A recent RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger found more than one in four Canadian homebuyers report feeling pinched by the stress test, which came into effect in January of this year. However, projections for the spring market show optimism with most markets expected to remain stable or improve.
Despite all of the factors involved, the spring market across most of the country is forecasted to strengthen as we head into the warmer months. Supply is still low in many markets, and while the prices may not reach the same levels as this time last year, we are expected to see continued healthy price appreciation from the earlier months of this year across many regions in the country.
The average residential sale price in the Greater Toronto Area dropped to $753,747, down almost 10 per cent from $834,144 in January and February of 2017. With move-up buyers driving the market — many of whom are making their second or third transition — alongside a booming condominium market, prices are forecasted to soften throughout the year. Not all regions in Ontario are being affected like the GTA. In Ottawa, the average residential sale price in January and February was $388,289, up four per cent from the same period in 2017, and Kitchener-Waterloo saw a five per cent price increase year-over-year.
Activity in Hamilton-Burlington was driven by first-time homebuyers, primarily single Millennials and young families.
Buyers looking to downsize have also contributed to some of the activity in the condominium market. Millennial demand and immigration growth have all contributed to a strong detached home market in January and February.
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Looking to sell your home? Or buy a first time home, or move up, or downsize? Let Lori VanDinther, RE/MAX Sales Representative guide you through the process and help you make the right moves. With over 23+ years of successfully selling real estate in Burlington/Hamilton area, Lori has the experience and market knowledge. Contact Lori today.