SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market showed signs of recovery in January as home sales rose after six consecutive months of decline, and new listings more than doubled.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 938 transactions on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, a 12 per cent increase over December and below the 10-year average for sales in the region.

At 2,368, new listings increased 151 per cent in January, rebounding strongly from the seasonal lull seen in December. This is the largest month-over-month percentage increase in new listings in five years.

“With January sales on the rise, we are seeing hopeful signs that optimism is returning to the market,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.  “Anticipating that we may be at the end of the Bank of Canada rate hike cycle, it appears that more buyers are considering re-entering the market as we are starting to see more traffic at open houses.”

Active listings in January were 4,877, up by 4 per cent over last month and up by 18 per cent over January 2023. The sales-to-active listings ratio was 19 per cent, representing balanced conditions in the overall market. Detached houses are in balanced market territory at 19 per cent, while both townhomes and apartments remain in seller’s market territory at 34 and 27 per cent respectively. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Current balanced market conditions present opportunities for both buyers and sellers,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “In today’s market, buyers and sellers have time to get preapprovals, put together offers and take the time needed to work through the purchase or sale of a home with the help of a knowledgeable and professional REALTOR®.”

The average number of days homes are spending on the market has been increasing since October, with single family detached homes spending 44 days on the market, apartments spending 41 days on the market and townhomes moving more quickly at 33 days.

Overall Benchmark prices continued to edge downward for the sixth month in a row, losing less than half a per cent from December, and down six per cent from the 12-month peak in July.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,466,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.4 per cent compared to December 2023 and increased 8.6 per cent compared to January 2023.
• Townhomes: At $825,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.1 per cent compared to December 2023 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to January 2023.
• Apartments: At $539,700, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.4 per cent compared to December 2023 and increased 6.5 per cent compared to January 2023.

To read the full statistics package, click here.

SURREY, BC – High interest rates kept a lid on sales and listings in the Fraser Valley in 2023, while holding year-over-year price growth to low single digits.

The Fraser Valley region ended the year with 14,713 sales recorded on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a decline of four per cent over 2022 and 23 per cent below the 10-year average. New listings in the Fraser Valley were also at a 10-year low, at 29,610, eight per cent below the 10-year average.

The composite Benchmark home price in the Fraser Valley closed the year at $988,900, down six per cent from its 2023 peak in July, but up on the year by five per cent.

“Back-to-back mid-year interest rate hikes slowed the market despite strong sales and new listings in the spring,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “This left the market in overall balance for the latter half of the year, albeit at low levels of activity. We anticipate 2024 will bring increased
optimism on behalf of buyers and sellers as the Bank of Canada is expected to lower interest rates before mid-year.”

December 2023

For the month of December, the Board recorded 837 sales on its MLS®, a drop of six per cent from November, but 17 per cent higher than December 2022.

At 942, new listings dropped by 54 per cent in December, but increased 17 per cent compared to December of 2022. Total active listings for December stood at 4,670, a decrease of 25 per cent month-over-month, but 19 per cent higher year-over-year.

With a sales-to-active listings ratio of 18 per cent for December, the overall market closed out the year in balance. Detached houses closed out 2023 with a ratio of 16 per cent, while both townhomes and apartments remained in seller’s market territory at 29 and 26 per cent respectively. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“2023 saw buyers and sellers adjust to new rate realities, and the impact of those high rates were reflected in the low number of sales in the Fraser Valley,” said FVREB CEO Baldev Gill. “However, as rates start to ease, we expect market activity will pick up. This will create opportunities for buyers and sellers who are
advised to consult with a professional REALTOR® before jumping into the market.”

On average, properties spent approximately 41 days on the market, with single family detached homes spending 40 days on the market. Townhomes and apartments moved more quickly at 32 and 33 days respectively.

Overall Benchmark prices continued to slide for the fifth month in a row, losing 1.5 per cent compared to November.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,471,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 1.2 per cent compared to November 2023 and increased 7.1 per cent compared to December 2022.
• Townhomes: At $826,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 1.3 per cent compared to November 2023 and increased 5.3 per cent compared to December 2022.
• Apartments: At $537,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 1.4 per cent compared to November 2023 and increased 6.9 per cent compared to December 2022.

To read the full statistics package, click here.

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market continues to cool heading into the holiday season as buyers and sellers maintain the holding pattern seen over the latter half of this year.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 891 transactions on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, a drop of 8 per cent from the previous month, representing the 9^th slowest November in a decade.

