Significant Surge in Canadian Home Sales Creates Excitement

October 2024 Sees Remarkable Increase in Home Sales

In October 2024, home sales across Canada saw an impressive jump, as reported through the Canadian MLS Systems. Sales activity surged by 7.7% month-over-month, marking the highest sales volume since April 2022.

Shaun Cathcart, the Senior Economist at CREA, provided insights into the situation, stating, "This unexpected surge in home sales can be attributed to the significant interest rate reduction of 50 basis points announced during the final week of October. However, the real driver of this increase appears to be the influx of new listings that we witnessed in September." He further explained the return of spring season supply dynamics while remaining optimistic about lower mortgage rates in the forthcoming months.

Key Market Highlights

Several noteworthy trends emerged from the data released for October:

• National home sales experienced a notable rise of 7.7% compared to the previous month.
• Monthly activity was approximately 30% higher than October 2023.
• The quantity of newly listed properties saw a slight decline of 3.5% month-over-month.
• On the pricing front, the MLS Home Price Index (HPI) edged down just 0.1% compared to September while reflecting a 2.7% decrease year-over-year.
• The actual national average sale price surged by 6% on a year-over-year basis, reaching $696,166 in October.

Understanding the Local Dynamics

Sales increases were not uniform but particularly pronounced in regions like the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and British Columbia's Lower Mainland, each experiencing double-digit growth in October.

Meanwhile, the market observed a decrease in new listings, which fell by 3.5% in October. This decline followed a stronger performance in September with a 4.8% increase in available properties. Consequently, the sales-to-new listings ratio reflected a tightening market, rising from 52% in September to 58% in October. This metric typically indicates a balanced market lies within a range of 45% to 65%.

Future Market Trends

James Mabey, the Chair of CREA, noted that this robust sales performance suggests buyers have been active since interest rates started trending downward in the early summer. He remarked, "Many buyers may have waited for suitable properties to become available, which began emerging in September. The sustainability of this momentum heading into the spring months will depend critically on the listing levels. For anyone looking to sell or buy, consulting with a local REALTOR is the best initial step."

Inventory Levels and Market Conditions

At the end of October, there were 174,458 properties listed for sale across Canadian MLS Systems, reflecting an 11.4% increase compared to the previous year. Despite this noticeable increase, inventory levels remain below historical averages.

The months of inventory, a key indicator of market conditions, stood at just 3.7 at the end of October, down from 4.1 in September. This marks a significant low, suggesting a seller's market where availability is less than 3.6 months and a buyer's market above 6.5 months.

Notably, the non-seasonally adjusted National Composite MLS HPI registered a 2.7% decline compared to October 2023, which is the smallest year-over-year drop since May. Current conditions indicate that year-over-year comparisons will likely diminish moving forward as we adapt to potential price stability.

Looking Ahead

According to market analysts, although fluctuations in pricing are common, the broader outlook continues to suggest stability in property values throughout the remainder of the year. The CREA statistics package is set to be published next, offering further guidance on how the market may evolve.

For further inquiries, please reach out to:
Pierre Leduc, Media Relations
The Canadian Real Estate Association
Tel.: 613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460
E-mail: pleduc@CREA.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the rise in home sales in October 2024?

The surge in home sales was primarily driven by a significant interest rate cut and a subsequent increase in new property listings.

How does the current sales-to-new listings ratio affect the market?

The sales-to-new listings ratio is an essential indicator of market health; a ratio of 58% this October suggests increasing demand relative to supply.

What is the current trend in average home prices?

As of October 2024, the average home price in Canada was $696,166, representing a 6% increase from the previous year.

What does the HPI reveal about pricing trends?

The MLS Home Price Index reflects minor fluctuations but overall indicates stable pricing trends across the national landscape.

What should potential buyers do in the current market?

It is advisable for buyers to consult with local REALTORS to navigate the evolving market effectively and identify suitable properties.

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