Connie McGinley

Average is the new up! And above average could be the start of a new trend in Greater Vancouver real estate. Attached are the Sales and Listings Statistics updated to the end of October 2019. This October in the Greater Vancouver real estate market saw a significant increase in the amount of sales compared to October of last year. Buyers are clearly engaging; some home sellers are still reluctant to sell at today’s prices or are simply not engaging at all and the opportunities seen for buyers earlier in the year are diminishing. And with CMHC coming out recently and saying, “The Metro Vancouver Housing Market will see higher sales and modest price increases over the next two years. Resale activity and house prices are expected to fully recover from the recent decline.” The question of “When will we hit the bottom of the market” looks to have been answered with “we already have and are past that point.”

There were 2,892 homes sold of all types in Greater Vancouver in October this year compared with 2,363 homes sold last month, 1,995 sales in October last year and 3,073 homes sold in October 2017. October sales were 9 per cent above (yes that’s correct, above) the 10-year average for the month of October and actually 5 per cent above the 20-year average This was a 45 per cent increase in homes sold compared to October 2018, the same as September in comparison to the previous year. October sales were the highest monthly sales since October 2017. Activity noticeably accelerated towards the end of the month. Perhaps we should save the felines and not call this a “Dead Cat Bounce” but classify it as pent up demand actually coming forward and engaging in the market. It’s the fourth straight month of home sales being higher compared to the same month in the previous year after 17 straight months of those sales being lower compared to the previous year.

Some highlights from October:

• Detached home sales again showed a significant year over year gain this month, up 45 per cent with townhomes up 55 per cent

• Vancouver and North Vancouver showed stronger year over year sales for townhouses and condos in October

• Sales of detached homes and townhouses in Richmond showed significant growth this month after being more stagnant in the previous two years, up 83 per cent and 80 per cent year over year respectively while condos were only 21 per cent higher compared to October 2018

• Sales of townhouses and condos in Port Moody were 136 per cent and 78 per cent higher year over year this October with both showing months of supply at 2 months – indicators of a shift to seller’s market conditions

• Coquitlam detached home sales were 115 per cent higher year over year in October

There were 943 detached houses sold in October 2019 up from 642 (46 per cent) in October 2018 in Greater Vancouver, with a 7.5 per cent decrease in the benchmark price of these homes year over year. For townhouses there were 536 sales in October 2019 compared to 344 in October 2018 (up 55 per cent) with a 5.8 per cent decrease in the benchmark price year over year; and for condos there were 1,384 sales in October 2019, an increase in sales from 985 in October 2018 (up 40 per cent) with a 5.9 per cent decrease in the benchmark price year over year. It would seem buyers are taking advantage of opportunities in the townhouse and detached home market as the gap in price between those and condos has come closer over the last two years.

The number of homes for sale in Greater Vancouver dropped significantly this month. At a time when government policies were supposed to be doing the opposite to resale home supply. At the end of September there were 14,242 homes for sale in Greater Vancouver, and at the end of October there were 13,022, the result was pushing some areas and product types into seller’s market conditions. Albeit without the overheated conditions experienced in 2015 and 2016. There were 4,183 new listings during October in Greater Vancouver, down 17 per cent from October last year and down 10 per cent from October 2017. The number of new listings in October 2019 were 5 per cent below the 10-year average for the month of October and 7 per cent below the 20-year average. While the number of detached homes listed for sale across the region has seen the biggest decrease, active listings for condos are now decreasing and more so in Vancouver, North Vancouver and Richmond.

So, did the federal election results in October provide any clarity on policies that may affect the housing market? With a minority Liberal government that has indicated it won’t align with any one party, policy will be that much more difficult to get through. And from the various election platforms, the policies were different amongst the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP parties. So, while it may have been easy to consider foreign buyers as the root cause of a lack of affordability, what we do know is that real estate transactions in Metro Vancouver are very local currently. When the activity increased in May, the percentage of foreign buyers significantly dropped and continued at this lower level through the next 4 months according to numbers released by the provincial government. May through August showed the percentage of transactions attributed to foreign buyers at less than 1.7 per cent with the average for 2019 currently at 2.3 per cent. Given the various policies implemented by government are not producing more supply, and are more so restricting supply where will the blame go if sales activity and prices edge up in the next two years?

“Home buyers have more confidence today than we saw in the first half of the year,” Ashely Smith, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said. “With prices edging down over the last year and interest rates remaining low, hopeful home buyers are becoming more active this fall. The recent uptick in home sales is moving us into a more historically typical market, both sale and listing activity is trending around our long-term averages in recent months.”

East of the Fraser River, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,592 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® in October, an increase of 18.5 per cent compared to sales in September and a 37.8 per cent increase compared to the 1,155 sales in October of last year. Active listings for the Fraser Valley finished at 7,398, decreasing 6.9 per cent month-over-month and a decrease of 4.5 per cent when compared to October 2018. There were 2,383 new listings in October, a 14.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2018 and a 13.9 per cent decrease compared to September 2019. “Our market started to pick up in the summer and we’ve been steadily improving since. It’s rare to see October homes sales in the Fraser Valley outpace April and that’s what we’ve seen this year; our typical spring and fall markets have flipped.” said Darin Germyn, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Consumers are feeling more confident. Buyers have grown accustomed to the government’s regulation changes. Interest rates have thankfully remained stable and we’re likely seeing some pent-up demand from buyers who were holding off earlier this year. October’s beautiful, sunny weather didn’t hurt either.”

