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VANCOUVER, BC – April 3, 2024 – The number of Metro Vancouver1 homes listed for sale on the MLS® rose nearly 23 per cent year-over-year, providing more opportunity for buyers looking for a home this spring.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,415 in March 2024, a 4.7 per cent decrease from the 2,535 sales recorded in March 2023. This was 31.2 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,512).

“If you’re finding the weather a little chillier than last spring, you may find some comfort in knowing that the market isn’t quite as hot as it was last spring either, particularly if you’re a buyer,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Despite the welcome increase in inventory, the overall market balance continues inching deeper into sellers’ market territory, which suggests demand remains strong for well-priced and welllocated properties.”

There were 5,002 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in March 2024. This represents a 15.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,317 properties listed in March 2023. This was 9.5 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (5,524).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,552, a 22.5 per cent increase compared to March 2023 (8,617). This is 6.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,923).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2024 is 23.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 18.2 per cent for detached homes, 31.3 per cent for attached, and 25.8 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Even though the market isn’t quite as hot as it was last year, we’re still seeing modest month-over-month price gains of one to two per cent happening at the aggregate level, which is an interesting dynamic given that borrowing costs remain elevated,” Lis said. “With the latest inflation numbers trending in the right direction, it remains likely that we’ll see at least one or two modest cuts to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate in 2024, but even if these cuts come, they may not provide the boost to affordability many had been hoping for. As a result, we expect constrained borrowing power to remain a challenging headwind as we move into the summer months.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,196,800. This represents a 4.5 per cent increase over March 2023 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to February 2024.

Sales of detached homes in March 2024 reached 694, a 5.4 per cent decrease from the 734 detached sales recorded in March 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,007,900. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase from March 2023 and a 1.8 per cent increase compared to February 2024.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,207 in March 2024, a 7.9 per cent decrease compared to the 1,311 sales in March 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $777,500. This represents a 5.7 per cent increase from March 2023 and a 0.9 per cent increase compared to February 2024.

Attached home sales in March 2024 totalled 495, a 6.2 per cent increase compared to the 466 sales in March 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,112,800. This represents a 5 per cent increase from March 2023 and a 1.7 per cent increase compared to February 2024.

Editor’s Note:

1. Areas covered by Greater Vancouver REALTORS® include: Bowen Island, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, South Delta, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Whistler

2. On February 12, 2024, The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver changed its organizational name to the Greater Vancouver REALTORS®.

3. GVR is now including multifamily and land sales and listings in this monthly report. Previously, we only included detached, attached, and apartment sales, and these additional categories, which typically account for roughly one to two per cent of total MLS® activity per month, are being included for completeness in our reporting.

Greater Vancouver REALTORS® is an association representing more than 15,000 REALTORS® and their companies. The association provides a variety of member services, including the Multiple Listing Service®. For more information on real estate, statistics, and buying or selling a home, contact a local REALTOR® or visit www.gvrealtors.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Mark Moldowan
Manager, Communication and Editorial
Greater Vancouver REALTORS®
604.730.3153
mmoldowan@gvrealtors.ca

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SURREY, BC – Home buyers in the Fraser Valley have more choice heading into the spring market with inventory levels for March at the highest they’ve been in the past five years.

However, March sales were slower than anticipated with 1,395 transactions recorded on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®), a 13 per cent increase over February, but still 31 per cent below the 10-year average. Sales were the second lowest recorded for a March in a decade. Active listings were 6,197, up by 11 per cent over last month and by 37 per cent over March 2023.

“With inventory building, buyers now have more opportunities in both the detached and attached markets compared to one year ago,” said Jeff Chadha, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “However, despite increased options, some buyers may still be waiting on the sidelines for the financing landscape to further settle before they feel comfortable getting back into the market.”

New listings increased 7 per cent in March, to 2,986 but remain 12 per cent below the 10-year average. With a sales-to-active listings ratio of 23 per cent, overall market conditions remain in seller’s market territory. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Despite slower than anticipated sales in March, sellers who draw on the knowledge and expertise of a professional REALTOR® to help price their property appropriately, are, in some cases, getting multiple offers and are seeing their property move quickly,” said FVREB CEO Baldev Gill. “That’s why we always encourage buyers and sellers to work with their local REALTOR® who understands the changing market conditions and can protect their interests.”

The average number of days homes are spending on the market continues to decline, with single-family detached homes spending 27 days on the market, down from 35 days in February, apartments spending 26 days on the market, down from 29 days in February and townhomes moving more quickly at 20 days, down from 28 days on the market in February.

