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New Strata Property Act amendments: What you need to know about the end of rental and age restrictions, and new virtual meetings permissions


  • Stratas can no longer enforce rental restrictions, except for short-term rental restrictions.
  • There are now only two age-related options for stratas: a bylaw requiring at least one resident in a unit to be 55 years-old or older; or no age restriction bylaw.
  • Stratas can now conduct annual and special general meetings virtually without a bylaw explicitly allowing them to do so.


The BC government’s Bill 44 amendments to the Strata Property Act are now in effect. These amendments end rental restrictions, all but one age restriction, and add the ability to hold virtual meetings without the need for a bylaw.

Here’s a quick overview of what these new rules will mean for your clients who own, or are looking to buy, strata properties.

Rental restrictions

  • Stratas can no longer enforce rental restrictions. For example, if a strata has a bylaw restricting rentals to a certain percentage of units, they can no longer enforce this rule.
  • This only applies to long-term rentals. Stratas can still enforce short-term rental restrictions.
  • Renters still need to follow other strata bylaws.
  • While owners currently renting out their units previously in contravention of a strata bylaw are no longer in breach of the bylaw, they are liable for any breach of a rental restriction prior to November 24, 2022 – when the amendments became law.

Age restrictions

  • There are now only two age-related options for stratas:
    • a bylaw requiring at least one resident in a unit to be 55 years-old or older; or
    • no age restriction bylaw.
  • All other age restrictions are unenforceable, including restrictions for older or younger ages. For example, a strata requiring residents be 60 years old or older can no longer enforce this rule.
  • This rule has no relation to rental restrictions – a 55+ strata can’t restrict rentals.
  • Live-in caregivers are allowed to live in age-restricted stratas, including caregivers under the age of 55, regardless of current strata bylaws.

Virtual/electronic strata meetings

  • Stratas can now conduct annual and special general meetings virtually without a bylaw explicitly allowing them to do so.
  • The strata council chooses the format of the meeting, which the council must include in the notice sent to residents.
  • Along with the date, time, and type of meeting, stratas must include instructions on how to attend.
  • Stratas can use any electronic meeting tool so long as it allows all meeting participants to communicate with each other, and the chair can determine if the participants are eligible voters.
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While typically a quiet month of market activity based on seasonal patterns, November home sale and listing totals lagged below the region’s long-term averages.

Sales

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,614 in November 2022, a 52.9 per cent decrease from the 3,428 sales recorded in November 2021, and a 15.2 per cent decrease from the 1,903 homes sold in October 2022.

Last month’s sales were 36.9 per cent below the 10-year November sales average.

“With the most recent core inflation metrics showing a stubborn reluctance to respond significantly to the furious pace of rate increases, the Bank of Canada may choose to act more forcefully to bring inflation back toward target levels.” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. “While it’s always difficult to predict what the bank will do with certainty, this persistent inflationary backdrop sets up the December 7 rate announcement to be yet another increase, making holiday-season home purchases something people may end up foregoing this year.”

Listings

There were 3,055 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in November 2022. This represents a 22.9 per cent decrease compared to the 3,964 homes listed in November 2021 and a 24.2 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 when sellers listed 4,033 homes.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,179, a 28.5 per cent increase compared to November 2021 (7,144) and a 6.8 per cent decrease compared to October 2022 (9,852).

“Heading into 2023, the market continues the trend of shifting toward historical averages and typical seasonal norms,” Lis said. “Whether these trends continue will depend on looming economic factors and forthcoming housing policy measures on the horizon, which hold the potential to reignite uncertainty in our market.

“With that said, from a long-term structural standpoint, the current pace of listings and available inventory remain relatively tight when considered against a backdrop of continued in-migration to the province. With the recently announced increase in federal immigration targets, the state of available supply in our market remains one demand surge away from renewed price escalation, despite the inflationary environment and elevated mortgage rates.”

Sales-to-active listings ratio

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for November 2022 is 17.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 13.2 per cent for detached homes, 19.7 per cent for townhomes, and 20.8 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

Home prices

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,131,600. This represents a 0.6 per cent decrease over November 2021, a 10.2 per cent decrease over the last six months, and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Broken down by property type

Sales of detached homes in November 2022 reached 486, a 50.8 per cent decrease from the 987 detached sales recorded in November 2021. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,856,800. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from November 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 847 in November 2022, a 53.7 per cent decrease compared to the 1,828 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $720,500. This represents a 3.5 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

Attached home sales in November 2022 totalled 281, a 54.2 per cent decrease compared to the 613 sales in November 2021. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,027,900. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from November 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to October 2022.