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 2,892 – up from 2,363 (22%) in September 2019, up from 1,634 (45%) in October 2018, down from 3,073 (6%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 13,022 compared to 13,682 (down 5%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 17% compared to October 2018 and down 10% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions with signs of Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 69% compared to 40% in October 2018 and 47% in September 2019.

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 506 – up from 404 (25%) in September 2019, up from 381 (33%) in October 2018, down from 556 (9%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 2,278 compared to 2,459 (down 7%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 19% compared to October 2018 and down 12% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions with signs of Seller’s Market conditions in lower price ranges) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 62% compared to 37% in October 2018 and 41% in September 2019.

Vancouver East Side Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 316 – up from 293 (8%) in September 2019, up from 234 (35%) in October 2018, up from 298 (6%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 1,183 compared to 1,409 (down 16%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 17% compared to October 2018 and down 21% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 72% compared to 44% in October 2018 and 51% in September 2019.

North Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 260 – up from 166 (57%) in September 2019, up from 173 (50%) in October 2018, up from 250 (4%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 777 compared to 938 (down 17%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 27% compared to October 2018 and down 16% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 76% compared to 37% in October 2018 and 37% in September 2019.

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 66 – up from 51 (29%) in September 2019, up from 55 (20%) in October 2018, up from 46 (43%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 678 compared to 743 (down 9%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 24% compared to October 2018 and down 19% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 10 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 42% compared to 26% in October 2018 and 22% in September 2019.

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 345 – up from 283 (22%) in September 2019, up from 230 (45%) in October 2018, down from 411 (16%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 1,948 compared to 1,878 (down 4%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 13% compared to October 2018 and down 18% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 68% compared to 39% in October 2018 and 51% in September 2019.

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 26 – up from 22 (18%) in September 2019, up from 17 (53%) in October 2018, up from 22 (18%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 153 compared to 148 (up 3%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were the same as October 2018 and down 13% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 50% compared to 33% in October 2018 and 39% in September 2019.

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 166 – up from 138 (20%) in September 2019, up from 76 (118%) in October 2018, up from 161 (3%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 517 compared to 556 (down 7%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 17% compared to October 2018 and up 6% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 80% compared to 30% in October 2018 and 55% in September 2019.

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 157 – up from 119 (32%) in September 2019, up from 87 (80%) in October 2018, down from 184 (15%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 704 compared to 693 (up 2%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 18% compared to October 2018 and up 3% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 68% compared to 31% in October 2018 and 51% in September 2019.

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 136 – up from 110 (24%) in September 2019, up from 88 (55%) in October 2018, down from 152 (11%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 430 compared to 511 (down 16%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 34% compared to October 2018 and down 19% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions with signs of Seller’s Market conditions) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 85% compared to 36% in October 2018 and 51% in September 2019.

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 254 – up from 213 (19%) in September 2019, up from 136 (87%) in October 2018, up from 248 (2%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 882 compared to 1,026 (down 14%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 11% compared to October 2018 and down 2% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 77% compared to 37% in October 2018 and 56% in September 2019.

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 66 – up from 49 (53%) in September 2019, up from 36 (83%) in October 2018, down from 76 (13%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 204 compared to 242 (down 16%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were up 15% compared to October 2018 and down 19% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 80% compared to 51% in October 2018 and 52% in September 2019.

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 107 – up from 78 (37%) in September 2019, up from 75 (43%) in October 2018, down from 120 (11%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 296 compared to 357 (down 17%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 21% compared to October 2018 and down 3% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 84% compared to 46% in October 2018 and 54% in September 2019.

Ladner: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 34 – up from 28 (21%) in September 2019, up from 22 (55%) in October 2018, up from 31 (10%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 180 compared to 177 (up 2%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were up 16% compared to October 2018 and up 27% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 52% compared to 50% in October 2018 and 51% in September 2019.

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 32 – up from 26 (23%) in September 2019, up from 25 (25%) in October 2018, down from 40 (20%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 296 compared to 230 (down 29%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were up 19% compared to October 2018 and up 27% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 9 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 40% compared to 37% in October 2018 and 33% in September 2019.

Pitt Meadows: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 31 – down from 32 (4%) in September 2019, the same as October 2018, down from 35 (11%) in October 2017; Active Listings are at 104 compared to 115 (down 9%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were up 33% compared to October 2018 and up 11% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 64% compared to 86% in October 2018 and 54% in September 2019.

Maple Ridge: Total Units Sold in October 2019 was 180 – up from 145 (24%) in September 2019, down from 183 (2%) in October 2018, the same as October 2017; Active Listings are at 765 compared to 703 (up 8%) at this time last year; New Listings in October 2019 were down 17% compared to October 2018 and down 18% compared to October 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market conditions in some areas and product types) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 74% compared to 49% in October 2018 and 55% in September 2019.

Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker/Partner

Sales and listings stats are attached as of August 18, 2019. At mid-month in August home sales are performing marginally better than August of last year at mid-month, although last August was the first of nine straight months with home sales in Greater Vancouver below 2,000 units, this August should see the fourth straight month above 2,000 homes sold. While sales are on the increase, new listings are going in the opposite direction. With less homes coming to the market this is creating more competition amongst buyers and resulting in a fewer number of active listings. And with global changes, potential for lower interest rates and continued population growth, the supply issues will once again become the unrecognized factor in Metro Vancouver’s real estate market. Along with the stats is David’s analysis of sales by price point for Westside detached and attached.

Here is a summary of the activity so far:

Greater Vancouver: 1,167 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 1,091 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 1,862 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 2,161 compared to 2,347 at this time in August 2018 and 2,798 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 14,576 (12,679 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 54% compared to 46% at this time in August 2018.

