Values edge upward as buyers test water in
advance of future rate cuts
TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2024
/CNW/ -- Despite fears of leaving money on the table, sellers
have returned to housing markets across the country in large
numbers as the promise of future interest rate cuts draw skittish
buyers back into the fray, according to a report released today by
RE/MAX Canada.
The 2024 RE/MAX Canada Condominium
Report examined condominium activity between January –
August 2024 in seven major markets
across the country including Greater
Vancouver, Fraser Valley, City of
Calgary, Edmonton,
Greater Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax Regional Municipality, and
found that condo listings have soared in anticipation of increased
demand in the fourth quarter of 2024 and early 2025. Growth in
inventory levels was highest in the Fraser Valley (58.7 per cent),
followed by Greater Toronto (52.8
per cent), City of Calgary (52.4
per cent), Ottawa (44.5 per cent),
Edmonton (17.7 per cent), Halifax
Regional Municipality (8.1 per cent) and Vancouver (7.3 per cent). Values have held up
surprisingly well given the influx of listings, with gains posted
in Calgary (15 per cent),
Edmonton (four per cent),
Ottawa (2.3 per cent),
Vancouver (1.9 per cent), Fraser
Valley (1.9 per cent), and Halifax
(1.2 per cent). Meanwhile in Greater
Toronto, the average price fell two per cent short of
year-ago. While sales were robust in Alberta thanks to in-migration from other
parts of the country, Edmonton led
the way in terms of percentage increase in the number of condos
sold, up just close to 37 per cent from year-ago levels, marking
the region's best performance in the previous five-year period.
This is followed by a more tempered Calgary market, which was up 2.6 per cent over
2023. Remaining markets saw home-buying activity soften in the
condominium sector.
"High interest rates and stringent lending policies pummelled
first-time buyers in recent years, preventing many from reaching
their home-ownership goal, despite having to pay record high rental
costs that mirrored mortgage payments," says RE/MAX Canada
President Christopher Alexander.
"The current lull is the calm before the storm. Come spring of
2025, pent-up demand is expected to fuel stronger market activity,
particularly at entry-level price points, as both first-time buyers
and investors once again vie for affordable condominium
product."
Condominium Sales
and Average Price by Major Canadian Centre (Jan. 1 – Aug. 31,
2024)
|
|
|
Market
|
2023
Sales
|
2024
Sales
|
%
Change
|
2023 Average
Price
|
2024
Average
Price
|
%
Change
|
|
Greater Vancouver*
**
|
10,075
|
9,248
|
-8.2 %
|
$807,804
|
$823,550
|
1.9 %
|
Fraser
Valley*
|
3,422
|
3,130
|
-8.5 %
|
$548,658
|
$559,215
|
1.9 %
|
Calgary (City
of)*
|
5,577
|
5,722
|
2.6 %
|
$301,868
|
$347,203
|
15.0 %
|
Edmonton *
|
2,452
|
3,351
|
36.7 %
|
$193,202
|
$200,951
|
4.0 %
|
Greater Toronto
Area
|
18,263
|
16,786
|
-8.1 %
|
$747,040
|
$732,648
|
-1.9 %
|
Ottawa*
|
1,420
|
1,407
|
-0.9 %
|
$437,000
|
$447,042
|
2.3 %
|
Halifax
|
547
|
510
|
-6.8 %
|
$479,558
|
$484,491
|
1.0 %
|
SOURCE: Greater
Vancouver REALTORS, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Calgary Real
Estate Board, REALTORS Association of Edmonton, Toronto Regional
Real Estate Board, Ottawa Real Estate Board, Nova Scotia
Association of REALTORS. *Apartments Only **Estimated average price
for Greater Vancouver
|
Edmonton and Calgary remain firmly entrenched in seller's
market territory, while conditions are more balanced in Greater
Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Ottawa and Halifax. These markets will likely transition
in 2025. Toronto may be the last
to emerge from more sluggish conditions, however, Alexander notes
that it's a market that has been known to turn quickly. Absorption
rates will be a key indicator. Certainly, the market forces of
supply and demand always prevail, so some neighbourhoods will fare
better than others. Of note in Toronto, prices have likely bottomed out and
that's usually evidence that a turnaround is in sight.
