Skip to main content

Market Watch for August 2018

September 6, 2018 -- Toronto Real Estate Board President Garry Bhaura announced sales and price increases on a year-over-year basis in August. Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 6,839 sales through TREB's MLS® System in August 2018 – an 8.5 per cent increase compared to August 2017. Both the average selling price, at $765,270, and the MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark for August 2018 were up compared to the same month in 2017, by 4.7 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. The average selling price increased by more than the MLS® HPI Composite due, at least in part, to a change in the mix of sales compared to last year. Detached home sales were up by double digits on a year-over-year percentage basis – substantially more than many other less-expensive home types.

"It is encouraging to see a continued resurgence in the demand for ownership housing. Many home buyers who had initially moved to the sidelines due to the Ontario Fair Housing Plan and new mortgage lending guidelines have renewed their search for a home and are getting deals done much more so than last year. In a region where the economy remains strong and the population continues to grow, ownership housing remains a solid long-term investment," said Mr. Bhaura. 
Month-over-month sales and price growth also continued in August. On a preliminary seasonally adjusted basis, August 2018 sales were up by two per cent compared to July 2018. The seasonally adjusted August 2018 average selling price was down slightly by 0.2 per cent compared to July 2018, following strong monthly increases in May, June and July. 

"Market conditions in the summer of 2018, including this past August, were tighter than what was experienced in the summer of 2017. In August, the annual rate of sales growth outpaced the annual rate of new listings growth. We only have slightly more than two-and-a-half months of inventory in the TREB market area as a whole and less than two months of inventory in the City of Toronto. This means that despite the fact the sales remain off the record highs from 2016 and 2017, many GTA neighbourhoods continue to suffer from a lack of inventory. This could present a problem if demand continues to accelerate over the next year, which is expected," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

GTA REALTORS Release April 2025 Stats

April home sales followed the regular seasonal trend with an increase relative to March. However, total residential transactions in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) were down compared to the same time last year, as potential buyers continue to wait for lower borrowing costs and for certainty about the trajectory of the economy. “Following the recent federal election, many households across the GTA are closely monitoring the evolution of our trade relationship with the United States. If this relationship moves in a positive direction, we could see an uptick in transactions driven by improved consumer confidence and a market that is both more affordable and better supplied,” said TRREB President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 5,601 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in April 2025 – down by 23.3 per cent compared to April 2024. New listings in the MLS® System amounted to 18,836– up by 8.1 per cent year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, April home sales edged up m...

GTA REALTORS ® Release July 2025 Stats

TORONTO, ONTARIO, August 6, 2025 – The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced the best home sales result for the month of July since 2021. Sales were also up relative to listings, suggesting a modest tightening in the market compared to last year.  “Improved affordability, brought about by lower home prices and borrowing costs, is starting to translate into increased home sales. More relief is required, particularly where borrowing costs are concerned, but it’s clear that a growing number of households are finding affordable options for homeownership,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 6,100 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in July 2025 – up by 10.9 per cent compared to July 2024. New listings entered into the MLS® System totalled 17,613 – up by 5.7 per cent year-over year.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, July home sales increased month-over-month compared to June 2025. New listings also rose compared...

Getting Your Home Back To School Ready

The countdown is on for back to school. If you have school-aged kids, now the time to prep for the busy days ahead. So, how can you get your home ready for the rush? Organize your entryway with a place to hang jackets and a spot for essentials you might need just before you go (e.g., sunglasses and keys). Declutter clothes and books, donating or selling items your kids have outgrown. Designate a study area with ample space, good lighting, and a comfortable chair. This could be in the kitchen so you can supervise homework while cooking, at the dining table, or at a desk in your child’s bedroom. Also, organize and stock up on school supplies. Organize cupboard space for lunch containers. Create a spot for quick and healthy after-school snacks like fruits and nuts, and reserve space in the fridge for perishable snacks like yogurt, cheese, and cut-up vegetables. Have a spot to hang art and test scores, such as a pegboard, a strong with clothespin, or a classic spot, the fridge. With little...