Vancouver West: 208 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 210 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 308 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 372 compared to 458 at this time in August 2018 and 483 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 2,450 (2,223 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 56% compared to 46% at this time in August 2018.

Vancouver East: 126 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 103 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 184 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 195 compared to 239 at this time in August 2018 and 270 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 1,294 (1,359 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 65% compared to 43% at this time in August 2018.

North Vancouver: 102 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 73 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 135 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 159 compared to 157 at this time in August 2018 and 165 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 889 (764 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 64% compared to 46% at this time in August 2018.

West Vancouver: 25 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 27 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 23 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 72 compared to 86 at this time in August 2018 and 84 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 702 (735 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 35% compared to 31% at this time in August 2018.

Richmond: 126 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 140 Units Sold at this time in August 2018 and 270 at the same time in August 2017. Total New Listings so far in August are 273 compared to 336 at this time in August 2018 and 425 at this time in August 2017. Total Active Listings are at 2,239 (1,808 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 46% compared to 42% at this time in August 2018.

Burnaby East: 13 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 11 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 32 compared to 17 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 171 (129 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 41% compared to 65% at this time in August 2018.

Burnaby North: 49 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 49 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 122 compared to 112 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 621 (484 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 49% compared to 44% at this time in August 2018.

Burnaby South: 56 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 57 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 153 compared to 128 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 825 (630 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 37% compared to 45% at this time in August 2018.

New Westminster: 49 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 102 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 102 compared to 95 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 516 (392 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 48% compared to 47% at this time in August 2018.

Coquitlam: 113 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 107 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 203 compared to 215 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 1,082 (968 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 56% compared to 50% at this time in August 2018.

Port Moody: 25 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 21 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 52 compared to 31 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 231 (208 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 48% compared to 68% at this time in August 2018.

Burnaby East: 13 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 11 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 32 compared to 17 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 171 (129 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 41% compared to 65% at this time in August 2018.

Port Coquitlam: 44 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 40 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 57 compared to 77 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 352 (327 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 77% compared to 52% at this time in August 2018.

Ladner: 19 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 15 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 32 compared to 23 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 189 (159 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 59% compared to 65% at this time in August 2018.

Tsawwassen: 14 Units Sold so far in August 2019 compared to 15 Units Sold at this time in August 2018. Total New Listings so far in August are 35 compared to 16 at this time in August. Total Active Listings are at 281 (221 at the same time in August 2018), Sales To Listings Ratio is at 40% compared to 94% at this time in August 2018.

Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker/Partner

Sales and listings stats are attached as of July 21, 2019. I remember a comment from this very analyst that writes these updates that sales were showing signs of increasing and total active listings were struggling to stay above 15,000 homes. Sales for July are so far tracking at about 15 per cent above the levels of last July at this time, with new listings down 9 per cent and active listings falling. We are likely to see sales in Greater Vancouver finish July at 2,500 homes sold which would be 19 per cent above the number of sales in June. Vancouver’s West Side is showing some of the better numbers for far, with detached home sales at the same level as June already. Active listings are down to 15,385 after peaking at 15,770 at the end of June. The federal government reduced the stress test rate to 5.19 per cent, down from 5.34 per cent. While not a significant amount, a sign that rates for borrowing are dropping and could spark further interest from buyers. Fixed rates are down approximately 0.7 per cent since going up – begging the question as to why the government only dropped the stress test rate by 0.15 per cent!

Here is a summary of the activity so far:

Greater Vancouver: 1,609 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 1,398 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 3,260 compared to 3,492 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 15,385 (12,920 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 49% compared to 43% in June 2019.

Vancouver West: 322 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 263 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 623 compared to 644 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 2,644 (2,327 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 52% compared to 40% in June 2019

Vancouver East: 164 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 141 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 348 compared to 382 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 1,404 (1,417 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 47% compared to 44% in June 2019

North Vancouver: 115 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 104 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 267 compared to 237 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 1,020 (808 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 43% compared to 49% in June 2019

West Vancouver: 32 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 42 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 102 compared to 123 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 741 (742 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 31% compared to 24% in June 2019

Richmond: 192 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 178 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 422 compared to 467 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 2,338 (1,831 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 45% compared to 43% in June 2019

Burnaby East: 9 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 13 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 33 compared to 41 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 166 (141 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 27% compared to 38% in June 2019

Burnaby North: 85 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 61 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 165 compared to 151 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 648 (490 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 52% compared to 43% in June 2019

Burnaby South: 96 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 74 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 163 compared to 197 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 830 (637 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 59% compared to 45% in June 2019

New Westminster: 84 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 74 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 124 compared to 149 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 540 (391 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 68% compared to 48% in June 2019

Coquitlam: 144 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 100 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 289 compared to 325 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 1,152 (954 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 50% compared to 46% in June 2019

Port Moody: 32 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 32 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 51 compared to 76 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 249 (219 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 63% compared to 48% in June 2019

Port Coquitlam: 52 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 56 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 105 compared to 130 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 583 (325 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 50% compared to 44% in June 2019

Ladner: 25 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 23 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 39 compared to 30 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 184 (162 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 64% compared to 47% in June 2019

Tsawwassen: 25 units sold so far in July 2019 compared to 18 units sold as of July 22, 2018. Total New Listings so far in July are 51 compared to 40 units listed as of July 22, 2018. Total Active Listings are at 301 (249 at the same time last year). Sales To Listings Ratio is at 49% compared to 44% in June 2019

Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker/Partner

dexterrealty.com
cathieandkevin.com

Once again I’m taking part in the Ride To Conquer Cancer in 2019 with a goal of raising $7,500. To help me reach my goal please go to www.conquercancer.ca/goto/KevinS

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” Roger Crawford

VANCOUVER, JUNE 6, 2019/ Kevin Skipworth, Chief Economist at Dexter Realty, publishes his latest face-based estate report highlighting the real story behind sales and listings stats. 