 
 
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At a glance :

  • The federal ban on foreign buyers is coming January 1, 2023.
  • The period will last two years.
  • The ban will only apply to residential property.

The federal government’s ban on new foreign ownership of residential property becomes law on January 1, 2023, disallowing anyone who isn’t a Canadian citizen or permanent resident from buying residential real estate for two years.

During this period, the federal government plans to work with provinces and municipalities to develop a framework to better regulate the role of foreign buyers in the housing market to ensure housing is available for and used by Canadians.

The Liberal Party promised the ownership ban in the 2021 election and rolled it out in the federal Budget 2022: a plan to grow our economy and make life more affordable. The budget was clear on the government’s goals:

“We will do everything we can to make the market fairer for Canadians. We will prevent foreign buyers from parking their money in Canada by buying up homes. We will make sure that houses are being used as homes, rather than as commodities to be traded,” – Budget 2022.

To this end, the government tabled Bill C-19,  Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1. It received Royal Assent on June 23, 2022. Section 235 of the bill is the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act.

Who can’t buy residential property?

The act defines a non-Canadian as:

  1. an individual who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act nor a permanent resident;
  2. a corporation that is incorporated otherwise than under the laws of Canada or a province;
  3. a corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada or a province whose shares are not listed on a stock exchange in Canada for which a designation under section 262 of the Income Tax Act is in effect and that is controlled by a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b); and
  4. a prescribed person or entity.

Exceptions

Include:

  • A temporary resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; or
  • A non-Canadian who buys residential property with a Canadian spouse or common-law partner if the spouse or common-law partner is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or person registered as an Indian under the Indian Act.

Residential property

Includes any real property or immovable that is:

  1. a detached house or similar building, containing not more than three dwelling units;
  2. a semi-detached house, rowhouse unit, residential condominium unit or other similar premises, vacant land, where the land has been zoned for residential use or mixed use and is within a Census Metropolitan Area (having a population of at least 100,000) or Census Agglomeration (having a population of at least 10,000); or
  3. any prescribed real property or immovable.

Penalties

Non-Canadians found guilty of contravening the act are subject to a fine of not more than $10,000. If the federal government orders the sale of the property, the non-Canadian buyer won’t receive more than the amount paid for the property.

Property Purchased by a Non-Canadian Before January 1, 2023

The ban doesn’t apply if the agreement of purchase and sale of the residential property involving a non-Canadian is dated before January 1, 2023.

Regulations

Future regulations will provide details on transactions deemed prohibited purchases, including whether exceptions apply to conditional contracts entered into before January 1, 2023, that become unconditional on or after January 1, 2023.

 

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FRASER VALLEY


Overall in October we unfortunately saw very much the same sort of market as September, with prices continuing to fall in most categories.


We saw 860 sales in the Fraser Valley in October, which marked the second lowest volume October in the last 20 years. September 2022 was also the second lowest volume for that respective month.  Both lowest records were set in the 2008 financial crisis ( October 2008 was 709 and September 2008 was 912)


To put it in perspective for the last 3 years:

- 2021 had 1863 sales in October

- 2020 had 2215 sales in October

- 2019 had 1313 sales in October


We had the first two weeks of October start off a bit faster, but then, as the interest rate hike happened near the end of the month, things came to a complet slowdown.


What this means is that we just don't have nearly as many sales happening as usual and homes are taking longer to sell than in recent history on average.  Homes priced accurately are selling in the 30-90 day range, but a quick look at the market will see many homes that have been on the market for months and months - the majority of those are simply overpriced in the current market and will not sell unless they reduce. (So the average days on market stats get skewed by these homes!)



