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February brings balance to Metro Vancouver’s housing market.

March 04, 2025.

After a 46 per cent year-over-year increase of new listings in January, the number of newly listed properties on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver rose more moderately in February helping keep market conditions in balanced territory.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,827 on Metro Vancouver’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February 2025, an 11.7 per cent decrease from the 2,070 sales recorded in February 2024. This total was 28.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,571).

“After the rush of new listings in January, home sales and new listings in February were closer to historical averages, which has positioned the overall market in balanced conditions,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “With a potential Bank of Canada rate cut on the table for mid-March, homebuyers may find slightly improved borrowing conditions while enjoying the largest selection of homes on the market since pre-pandemic times.”

There were 5,057 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in February 2025. This represents a 10.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,560 properties listed in February 2024. This was 11.6 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,530).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,744, a 32.3 per cent increase compared to February 2024 (9,634). This is also 36.4 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,341).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2025 is 14.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.7 per cent for detached homes, 18.5 per cent for attached, and 16.8 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Balanced market conditions typically bring a flatter price trajectory, and we’ve seen prices across all segments remain in a holding pattern for the past few months,” Lis said. “But with the active spring season just around the corner, it will be interesting to see whether buyers take advantage of some of the most favorable market conditions seen in years, and whether sellers change their willingness to bring their properties to market.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,169,100. This represents a 1.1 per cent decrease over February 2024 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to January 2025.

Sales of detached homes in February 2025 reached 477, a 14.8 per cent decrease from the 560 detached sales recorded in February 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,006,100. This represents a 1.8 per cent increase from February 2024 and is virtually unchanged compared to January 2025.

Sales of apartment homes reached 976 in February 2025, a 10.6 per cent decrease compared to the 1,092 sales in February 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $747,500. This represents a 2.8 per cent decrease from February 2024 and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to January 2025.

Attached home sales in February 2025 totalled 359, a 10.9 per cent decrease compared to the 403 sales in February 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,087,100. This represents a 1.2 per cent decrease from February 2024 and a 1.7 per cent decrease compared to January 2025.

2025 Begins With Strong Sales and Listings Activity.

Vancouver, BC – February 13, 2025.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 4,221 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in January 2025, up 6.4 per cent from January 2024. The average MLS® residential price in BC in January 2025 was down 1.0 per cent at $949,560 compared to $959,191 in January 2024.

The total sales dollar volume was $4 billion, a 5.3 per cent increase from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 12 per cent lower than the ten-year January average.

“As expected, 2025 is off to a better start in most regions across BC,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “January’s pickup in sales and listings may foreshadow a stronger 2025, caveated by global uncertainties which may trigger higher or lower rates from the Bank of Canada.”

Active listings in January 2025 climbed to 30,896 units, a 27 per cent increase from the same month last year. Normalizing trends in new listings, coupled with stronger sales activity in the past few months, have led to an accumulation of inventory. Moving forward, it remains crucial for supply to keep pace with growing demand to keep markets balanced and prevent rampant price appreciation.

Home sellers off to an active start in 2025.

February 4, 2025.

Homes newly listed on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver rose 46 per cent year-over-year in January, as sellers appear eager to enter the market to start the year. 

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,552 in January 2025, an 8.8 per cent increase from the 1,427 sales recorded in January 2024. This was 11.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,749). 

“In the three months preceding January, we’ve watched buyer demand gain momentum, but it appears that momentum is now shifting toward sellers to start the New Year,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Even with this increase in new listing activity, sales continue to outpace last years’ figures, signaling some buyer appetite remains after the upswing that finished off 2024.” 

There were 5,566 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in January 2025. This represents a 46.9 per cent increase compared to the 3,788 properties listed in January 2024. This was 31.1 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,247). 

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,494, a 33.1 per cent increase compared to January 2024 (8,633). This is 33.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (8,632). 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2025 is 14.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.2 per cent for detached homes, 18.5 per cent for attached, and 16.5 per cent for apartments. 

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

“With new listings outpacing demand to start 2025, price trends saw little fluctuation in January across all segments, with the market overall standing in balanced conditions,” Lis said. “Our 2025 forecast calls for moderate price growth by the end of the year, but we have cautioned that shocks to the economy such as those currently threatening Canada via tariffs from the US could impact these estimates. Going forward, whether these tariffs actually come into force, the duration they remain in place, and the degree to which Canada retaliates will determine the impact to the housing market in our region in the months ahead, if any.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,173,000. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase over January 2024 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to December 2024. 