Having been in the residential real estate business for many cycles we at Dexter Realty believe the Metro Vancouver resale real estate market is primed for a comeback! Never before have we seen sales and listings numbers like we are experiencing right now. Even with monthly sales transactions below that of a typical May and below the 10-year average, fundamentals shown by new and active listing counts demonstrate that, despite some reports painting a bleak picture in real estate, we actually see renewed confidence as evidenced by recent sales and these new and active listing counts. Sales in May were 44% above those in April, as such, it’s not a slumping market, but one with a gasp of breath. Ask REALTORS® how many multiple offers they have experienced in the last month? Lack of Supply is the story!

When you look at the numbers, over the past 20 years we’ve seen 3 significant slow downs in Vancouver real estate. During the periods between 1997 to 1999, 2008 to 2009 and 2012 to 2013 monthly home sales in Greater Vancouver persisted below 2,000 units. In each of these periods, there were either over or close to 20,000 listings on the market. In this current cycle we are seeing the market struggle to get over 15,000 active listings—at a time when the overall housing stock is at its highest! Demand is and will increase, and supply is clearly less than other significant slower markets.

As an example, click on the following link to view a graph of real estate data since 1992 that I created. The numbers are from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.

The lack of homes listed during one of the slowest markets we’ve encountered in 30 years shows that sellers are not looking to “panic sell”—some will sell out of need and agree to prices below what they would like, others will hold and wait. There is confidence in the Metro Vancouver real estate market long term—with more buyers and fewer sellers, it will lead to stabilization in the market. We may be seeing prices bottom out in the lower and middle end of the market, but there are still great opportunities for buyers, however they are diminishing.

Supply of homes, especially the right supply, will continue to be an issue without being addressed by government at all levels. With increased taxes and costs, as well as restrictive zoning, developers are pulling back and we'll see a lack of new supply and especially the right supply in the next 2 to 4 years. That, coupled with low resale inventories, significant pent up demand, a growing population and Metro Vancouver being a region where people gravitate to, the cycle will continue with demand outstripping supply and prices rising. 

The market is always right—supply and demand ultimately dictates market conditions. The recent intervention on the demand side by the provincial government through taxes and the federal government through the stress test only served to reduce prices significantly in the high end for those the government wanted out of this market and, unwittingly, prevented home buyers from getting into homes in the lower end. Thus affordability overall has not improved and will not get any better without a serious look at the ill-conceived government policies and other factors keeping new homes from making it through the rezoning process to completion.

Kevin Skipworth, B.A. Economics
Partner/Managing Broker & Chief Economist
Dexter Realty
604-868-3656
kevin@skipworth.ca

Kevin produces a bi-monthly statistical report providing up to date sales and listing numbers for Greater Vancouver and its sub areas. Contact Kevin to receive these reports. 

Is this a one hit wonder or the start of a new album for Metro Vancouver real estate? Sales in May were the highest since May 2018 and second highest since November 2017. After 9 straight months with home sales below 2,000 units, there were 2,669 homes sold in Greater Vancouver in May. This was the longest period of monthly sales being below 2,000 since a period of 16 months from November 1997 to February 1999. With the spring market typically being the busy time of year for buyers and sellers, it seems engagement through the end of April and into May was much higher than we’ve seen over the last month. And with all that has been thrown at the market, it shouldn’t be surprising that it took time for the market and its participants to digest. And with less listings coming on the market in May than is typical, total inventory level growth has slowed, resulting in some multiple offers in the market – albeit with a more cautious tone to them. It would seem pent up demand in the market is coming out from the stalemate we’ve seen over the last year. The question is, will this continue. Certainly, with the economy still performing well, population growing and the continued love affair with our region, there is little to keep the market activity from stabilizing. Not to be confused with price growth, which will take longer to recover, but make no mistake it will.

The 2,669 homes sold in Greater Vancouver in May were up from 1,850 (44%) from April this year. The largest month over month increase since March 2017. This was compared with 2,890 sales (down 8%) in May last year and 4,425 sales in May 2017, the largest year over year increase since February 2018. And this was 23 per cent below the 10-year average for May unit sales in Greater Vancouver. The detached house market was stronger in May than we’ve seen in the last year – with areas like Richmond, North Vancouver, New Westminster and Port Moody (up 43 per cent to May 2018), showing better performance year over year compared to the condo and townhouse markets.

On the other side of the equation, there were 6,031 new listings in May in Greater Vancouver, down from 6,558 in May last year and up from 5900 in April 2019. The number of new listings in May were 5 per cent below the 10-year average for May. There are currently 15,452 Active Listings on the market in Greater Vancouver – up from 11,989 at the end of May last year. A combination of lower new listings and higher home sales volumes have slowed down the rate of growth of Active Listings, not typical during a slow real estate market. In the period of 1997 to 1999, Active Listings were consistently at levels of 20,000 – at a time when there were far less homes available for sale in the Greater Vancouver market. Similarly, in the two slowest markets since in 2008 and 2012 to the beginning of 2014, Active Listings were near 20,000 during that period. While this has been one of the slower real estate markets we’ve seen in 20 years, the lack of homes being listed indicates the strength of the market and that prices may not fall much further. And certainly, if buyers engage as they have done this month, that will keep prices consistent. Of course, not all segments of the market operate the same, with the higher end of the market still struggling to recover and further price declines possible.