ACTIVE LISTINGS:


We saw 5,098 listings in October 2022 which is below the 20-year average which has been between 7000 - 8000 most years prior with exception of 2021 where we had 3184 the lowest in recorded market history.  This is something that we haven't seen too often when we see prices fall at the same time.  Nearly every other time we have had a market crash in recent history, we've seen inventory actually increase as more people flood the market with their homes to sell (Such as July 2008 when we had a whopping 10,474 listings!).  This time is different though, as we are seeing a much more complicated landscape with buyers and sellers.  Many sellers are terrified of selling right now as they see their variable mortgage payments go up by 1/3, see their  home valuation drop by 1/3, and see the cost of rent go up nearly 20% (since last year)if they were to rent ...all very tough decisions for many homeowners out there, and this is certainly a factor for the low listing volume.



PRICES:


With regards to price, we saw roughly the same decrease of home values in most areas of anywhere between 1-3%.  Some areas were more exaggerated such as Cloverdale Detached that has fallen another 6% and Attached 5%.  One area seemed more resilient, South Surrey / White Rock which saw an increase of 7%.  When you look at both areas in the Housing Price Index however (vs Average Prices) then both of these areas show a Housing Price Index as a decrease that lines up with the rest of the Fraser Valley being a decrease of 3% in Cloverdale and 0.5% in South Surrey / White Rock.


Prices are still falling fast due to many economic factors, but primarily the consequence of the interest rate hikes and people's lower affordability.  With the Bank of Canada mandate to decrease our rampant inflation (Currently 6.9% but this DOESN'T include the food and energy sectors which have been hammered) they are set to continue their rate hike policies.  They will likely do this until we have inflation much lower and that number doesn't look like it's coming down any time soon. I am forecasting and predicting sometime in mid to end of 2023.


WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?


If you are a first-time home buyer and thinking of getting in the market, you may want to consider getting pre-approved right now to determine what you can afford and what interest rate you would be locked in at and then see what's available.  Will prices continue to come down? Very likely but will interest rates increase? Almost certainly and sometimes that can be a good reason to buy sooner when you compare what a few rate hikes can do to your monthly payments vs what the price decrease might be etc!

If you are buying and selling then, depending on what you are buying and selling, the relative valuations may go down very similarly giving you a similar "gap" between property prices, and despite the interest rates being higher on your new mortgage, you may actually come out ahead of the game depending on what you're selling! For example, if you are selling a smaller condo right now for $500,000, you may have come down from the peak of the market $100,000 , however the detached house on acreage that you might have paid $3,500,000 might now be $2,700,000 so you can see what I mean about it being favorable for some. You are saving more than you're losing 


Now may be a good time to talk to a mortgage broker, get pre-approved, and purchase your first property, or  sell your existing property to purchase another.  If you need assistance with this, please let me know and I can put you in touch with the rifght people.

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Inflation, rising interest rates create caution across Metro Vancouver’s housing market

Home sale activity across the Metro Vancouver housing market continued to trend well below historical averages in October.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,903 in October 2022, a 45.5 per cent decrease from the 3,494 sales recorded in October 2021, and a 12.8 per cent increase from the 1,687 homes sold in September 2022.

Last month’s sales were 33.3 per cent below the 10-year October sales average.

“Inflation and rising interest rates continue to dominate headlines, leading many buyers and sellers to assess how these factors impact their housing options,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. “With sales remaining near historic lows, the number of active listings continues to inch upward, causing home prices to recede from the record highs set in the spring of 2022.”

There were 4,033 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in October 2022. This represents a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to the 4,049 homes listed in October 2021 and a 4.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2022 when 4,229 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,852, a 22.6 per cent increase compared to October 2021 (8,034) and a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to September 2022 (9,971).

“Recent years have been characterized by a frenetic pace of sales amplified by scarce listings on the market to choose from. Today’s market cycle is a marked departure, with a slower pace of sales and more selection to choose from,” Lis said. “This environment provides buyers and sellers more time to conduct home inspections, strata minute reviews, and other due diligence. With the possibly of yet another rate hike by the Bank of Canada this December, it has become even more important to secure financing as early in the process as possible.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2022 is 19.3 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 14.3 per cent for detached homes, 21.6 per cent for townhomes, and 23.2 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,148,900. This represents a 2.1 per cent increase from October 2021, a 9.2 per cent decrease over the last six months, and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2022.