Sales of detached homes in January 2025 reached 380, a 0.3 per cent increase from the 379 detached sales recorded in January 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,005,400. This represents a 3.1 per cent increase from January 2024 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to December 2024. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 846 in January 2025, a 13.4 per cent increase compared to the 746 sales in January 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $748,100. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from January 2024 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2024. 

Attached home sales in January 2025 totalled 321, a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 285 sales in January 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,105,600. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from January 2024 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to December 2024.

December Sales Mark a Strong Final Quarter of 2024.

Vancouver, BC – January 13, 2025.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 4,484 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in December 2024, up 24.7 per cent from December 2023. The average MLS® residential price in BC in December 2024 was up 5.6 per cent at $1,013,556 compared to $960,057 in December 2023.

The total sales dollar volume was $4.5 billion, a 31.7 per cent increase from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 15 per cent lower than the ten-year December average.

“Home sales closed the year on a much stronger note than in 2023,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “A stronger finish to 2024 pushed home sales just above last year’s total, setting up a strong hand-off to 2025.”

For all of 2024, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 3.2 per cent to $73.1 billion, compared with year-end 2023. Residential unit sales were up 2.1 per cent year-over-year at 74,434 units, while the average MLS® residential price was also up 1.1 per cent to an average of $982,326 for 2024.

Home sales register a strong finish to cap off 2024.

Home sales registered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver rose over thirty per cent in December, compared to the previous year, signalling strengthening demand-side momentum to close out 2024. 

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 26,561 in 2024, a 1.2 per cent increase from the 26,249 sales recorded in 2023, and a 9.2 per cent decrease from the 29,261 sales in 2022. 

Last year’s sales total was 20.9 per cent below the 10-year annual sales average (33,559). 

“Looking back on 2024, it could best be described as a pivot year for the market after experiencing such dramatic increases in mortgage rates in the preceding years,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics. “With borrowing costs now firmly on the decline, buyers have started to show up in numbers after somewhat of a hiatus – and this renewed strength is now clearly visible in the more recent monthly data.” 

Properties listed on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver totalled 60,388 in 2024. This represents an 18.7 per cent increase compared to the 50,894 properties listed in 2023. This was 9.7 per cent above the 55,047 properties listed in 2022. 

The total number of properties listed last year was 5.7 per cent above the region’s 10-year annual average (57,136). 

Currently, the total number of homes listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,948, a 24.4 per cent increase compared to December 2024 (8,802). This total is also 25.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (8,737). 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,171,500. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase over December 2023 and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to November 2024. 

“Disappointingly, sales came in shy of our forecasted target for the year, but the December figures signal an emerging pattern of strength in home sales, building on the momentum seen in previous months,” Lis said. “These more recent sales figures are now trending back towards long-term historical averages, which suggests there may still be quite a bit of potential upside for sales as we head into 2025, should the recent strength continue. 

“Although sales activity had a slower start to the year, price trends began 2024 on the rise and closed out the year on a flatter trajectory. Most market segments saw year-over-year increases of a few per cent except for apartment units, which ended 2024 roughly flat. With the data showing renewed strength to finish the year however, it looks as though the 2025 market is positioned to be considerably more active than we’ve seen in recent years.”  

December 2024 summary 

Residential sales in the region totalled 1,765 in December 2024, a 31.2 per cent increase from the 1,345 sales recorded in December 2023. This was 14.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,074) for the month. 

There were 1,676 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver in December 2024. This represents a 26.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,327 properties listed in December 2023. This was 1.1 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,695). 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for December 2024 is 16.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.1 per cent for detached homes, 23.6 per cent for attached, and 18.7 per cent for apartments. 

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

Sales of detached homes in December 2024 reached 494, a 31.4 per cent increase from the 376 detached sales recorded in December 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,997,000. This represents a two per cent increase from December 2023 and is nearly unchanged compared to November 2024. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 891 in December 2024, a 23.9 per cent increase compared to the 719 sales in December 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $749,900. This represents a 0.1 per cent decrease from December 2023 and a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to November 2024. 

Attached home sales in December 2024 totalled 371, a 55.9 per cent increase compared to the 238 sales in December 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,114,600. This represents a 3.4 per cent increase from December 2023 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to November 2024. 

Sales Continue Normalizing Trend in November.


Vancouver, BC – December 12, 2024.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,841 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in November 2024, up 25.7 per cent from November 2023. The average MLS® residential price in BC in November 2024 was up 1.7 per cent at $979,221 compared to an average price of $963,143 in November 2023.

