 were residential detached homes, 190 were townhouses, and 257 were apartments. This is the first time in the Board’s history that apartments have outsold residential detached homes during a month. “This remains a challenging environment for buyers and sellers alike,” said John Barbisan, President of the Board. “Factors such as reduced buying power, changing expectations for pricing, and a recovering inventory are all having an impact.”


There were 5,995 active listings available in the Fraser Valley at the end of January, an increase of 9.9 per cent compared to December 2018’s inventory and an increase of 51.3 per cent year-over-year.


Additionally, 2,609 new listings were received by the Board for the month, a significant increase compared to December 2018’s intake of 978 new listings and a 24.7 per cent increase compared year-over-year. “Historically, January months start slowly, and 2019 is following that trend,” explained Barbisan. “Pricing for each of our major residential property types remains either stable or decreased in most areas. This isn’t necessarily indicative of what’s to come in 2019, but it reinforces the need to be aware of what’s happening in your local market in order to be effective.”


For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell an apartment in January was 45, and 44 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 55 days before selling.


HPI® Benchmark Price Activity


• Single Family Detached: At $954,100, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.2 per cent compared to December 2018 and decreased 3.3 per cent compared to January 2018.


• Townhomes: At $522,100, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley in the Fraser Valley decreased 1.8 per cent compared to December 2018 and increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2018.


• Apartments: At $409,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley decreased 2.2 per cent compared to December 2018 and increased 1.2 per cent compared to January 2018.

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