BCREA News Release: Homes Sales Off to a Strong Start in 2016
Homes Sales Off to a Strong Start in 2016
Vancouver, BC – February 12, 2016. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 5,831 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) last month, up 33.2 per cent from January of last year. Total sales dollar volume was $4.39 billion in January, up 69.1 per cent compared to the previous year.
The average MLS® residential price in the province was up 26.9 per cent year-over-year, to $752,906.
"The BC housing market continues to build on momentum from a very strong 2015," said Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA Economist. "Heightened demand is being met with the lowest level of supply in a decade, resulting in increased pressure on prices in much of the province."
The housing market has seen a blistering start to 2016, with housing demand supported by low mortgage rates and rising employment and wage growth in the province. However, MLS® residential sales are forecast to edge lower this year. Total MLS® sales last year were the third highest on record at 102,517. A record 106,310 residential unit sales were recorded in 2005, while the only other year eclipsing 2016 were 2007 when 102,805 unit sales were recorded.
Download the full report:
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For more information, please contact:
| Brendon Ogmundson | Damian Stathonikos |
| Economist | Director, Communications and Public Affairs |
| Direct: 604.742.2796 | Direct: 604.742.2793 |
| Mobile: 604.505.6793 | Mobile: 778.990.1320 |
| Email: bogmundson@bcrea.bc.ca | Email: dstathonikos@bcrea.bc.ca |
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is the professional association for over 19,000 REALTORS® in BC, focusing on provincial issues that impact real estate. Working with the province's 11 real estate boards, BCREA provides continuing professional education, advocacy, economic research and standard forms to help REALTORS® provide value for their clients.
To demonstrate the profession's commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods.
For detailed statistical information, contact your local real estate board. MLS® is a cooperative marketing system used only by Canada's real estate boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.