Fraser Valley real estate sales dip in August; prices hold steady
Back to school, back to work, back to real estate! The seasonal trend in real estate is for sales and inventory to dip in the summer months and pick up again in September when everyone is back in their regular routine and beaches and pina coladas are a distant memory. This may have been even more evident this year, as buyers sat cautiously on the fence waiting to see what the Bank of Canada would do next. Well, the Bank of Canada just announced they are holding the interest rate where it is with a positive outlook on inflation. This will likely mean more consumer confidence and an uptick in demand for real estate in the Fraser Valley. We enjoyed a relatively balanced market for most asset types in August. For this to continue, we need to see an increase in inventory levels to match the demand. It could be a better time to sell than in recent months. Call us to discuss your personal situation and where the opportunity is.
See Listed Properties For Sale in Langley BC
If you are considering selling, buying or just have questions about the market, please give us a call today and let’s chat.
What Does The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board Have To Say?
SURREY, BC – A combination of seasonal trends and cautious anticipation of the next rate announcement saw the Fraser Valley real estate market slow in August as sales fell slightly for the second month, after reaching a 15-month high in June.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,273 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in August 2023, a decrease of 6.9 per cent compared to July. Sales were up 25.2 per cent compared to August 2022.
New listings dropped to 2,622 in August, a decrease of 8.2 per cent over last month, but 28.2 per cent above this time last year. Active listings have been rising since last December and grew again in August by 1.5 per cent to 6,291, just 7 per cent off the ten-year average.
“Many buyers are in “watchful waiting” mode as they hold off on decisions in anticipation of potential further rate changes,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “With prices relatively stable and active inventory on the rise, we hope to see more new listings come on stream over the next couple of months, especially if rates hold steady.”
With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of 16 per cent, the market for detached homes was balanced between supply and demand. Demand for townhomes and apartments remained stronger (38 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively). The market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active-listings ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.
Benchmark prices in the Fraser Valley, remained relatively unchanged compared to last month with gains of less than one per cent across all property types. See below for more information.
“We expect to see market activity pick up heading into the fall months,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “That said, with the uncertainty surrounding interest rates as well as the potential impact of provincial housing strategy initiatives, buyers and sellers would be well-advised to consult with a professional REALTOR® to assess any risks and opportunities before making a decision.”
On average properties spent between two and four weeks on the market before selling, with townhomes and apartments moving faster (16 and 20 days, respectively) than detached homes (25 days).
MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity
• Single Family Detached: At $1,534,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.6 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 1.6 per cent
compared to August 2022.
• Townhomes: At $846,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.5 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 0.9 per cent compared to August 2022.
• Apartments: At $553,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.4 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 2.5 per cent compared to August 2022.
Find the August 2023 Statistics Package HERE.