Sales of detached homes in October 2022 reached 575, a 47.2 per cent decrease from the 1,090 detached sales recorded in October 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,892,100. This represents a 1.6 per cent increase from October 2021 and a 0.7 per cent decrease compared to September 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 995 in October 2022, a 44.8 per cent decrease compared to the 1,801 sales in October 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $727,100. This represents a 5.1 per cent increase from October 2021 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to September 2022.

Attached home sales in October 2022 totalled 333, a 44.8 per cent decrease compared to the 603 sales in October 2021. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $1,043,600. This represents a 7.1 per cent increase from October 2021 and a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to September 2022.

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Home sellers were more active in Metro Vancouver’s housing market in September while home buyer demand remained below the region’s long-term averages. 


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,687 in September 2022, a 46.4 per cent decrease from the 3,149 sales recorded in September 2021, and a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 1,870 homes sold in August 2022. 


Last month’s sales were 35.7 per cent below the 10-year September sales average. 


“With the Bank of Canada and other central banks around the globe hiking rates in an effort to stamp out inflation, the cost to borrow funds has risen substantially over a short period,” said Andrew Lis, REBGV director, economics and data analytics. “This has resulted in a more challenging environment for borrowers looking to purchase a home, and home sales across the region have dropped accordingly.” 


There were 4,229 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in September 2022. This represents an 18.2 per cent decrease compared to the 5,171 homes listed in September 2021 and a 27.1 per cent increase compared to August 2022 when 3,328 homes were listed. 


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,971, an eight per cent increase compared to September 2021 (9,236) and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to August 2022 (9,662). 


“With fewer homes selling and new listings continuing to come to market, inventory is beginning to accumulate, providing buyers with more selection compared to last year,” Lis said. “With more supply and less demand within this market cycle, residential home prices have edged down in the region over the last six months.” 


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2022 is 16.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.4 per cent for detached homes, 18.4 per cent for townhomes, and 20.9 per cent for apartments. 


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,155,300. This represents a 3.9 per cent increase over September 2021, an 8.5 per cent decline over the past six months, and a 2.1 per cent decline compared to August 2022.


Sales of detached homes in September 2022 reached 525, a 44.7 per cent decrease from the 950 detached sales recorded in September 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,906,400. This represents a 3.8 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 2.4 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 888 in September 2022, a 45.2 per cent decrease compared to the 1,621 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $728,500. This represents a 6.2% per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.6 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 


Attached home sales in September 2022 totalled 274, a 52.6 per cent decrease compared to the 578 sales in September 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,048,900. This represents a 9.1 per cent increase from September 2021 and a 1.9 per cent decrease compared to August 2022. 



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Metro Vancouver’s housing market is experiencing a quieter summer season marked by reduced sale and listing activity.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 1,870 in August 2022, a 40.7 per cent decrease from the 3,152 sales recorded in August 2021, and a 0.9 per cent decrease from the 1,887 homes sold in July 2022.

Last month’s sales were 29.2 per cent below the 10-year August sales average.

“With inflationary pressure and interest rates on the rise, home buyer and seller activity shifted below our long-term seasonal averages this summer,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director, economics and data analytics said. “This shift in market conditions caused prices to edge down over the past four months.”

There were 3,328 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2022. This represents a 17.5 per cent decrease compared to the 4,032 homes listed in August 2021 and a 16 per cent decrease compared to July 2022 when 3,960 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 9,662, a 7.3 per cent increase compared to August 2021 (9,005) and a 6.1 per cent decrease compared to July 2022 (10,288).

“Home buyers and sellers are taking more time to assess what this changing landscape means for their housing needs,” Lis said. “Preparation is critical in today’s market. Work with your Realtor to assess what today’s home prices, financing options, and other considerations mean for you.”

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2022 is 19.4 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.2 per cent for detached homes, 25.3 per cent for townhomes, and 24.8 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,180,500. This represents a 7.4 per cent increase over August 2021 and a 2.2 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.

Sales of detached homes in August 2022 reached 517, a 45.3 per cent decrease from the 945 detached sales recorded in August 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,954,100. This represents a 7.9 per cent increase from August 2021 and a 2.3 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.

Sales of apartment homes reached 998 in August 2022, a 38.8 per cent decrease compared to the 1,631 sales in August 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $740,100. This represents an 8.7 per cent increase from August 2021 and a two per cent decrease compared to July 2022.