At 2,030 new listings also fell again, decreasing by 20 per cent from October and by 43 per cent since peaking in May at 3,533.

“As we head into the holiday season, buyers and sellers are busy with other priorities and will most likely continue to wait on the sidelines,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “We anticipate this holding pattern, defined by slow sales and declining new listings, will continue through the winter months until we see some downward movement in interest rates.”

Active listings in November were 6,254, down by 5 per cent over last month and up by 17 per cent over November 2022. The sales-to-active listings ratio was 14 per cent, creating balanced conditions in the overall market. Detached houses are in balanced market territory at 12 per cent, while both townhomes and apartments remain in seller’s market territory. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“With seasonality and high interest rates continuing to dampen sales activity, we expect to see sales slow further into early 2024,” said FVREB CEO Baldev Gill. “However, even a slow market can present opportunities, and buyers would be well-advised to work with a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® who can provide expert advice and guidance.”

On average, properties spent approximately one month on the market, with single family detached homes spending 36 days on the market, and townhomes and apartments moving more quickly at 29 days.

Overall Benchmark prices continued to slide for the fourth month in a row, losing 1.1 per cent compared to October.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,489,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.94 per cent compared to October 2023 and increased 6.22 per cent compared to November 2022.
• Townhomes: At $837,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.95 per cent compared to October 2023 and increased 5.08 per cent compared to November 2022.
• Apartments: At $545,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.02 per cent compared to October 2023 and increased 5.60 per cent compared to November 2022.

To read the full statistics package, click here.

SURREY, BC – Property sales and new listings in the Fraser Valley fell again in October as consumers continued to put home buying and selling decisions on hold in the face of elevated interest rates.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 970 transactions on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, a drop of 12 per cent from the previous month and the fourth consecutive decrease since the 12-month high of 1,935 sales recorded in June.

At 2,535, new listings also fell again, decreasing by 11 per cent from September and by 28 per cent since peaking in May at 3,533.

“What we’re seeing in the Fraser Valley and indeed across the province is the impact of sustained high interest rates on the overall market,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “This has been the case since the latter half of the year so far, and we anticipate the trend will continue until we start to see some downward movement in the policy rate.”

Active listings in October were 6,580, up by less than 1 per cent over last month and up by 17 per cent over October 2022. The sales-to-active listings ratio was 15 per cent, creating balanced conditions in the overall market, with detached houses dipping into buyers’ market territory at 12 per cent. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“As the market continues to adjust to the new rate realities, pricing and financing strategies become critical,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “A knowledgeable professional REALTOR®, armed with the latest comparative market data and neighbourhood insights, can be the key to determining optimal market timing.”

Overall benchmark prices continued to slide for the third month in a row, losing 1.4 per cent compared to September. See below for price changes by housing category.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,503,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 1.5 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 4.8 per cent compared to October 2022.
• Townhomes: At $845,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.4 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 4.7 per cent compared to October 2022.
• Apartments: At $545,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.1 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 3.7 per cent compared to October 2022.

Find the October 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – Continued slowing sales and a healthy rise in new listings in September has brought the Fraser Valley housing market into balance. Three months of declining sales has seen Benchmark prices dip for a second straight month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,100 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2023, a decrease of 13.6 per cent compared to August. Sales were up 22.6 per cent compared to September 2022.

New listings rose to 2,860 in September, an increase of 9.1 per cent over last month, and 25.8 per cent above this time last year. Active listings have been rising since last December and grew again in September by 3.8 per cent to 6,532, 3.5 per cent below the ten-year average.

“With inventory levels continuing on a slow and steady rise, together with slow sales, what we are seeing is a more balanced market,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “If this trend continues, increased new listings will help to maintain a balanced market, giving buyers greater choice.”

The market for detached homes softened again in September, with a sales-to-active listings ratio of 14 per cent, down from 16 per cent in August. Demand for townhomes and apartments remained stronger (31 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively). The overall sales-to-active listing ratio is at 17 per cent, representing a balanced market. The market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active-listings ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

Benchmark prices in the Fraser Valley dipped compared to last month with losses of less than one per cent across all property types.

“With interest rate uncertainty still in play, September sales were slower than the trends for this time of year,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “Market activity and prices can vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, so consulting your REALTOR® will be a vital step for buyers and sellers who need expert guidance and advice to navigate local market conditions.”

On average properties spent a minimum of three weeks on the market before selling, with townhomes and apartments moving faster (23 and 24 days, respectively) than detached homes (29 days).

