The GTA housing market took a bit of a breather in August. Home sales dropped by 5.3% compared to last year, with 4,975 homes sold, down from 5,251 same time last year. New listings went up up, with 12,547 homes added to the market, and currently 22,653 active listings. So, if you’re looking to buy, there are ample options.
Prices didn’t change much. The average home price was down by just 0.8%, bringing it to $1,074,425. The MLS® Home Price Index dropped a bit more, down 4.6%, showing that home prices are cooling off, but slowly.
There’s some welcome news for buyers, On September 4, the Bank of Canada cut interest rates, which is going to help make carrying costs more affordable. . As mortgage rates continue to fall, we expect to see more people buying homes—especially condos—over the next year or two.
TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer, said “As borrowing costs trend lower, home buyer will initially benefit from both lower monthly mortgage payments and lower home prices. Even as demand picks up, especially in 2025 it will take time for inventory of listing to be absorbed…. And this will help keep price growth moderate, at least in the initial phases of recovery”
Looking ahead, TRREB’s CEO, John DiMichele, reminded that we need to maintain a sustained focus of boasting home construction, especially relating to the right mix of homes to meet consumers needs meet demand and keep them affordable.
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View the detailed August report here.
Is Now the Time to Buy? Exploring August 2024's GTA Sales Decline and Rate Cuts
