September Housing Market Shows Marked Improvement Over Last Year’s Historical Lows
SURREY, BC – Oct. 2, 2013
The Fraser Valley real estate market continues to edge closer to typical activity levels as September
saw the largest year‐over‐year increase in property sales this year to date.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,131 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in
September, an increase of 32 per cent compared to the 857 sales processed during the same month
last year and 10 per cent fewer than processed in August.
Ron Todson, President of the Board, explains, “It is good news however, it’s important to put the
increase into context. Our home sales in September went from the worst in 10 years to just below
our 10‐year average.
“It can take a year or more for the market to recover from regulatory changes such as last year’s
tightening of mortgage rules introduced by the federal government. Although we are seeing
evidence of first‐time home buyers returning to the market, we have to keep in mind that it is more
challenging now for them to get financing, so although we’re witnessing a recovery to a balanced
market it is gradual.”
Todson adds, “An improvement in our sales in the Fraser Valley has not translated to an increase
in home prices because inventory levels have either kept pace or depending on the property type
and community are elevated.
“Your REALTOR® can provide specifics for your area, for example there is 12 months of condo
inventory right now in White Rock/South Surrey, 5 months of inventory for single family homes in
North Delta and only 3 and a half months of townhouse inventory in Langley. Real estate is local
so to understand your market, talk to an expert.”
In September, the benchmark price of single family detached homes in the Fraser Valley was
$552,900, a 0.6 per cent increase compared to $549,500 during the same month last year. For
townhouses, the benchmark price was $296,200, a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to
$300,500 in September 2012 and the benchmark price of apartments was $203,100, 1.9 per
cent less than in September 2012 when it was $207,000.
The Board received 2,375 new listings in September, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to the
2,544 new listings received during the same month last year-leaving the volume of active properties
at 9,875 a decrease of 5 per cent compared to September 2012 and the lowest it’s been since
March of this year.
Take a look at the latest Fraser Valley Real Estate Statistics for our local market, by following the link below, and call me to discuss how this information is used for buying and selling homes in your specific neighbourhood. You can reach me directly at 604.715.3900 or email me at judy@judysehling.com. If you would like to receive this information monthly to your inbox, subscribe to my Newsletter.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.