Monday, May 26, 2008

GTA Resale Housing Market Moderate in May

Moderate sales and healthy price increases continued to characterize the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market during the first half of May, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill announced today.
“With 4,422 sales throughout the GTA in the first two weeks of this month, activity has declined 12 per cent compared to the 5,003 homes sold during the first half of May 2007,” said Ms. O’Neill. “Prices however, continue to be strong, averaging $400,817 in the GTA, up six per cent from the $377,612 reported a year ago.”
n the City of Toronto, there were 1,734 sales, representing a 15 per cent decline from the 2,053 homes sold during the first half of May 2007 and an 11 per cent decline from the 1,941 homes sold during the same period in 2006. The average price in the 416 is $437,205, up six per cent from $412,701 a year ago.
In the 905 Region, there were 2,688 sales, down nine per cent from 2,950 a year ago but up four per cent from the same period in 2006. At $377,688, the average price is up seven per cent from the $353,192 recorded during the same timeframe in May of 2007.
Despite moderate sales overall, some neighbourhoods experienced heightened activity during the first half of May. The GTA is showing signs for a healthy 2008 compared to the diminished activity during the first quarter of 2008.
The Danforth (E03) saw sales increase 29 per cent overall compared to the same timeframe a year ago due to strong detached home sales.
Interest in detached homes also led Streetsville (W20) to a five percent overall sales increase compared to a year ago.
In the Annex (C02) transactions rose 39 per cent compared to the same period a year ago, driven by strong condominium apartment and detached home sales.
Richmond Hill South (N03) saw strong sales in most property types resulting in a three per cent increase compared to a year ago.
“In recent years, homebuyers have faced a major challenge with respect to limited selection,” said Ms. O’Neill.
“Now though, inventory is up 11 per cent compared to a year ago, which has resulted in more choice for home buyers and will a positive effect on the quality of available listings.”
A wider selection from which to choose has also resulted in increased Days on Market, which has risen to 35 from last year's 28.
“The Greater Toronto Area offers a wide array of housing stock to fit almost any budget; I encourage anyone thinking of making a move to contact their REALTOR® to learn more about all of their options.”
Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-ofthe-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 27,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.


Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

Monday, May 05, 2008

Resale Housing Market moderate in April, but prices up

With 8,762 houses sold in the Greater Toronto Area, April’s resale housing activity was down seven per cent from the record 9,452 transactions from the same timeframe a year ago, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill announced today.
“The market is showing signs for a healthy 2008 compared to the diminished activity we saw in the first quarter of the year,” said Ms. O’Neill. “We continue to experience a supply and demand situation and to-date, it remains a sellers market."
Sales activity however, was markedly different in the 416 and 905 regions. With 3,467
transactions in the City of Toronto, sales were down 10 per cent from a year ago. The 905
region was down five per cent from April 2007 sales, with 5,295 homes changing hands.
April’s GTA average price was $398,687, up eight per cent from the same period a year ago. In the City of Toronto, the average price was $446,781, up six per cent from last April. In the 905 region the average price increased five per cent compared to a year ago, to $367,196.
Several neighbourhoods experienced strong sales in April.
Scarborough East (E08) saw an eight per cent overall sales increase compared to April 2007, driven by robust detached home sales.
Caledon (W28) experienced a 15 per cent increase compared to the same timeframe a year ago as a result of strong condominium sales.
Condominium sales also drove Willowdale (C07) to a 32 per cent increase from a year ago.
In Thornhill sales increased eight per cent from last April due to strong detached home sales.
“The number of listings on the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service has increased to 24,539, up seven per cent from a year ago, which is good for homebuyers, who will find a greater range of options in the market,” said Ms. O’Neill. “With prices continuing to appreciate and increased listing inventory there are favourable factors in today’s market for consumers.”
Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict code of ethics and share a state-ofthe-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 27,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.


Source: Toronto Real Estate Board