After a quieter first half of 2019, home buyer activity has returned to more historically typical levels in Metro Vancouver.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,498 in November 2019, a 55.3% increase from the 1,608 sales recorded in November 2018, and a 12.6% decline from the 2,858 homes sold in October 2019.
Last month’s sales were 4% above the 10-year November sales average.
“We started to see more home buyer confidence in the summer and this trend continues today. It’ll be important to watch home listing levels over the next few months to see if supply can stay in line with home buyer demand.” – Ashley Smith, REBGV president
There were 2,987 detached, attached and apartment homes newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2019. This represents a 13.7% decrease compared to the 3,461 homes listed in November 2018 and a 26.7% decrease compared to October 2019 when 4,074 homes were listed.
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,770, a 12.5% decrease compared to November 2018 (12,307) and a 12% decrease compared to October 2019 (12,236).
Sales-to-active listings ratio
For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2019 is 23.2%. By property type, the ratio is 17.2% for detached homes, 24.9% for townhomes, and 29.3% for apartments.
Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12% for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20% over several months.
“In today’s market, the intensity of home buyer demand depends on neighbourhood, property type, and price point,” Smith said. “To better understand the changing trends in your neighbourhood and property type of choice, it’s important to work with your local REALTOR®.”
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $993,700. This represents a 4.6% decrease from November 2018 and a 1.3% decrease over the past six months.
Sales of detached homes in November 2019 reached 825, a 59.9% increase from the 516 detached sales recorded in November 2018. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,415,400. This represents a 5.8% decrease from November 2018, a 0.5% decrease over the past six months, and a 0.3 % increase compared to October 2019.
Sales of apartment homes reached 1,222 in November 2019, a 50.9% increase compared to the 810 sales in November 2018. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $651,500. This represents a 3.8% decrease from November 2018, a 1.9% decrease over the past six months, and a 0.2% decline compared to October 2019.
Attached home sales in November 2019 totalled 451, a 59.9% increase compared to the 282 sales in November 2018. The benchmark price of an attached home is $772,800. This represents a 4.4% decrease from November 2018, a 0.8% decrease over the past six months, and a 0.2% increase compared to October 2019.