The current uptick in inventory levels is drawing more traffic
to listings, yet buyers remain somewhat skittish across the
country. The first two Bank of Canada interest rate cuts did little to entice
prospective homebuyers to engage in the market, given the degree of
rate increases that took place. However, with further rate
reductions expected and policy adjustments to address affordability
and ease entry into the market, activity will likely start to
climb, particularly among end users.
"Even in softer markets, hot pockets tend to emerge," says
Alexander. "In the condominium segment we're seeing a diverse mix
among the most in-demand areas, ranging from traditional blue-chip
communities to gentrifying up-and-comers, as well as suburban hot
spots. Condominiums in choice recreational areas were among the
markets posting stronger sales activity—a trend that was also
reflected in our single-detached housing report issued earlier
this year."
In each market, there are condominium pockets that defied
overall trends. In the Greater Toronto
Area, condominium sales were up by double digits in the
first eight months of 2024 in midtown communities such as Toronto
Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)'s Yonge-Eglinton,
Humewood-Cedarvale, Forest Hill South (C03) where activity
increased 25.3 per cent (114 condo sales in 2024 compared to 91
sales in 2023) and Bedford-Park-Nortown, Lawrence Park, and Forest Hill North (C04) rose 13.3 per cent
(128/113). The west end's High Park, South Parkdale, Swansea and Roncesvalles (W01)
communities experienced a 15.7-per-cent upswing in units sold
(206/178) while neighbouring W02 including High Park North,
Junction, Lambton Baby Point, and
Runnymede-Bloor West Village climbed 25.2 per cent (189/151). In
the east end, the Beaches (E03) reported a 20.3-per-cent increase
in sales activity.
In Greater Vancouver, an uptick
in apartment sales was noted in suburban markets including
Port Coquitlam where the number of
units sold was up 11 per cent (263 in 2024 compared to 237 in 2023)
while more moderate increases were posted in New Westminster (up 0.4 per cent) and
recreational communities such as Whistler/Pemberton (up 3.3 per
cent). In Fraser Valley, Mission was the sole market to experience
an increase in apartment sales, according to the Fraser Valley Real
Estate Board, up just over 74 per cent year-over-year (68 in 2024
compared to 39 in 2023). Strong sales were also reported in
Calgary neighbourhoods such as
Eau Claire (up 59.1 per cent) and
Downtown East Village (up 17.3 per cent).
Meanwhile, RE/MAX found that investor activity has stalled in
most markets. The slowdown has been most notable in Greater Toronto, where up to 30 per cent of
investors have experienced negative cashflow on rental properties
as mortgage carrying costs climbed, according to analytics by
Urbanation and CIBC Economics. Investor confidence is expected to
recover in the months ahead, as interest rates fall and return on
investment (ROI) improves. Edmonton bucked the trend in investor
pullback. With supply outpacing demand in Canada's most affordable condominium market,
savvy investors in Edmonton have
been actively revitalizing tired condominium stock and subsequently
renting it out for top dollar. Affordability has been a significant
draw for out-of-province investors, particularly those from
Ontario and British Columbia who are seeking opportunities
further afield to bulk up their portfolios. Out-of-province
developers and builders have been similarly motivated by
Edmonton's lower development costs
and lack of red tape. Halifax to a
lesser extent has drawn investor interest, with affordability, low
vacancy rates and upward pressure on rents being the primary factor
behind the city's appeal.
"In many markets, end users are in the driver's seat right now,"
explains Alexander. "While investors are an important part of the
purchaser pool, this point in time is a unique opportunity for
aspiring condominium buyers who, for a short window of time, will
likely see less competition from investors and a better supply of
product. This is especially true in Toronto and Vancouver, where the impact of monetary policy
has hit investor profit margins to a greater extent despite high
rent and low vacancy rates. With values set to rise, this is
arguably the most favourable climate condominiums buyers have seen
in recent years."
