While it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the Toronto real estate market into a new set of oscillating dynamics, the annual increase in activity during Toronto’s infamous Fall Market seems to be holding true; as we approach September, the number of Sellers readying themselves and Buyers padding the pavement is ramping up. We expect those who’ve found themselves squeezed for space in their existing residences will continue to compete to buy larger ‘Forever Homes’, and drive up prices. Meanwhile, both COVID-19 and the newly-imposed Toronto policies restricting Airbnb rentals will continue to dampen the condominium market, particularly the high-rise high-density buildings; anticipate an active but more subdued condo market than is historically characteristic of September, October & November.
Prices are stable right now, but, heading into Fall, we may see numbers follow a steep incline! Here’s the Toronto Real Estate Board’s analysis for August 2020, with graphics courtesy of Market Watch:
TORONTO, ONTARIO, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 – Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Lisa Patel announced that the strong rebound in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) home sales continued with a record result for the month of August. GTA REALTORS® reported 10,775 residential sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in August 2020 –up by 40.3 percent compared to August 2019. Year-over-year sales growth was driven by low-rise home types, particularly in the regions surrounding the City of Toronto. However, condominium apartment sales were also up on an annual basis, including in Toronto.
Sales were up on a year-over-year basis for all major home types, both in the City of Toronto and surrounding GTA regions. It should be noted that the low-rise market segments, including detached and semi-detached houses and townhouses, were the drivers of sales growth. Condominium apartment sales were up on an annual basis for the second straight month but to a lesser degree.
“Increased demand for ownership housing has been based on improving economic conditions, in terms of monthly GDP growth and job creation, and the continuation of very low borrowing costs. In addition, fewer households have chosen to go on vacation as a result of COVID-19 and instead have remained in the GTA and been active in the housing market, satisfying pent-up demand from the spring,” said Ms. Patel.
Both the number of new listings entered into TRREB’s MLS® System during the month and the number of active listings at the end of August 2020 was up on a year-over-year basis. While new listings were up strongly for all home types, growth in new condominium apartment listings far outstripped growth in the other market segments.
“Generally speaking, market conditions remained very tight in the GTA resale market in August. Competition between buyers was especially strong for low-rise home types, leading to robust annual rates of price growth. However, with growth in condominium apartment listings well-outstripping condo sales growth, condo market conditions were comparatively more balanced, which was reflected in a slower pace of price growth in that segment,” said Jason Mercer, TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst.
The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 11.1 per cent in August 2020 compared to August 2019. Over the same period, the overall average selling price was up by 20.1 per cent to $951,404. Annual detached and semi-detached sales growth was stronger in the comparatively more-expensive City of Toronto compared to the surrounding GTA regions, which helps explain why growth in the overall average selling price outstripped growth in the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark.
“With demand for ownership housing continuing to recover, it will be important for policymakers to remain focussed on the longer-term goal of bringing more housing supply online, especially as we return to a normal cycle of immigration. We have to focus on supply both in the aggregate and in terms of a greater diversity of home types. This will be key in addressing housing affordability in the GTA moving forward and keeping the region competitive in attracting businesses and talent from around the world,” said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.”
Love a good infographic as much as we do? Here’s one from our broker – Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – based on the August 2020 TRREB stats for the City Of Toronto!
If you’d like to see more in-depth figures – by housing type and/or geographical area – here’s the complete set of Aug 2020 TRREB Stats.
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~ Steven
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
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