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

•  Single Family Detached: At $1,526,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.6 per cent compared to August 2023 and increased 4.6 per cent compared to September 2022.
•  Townhomes: At $848,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.3 per cent compared to August 2023 and increased 3.5 per cent compared to September 2022.
• Apartments: At $545,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 1.4 per cent compared to August 2023 and increased 3.4 per cent compared to September 2022.

Find the September 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – A combination of seasonal trends and cautious anticipation of the next rate announcement saw the Fraser Valley real estate market slow in August as sales fell slightly for the second month, after reaching a 15-month high in June.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,273 sales on its Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) in August 2023, a decrease of 6.9 per cent compared to July. Sales were up 25.2 per cent compared to August 2022.

New listings dropped to 2,622 in August, a decrease of 8.2 per cent over last month, but 28.2 per cent above this time last year. Active listings have been rising since last December and grew again in August by 1.5 per cent to 6,291, just 7 per cent off the ten-year average.

“Many buyers are in “watchful waiting” mode as they hold off on decisions in anticipation of potential further rate changes,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “With prices relatively stable and active inventory on the rise, we hope to see more new listings come on stream over the next couple of months, especially if rates hold steady.”

With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of 16 per cent, the market for detached homes was balanced between supply and demand. Demand for townhomes and apartments remained stronger (38 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively). The market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active-listings ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

Benchmark prices in the Fraser Valley, remained relatively unchanged compared to last month with gains of less than one per cent across all property types. See below for details.

“We expect to see market activity pick up heading into the fall months,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “That said, with the uncertainty surrounding interest rates as well as the potential impact of provincial housing strategy initiatives, buyers and sellers would be well-advised to consult with a professional REALTOR® to assess any risks and opportunities before making a decision.”

On average properties spent between two and four weeks on the market before selling, with townhomes and apartments moving faster (16 and 20 days, respectively) than detached homes (25 days).

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,534,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.6 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 1.6 per cent compared to August 2022.
• Townhomes: At $846,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.5 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 0.9 per cent compared to August 2022.
• Apartments: At $553,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.4 per cent compared to July 2023 and increased 2.5 per cent compared to August 2022.

Find the August 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – After five months of successive increases, real estate sales in the Fraser Valley dropped in response to a combination of continued rising interest rates and the summer sales cycle.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,368 sales in July on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), a decrease of 29.3 per cent below June, but still 37.8 per cent above July 2022.

July new listings, at 2,855, were also down by 16.6 per cent compared to last month but 19.7 per cent higher than July 2022 levels, and virtually on par with the ten-year average. Active listings continued to climb, increasing by 4.3 per cent over June, bringing the total inventory available for sale in the region to 6,199.

“Summer is typically a slower period for the real estate sector and the higher interest rates are contributing to the market slowdown,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “We’re seeing less traffic and fewer multiple offers as buyers and sellers put a pause on decisions and we expect this trend to continue until the fall cycle.”

The market for detached homes softened in July with a sales-to-active listings ratio of 17 per cent while demand for townhomes and apartments remained firm at 45 per cent and 36 per cent respectively. The market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active-listing ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

Prices across all categories saw negligible increases compared to last month (see below).

“With rates at their highest levels in over 20 years and inflation still elevated, buyers and sellers are taking time to reevaluate their objectives,” said FVREB CEO Baldev Gill. “As housing options begin to take center stage on the Provincial agenda, consumers will want to consult a professional REALTOR® for a detailed picture of the market in their communities and to stay up to date on upcoming changes that may impact their decisions.”

On average, properties spent two to three weeks on the market before selling, with detached homes spending 22 days on the market, and townhomes and apartments moving slightly more quickly at 16 and 18 days, respectively.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,543,300 the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.1 per cent compared to June 2023 and decreased 3.1 per cent compared to July 2022.
• Townhomes: At $850,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.6 per cent compared to June 2023 and decreased 2.7 per cent compared to July 2022.
• Apartments: At $555,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.6 per cent compared to June 2023 and increased 0.8 per cent compared to July 2022.

Find the July 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market saw strong sales activity in June with levels on par with the 10-year average for the month, amid on-going challenges with supply.

In June, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,935 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 51.1 per cent compared to June 2022 and a 13.1 per cent increase compared to May.

“As seen in recent months, prices continue to trend upward, with lack of supply and high demand for housing,“ said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “What we’re seeing is sales increasing, with buyers entering the market despite current financial implications of anticipated rate hikes.”

