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 - 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.