In the longer term, immigration to Canada and in-migration/out-migration from one
province or region to another will continue to prop up demand for
condominiums in the years to come, as condominiums now represent
both a first step to home ownership, and increasingly—in
Canada's most expensive
markets—the middle step as well. Although population numbers are
forecast to contract in the short-term, overall growth will resume,
with Statistics Canada's projections falling just short of 44
million to as high as 49 million by 2035.
Increasing density and urbanization, along with continued
population growth is expected to support the long-term outlook for
condominium activity nationally. Canada's urban population has been climbing
consistently since the post-WWII period with an estimated 80 per
cent of Canadians residing in urban centres. Downtowns are growing
fast, and more rapidly than ever before.
"The housing mix is evolving very quickly as a result of
densification and urbanization. Condominiums now represent the
heart of our largest cities, and it is inevitable that further
development will see condos become the driving force accounting for
the lion's share of sales in years to come," says Alexander. "It's
a physical and cultural shift that Canadians are not only adjusting
to but are embracing, as younger generations redefine urban
neighbourhoods, sparking demand for vibrant and robust amenities,
infusing new life in Canada's
urban cores in the process."
Market by market overview
Greater Vancouver Area and
Fraser Valley
Softer market conditions prevailed throughout much of the year
in the Greater Vancouver Area and
the Fraser Valley, with fewer sales of condominium apartments
occurring across the board in 2024. In Greater Vancouver, year-to-date apartment
sales between January and August were well off year-ago levels at
9,248, according to Greater Vancouver Realtors, down just over
eight per cent from the same period in 2023. Neighbouring Fraser
Valley reported just 3,130 apartments changing hands between
January and August of this year, down 8.5 per cent from year-ago
levels. Values continue to climb in the Fraser Valley, where the
overall average price year-to-date for apartment units is up two
per cent year-over year ($559,215/$548,658)
according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, while
Vancouver has edged up two per
cent to $823,550 in 2024, compared to
$807,085 in 2023.
Home-buying activity started with a bang in both Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley this
year as the anticipation of interest rate cuts in April fuelled
momentum. When it became evident that interest rates would hold
steady until June or July, the wind was sucked from the market
sails. Several areas in Greater
Vancouver have reported an increase in year-to-date sales,
including Port Coquitlam (263
sales in 2024 compared to 237 sales in 2023), New Westminster (546/544) and
Whistler/Pemberton (186/180). Despite several interest rate cuts to
date, however, buyers are still skittish, holding off on purchasing
their home until rates decline further, while sellers are reluctant
to list their homes for fear of leaving money on the table.
The catch-22 situation has been frustrating for buyers and
sellers alike, but buyers who pull the trigger now on a purchase,
may ultimately find themselves in a better position come spring.
Selection is good with more than 2,100 apartments currently listed
for sale in Greater Vancouver and
another 2,080 available in the Fraser Valley, and buyers have the
luxury of time to make thoughtful decisions. Come spring, the
number of purchasers in the market is expected to increase, placing
upward pressure on values.
Some of the most popular areas for condominium sales in
Greater Vancouver in recent years
are in East Vancouver. Its
culturally diverse and artsy neighbourhoods, top-shelf restaurants
and cafés, including Michelin Star Published on Main, as well as
craft breweries and entertainment, have served to draw a younger
demographic. False Creek, Mt.
Pleasant, Kits Point, Fairview, Pt. Grey and Dunbar offer condo
buyers a spectacular view of North
Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet and easy access to the
Skytrain, bike and walking paths, parks and recreational
facilities. A one-bedroom apartment in an established building in
Mt. Pleasant can be purchased for
approximately $650,000, while newer
product can be picked up for as low as $490,000 to a high of $928,000. Prices in nearby Kits trend higher with
a one-bedroom hovering at $715,000 on
average.
The lion's share of apartment sales in both Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley are
occurring under the $800,000 price
point for a one-bedroom apartment, while a two-bedroom priced below
$1 million will generate solid
interest. The Valley tends to offer greater selection under the
$800,000 price point, and typically
has more appeal with first-time buyers.
As demand rises in tandem with the Bank of Canada's interest rate cuts, absorption levels
should increase. Spring of 2025 is expected to be characterized by
strong demand and dwindling supply, with modest increases in
average price. Strong economic fundamentals going into the new year
will support an increase in home-buying activity, with lower
interest rates and longer amortization periods helping to draw
first time buyers into the market once again.
