TORONTO, February 4, 2015 - Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul
Etherington announced a strong start to 2015, with robust year-over-year sales
and average price growth in January. Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported
4,355 home sales through the TorontoMLS system during the first month of the
year. This result represented a 6.1 per cent increase over January 2014. During
the same period, new listings were up by 9.5 per cent. "The January
results represented good news on multiple fronts. First, strong sales growth
suggests home buyers continue to see housing as a quality long-term investment,
despite the recent period of economic uncertainty. Second, the fact that new
listings grew at a faster pace than sales suggests that it has become easier
for some people to find a home that meets their needs," said Mr.
Etherington. The average selling price for January 2015 home sales was up by
4.9 per cent year-over-year to $552,575. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI)
Composite benchmark was up by 7.5 percent compared to January 2014. "Home
price growth is forecast to continue in 2015. Lower borrowing costs will
largely mitigate price growth this year, which means affordability will remain
in check. The strongest rates of price growth will be experienced for low-rise
home types, including singles, semis and town houses. However, robust enduser demand
for condo apartments will result in above-inflation price growth in the
high-rise segment as well," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market
Analysis
Homeownership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) became more affordable in March 2025 compared to the previous year. On average, both borrowing costs and home prices have declined over the past year, making monthly payments more manageable for households looking to buy a home. “Homeownership has become more affordable over the past 12 months, and we expect further rate cuts this spring. Buyers will also benefit from increased choice, giving them greater negotiating power. Once consumers feel confident in the economy and their job security, home buying activity should improve,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. “Given the current trade uncertainty and the upcoming federal election, many households are likely taking a wait-and-see approach to home buying. If trade issues are solved or public policy choices help mitigate the impact of tariffs, home sales will likely increase. Home buyers need to feel their employment situation is solid before ...
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