The new look housing market

City-wide prices hold steady in April as labour market conditions pick up

It's not a completely new look at this point, but it's definitely newish.

With recent improvements in the labour market and a balanced detached sector, city-wide benchmark prices reached $439,600 in April, similar to the previous month, but 0.90 per cent below last year's levels.

"More jobs means less uncertainty for people who are sitting on the fence," said CREB® president David P. Brown. "There also tends to be fewer people who need to sell when employment improves, and that can prevent inventory gains and further price reductions in the market. It's a good scenario for sellers who are entering a spring market that's in better shape than anything we've seen in recent years."

Detached supply from new construction didn't surpass previous highs. That helped prevent steeper price adjustments in the detached sector when demand eased.

While adjustments are still occurring in the apartment condominium sector, the detached segment of the market is improving across all price segments.

"Detached product has not faced the same supply pressure as the apartment sector," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie. "Detached supply from new construction didn't surpass previous highs. That helped prevent steeper price adjustments in the detached sector when demand eased."

The relationship between sales and inventory will be a key driver for pricing in the months ahead. Total transactions improved to 1,917 units in April, while inventories totaled 5,495 units, pushing months of supply below three for the second consecutive month.

With sales up and overall market inventory down, months of supply has already pulled back from elevated levels recorded over the past two years. While activity continues to vary by location and product type, more balanced conditions will help to support overall price stability.

"Improvements in the employment situation were necessary to prevent further declines in the housing sector," said Lurie. "However, economic recovery is still expected to be slow, impacting the pace and quality of job growth. Based on current expectations this should translate into a more prolonged period of recovery in the housing market."

Tagged: Housing Market | Housing Market | Monthly stats