City of Calgary
While interprovincial migration has slowed from year-ago levels,
overall net migration to Alberta
continues to climb, sparking demand in the province's affordable
real estate market. In Calgary,
the sale of condominium apartments experienced a modest increase of
almost three per cent in the first eight months of the year, with
5,722 units changing hands compared to 5,577 sales during the same
period in 2023. Year-to-date average price has climbed 15 per cent
year-over-year to just over $347,000,
up from $301,868 in 2023, according
to the Calgary Real Estate Board.
Growth has been noted in virtually all areas of the city, with
the greatest percentage increases in sales occurring in
Eau Claire (59.1 per cent),
Killarney/Glengary (46.7 per
cent), Garrison Woods (64.7 per
cent) Garrison Green (23.5 per cent)
and Currie Barracks (18.2 per cent). Most condominium apartment
sales are occurring in the downtown district, where walkability
plays a major role. Younger buyers tend to gravitate toward the
core area, which allows residents to walk to work and amenities.
Not surprisingly, the highest number of sales occurred in the
Downtown East Village, where 129 units have been sold year to date,
up from 110 sales one year ago. Significant gains have also been
posted in average price, with Saddle Ridge experiencing an increase
in values close to 36 per cent, rising to $317,997 in 2024, followed by Hillhurst, which
increased 21.4 per cent to $423,873.
Out of the 12 key Calgary markets
analyzed by RE/MAX, seven posted double-digit gains in values.
Seller's market conditions prevailed in the city throughout much
of the year, with strong demand characterizing home-buying
activity. Luxury apartment sales are on the upswing, with 49
apartments selling over $1 million so
far this year compared to 41 during the same period in 2023, an
increase of 19.5 per cent. Empty nesters, retirees and oil
executives are behind the push for high-end units, most of which
are in the downtown core offering spectacular views of both the Bow
River and the mountains.
First-time buyers are most active in the suburbs, where they can
get the best bang for their buck in communities such as
McKenzie Town, Panorama Hills and
Saddle Ridge. Apartment values in these areas average around
$300,000, making them an attractive
first step to home ownership, but also an affordable entry point
for small investors.
After a heated spring market, inventory levels have improved
substantially, with a relatively good selection of condominiums
available for sale. Inventory levels hover at close to 1,500, up
substantially from year-ago levels, with the sales-to-new listings
ratio now sitting at 60 per cent. With interest rates trending
lower, more buyers and a greater number of investors are expected
to enter the market in the year ahead. Rather than waiting for next
spring, when rates are lower but prices are higher, buyers may want
to consider making a purchase today when supply is healthy and
market conditions are less heated. Buying with a two-month closing
could also capture the expected Bank of Canada rate cuts in October and December.
Edmonton
Home-buying activity in the Edmonton's apartment segment exploded in 2024,
with year-to-date sales almost 37 per cent ahead of year-ago
levels. Affordability continues to be the catalyst for activity,
with 3,351 units changing hands, up from 2,452 sales one year ago,
making 2024 the best year for apartment sales in the past five
years (for the January to August period). The average price of an
apartment in Edmonton year-to-date
is $200,951, up four per cent over
year-ago levels, according to the Realtors Association of
Edmonton, making Edmonton the lowest-priced major market in the
country.
Immigration and in-migration have seriously contributed to the
uptick in sales, with Edmonton
reporting record population growth in 2023. Statistics Canada data for Alberta in the second quarter of 2024 show net
interprovincial migration continues unabated, up almost 11 per
cent, with 9,654 new residents coming from other Canadian centres –
the majority hailing from Ontario
and British Columbia. During the
same period, immigration numbers remained relatively constant at
32,000. The sales-to-new-listings ratio now sits at 65 per
cent—clear seller's territory. Many condominiums are now moving in
multiple offers.
The influx of newcomers has buoyed the city, with growth evident
in neighbourhoods from the downtown core to the suburbs. Most are
buying up properties, as opposed to renting, as they may have done
in years past. Home ownership is more-easily attainable in
Edmonton relative to other major
cities, with the cost of a condominium apartment as low as
$100,000. Newer condominiums are
available for less than $300,000.