“High home prices and mortgage qualification issues caused by the federal government’s B20 stress test remain significant factors behind the reduced demand that the market is experiencing today,” Ashley Smith, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said. “Whether you’re a buyer looking to make an offer or a seller looking to list your home, getting your pricing right is the key in today’s market.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,517 sales of all property types on its MLS® in May, a 9.7 per cent increase compared to sales in April 2019, and a 13.7 per cent decrease compared to the 1,758 sales in May of last year. Of the 1,517 total sales, 41.2 per cent, up from 39.4 per cent in April; attached homes were 58.8 per cent of total sales in May compared to 60.6 per cent in April. “Buyers are recognizing that in the last three months, home prices have stopped declining and that in order to take advantage of the improvement in prices over the past year, now is a great time to consider making the purchase they held off on in the previous months,” Darin Germyn, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, said “We’re seeing buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, act, because of better price opportunities and more selection. It’s been four years since buyers had this much choice in the Fraser Valley.”

Here’s a summary of the numbers: 

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 2,669 – up from 1,850 (44%) in April 2019, down from 2,890 (8%) in May 2018, down from 4,425 (40%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 15,452 compared to 11,980 at this time last year (up 29%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 2% compared to April 2019; were down 8% compared to May 2018 and down 3% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 44% compared to 31% in April 2019 and 44% in May 2018.

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 460 – up from 342 (35%) in April 2019, down from 504 (9%) in May 2018, down from 796 (42%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 2,778 compared to 2,276 at this time last year (up 22%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 10% compared to April 2019; were down 17% compared to May 2018 and down 2% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 44% compared to 29% in April 2019 and 40% in May 2018.

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 328 – up from 215 (53%) in April 2019, down from 364 (10%) in May 2018, down from 467 (30%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 1,403 compared to 1,323 at this time last year (up 6%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 3% compared to April 2019; were down 16% compared to May 2018 and down 9% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 54% compared to 36% in April 2019 and 50% in May 2018.

North Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 257 – up from 149 (72%) in April 2019, up from 238 (8%) in May 2018, down from 325 (21%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 1,035 compared to 764 at this time last year (up 35%); New Listings in May 2019 were the same as April 2019; were down 3% compared to May 2018 and up 2% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 50% compared to 29% in April 2019 and 45% in May 2018.

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 71 – up from 48 (48%) in April 2019, up from 63 (13%) in May 2018, down from 100 (29%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 740 compared to 744 at this time last year (down 1%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 6% compared to April 2019; were down 21% compared to May 2018 and down 4% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 10 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 30% compared to 19% in April 2019 and 21% in May 2018.

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 271 – up from 172 (58%) in April 2019, down from 358 (24%) in May 2018, down from 563 (52%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 2,329 compared to 1,680 at this time last year (up 39%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 10% compared to April 2019; were up 14% compared to May 2018 and down 3% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 9 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 35% compared to 25% in April 2019 and 41% in May 2018.

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 25 – up from 15 (67%) in April 2019, down from 29 (14%) in May 2018, down from 36 (31%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 149 compared to 144 at this time last year (up 3%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 12% compared to April 2019; were down 32% compared to May 2018 and down 19% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 50% compared to 26% in April 2019 and 39% in May 2018.

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 123 – up from 81 (52%) in April 2019, down from 147 (16%) in May 2018, down from 217 (43%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 655 compared to 425 at this time last year (up 54%); New Listings in May 2019 were the same compared to April 2019; were up 5% compared to May 2018 and down 11% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 44% compared to 29% in April 2019 and 55% in May 2018.

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 131 – up from 97 (35%) in April 2019, up from 127 (3%) in May 2018, down from 250 (48%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 841 compared to 532 at this time last year (up 58%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 14% compared to April 2019; were up 3% compared to May 2018 and down 11% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 40% compared to 34% in April 2019 and 40% in May 2018.

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 127 – up from 108 (18%) in April 2019, down from 132 (4%) in May 2018, down from 227 (44%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 562 compared to 351 at this time last year (up 60%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 5% compared to April 2019; were up 5% compared to May 2018 and up 10% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 47% compared to 38% in April 2019 and 51% in May 2018.

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 205 – up from 153 (34%) in April 2019, up from 200 (3%) in May 2018, down from 365 (45%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 1,140 compared to 809 at this time last year (up 41%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 12% compared to April 2019; were up 5% compared to May 2018 and up 7% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 39% compared to 33% in April 2019 and 40% in May 2018.

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 62 – up from 60 (3%) in April 2019, down from 64 (3%) in May 2018, down from 105 (41%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 264 compared to 191 at this time last year (up 38%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 12% compared to April 2019; were down 2% compared to May 2018 and down 6% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 49% compared to 41% in April 2019 and 50% in May 2018.

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 132 – up from 67 (97%) in April 2019, up from 104 (27%) in May 2018, down from 171 (23%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 362 compared to 275 at this time last year (up 32%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 5% compared to April 2019; were down 20% compared to May 2018 and down 16% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 71% compared to 34% in April 2019 and 44% in May 2018.

Ladner: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 41 – up from 29 (41%) in April 2019, down from 36 (14%) in May 2018, down from 59 (31%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 208 compared to 156 at this time last year (up 33%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 32% compared to April 2019; were up 3% compared to May 2018 and up 43% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 48% compared to 45% in April 2019 and 43% in May 2018.

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 38 – up from 18 (111%) in April 2019, up from 35 (9%) in May 2018, down from 47 (19%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 305 compared to 266 at this time last year (up 15%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 14% compared to April 2019; were up 6% compared to May 2018 and up 13% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 8 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 40% compared to 17% in April 2019 and 39% in May 2018.

