Sluggish Sales and Rising Inventories See Fraser Valley Moving Toward a Buyer’s Market

SURREY, BC – With active inventories hitting levels not seen in 10 years and sales 30 per cent below the 10-year average, Fraser Valley real estate is building towards a buyer’s market if sales continue to lag.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 982 sales in September, down by eight per cent over August and by more than 10 per cent over September 2023. Again, seasonally adjusted sales were the second slowest in a decade in the Fraser Valley.

“With three rate cuts already and more expected before the end of the year, buyers are watching the market closely to time their purchasing decisions,” said Jeff Chadha, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate…

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VANCOUVER, BC – October 2, 2024 – Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver declined 3.8 per cent year over year in September, suggesting that recent reductions in borrowing costs are having a limited effect in spurring demand so far.

Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totaled 1,852 in September 2024, a 3.8 per cent decrease from the 1,926 sales recorded in September 2023. This figure is 26 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average of 2,502 sales.

“Real estate watchers have been monitoring the data for signs of renewed strength in demand in response to recent mortgage rate reductions, but the September figures don’t offer the signal that many are watching for,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of…

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The Canadian government recently announced significant changes to mortgage rules, aimed at increasing homeownership accessibility. While these changes are expected to spark greater demand among potential homebuyers, experts caution that supply challenges continue to plague Canada’s housing market.

Overview of Ottawa’s Mortgage Rule Changes

In an effort to address the growing housing crisis, Ottawa introduced mortgage rule changes set to take effect in December. These reforms include raising the price cap for insured mortgages and expanding 30-year mortgage amortization options. These are the first major mortgage reforms in over a decade.

Higher Price Cap for Insured Mortgages

One of the central features of the new mortgage rules is the…

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After years of skyrocketing prices and intense bidding wars, the Canadian real estate market is finally cooling off in 2024. This year marks a shift towards a more balanced market, where neither buyers nor sellers have the upper hand. For both seasoned investors and first-time homebuyers, understanding this shift is essential for navigating the current real estate landscape.

What is a Balanced Market?

A balanced real estate market is one where the supply of homes for sale meets the demand of buyers. In other words, no party has a distinct advantage. In contrast to a seller's market, where buyers are forced into bidding wars, or a buyer’s market, where homes sit on the market for months, a balanced market is more stable and predictable.

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Statistics Canada released August employment data today, showing continued growth in excess supply in labour markets nationwide. Employment changed little last month, up 22,100. The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed—decreased a tick to 60.8%, marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline and the 10th decline in the past 11 months. On a year-over-year basis, the employment rate was down 1.2 percentage points in August, as employment growth (+1.6%) was outpaced by growth in the working-age population (+3.5%).

Full-time jobs declined by 44,000 while part-time work increased by 66,000. This was the fourth straight month of very modest employment gains.

The Bank of Canada expressed mounting concern…

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Two Rate Cuts Not Enough to Ignite Summer Home Sales in the Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley residential resale market slowed again in August, as homebuyers continue to face affordability challenges.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) recorded 1,067 sales in August, down by 13 per cent over last month and by 30 per cent over the 10-year seasonal average. August sales were the second slowest seasonally adjusted sales in a decade.

Inventory levels in the Fraser Valley dipped slightly in August, with active listings at 8,626, down one per cent from July, but 37 per cent higher than August 2023.

“Despite two policy rate cuts by the Bank of Canada, buyers are still feeling the squeeze of overall affordability challenges…

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The initial Bank of Canada rate cuts this past summer did not spur housing activity as anticipated, but potentially more on the way will continue to affect the housing market outlook. New listing levels are expected to rise as sellers who may have held back enter the market with the hope that lower mortgage rates will attract additional buyers.

While the current Bank of Canada rate of 4.5% may still not be enough to make a dent in home affordability, it does provide a glimmer of hope for potential buyers as interest rates continue to fall.

Canadians across the country are anxiously awaiting additional rate cuts, promoting future home affordability. While consumer confidence is beginning to rise, mortgage affordability will need to be balanced…

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Looking to settle down in a vibrant, diverse, and convenient location? Richmond, BC, might just be the perfect spot for you! This city, just a stone's throw away from Vancouver, offers a variety of living options that cater to all lifestyles, whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or looking for a peaceful retirement. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top condos and apartments available in Richmond, showcasing what makes this city an excellent place to call home.

The Appeal of Living in Richmond

Richmond is not just another suburb of Vancouver; it has its own unique charm and appeal. With its close proximity to Vancouver, excellent public transport, and a rich blend of cultures, Richmond provides an unmatched living…

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More Good News On The Canadian Inflation Front

Inflation in Canada decelerated once again in July to its slowest pace in three years, assuring the central bank will cut rates for the third consecutive meeting on September 4. The US is also widely expected to begin easing monetary policy at its September confab.

Inflation Rate Update

The annual inflation rate in Canada fell to 2.5% in July from 2.7% in June, matching market expectations. The deceleration in headline inflation was broad-based, stemming from lower prices for travel tours, passenger vehicles, and electricity. This confirmed the Bank of Canada’s expectation that inflation would fall to 2.5% in the second half of this year.

Monthly Changes in CPI

The CPI rose 0.4% in July after…

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Weaker-Than-Expected July Jobs Report Keeps BoC Rate Cuts In-Play

Canadian employment data, released today by Statistics Canada, showed a continued slowdown, which historically would have been a harbinger of recession. This cycle, immigration has augmented the growth of the labour force and consumer spending, forestalling a significant economic downturn.

Employment declined again in July, down 2.8K. The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are working—fell 0.2 percentage points to 60.9% in July. The employment rate has followed a downward trend since reaching a high of 62.4% in January and February 2023 and has fallen in nine of the last ten months.

In July 2024, an increase in full-time work (+62,000; +0.4%) was…

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