Here’s a breakdown of the week’s key headlines, plus a helpful explanation courtesy of our parent brokerage, Bosley Real Estate!
Woohoo the spring market is heating up! The media headlines are all positive news that the Toronto-area and GTA real estate market is showing signs of a spring rebound and the recent strength in price marks the start of a new upward trend. Even if the volume of transactions remains relatively low in the Toronto area, demand is building. The right properties in desirable neighbourhoods are attracting multiple offers, while still allowing room for negotiation. The market’s going to do a bit better than most people are expecting. All those waiting for a slow down, you might be waiting for awhile!
Recent changes to mortgage regulations are fueling demand for lower-priced homes while shrinking the pool of qualified buyers for higher-priced homes and that finds the $700,000 to $1.S million price range extremely competitive. Last week the number of freehold properties sold was up 54% from the week before and again Riverdale and Leslieville are the hot spots with 83% of properties selling above the asking price. There is no slowdown to neighbourhoods in the west end such as Wallace Emerson and Dufferin Grove where 75% of the sales happened in multiple offers. Sales remained strong in the central core which saw 47 properties sell in the $1,500,000 to $3,000,000 up by 70%, a huge jump from last week.
The downtown condo market is still insane. It seems downtown condos offer a lifestyle that buyers want. They want to be within walking distance to work or a short transit ride, and they’re still willing to pay top dollar. Multiple offers and over-asking prices are the norm, but supply is an issue for condos. Last week we saw 175 condos sold, up 25% from the week before and of those sold 51% sold over the asking price. The number of new listings was slightly down by 13%.
*Bosley Real Estate Ltd. is a full service boutique brokerage operating in Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Port Hope, Ontario since 1928. We have four centrally located offices and over 250 sales representatives selling and leasing homes and condominiums in all the vibrant communities we work in. Our brand is well recognized internationally thanks to our unique affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Our sales teams meet weekly to discuss market conditions, trending topics, and anecdotes that more accurately reflect the true temperature of the real estate market.
HERE ARE THE TOP FIVE TRENDING STORIES OF THE PAST WEEK:
GTA housing market poised for spring thaw
“’Sizzling’ might be overstating the warming property market. But the real estate industry is finally predicting a return to a traditionally brisk spring — the kind of season that was virtually lost last year when, after months of bully bids and frenzied buying, sales soared in March and then stopped almost overnight.”
Prince’s Former Toronto Home Sees Big Price Drop
“If you want a sense of what a ride Toronto’s housing market has been in recent years, look no further than the saga of 61 The Bridle Path — the mansion formerly owned by Prince.”
Toronto condo projects teeter on collapse amid rising costs
“As Toronto’s condo market booms, signs are emerging that a stressed industry is facing rising costs and tax burdens that may mean an even grimmer outlook for buyers.”
Couple ordered to pay $470,000 after reneging on Ontario home deal
“In a case a judge called a warning to prospective buyers in the GTA’s erratic housing market, a couple caught up in a bidding war will have to pay $470,000 after reneging on a multimillion-dollar deal to buy a Stouffville-area house.”
Best Place To Buy Real Estate In Canada Is Brantford, Ont.: MoneySense
“If you’re looking to buy property, personal finance website MoneySense says get thee to Brantford, Ont.”
Missed the most recent round up?
Bosley’s Market Insight For The First Week Of April 2018
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
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Celebrating Twenty-Five Years As A Top-Producing Toronto Realtor
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