Condominiums vary in shape and size in Edmonton, with row house condominiums
featuring a backyard and a garage being a major attraction.
Investors have also entered the picture, buying up older, tired
condo units, fixing them up and renting them out for top
dollar.
Lower development costs have also prompted an influx of
out-of-province builders and developers who can quickly construct
20- and 30-floor high-rise towers or townhouse developments that
fill the missing middle. Well-known builders in Ontario and British
Columbia are moving into the Alberta market because of the lack of red
tape. Several condominium buildings are currently underway, with
many more in various stages of planning. With demand currently
outpacing supply, the quicker these units come on stream, the
better. By 2027, more balance market conditions are expected.
First-time buyers are also exceptionally active in the condo
segment. Affordable price points and a notable lack of provincial
and municipal land transfer taxes allow younger buyers to easily
enter the market. Purchasers who are coming from other provinces
quickly realize how far their dollar stretches in Edmonton, as the low cost of housing allows
for more disposable income. Homeowners can pay their mortgage, go
out for weekly dinners, and have an annual vacation, without too
much stress.
Amenity-rich Oliver remains one of the most coveted hubs in
Edmonton. West of 109th
St. and the downtown core, the diverse neighbourhood offers a mix
of new condominium development including walk ups, mid- and
high-rise buildings, and peripheral spin off including retail
shops, restaurants and entertainment, all within a short walk to
the River Valley. Demand is
especially high thanks to the walkability of the area and close
proximity to the ICE District. Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue are
also sought-after. The trendy arts and cultural area boasts a mix
of funky, bohemian-style and historic buildings, galleries,
boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and a vibrant nightlife.
Edmonton's housing market
continues to be driven from the bottom up. Renters move into condo
apartments, who move into condo row housing, who move into
townhomes and eventually make their way to single-detached homes.
The cycle is expected to be supported by a strong local and
provincial economy heading into 2025 as monetary policy continues
to ease, households and businesses increase spending, and oil
prices climb.
Greater Toronto Area
Demand for condominium apartments and townhomes in the
Greater Toronto Area has softened
year-over-year, with sales off 2023 levels by eight per cent. Close
to 16,800 condo apartments and townhomes changed hands between
January and August 2024, down from
18,263 sales during the same period in 2023. Overall condominium
values fell almost two per cent, with average price now sitting at
$732,648 for apartments and
townhomes, down from $747,039 during
the same period in 2023, according to data from the Toronto
Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).
Two buyer pools are impacting the condominium market at
present—investors and end users. The investment segment has
stalled, as a growing number of condominium investors find
themselves unable to cover their carrying costs when closing,
despite a relatively strong rental market. In a July 2024 report, Urbanation and CIBC Economics
examined the distribution of cash flow by dollar amount and found
that 30 per cent of investors of new condos completed in 2023 were
cash flow negative by $1,000 or
more.
End users, especially those seeking larger one-bedroom-plus-den
or two-bedroom units, are active in the condo market, particularly
in the Forest Hill South, Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale (C03)
and Bedford-Nortown, Lawrence Park
and Forest Hill North (C04). Several
new buildings in these areas have prompted a 25.3- and
13.3-per-cent uptick in sales activity respectively, while average
price has edged slightly higher in Forest Hill South,
Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale ($871,839 in 2024 compared to $863,681 in 2023).
Double-digit increases in year-to-date condominium sales in the
416 were also reported in west end communities such as High Park,
South Parkdale, Swansea and
Roncesvalles (up 15.7 per cent), High Park North, Junction,
Lambton- Baby Point, and
Runnymede-Bloor West Village (up 25.2 per cent); and in the east,
the Beaches area (up 20.3 per cent). In the 905-area code, an
uptick in condo activity was noted in Halton Hills (up 21.6 per cent) and Milton (up
13.3 per cent); and in Newmarket
(up 30.6 per cent).
Close to 43 per cent of TRREB districts in the 416-area code
reported modest gains in average price between January and August
of 2024, led by the Annex, Yonge-St.
Clair (C02), with a close to 14-per-cent increase in values.