The Board received 3,424 new listings in June, an increase of 2.8 per cent compared to last year, and a decrease of 3.1 per cent compared to May 2023. The month ended with a total active inventory of 5,944, a 6.9 per cent increase compared to May, and 8.2 per cent less than June of last year.

“A number of factors are at play in the Fraser Valley market, from low supply to unprecedented interest rates – the highest in more than 20 years,” said Board CEO, Baldev Gill. “For those seeking to enter the market, whether buying or selling, only a professional REALTOR® can provide the expert guidance and advice to fully evaluate each clients’ needs, and to protect their interests.”

Across Fraser Valley in June, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 21 and a townhome was 16 days. Apartments took, on average, 22 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,526,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.3 per cent compared to May 2023 and decreased 7.4 per cent compared to June 2022.
• Townhomes: At $845,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 2.3 per cent compared to May 2023 and decreased 5.2 per cent compared to June 2022.
• Apartments: At $552,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.8 per cent compared to May 2023 and decreased 2.5 per cent compared to June 2022.

Find the June 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley real estate market saw an injection of supply in May as new listings surged by more than 40 per cent over April.

At 3,533, new listings were just below May 2022 levels (3,631) but slightly higher (2.7 per cent) than the ten-year average for the region. A welcome trend towards alleviating housing supply issues.

“Typically we would see an influx of inventory earlier in the spring sales cycle,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The series of interest rate hikes during the latter half of 2022 had many sellers and buyers in a holding pattern for most of the year. What we’re seeing now is a recovery and adjustment to the new financing landscape.”

Active listings grew to 5,558, a 20 per cent increase over April, the highest month-over-month jump in more than a year.

The strong supply trend was met with healthy demand. In May, the Board processed 1,711 sales on its Multiple Listing Service®, a 10.1 per cent increase over last month and a 25.8 per cent jump over May of last year.

Prices continued to edge upward across all categories as buyer confidence grew, with the composite Benchmark price topping the one-million mark at $1.01 million, a level not seen since September 2022.

“It’s encouraging to see more typically cyclical activity this spring,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “Inventory has been trending upwards since December 2022, providing more choice, which in turn will hopefully spur on even more listings. That said, with inflation tracking at elevated levels the potential for further rate hikes is very real. Buyers and sellers would be well-advised to work with real estate professionals to factor this into their decisions.”

Across the Fraser Valley in May, properties continued to move more quickly with each passing month: detached homes took, on average, 23 days to sell and apartments, 23. Townhomes moved more quickly, selling, on average, 18 days after listing.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,491,700, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 2.5 per cent compared to April 2023 and decreased 12.7 per cent compared to May 2022.
• Townhomes: At $826,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.4 per cent compared to April 2023 and decreased 9.8 per cent compared to May 2022.
• Apartments: At $542,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2 per cent comparedto April 2023 and decreased 6.3 per cent compared to May 2022.

Find the May 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – Despite persistent inventory shortfalls, housing sales in the Fraser Valley remained steady in April as buyers took advantage of the continued pause in interest rate hikes.

In April, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,554 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), virtually unchanged compared to March and a slight decrease of 5.1 per cent compared to April 2022.

“Buyers are continuing to find opportunities in the Fraser Valley, even in the face of lower inventories,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “With prices remaining strong, we expect to see inventories increase over the coming months as sellers seek to capitalize on price growth after sitting out for so long.”

The Board received 2,478 new listings in April, off by 3.2 per cent compared to March, and down by 31.6 per cent compared to last year. The month ended with a total active inventory of 4,632, a 2.2 per cent increase over March, and 14 per cent less than April 2022.

“Our members are starting to see a rise in multiple offers on properties as the spring market kicks in,” said Board CEO, Baldev Gill. “With the heightened activity, many homeowners are asking: is now the right time to buy or sell?  There is no simple – or single – answer to this question, but a wise first step would be to consult with a professional REALTOR® to determine the best path to meet your personal objectives.”

Low inventories helped nudge prices upward with the composite Benchmark price up by 2.8 per cent to $992,000 and single-family detached homes up by nearly four per cent, month-over-month.

Across Fraser Valley in April, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 25 days and a townhome was 23 days. Apartments took, on average, 26 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,442,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 3.8 per cent compared to March 2023 and decreased 17.8 per cent compared to April 2022.
• Townhomes: At $808,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 1.7 per cent compared to March 2023 and decreased 13.3 per cent compared to April 2022.
• Apartments: At $530,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.6 per cent compared to March 2023 and decreased 9.8 per cent compared to April 2022.

