TORONTO, June 3, 2016 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark
McLean announced that there were 12,870 home sales reported through
TREB’s MLS® System in May 2016. This result represented a new record
for the month of May and a 10.6 per cent increase over the same period last
year. In contrast, the number of new listings was down over the same time
frame by 6.4 per cent. The decline in listings was experienced in both the
low-rise and condominium apartment market segments.
“Whether we’re talking about existing homeowners or people looking to
purchase for the first time, there is no shortage of buyers in the marketplace
today. So, while the record number of home sales through the first five
months of 2016 is not necessarily surprising, it does sometimes mask the
larger story in the GTA: the shortage of listings, which has resulted in strong
upward pressure on home prices,” said Mr. McLean.
The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 15 per cent
year-over-year in May 2016. Similarly, the average selling price for all home
types combined was up by 15.7 per cent over the same period. Low-rise
home types, which remained in short supply in many GTA neighbourhoods,
experienced the strongest price growth.
“Widespread competition between buyers of singles, semis and townhouses
across the GTA has underpinned the robust annual rates of price growth
experienced so far this year. With this said, however, it is also important to
understand that tighter market conditions for condominium apartments have
resulted in price growth well above the rate of inflation in this market 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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