One in four markets in the 905-area code have posted gains in
condominium values year-over-year.
Inventory levels continued to climb throughout much of the year
as available resale units were joined by an influx of new
completions on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Selection has
vastly improved over year-ago levels, with over 8,300 apartment
units actively listed for sale at the end of August, compared to
5,455 units during the same period in 2023. Almost 1,700 active
listings were reported in the condo townhouse segment, up 53 per
cent from the 1,110 posted in 2023. Pre-construction condominium
assignments are still occurring as investors look to sell their
units before registration, but the pace has subsided since
2023.
New completions have slowed in the second quarter of this year
in Greater Toronto-Hamilton in large part due to the lack of
investor interest, with starts off last year's level by 67 per
cent, according to Urbanation. Repercussions in the short-term will
be negligible but the longer-term impact is expected to be
substantial. Twenty-thousand new condominium units are planned for
the GTA in 2025; 30,000 in 2026; and 40,000 in 2027. In 2028, the
figure falls to 5,000 units. At that point, construction will heat
up, but not fast enough to meet demand.
With a six-month supply of condominiums currently available for
sale, the GTA market is heading into clear buyers' territory. With
values at or near bottom and Bank of Canada overnight rates trending lower, the
fall market may represent the perfect storm for first-time buyers.
As rates drop, more buyers are expected to enter the market in the
months ahead. As absorption rates increase, the current oversupply
will be diminished and demand will take flight, placing upward
pressure on average prices once again.
Ottawa
Although downsizing empty nesters, retirees and first-time
homebuyers fuelled steady demand for condominium apartments and
walk-ups in Ottawa in 2024, the
number of units sold between January and August fell short of
year-ago levels. The Ottawa Real Estate Board reported just over
1,400 condominium apartments changed hands year to date, down less
than one per cent from 2023. Meanwhile, values rose 2.3 per cent
over last year, with average price rising to $447,042.
Affordability remains a major concern in Ottawa, despite changes to monetary policy in
recent months. First-time buyers find themselves locked out of the
freehold market, given high interest rates and stringent lending
policies. Fixed mortgage rates have dropped in recent weeks and are
expected to continue to decline for the remainder of the year and
into 2025, but potential buyers are still wary. Inventory levels
have increased year over year as a result, with active listings in
August hovering at 636, approximately 44.5 per cent ahead of
2023.
First-time buyers who choose to move forward with a purchase are
typically looking for condominiums with low monthly maintenance
fees and a parking spot priced from $500,000 to $550,000. The downtown core to Centretown and
Dows Lake are popular destinations, given the proximity to the
workplace, shops and restaurants. Those seeking to spend less could
find a lower-priced unit in an older building for $350,000 but monthly condominium fees would be
significantly higher. Suburban condominiums in areas such as
Kanata, Barrhaven, and
Orleans are also an option, priced
from $375,000 to $400,000.
Tighter inventory levels exist in the luxury segment, where
fewer condominium apartments are available over the $850,000 price point. Empty nesters and retirees
are responsible for the lion's share of activity in the top end of
Ottawa's condominium market.
Westboro, the Golden Triangle, and Centretown, as well as
neighbourhoods undergoing gentrification including The Glebe,
Lansdowne, and Old Ottawa East,
are most sought-after by buyers, many of whom are downsizing.
Walkability is a major factor in these communities, with
condominium apartments within walking distance to top restaurants
and cafes, unique shops and picturesque walking paths.
As consumer confidence grows with each interest rate cut, more
and more buyers should return to the market. Fourth-quarter sales
are expected to be comparable to year-ago levels, but the outlook
for spring of 2025 appears to be bright. Pent-up demand is building
and those first into the market will reap the rewards.
Halifax Regional Municipality
After three consecutive interest rate cuts and the prospect of
two more by year end, optimism is finally building in the Halifax
Regional Municipality housing market. Average condominium values
have edged ahead of year-ago levels in the first eight months of
the year, now sitting at $484,491, up
one per cent over the $479,558
reported during the same period in 2023. Condominium sales,
however, declined year over year, with 510 properties changing
hands between January and August, down close to seven per cent from
last year's levels, according to data compiled by the Nova Scotia
Association of Realtors.