The total sales dollar volume was $5.7 billion, a 27.8 per cent increase from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 12 per cent lower than the ten-year average for November.

“Home sales across the province continued the normalizing trend that began in October,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “The surge in activity this fall sets up 2025 for a much stronger start than we’ve seen in the last two years.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is up 1.6 per cent to $68.6 billion, compared with the same period in 2023. Residential unit sales are up 0.8 per cent year-over-year at 69,983 units, while the average MLS® residential price is also up 0.8 per cent to $980,055.

Home buyer demand continues to strengthen in November.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,181 in November 2024, a 28.1 per cent increase from the 1,702 sales recorded in November 2023. This was 12.8 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,500). 

“When we saw demand pick up in October, there was still a question over whether it was a blip in the data or the start of an emerging trend,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “While the November market isn’t quite a Cyber Monday door-crasher, buyers are continuing to take advantage of the relatively balanced market conditions while they last.” 

There were 3,725 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2024. This represents a 10.6 per cent increase compared to the 3,369 properties listed in November 2023. This was 5.4 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (3,535). 

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 13,245, a 21.2 per cent increase compared to November 2023 (10,931). This is 26.1 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (10,502). 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2024 is 17.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.7 per cent for detached homes, 23.1 per cent for attached, and 18.7 per cent for apartments. 

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

“Although demand has increased as we head into year-end, the number of newly listed properties coming to market in November remained sufficient to keep prices steady across all segments,” Lis said. “But as we move into the New Year, if the strength in demand continues at the current pace, and the pace of newly listed properties coming to market doesn’t keep up, it may not be long until we see the return of upward pressure on prices.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,172,100. This represents a 0.9 per cent decrease over November 2023 and nearly unchanged compared to October 2024. 

Sales of detached homes in November 2024 reached 626, a 19.7 per cent increase from the 523 detached sales recorded in November 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,997,400. This represents a one per cent increase from November 2023 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to October 2024. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,089 in November 2024, a 28.1 per cent increase compared to the 850 sales in November 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $752,800. This represents a 1.2 per cent decrease from November 2023 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to October 2024. 

Attached home sales in November 2024 totalled 451, a 42.7 per cent increase compared to the 316 sales in November 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,117,600. This represents a 1.8 per cent increase from November 2023 and a 0.8 per cent increase compared to October 2024.

Housing Markets Post Strong Rebound in October.

Vancouver, BC – November 25, 2024.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 7,119 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in October 2024, up 33.5 per cent from October 2023. The average MLS® residential price in BC in October 2024 was up 0.3 per cent at $970,845 compared to an average price of $968,256 in October 2023.

The total sales dollar volume was $6.9 billion, a 33.8 per cent increase from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were eight per cent lower than the ten-year average for October.

“While it took longer than expected, a recovery in home sales to more normal levels has seemingly arrived,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Across BC, we saw significant month-over-month increases in activity as buyers returned to the market after a long high-interest rate driven hiatus.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 0.2 per cent to $62.9 billion, compared with the same period in 2023. Residential unit sales are down by 1.1 per cent year-over-year at 64,176 units, while the average MLS® residential price is up 0.9 per cent to $980,280.  

Buyer demand surges in October.

November 4, 2024.




After months of tracking approximately twenty per cent below the ten-year seasonal average, Metro Vancouver home sales surged more than 30 per cent year-over-year in October.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales registered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in the region totalled 2,632 in October 2024, a 31.9 per cent increase from the 1,996 sales recorded in October 2023. This was 5.5 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,784).

“Typically, reductions to mortgage rates boost demand, and the strong October sales numbers suggest buyers may finally be responding to lower borrowing costs after waiting on the sidelines for months,” Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics said. “To some market watchers, this rebound may come as a surprise, but with four consecutive rate cuts from the Bank of Canada – and more likely to come on the horizon – it was only a matter of time until signs of renewed strength in demand showed up.”

There were 5,452 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver in October 2024. This represents a 16.9 per cent increase compared to the 4,664 properties listed in October 2023. This was 20 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,545).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 14,477, a 24.8 per cent increase compared to October 2023 (11,599). This total is also 26.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (11,475).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2024 is 18.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 13.4 per cent for detached homes, 22.5 per cent for attached, and 22.2 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“While the strength in October's numbers is encouraging, one data point does not make a trend," Lis said. "Recent data shows that market conditions have been decidedly balanced, with prices easing over the past few months. With the recent uptick in sales however, the attached and apartment segments are now tilting toward a seller’s market with the detached segment not far behind, suggesting the recent period of price moderation may be nearing an end."