Pitt Meadows: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 40 – up from 28 (43%) in April 2019, up from 39 (3%) in May 2018, down from 72 (44%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 137 compared to 84 at this time last year (up 63%); New Listings in May 2019 were down 17% compared to April 2019; were down 11% compared to May 2018 and down 35% compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 3 Month’s Supply (Balanced to Seller’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 66% compared to 38% in April 2019 and 57% in May 2018.

Maple Ridge: Total Units Sold in May 2019 was 171 – up from 124 (38%) in April 2019, down from 188 (9%) in May 2018, down from 292 (41%) in May 2017; Active Listings are at 832 compared to 592 at this time last year (up 40%); New Listings in May 2019 were up 7% compared to April 2019; the same compared to May 2018 and the same compared to May 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 47% compared to 36% in April 2019 and 51% in May 2018.

Kevin Skipworth
Managing Broker/Partner

Attached are the Sales and Listings Stats updated to the end of April 2019. Not much is changing in the market in relation to sales numbers, we are seeing total number of homes sold consistently below 2,000 since July of 2018. But on a positive note, it was the 4 straight increase months over month. Rome wasn’t built in a day nor is the Greater Vancouver housing market. The pent-up demand continues to build as a result. There were 1,850 sales in Greater Vancouver in March 2019, the lowest total for the month of April since 1995. The standoff continues between buyers and sellers as both sides are waiting for the other to blink. Increasingly sellers are starting to blink first as buyers are being very selective on what they are willing to offer on and jumping on properties that are priced well in today’s market. An opportunity that has been long sought after from buyers in Metro Vancouver.

The 1,850 homes sold in Greater Vancouver in April were up from 1,745 (6%) from March this year. This was compared with 2,631 sales (down 30%) in April last year and 3,617 sales in March 2017. This was 45 per cent below the 10-year average for April. Around the region, North Vancouver and Richmond saw total home sales decline in April compared to March – while all other regions saw sales increase in April. Port Moody had the largest increase in sales in April compared to March.

On the other side of the equation, there were 5,900 new listings in April in Greater Vancouver, down from 5,943 in April last year and up from 5,057 in March 2019. The number of new listings in April were 2 per cent below the 10-year average for April. There are currently 15,050 Active Listings on the market in Greater Vancouver – up from 10,474 at the end of April last year. This is the highest number of Active listings since September 2014. While Active Listings are up 44 per cent to last year, this trended down 4% compared to March year over year. But clearly the growth in listings is attributed to the lack of home sales occurring in the market. New Listings are not occurring at a higher rate comparative to previous years. Buyers have a lot more choice than they have had in the past though making for opportunity.

“Government policy continues to hinder home sale activity. The federal government’s mortgage stress test has reduced buyers’ purchasing power by about 20 per cent, which is causing people at the entry-level side of the market to struggle to secure financing,” Ashley Smith, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said. “Suppressing housing activity through government policy not only reduces home sales, it harms the job market, economic growth and creates pent-up demand.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,383 sales of all property types on its MLS® in April, a 13.3 per cent increase compared to sales in March 2019, and a 19 per cent decrease compared to the 1,708 sales in April of last year. Of the 1,383 total sales, 489 were residential detached homes, 379 were townhouses, and 374 apartments. “Consumers may not have the purchasing power that they did prior to January 2018, but the desire for home ownership is still there and we’re seeing that reflected in our MLS® data,” Darin Germyn, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, said “A slower, stable market has had a positive impact on affordability in our region. Prices of typical residential homes in the Fraser Valley have decreased between 5 and 6 per cent in the last year. In the last three months, benchmark prices have either plateaued or have experienced a small recovery.”

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 1,850 – up from 1,745  (6%) in March 2019, down from 2,631 (30%) in April 2018, down from 3,617 (49%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 15,060 compared to 10,474 at this time last year (up 44%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 17% compared to March 2019; were down 1% compared to April 2018 and up 18% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 31% compared to 35% in March 2019.

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 342 – up from 333  (3%) in March 2019, down from 441 (22%) in April 2018, down from 613 (44%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 2,808 compared to 1,985 at this time last year (up 41%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 18% compared to March 2019; were the same compared to April 2018 and up 34% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 34% in March 2019.

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 215 – up from 174 (24%) in March 2019, down from 298 (28%) in April 2018, down from 355 (39%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,403 compared to 1,223 at this time last year (15%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 16% compared to March 2019; were down 17% compared to April 2018 and up 1% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 36% compared to 34% in March 2019.

North Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 149 – down from 165 (10%) in March 2019, down from 221 (33%) in April 2018, down from 255 (42%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,049 compared to 635 at this time last year (up 65%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 26% compared to March 2019; were up 7% compared to April 2018 and up 44% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 42% in March 2019.

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 48 – up from 34 (41%) in March 2019, down from 56 (14%) in April 2018, down from 100 (52%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 723 compared to 653 at this time last year (up 11%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 48% compared to March 2019; were down 12% compared to April 2018 and up 13% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 15 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 19% compared to 20% in March 2019.

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 172 – down from 178 (3%) in March 2019, down from 312 (44%) in April 2018, down from 510 (66%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 2,220 compared to 1,475 at this time last year (up 51%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 4% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 13 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 25% compared to 26% in March 2019.

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 15 down from 17 (12%) in March 2019, down from 35 (51%) in April 2018, down from 46 (63%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 153 compared to 120 at this time last year (up 28%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 12% compared to March 2019; were down 14% compared to April 2018 and down 5% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 10 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 26% compared to 33% in March 2019.