Attached home sales in August 2022 totalled 355, a 38.4 per cent decrease compared to the 576 sales in August 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,069,100. This represents a 12.7 per cent increase from August 2021 and a 2.5 per cent decrease compared to July 2022.

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After reaching record-setting levels in 2021, home sale activity has returned to more typical seasonal levels in Metro Vancouver this spring due, in large part, to rising interest rates.


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 2,918 in May 2022, a 31.6 per cent decrease from the 4,268 sales recorded in May 2021, and a 9.7 per cent decrease from the 3,232 homes sold in April 2022.


Last month’s sales were 12.9 per cent below the 10-year May sales average.


“With interest rates rising, home buyers are taking more time to make their decisions in today’s housing market,” said Daniel John, REBGV Chair. “Home buyers have been operating in a frenzied environment for much of the past two years. This spring is providing a calmer environment, with fewer multiple offer situations, which is allowing buyers to explore their housing options, understand the changing mortgage market, and do their due diligence.”


There were 6,377 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2022. This represents a 10.5 per cent decrease compared to the 7,125 homes listed in May 2021 and a 4.4 per cent increase compared to April 2022 when 6,107 homes were listed.


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 10,010, an 8.8 per cent decrease compared to May 2021 (10,970) and a 13.8 per cent increase compared to April 2022 (8,796).


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2022 is 29.2 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 18.3 per cent for detached homes, 35.5 per cent for townhomes, and 38.1 per cent for apartments.


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.


The MLS® Home Price Index* composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,261,1001. This represents a 14.7 per cent increase over May 2021 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.


“Upward pressure on home prices has begun to ease in the housing market over the last two months,” John said. “Where home prices go next will depend on housing supply. While we’re beginning to see modest increases in home listings, we still need housing supply totals to more than double to bring the market close to balanced territory.” 


Sales of detached homes in May 2022 reached 793, a 44.1 per cent decrease from the 1,419 detached sales recorded in May 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,093,600. This represents a 15 per cent increase from May 2021 and a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.


Sales of apartment homes reached 1,605 in May 2022, a 21.7 per cent decrease compared to the 2,049 sales in May 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $779,700. This represents a 15 per cent increase from May 2021 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to April 2022.


Attached home sales in May 2022 totalled 520, a 35 per cent decrease compared to the 800 sales in May 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,141,200. This represents a 21.5 per cent increase from May 2021 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to April 2022.     
 




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Metro Vancouver home sales return to more traditional levels in April

Metro Vancouver home sales return to more traditional levels in April

Home buyer demand in Metro Vancouver* returned to more historically typical levels in April.


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 3,232 in April 2022, a 34.1 per cent decrease from the 4,908 sales recorded in April 2021, and a 25.6 per cent decrease from the 4,344 homes sold in March 2022.


Last month’s sales were 1.5 per cent above the 10-year April sales average.


“So far this spring, we’ve seen home sales ease down from the record-breaking pace of the last year,” Daniel John, REBGV Chair said. “While a small sample size, the return to a more traditional pace of home sales that we’ve experienced over the last two months provides hopeful home buyers more time to make decisions, secure financing and perform other due diligence such as home inspections.”


There were 6,107 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in April 2022. This represents a 23.1 per cent decrease compared to the 7,938 homes listed in April 2021 and an 8.5 per cent decrease compared to March 2022 when 6,673 homes were listed.


The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 8,796, a 14.1 per cent decrease compared to April 2021 (10,245) and a 15.3 per cent increase compared to March 2022 (7,628).


“With interest rates climbing and the total inventory of homes for sale inching higher, it’s important to work with your local Realtor to understand how these factors could affect your home buying or selling situation,” John said. 


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for April 2022 is 36.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 25.3 per cent for detached homes, 47.1 per cent for townhomes, and 45 per cent for apartments.


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,374,500. This represents an 18.9 per cent increase over April 2021 and a one per cent increase compared to March 2022.


Sales of detached homes in April 2022 reached 962, a 41.9 per cent decrease from the 1,655 detached sales recorded in April 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,139,200. This represents a 20.8 per cent increase from April 2021 and a one per cent increase compared to March 2022.


Sales of apartment homes reached 1,692 in April 2022, a 26.1 per cent decrease compared to the 2,289 sales in April 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $844,700. This represents a 16 per cent increase from April 2021 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to March 2022.