Overall Benchmark prices edged up again in March, by 1.4 per cent from February and up 4.6 per cent over March 2023.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,517,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.1 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 8.8 per cent compared to March 2023.

Townhomes: At $846,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.9 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 7.2 per cent compared to March 2023.

Apartments: At $555,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.6 per cent compared to February 2024 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to March 2023.

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SURREY, BC – March 2023 saw the second consecutive month of growth in sales in the Fraser Valley, and although still below seasonal norms, the trend is an encouraging sign that the region continues to head towards increased market stability.

At 1,550, property sales posted on the FVREB’s Multiple Listings Service (MLS®) were 72.6 per cent higher than sales recorded last month. Although 39.9 per cent lower than a year ago and nearly 25 per cent below the ten-year average, it marks the first time since August that monthly sales exceeded the 1,000 level.

“After months of uncertainty made it difficult for buyers and sellers to re-enter the housing market, we may well be seeing a turning point,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The pause in rate hikes has helped to restore a much-needed sense of predictability, which is building consumer confidence. As a result, we’re starting to see more traffic at open houses along with more multiple offer situations.”

As in all regions across the province and the country, low supply is still an issue and a primary factor driving price growth.

New listings, at 2,559, were 32 per cent higher than in February, but still 44.1 per cent below last year, while active listings were up by 2.8 per cent over last month and 3.5 per cent below last year. However, both are well off the ten-year average and among the lowest March listings recorded in a decade.

As a result, the aggregate sales-to-active listings ratio grew to 34 per cent, shifting the market into sellers territory, with demand for townhomes even more pronounced, at a 62 per cent ratio. (The market is considered balanced when the sales-to active listings ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.)

Benchmark prices continued to edge upward with roughly two per cent month-over-month growth across all categories. The composite Benchmark price was $965,100 in March.

“While market demand continues to trend up, we still face an uphill battle on the supply side, which is keeping prices elevated,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “The province will require sustained inventory growth of at least 25 per cent over each of the next five years in order to normalize inventories. Until then, we strongly advise buyers and sellers to consult with a REALTOR® to plan the best strategy.”

Properties spent slightly fewer days on the market compared to last month with detached homes posting 30 days on the market and apartments 29. Townhomes moved faster, at 26 days.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $1,390,600 the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.9 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 21.7 per cent compared to March 2022.

  • Townhomes: At $794,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 14.5 per cent compared to March 2022.

  • Apartments: At $521,800 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 11 per cent compared to March 2022.


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SURREY, BC – For the third consecutive month, new listings in the Fraser Valley continued to climb in March giving buyers more to choose from, helping to increase overall active inventory to levels not seen since last July.


Property sales remain robust, as Benchmark prices, the price of a ‘typical’ home, continued to increase month- over-month.


In March, the FVREB processed 2,580 residential and commercial sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a decrease of 22.5 per cent compared to March 2021 and 41.4 per cent more than were processed in February.


Sandra Benz, President of the Board, said of this month’s statistics, “Sales were strong again in March as more new listings continued to come on stream. We’re hopeful this will contribute to a slowing in price growth, which is good news for the home-buying public. Other encouraging signs, such as less open house traffic and fewer multiple offers, may help us get to a more balanced market, however until the fundamental issue of lack of supply is addressed, we won’t see that happen anytime soon.”


The Board received 4,580 new listings in March, a decrease of 10.0 per cent compared to March of last year, and 22.4 per cent more than were processed in February. Total active inventory for March was 4,699, a decrease of 6.2 per cent compared to last year’s 5,012 active listings, however 24.0 per cent higher than last month.


Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, added, “We may not see the impact of recent interest rate hikes on the market trends until later in 2022. With fixed rates nearly double what they were a year ago, new homebuyers will likely be more impacted than other segments of the home-buying public, as mortgage stress test conditions become more stringent. We hope to see equal efforts from government to address inventory issues tohelp make housing more affordable.”


Across Fraser Valley, in March, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 12 and a townhome was 14 days. Apartments took, on average, 11 days to sell.


MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

  • Single Family Detached: At $1,726,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 3.4 per cent compared to February 2022 and increased 39.5 per cent compared to March 2021.


  • Townhomes: At $886,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 5.4 per cent compared to February 2022 and increased 41.9 per cent compared to March 2021.


  • Apartments: At $643,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 4.6 per cent compared to February 2022 and increased 38.2 per cent compared to March 2021.


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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.

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March sales and new listing data show preliminary impact of COVID‐19 on Fraser Valley housing market

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.
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