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 81 – up from 77 (5%) in March 2019, down from 135 (40%) in April 2018, down from 200 (59%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 634 compared to 387 at this time last year (up 64%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 26% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 29% compared to 34% in March 2019

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 97– the same as March 2019, down from 108 (10%) in April 2018, down from 164 (41%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 819 compared to 467 at this time last year (up 75%); New Listings in April 2019 were down 3% compared to March 2019; were up 1% compared to April 2018 and up 8% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 33% in March 2019.

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 108 – up from 81 (33%) in March 2019, down from 133 (19%) in April 2018, down from 179 (40%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 533 compared to 286 at this time last year (up 86%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 41% compared to March 2019; were up 21% compared to April 2018 and up 34% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 38% compared to 40% in March 2019.

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 153 – up from 142 (8%) in March 2019, down from 202 (24%) in April 2018, down from 295 (48%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 1,068 compared to 809 at this time last year (up 32%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 2% compared to March 2019; were up 2% compared to April 2018 and up 17% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 33% compared to 35% in March 2019.

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 60 – up from 38 (58%) in March 2019, up from 54 (11%) in April 2018, down from 85 (29%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 252 compared to 155 at this time last year (up 63%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 53% compared to March 2019; were up 28% compared to April 2018 and up 12% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 4 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 41% compared to 40% in March 2019.

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 67 – up from 59 (14%) in March 2019, down from 103 (35%) in April 2018, down from 121 (45%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 395 compared to 197 at this time last year (up 101%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 17% compared to March 2019; were up 7% compared to April 2018 and up 32% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 35% in March 2019.

Ladner: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 29 – up from 25 (16%) in March 2019, down from 32 (9%) in April 2018, down from 46 (37%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 190 compared to 129 at this time last year (up 47%); New Listings in April 2019 were down 16% compared to March 2019; were up 14% compared to April 2018 and up 14% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 45% compared to 32% in March 2019.

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 18 – up from 15 (20%) in March 2019, down from 38 (53%) in April 2018, down from 41 (56%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 296 compared to 243 at this time last year (up 22%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 28% compared to March 2019; were down 7% compared to April 2018 and up 54% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 16 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 17% compared to 18% in March 2019.

Pitt Meadows: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 28 – up from 24 (31%) in March 2019, up from 25 (12%) in April 2018, down from 56 (50%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 136 compared to 72 at this time last year (up 89%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 28% compared to March 2019; were up 24% compared to April 2018 and down 11% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 38% compared to 43% in March 2019.

Maple Ridge: Total Units Sold in April 2019 was 124 – up from 15 (20%) in March 2019, down from 205 (39%) in April 2018, down from 205 (60%) in April 2017; Active Listings are at 792 compared to 512 at this time last year (up 56%); New Listings in April 2019 were up 31% compared to March 2019; were down 5% compared to April 2018 and up 23% compared to April 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 36% compared to 44% in March 2019.

Kevin Skipworth
DEXTER REALTY - Managing Broker/Partner

Attached are the Sales and Listings Stats updated to the end of March 2019. Ok, next! Let’s just move on to April! But for those looking for a recap, there were 1,743 sales in Greater Vancouver in March 2019, the lowest total for the month of March since 1986. So here is what we know; it was a slow month for home sales, buyers and sellers are both hesitant in the market, The Federal Government announced their budget in March and provided little in the way of benefits to buyers in our market area and now we see fixed interest rates coming down. Here’s what we don’t know; while fixed rates are falling, how far will they fall, will there be federal election promises to boost the housing market prior to October’s election, where will the inventory of resale homes go after moderately increasing in a slower market for sales. And what don’t we know: how many buyers and sellers are waiting eagerly on the sidelines to make a move – pent up demand is growing! And policy changes can only keep that demand down for so long.

The 1,743 homes sold in Greater Vancouver in March were up from 1,512 (15%) from February this year. This was compared with 2,551 sales (down 35%) in March last year and 3,632 sales in March 2017. This was 45 per cent below the 10-year average for March. In looking around Greater Vancouver, both Vancouver’s Westside and North Vancouver saw the most significant increases in sales month over month at 33 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. While West Vancouver, Port Coquitlam and Tsawwassen had sales in March lower than February. In Burnaby East there were zero detached house sales in March. Regional markets are different in their make up and activity, but we typically see Vancouver be a leading indicator in the market. So again, let’s move into April.

On the other side of the equation, there were 5,057 new listings in March in Greater Vancouver, up from 4,557 in March last year and up from 3,974 in February 2019. The number of new listings in March were 12 per cent below the 10-year average for March. There are currently 13,408 Active Listings on the market in Greater Vancouver – up from 9,037 at the end of March last year. While Active Listings are up 48 per cent, they are still relatively low compared to previous markets with similar activity. In 1998 there were 1,921 sales in March with 19,488 Active Listings and in 2013 there were 2,373 sales with 16,322 Active Listings. The lack of inventory is still keeping buyers at bay in some areas. In Vancouver’s Westside the amount of detached homes for sale decreased in March to 694 from 713 in February, an unusual trend for a spring market.

“Housing demand today isn’t aligning with our growing economy and low unemployment rates. The market trends we’re seeing are largely policy induced,” Ashley Smith, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said. “For three years, governments at all levels have imposed new taxes and borrowing requirements on the housing market. What policymakers are failing to recognize is that demand-side measures don’t eliminate demand, they sideline potential home buyers in the short term. That demand is ultimately satisfied down the line because shelter needs don’t go away. Using public policy to delay local demand in the housing market just feeds disruptive cycles that have been so well-documented in our region.”