The trepidation that existed earlier in the year is subsiding
and confidence is starting to grow as inflation is curtailed. The
most competitive segment of the overall housing market remains
under $600,000 in the Halifax area, with first-time buyers most
active at this price point. Entry-level condominiums priced between
$300,000 and $400,000 are most sought after, while
semi-detached and townhomes tend to be the preferred choice over
$400,000. At the top end of the
market, condominium sales over $750,000 have experienced a modest uptick, with
35 properties sold so far this year, compared to 34 during the same
period one year ago. Year-to-date average price in the top end of
the market has softened from year-ago levels, sitting at almost
$940,000, down from $957,300 during the same timeframe in 2023. Young
professionals and retirees are largely behind the push for
higher-end condominiums, with most sales occurring within the
city's downtown core.
Downward pressure on interest rates has prompted more sellers to
list their condos in recent weeks, but there are no liquidation
sales occurring. Inventory levels are up just over eight per cent
from 2023. The vast majority of condominium apartments are found on
the peninsula's northeast quadrant, central and downtown cores.
Some developments are situated on the waterfront in Dartmouth (near the ferry) and in Bedford, but supply is less plentiful in these
areas.
Investors are also active in Halifax's condominium market with an eye
toward rental properties. Multi-unit housing remains exceptionally
popular, with most investors interested in buildings with eight to
10 units. Four-plexes and duplexes are also an option, given the
city's low vacancy rates and upward pressure on rent.
In-migration and immigration have continued to play a role in
the city's growth, although the influx of newcomers has abated
somewhat from peak levels. Positive international immigration,
coupled with interprovincial migration, contributed to a net
increase of 6,000 people in the second quarter of 2024. Major
improvements are planned for the Dartmouth waterfront that will make it more
pedestrian friendly in the coming years, including public spaces
and cruise ships. The redevelopment hopes to mirror the success of
Halifax's vibrant waterfront area
that continues to attract both visitors and residents to the area's
restaurants and cafes, outdoor kiosks, retail shops, playgrounds,
museums, and the ferry terminal. With continuous investment
and a bold new vision for the municipality, Halifax is expected to thrive in the years
ahead, given the city's affordable real estate and spectacular
topography.
About the RE/MAX Network
As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX,
LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than
140,000 agents in almost 9,000 offices with a presence in more than
110 countries and territories. RE/MAX Canada refers to RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC and RE/MAX
Ontario-Atlantic Canada, Inc., and RE/MAX Promotions,
Inc., each of which are affiliates of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the
world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by
residential transaction sides.
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with
an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and
franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great
independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their
local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every
year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and
other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home
listings or find an agent in your community, please
visit remax.ca. For the latest news from RE/MAX Canada,
please visit blog.remax.ca.
Forward looking statements
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the
meaning of the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe,"
"intend," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "project," and
other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future
events or trends that are not statements of historical matters.
These forward-looking statements include statements regarding
housing market conditions and the Company's results of operations,
performance and growth. Forward-looking statements should not be
read as guarantees of future performance or results.
Forward-looking statements are based on information available at
the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith
belief as of that time with respect to future events and are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in
or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties include (1) the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has
impacted the Company and continues to pose significant and
widespread risks to the Company's business, the Company's ability
to successfully close the anticipated reacquisition and to
integrate the reacquired regions into its business, (3) changes in
the real estate market or interest rates and availability of
financing, (4) changes in business and economic activity in
general, (5) the Company's ability to attract and retain quality
franchisees, (6) the Company's franchisees' ability to recruit and
retain real estate agents and mortgage loan originators, (7)
changes in laws and regulations, (8) the Company's ability to
enhance, market, and protect the RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage brands,
(9) the Company's ability to implement its technology initiatives,
and (10) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and those
risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled "Risk
Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in the most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and similar
disclosures in subsequent periodic and current reports filed with
the SEC, which are available on the investor relations page of the
Company's website at www.remax.com and on the SEC website
at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the
date on which they are made. Except as required by law, the Company
does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information
to reflect future events or circumstances.
SOURCE RE/MAX Canada