TORONTO,
ONTARIO, April 5, 2017– Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua
announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 12,077 residential sales
through TREB’s MLS® System in March 2017. This result represented a 17.7 per
cent increase compared to the 10,260 sales reported in March 2016. For the TREB
market area as a whole, annual sales growth was strongest for condominium
apartments and detached houses. The number of new listings also increased on a
year-over-year basis, at 17,051 – a 15.2 per cent increase compared to March
2016. The strongest growth in new listings was experienced in the detached
market segment. While new listings were up strongly compared to last year, the
rate new listings growth was still lower than the rate of sales growth. As a
result, GTA market conditions continued to tighten. “It has been encouraging to
see that policymakers have not implemented any knee-jerk policies regarding the
GTA housing market. Different levels of government are holding consultations
with market stakeholders and TREB has participated and will continue to
participate in these discussions. Policy makers must remember that it is the
interplay between the demand for and supply of listings that influences price
growth,” said Mr. Cerqua. Strong competition between buyers continued to cause
high levels of price growth in all major market segments. The MLS® Home Price
Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark Price was up by 28.6 per cent year-over-year.
For the TREB market area as a whole, the average selling price was up by 33.2
per cent, with similar annual rates of growth in the low-rise and condominium
apartment segments. “Annual rates of price growth continued to accelerate in
March as growth in sales outstripped growth in listings. A substantial period
of months in which listings growth is greater than sales growth will be
required to bring the GTA housing market back into balance. As policy makers
seek to achieve this balance, it is important that an evidence-based approach
is followed,” 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 ...
Comments