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is $1,172,200. This represents a 1.9 per cent decrease over October 2023 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2024.

Sales of detached homes in October 2024 reached 724, a 25.5 per cent increase from the 577 detached sales recorded in October 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,002,900. This represents a 0.3 per cent increase from October 2023 and a 1 per cent decrease compared to September 2024.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,393 in October 2024, a 33.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,044 sales in October 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $757,200. This represents a 1.6 per cent decrease from October 2023 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2024.

Attached home sales in October 2024 totalled 501, a 40.7 per cent increase compared to the 356 sales in October 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,108,800. This represents a 0.4 per cent increase from October 2023 and a 0.9 per cent increase compared to September 2024.

Regional Disparities Emerging in BC Housing Market Activity.

Vancouver, BC – October 15, 2024.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,579 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) systems in September 2024, up a little under 1 per cent from September 2023. The average MLS® residential price in BC in September 2024 was down 2.8 per cent at $942,969 compared to an average price of $969,907 in September 2023.

The total sales dollar volume was $5.3 billion, a 2.1 per cent decline from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 25 per cent lower than the ten-year average for September.

“Thus far, falling mortgage rates have not had the expected impact on home sales,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “That said, there has been interesting regional variation with markets on Vancouver Island and in the North recording more historically normal activity while the Lower Mainland and parts of the Interior lag behind.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 3.2 per cent to $56 billion, compared with the same period in 2023. Residential unit sales are down by 4.1 per cent year-over-year at 57,069 units, while the average MLS® residential price is up 1 per cent to $981,393.

Buyers remain cautious to begin the fall market.

October 02, 2024.

Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver1 declined 3.8 per cent year over year in September, suggesting recent reductions in borrowing costs are having a limited effect in spurring demand so far.

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

“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 economics and data analytics said.

“Sales continue trending roughly 25 per cent below the ten-year seasonal average in the region, which, believe it or not, is a trend that has been in place for a few years now. With the September data, sales are now tracking slightly below our forecast however, but we remain optimistic sales will still end 2024 higher than 2023.”

There were 6,144 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2024. This represents a 12.8 per cent increase compared to the 5,446 properties listed in September 2023. This was also 16.7 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,266).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 14,932, a 31.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023 (11,382). This is 24.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,027).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2024 is 12.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.1 per cent for detached homes, 16.9 per cent for attached, and 14.6 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“With some buyers choosing to stay on the sidelines, inventory levels have sustained the healthy gains achieved over the course of this year, providing much more selection to anyone searching for a home,” Lis said.

'With all this choice available, prices have trended sideways for the past few months. The September figures, however, are now showing modest declines across all segments on a month over month basis. This downward pressure on prices is a result of sales not keeping pace with the number of newly listed properties coming to market, which has now put the overall market on the cusp of a buyers’ market. With two more policy rate decisions to go this year, and all signs pointing to further reductions, it’s not inconceivable that demand may still pick up later this fall should buyers step off the sidelines.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,179,700. This represents a 1.8 per cent decrease over September 2023 and a 1.4 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Sales of detached homes in September 2024 reached 516, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 572 detached sales recorded in September 2023. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,022,200. This represents a 0.5 per cent increase from September 2023 and a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Sales of apartment homes reached 940 in September 2024, a 4.9 per cent decrease compared to the 988 sales in September 2023. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $762,000. This represents a 0.8 per cent decrease from September 2023 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Attached home sales in September 2024 totalled 378, a 7.4 per cent increase compared to the 352 sales in September 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,099,200. This represents a 0.5 per cent decrease from September 2023 and a 1.8 per cent decrease compared to August 2024.

Sales Slow in August, but Falling Rates Should Drive Activity Higher in the Fall.

Vancouver, BC – September 11, 2024.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,943 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) systems in August 2024, a 10 per cent decrease from August 2023. The average MLS® residential price in BC in August 2024 was down 1.7 per cent at $938,500 compared to an average price of $955,063 in August 2023.

The total sales dollar volume was $5.6 billion, an 11.5 per cent decline from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 22 per cent lower than the ten-year average for August. “After some encouraging signs of recovery in early summer, sales slowed again in August,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “However, with the Bank of Canada lowering rates for a third consecutive time and with fixed mortgage rates falling, we expect market activity to pick up in the fall.”

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume is down 3.3 per cent to $50.8 billion, compared with the same period in 2023. Residential unit sales are down by 4.6 per cent year-over-year at 51,505 units, while the average MLS® residential price is up 1.4 per cent to $985,609.