Attached home sales in April 2022 totalled 578, a 40 per cent decrease compared to the 964 sales in April 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,150,500. This represents a 25 per cent increase from April 2021 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to March 2022.

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Buying a home is the single largest investment most people will ever make, but if you’re not familiar with the process and you don’t take steps to protect yourself, you could end up with a house you wish you hadn't purchased. Buyer’s remorse is a fact of life


13 Simple Ways to Avoid It


Check Out Transportation

Check Out Transportation


Don’t let the temptation of the "perfect" house lure you into ignoring the way its location will affect your commute. Whether you commute by car, on foot, or by bicycle, make test runs to and from work during your regular commuting hours so you have a good idea of what you’ll be facing. Also scope out the parking situation. Will you have to park a block away and get stuck lugging heavy bags of groceries every time you shop? Once you factor in any transportation hassles, that charming house may seem a lot less charming


Insist on a Survey ( single family homes)

Insist on a Survey


Without a survey to determine property lines, you could find out after you move in that part of what you thought was your yard is actually your neighbor’s. Visual borders, such as fences and hedges, are not reliable for determining where one property ends and another begins. For a small fee (usually around $200), you can have a city surveyor come out and locate the property pins. If you need a more extensive survey—if, say, you're buying several acres—it can run a few hundred dollars more, but it’s essential to have it done so you know exactly what you’re buying.



Don’t Oversize

Don’t Oversize


Big houses are enthralling; they offer vast living spaces, and it’s easy to get swept up imagining how you could put all that room to use. But large homes not only come with bigger price tags, they also cost more to heat and cool and, because county assessors take square footage into account, they have higher property taxes. Do you really need that fourth garage stall or room for a home gym? If the answer is no, look for a more moderately sized home.


Don't Undersize

Don't Undersize



While you might not need a McMansion, don’t sell yourself short. If you plan on this house being your forever home, you need to be able to grow into it. Sure, the kids can share a room right now, but what about in a few years? Is there space for entertaining if you like having company over? If you have doubts about the size of the house without any of your stuff in it, chances are it will feel even more cramped once you move everything in.


Think with Your Head, Not Your Heart

Think with Your Head, Not Your Heart



Before you start house-hunting, decide what factors in a new home are most important to you. Do you want to live in a specific school district or near your place of employment? Perhaps you need a house with at least three bedrooms, or you want a large garage so you can have a workshop. Determine your needs, and don't let the sight of a super-charming home derail them. It’s easy to fall in love with a house, but if it doesn’t meet your most important criteria, move on. 


Consider All Costs

Consider All Costs



First-time home buyers often focus on the amount of their potential mortgage payment and forget to factor in the additional costs of homeownership. Nothing will sour you on your new home more quickly than finding out that living in it costs a lot more than you thought it would. Before you sign on the dotted line, find out how much you’ll be paying in property taxes and utilities, and figure out what a homeowners insurance policy will run. Budget in extra money for maintenance, home repairs and strata fees, if applicable.



Find Out Everything You Can About the Neighborhood

Find Out Everything You Can About the Neighborhood


Even if you believe you've just found your dream home, research the neighborhood. What school will your children be attending? How far is it to a grocery store? Are the other homes in the neighborhood in good shape? Visit with local law enforcement and find out what the crime rate is in the neighborhood. You'll probably be living there for a good long time, so you'll want to be sure that you like the neighborhood as much as you love the house.



Know Your DIY Limits

Know Your DIY Limits


Buying a home that needs a little TLC can be a good investment, particularly if you do the work yourself. Before you start making offers, though, be aware that if you have to hire pros to get the work done, you may end up paying more for renovations than the house is worth. Even if you have the DIY chops to tackle major remodeling projects, the local building authority might require that some parts of the project be done by pros (wiring, HVAC, and plumbing, for example). Your best bet is to get free estimates from contractors before you buy so you’ll know what the work will cost if you can’t do it all yourself.


Don’t Make Major Purchases After You Start House-Hunting

Don’t Make Major Purchases After You Start House-Hunting

Most buyers get preapproved by a mortgage company before they start looking at houses, and their lenders tell them exactly how much they can afford to spend on a house. The lender determines that amount by comparing the buyer’s income and expenses. If you take on more debt, however, the amount you can afford to spend on the house will drop. If, for instance, you buy a new sports car before you close on a house contract, the additional monthly payment for that new car could disqualify you from the mortgage, even after preapproval, and you could lose the house you wanted.