Find the April 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – March 2023 saw the second consecutive month of growth in sales in the Fraser Valley, and although still below seasonal norms, the trend is an encouraging sign that the region continues to head towards increased market stability.

At 1,550, property sales posted on the FVREB’s Multiple Listings Service (MLS®) were 72.6 per cent higher than sales recorded last month. Although 39.9 per cent lower than a year ago and nearly 25 per cent below the ten-year average, it marks the first time since August that monthly sales exceeded the 1,000 level.

“After months of uncertainty made it difficult for buyers and sellers to re-enter the housing market, we may well be seeing a turning point,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The pause in rate hikes has helped to restore a much-needed sense of predictability, which is building consumer confidence. As a result, we’re starting to see more traffic at open houses along with more multiple offer situations.”

As in all regions across the province and the country, low supply is still an issue and a primary factor driving price growth.

New listings, at 2,559, were 32 per cent higher than in February, but still 44.1 per cent below last year, while active listings were up by 2.8 per cent over last month and 3.5 per cent below last year. However, both are well off the ten-year average and among the lowest March listings recorded in a decade. As a result, the aggregate sales-to-active listings ratio grew to 34 per cent, shifting the market into sellers territory, with demand for townhomes even more pronounced, at a 62 per cent ratio. (The market is considered balanced when the sales-to active listings ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.)

Benchmark prices continued to edge upward with roughly two per cent month-over-month growth across all categories. The composite Benchmark price was $965,100 in March.

“While market demand continues to trend up, we still face an uphill battle on the supply side, which is keeping prices elevated,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “The province will require sustained inventory growth of at least 25 per cent over each of the next five years in order to normalize inventories. Until then, we strongly advise buyers and sellers to consult with a REALTOR® to plan the best strategy.”

Properties spent slightly fewer days on the market compared to last month with detached homes posting 30 days on the market and apartments 29. Townhomes moved faster, at 26 days.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,390,600 the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.9 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 21.7 per cent compared to March 2022.
• Townhomes: At $794,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 14.5 per cent compared to March 2022.
• Apartments: At $521,800 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.3 per cent compared to February 2023 and decreased 11 per cent compared to March 2022.

Find the March 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/

SURREY, BC – House prices in the Fraser Valley posted a slight but positive bump in February after nearly a year of month-over-month decreases. Similarly, sales, though still trending lower than normal, also recorded their first monthly gain since October

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 898 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® in February, an increase of 43.5 per cent over January but still only half as many as were recorded a year ago.

February new listings were also up, by 5.7 per cent over last month to 1,938 but 48.2 per cent lower than this time last year. Active listings grew by 7.0 per cent over January and by 16.3 per cent over February 2022.

The composite Benchmark price in February was $946,700 and though relatively flat compared to January with a negligible gain of 0.5 per cent, it reverses the price slide the market has been experiencing since April 2022. Further, while well below the record prices posted at that time, it is still more than 36 per cent higher than pre-pandemic February 2020.

“In recent months, the level of uncertainty regarding rates and prices has negatively impacted inventory and that’s kept a lot of clients on the sidelines,” said Sandra Benz, President of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Together with a growing consensus suggesting that a pause on rate hikes is imminent, the positive signals from the market give families something to build on and plan for. As that starts to happen we expect to see sales pick up slowly but steadily heading into spring.”

With a sales-to-active listings ratio of 20 per cent, the overall market was once again in balance, however the ratio for townhomes was higher at 36 per cent, indicating a seller’s market for this category. The market is considered in balance when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“All indications suggest that the market is on track to re-establish a level of stability, which is encouraging for both demand and supply sides,” said Baldev Gill, Chief Executive Officer of the Board. “With solid opportunities for properties that are appropriately priced, investing in the expertise of a professional REALTOR® should be the first decision buyers and sellers make to ensure the best local strategies before jumping back into the market.”

Properties spent between 7 and 12 fewer days on the market compared to last month, another sign that the market may be picking up. Across Fraser Valley in February, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 36 and a townhome was 33 days. Apartments took, on average, 32 days to sell.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,364,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2023 and decreased 21.5 per cent compared to February 2022.
• Townhomes: At $776,200, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.4 per cent compared to January 2023 and decreased 13.8 per cent compared to February 2022.
• Apartments: At $510,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 1.3 per cent compared to January 2023 and decreased 10.5 per cent compared to February 2022.

Find the February 2023 Statistics Package here.

Source: FVREB - https://www.fvreb.bc.ca/stats/