August 2, 2013 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 8,544 residential
sales through the TorontoMLS system in July 2013. Total sales were up by 16 per cent
compared to July 2012. Over the same period, new listings added to TorontoMLS and active
listings at the end of the month were up, but by a substantially smaller rate of increase
compared to sales.
“Last month’s sales represented the best July result
since 2009 and was the third best July result on record. Despite recent
increases in average borrowing costs, home buyers are still finding
affordable home ownership options in the GTA,” said Toronto Real Estate
Board President Dianne Usher.
“We are a year removed from the onset of stricter
mortgage lending guidelines and many households who put their decision
to purchase a home on hold have reactivated their search. An increasing
number of these households are getting deals done,” continued Ms. Usher.
Reflecting tighter market conditions, the average
selling price for July sales was up on a year over-year basis by eight
per cent to $513,246. The low-rise market segment continued to be the
driver of overall price growth. It should be noted, however, that the
average condominium apartment price was also up by more than the rate of
inflation on an annual basis. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was also
up on a year-over-year basis for all major home types.
“We are forecasting continued average price growth
for the remainder of 2013 and through 2014 as well. Months of inventory
for low-rise homes remains near record lows, suggesting that sellers’
market conditions will remain in place in the second half of 2013. An
increase in listings in 2014 would lead to more balanced market
conditions and a slower pace of price growth next year, albeit still
above the rate of inflation,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager
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