Contract with a Buyer’s Agent

Contract with a Buyer’s Agent


The world of real estate can be confusing to first-time home buyers, so it pays to have someone in your corner who’s looking out for you. For this reason, consider hiring a buyer's agent, a real estate agent who specializes in representing only buyers, not sellers. A buyer’s agent works on commission, getting paid only when you close on a house. Her job is to protect your interests throughout the real estate process. She handles important details like scheduling surveys and inspections, and she'll work with your lender and the seller’s agent to solve problems.


Insist on an Inspection

Insist on an Inspection


If you buy a home listed with a real estate brokerage, the listing contract will usually specify that an inspection be done after your financing is approved. If you’re buying a for-sale-by-owner house (FSBO), however, an inspection may not be part of the contract. Nevertheless, insist on one—even if you have to pay for it—before you commit. For about $300, you can have a professional inspector examine every part of the house, including appliances, wiring, and HVAC, so you won’t end up dealing with unexpected repairs after you move in.


Stick to Your Budget

Stick to Your Budget


It can be tempting to go over your planned budget for that “dream house,” but you created that budget for a reason. As a homeowner there will be many unexpected costs in your future, you don’t want to spend all your savings to own a house that you are unable to afford to maintain. Plus, you’ll never be able to enjoy the place if it becomes the reason you have to miss out on trips, concerts, and other fun events.


Tune Others Out

Tune Others Out


When you’re buying a house friends, family, your real estate agent, and even strangers will want to share their advice and opinions. Sure, some of it will be useful, but when it comes down to picking the right house your own opinion is the one that matters most. Mom and dad might have comments about the location, your best friend might not like the cabinet colors, but at the end of the day you will be the one living there. Choose the house that meets all of your needs and wants, not theirs.












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Calmer than last spring’s record pace, Metro Vancouver home buyer demand remains elevated


While down from last year’s record numbers, home sale activity in Metro Vancouver’s housing market remained elevated in March.


The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 4,344 in March 2022, a 23.9 per cent decrease from the 5,708 sales recorded in March 2021, and a 26.9 per cent increase from the 3,424 homes sold in February 2022. 


Last month’s sales were 25.5 per cent above the 10-year March sales average. 


“March of 2021 was the highest selling month in our history. This year’s activity, while still elevated, is happening at a calmer pace than we experienced 12 months ago,” Daniel John, REBGV Chair said. “Home buyers are keeping a close eye on rising interest rates, hoping to make a move before their locked-in rates expire.” 


There were 6,673 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in March 2022. This represents a 19.5 per cent decrease compared to the 8,287 homes listed in March 2021 and a 22 per cent increase compared to February 2022 when 5,471 homes were listed.

 
The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 7,628, a 16.6 per cent decrease compared to March 2021 (9,145) and a 13.1 per cent increase compared to February 2022 (6,742). 


“We’re still seeing upward pressure on prices across all housing categories in the region. Lack of supply is driving this pressure,” John said. “The number of homes listed for sale on our MLS® system today is less than half of what’s needed to shift the market into balanced territory.” 


For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for March 2022 is 56.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 38.8 per cent for detached homes, 73.3 per cent for townhomes, and 70.3 per cent for apartments. 


Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 


The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,360,500. This represents a 20.7 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 3.6 per cent increase compared to February 2022. 


Sales of detached homes in March 2022 reached 1,291, a 34.3 per cent decrease from the 1,965 detached sales recorded in March 2021. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,118,600. This represents a 23.4 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 3.6 per cent increase compared to February 2022. 


Sales of apartment homes reached 2,310 in March 2022, a 14.3 per cent decrease compared to the 2,697 sales in March 2021. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $835,500. This represents a 16.8 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 3.4 per cent increase compared to February 2022. 


Attached home sales in March 2022 totalled 743, a 29.0 per cent decrease compared to the 1,046 sales in March 2021. The benchmark price of an attached home is $1,138,300. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 28.1 per cent increase compared to February 2022.

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Reciprocity Logo 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.