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,221 sales of all property types on its MLS® in March, a 24.3 per cent increase compared to sales in February 2019, and a 26.6 per cent decrease compared to the 1,664 sales in March of last year. Of the 1,221 total sales, 462 were residential detached homes, 300 were townhouses, and 346 apartments. This was the lowest sales total for the Board for March since 2013. Darin Germyn, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, said “From a buyer’s perspective, there are more opportunities available as we move deeper into spring. Many of our communities are seeing higher inventory levels, especially in the attached market with the number of available townhomes almost doubling and Fraser Valley condos more than doubling compared to last year.”

Here’s a summary of the numbers:

Greater Vancouver: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 1,745 – up from 1,512  (15%) in February 2019, down from 2,551 (32%) in March 2018, down from 3,632 (52%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 13,408 compared to 9,037 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 27% compared to February 2019; were up 10% compared to March 2018 and up 3% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 35% compared to 38% in February 2019.

Vancouver Westside Residential: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 333 – up from 254  (31%) in February 2019, down from 441 (24%) in March 2018, down from 616 (38%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 2,511 compared to 1,691 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 12% compared to February 2019; were up 11% compared to March 2018 and up 20% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 29% in February 2019.

Vancouver Eastside Residential: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 174 – up from 166  (5%) in February 2019, down from 284 (39%) in March 2018, down from 384 (55%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 1,239 compared to 1,043 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 32% compared to February 2019; were the same compared to March 2018 and down 3% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 43% in February 2019.

North Vancouver Residential: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 165 – up from 124  (33%) in February 2019, down from 216 (24%) in March 2018, down from 261 (37%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 883 compared to 516 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 16% compared to February 2019; were up 8% compared to March 2018 and up 14% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 42% compared to 37% in February 2019.

West Vancouver Houses: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 34 – up from 39  (13%) in February 2019, down from 42 (19%) in March 2018, down from 97 (65%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 670 compared to 585 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were down 1% compared to February 2019; were up 9% compared to March 2018 and down 20% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 20 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 20% compared to 23% in February 2019.

Richmond Residential: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 178 – up from 155  (15%) in February 2019, down from 306 (42%) in March 2018, down from 537 (67%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 2,025 compared to 1,379 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 42% compared to February 2019; were up 10% compared to March 2018 and down 1% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 11 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 26% compared to 33% in February 2019.

Burnaby East: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 17 – the same as in February 2019, down from 26 (35%) in March 2018, down from 53 (68%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 141 compared to 123 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 42% compared to February 2019; were up 24% compared to March 2018 and down 20% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 33% compared to 47% in February 2019.

Burnaby North: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 77 – down from 84 (8%) in February 2019, down from 131 (41%) in March 2018, down from 170 (55%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 536 compared to 314 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 40% compared to February 2019; were up 4% compared to March 2018 and down 6% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 34% compared to 53% in February 2019.

Burnaby South: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 97 – up from 83  (17%) in February 2019, down from 103 (6%) in March 2018, down from 167 (42%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 771 compared to 390 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 40% compared to February 2019; were up 48% compared to March 2018 and up 29% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 8 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 33% compared to 40% in February 2019.

New Westminster: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 81 – up from 63 (29%) in February 2019, down from 149 (46%) in March 2018, down from 166 (51%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 472 compared to 224 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 24% compared to February 2019; were up 5% compared to March 2018 and down 1% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 6 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 40% compared to 38% in February 2019.

Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 142 – up from 134 (6%) in February 2019, down from 204 (30%) in March 2018, down from 303 (53%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 933 compared to 552 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 42% compared to February 2019; were up 27% compared to March 2018 and up 9% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 35% compared to 46% in February 2019.

Port Moody: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 38 – up from 30 (27%) in February 2019, down from 57 (33%) in March 2018, down from 83 (54%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 210 compared to 131 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 19% compared to February 2019; were up 22% compared to March 2018 and the same compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 40% compared to 38% in February 2019.

Port Coquitlam: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 59 – down from 60 (1%) in February 2019, down from 103 (43%) in March 2018, down from 139 (58%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 343 compared to 160 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 19% compared to February 2019; were up 34% compared to March 2018 and down 6% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 35% compared to 43% in February 2019.

Ladner: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 25 – up from 20 (25%) in February 2019, up from 24 (3%) in March 2018, down from 45 (44%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 170 compared to 126 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 54% compared to February 2019; were up 40% compared to March 2018 and up 4% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is steady at 7 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 32% compared to 40% in February 2019.

Tsawwassen: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 15 – down from 21 (29%) in February 2019, down from 39 (62%) in March 2018, down from 58 (74%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 236 compared to 194 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 55% compared to February 2019; were up 2% compared to March 2018 and up 16% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 16 Month’s Supply (Buyer’s Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 18% compared to 38% in February 2019.

Pitt Meadows: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 24 – the same as February 2019, down from 34 (29%) in March 2018, down from 44 (45%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 119 compared to 52 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 34% compared to February 2019; were up 61% compared to March 2018 and down 17% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is down to 5 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 43% compared to 36% in February 2019.

Maple Ridge: Total Units Sold in March 2019 was 116 – up from 100 (16%) in February 2019, down from 180 (35%) in March 2018, down from 262 (56%) in March 2017; Active Listings are at 675 compared to 422 at this time last year; New Listings in March 2019 were up 26% compared to February 2019; down 8% compared to March 2018 and down 17% compared to March 2017; Month’s Supply of Total Residential Listings is up to 6 Month’s Supply (Balanced Market) and a Sales to Listings Ratio of 44% compared to 48% in February 2019.

Kevin Skipworth

Dexter Realty

Broker/Owner