Seasonal Slowdown Brings Price Stability to Metro Vancouver – Market Report August 2023

As the summer season slowly fades, it’s time to reflect on the intriguing shifts that have characterized Metro Vancouver’s real estate scene. Much like the changing seasons, the market has shown its natural ebb and flow, with a few surprises thrown into the mix. Join us as we delve into the latest insights from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV).

A Seasonal Slowdown: Expected, but Noteworthy in Metro Vancouver

According to REBGV’s recent report, residential home sales in Metro Vancouver reached 2,296 in August 2023, marking a noteworthy 21.4 percent increase from the same period in 2022. However, it’s worth noting that this figure falls 13.8 percent below the 10-year seasonal average. This serves as a poignant reminder of the seasonal rhythms that influence our local Metro Vancouver market.

Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics, aptly captures the essence of this year’s market dynamics. Despite borrowing costs hitting their highest levels in a decade, Metro Vancouver’s housing market did not conform to the anticipated major slowdown. Instead, it showcased robust sales and impressive year-to-date price gains exceeding eight percent across all property types in Metro Vancouver.

Supply and Demand: The Delicate Dance in Metro Vancouver

In August 2023, we witnessed 3,943 freshly listed properties on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver, an 18.1 percent surge compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, this still falls 5.3 percent below the 10-year seasonal average in Metro Vancouver. Currently, the total number of homes listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver stands at 10,082, a slight dip from the previous year but significantly under the 10-year seasonal average.

The sales-to-active listings ratio, a crucial gauge of market equilibrium in Metro Vancouver, paints an intriguing picture. At 23.9 percent for August 2023, Metro Vancouver finds itself in a market that is delicately poised. When this ratio dips below 12 percent for an extended period in Metro Vancouver, it applies downward pressure on home prices. Conversely, when it surges past 20 percent over several months in Metro Vancouver, prices tend to ascend.

Insights by Property Type in Metro Vancouver

Delving further into the data, detached home sales numbered 591 in August 2023, a 13.2 percent increase from the prior year in Metro Vancouver, with a benchmark price of $2,018,500. Apartments witnessed even more impressive growth, with 1,270 sales in Metro Vancouver, a remarkable 27.4 percent surge compared to August 2022. The benchmark price for apartments stands at $770,000 in Metro Vancouver. Attached homes recorded 422 sales in Metro Vancouver, an 18.9 percent jump, with a benchmark price of $1,103,900.

Looking Ahead in Metro Vancouver

As we step into the embrace of fall in Metro Vancouver, we observe a convergence with historical seasonal patterns. This normalization can be attributed to both buyers and sellers adapting to the current economic climate in Metro Vancouver, including the impact of higher borrowing costs.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver currently stands at $1,208,400, reflecting a 2.5 percent increase from August 2022 in Metro Vancouver.

In conclusion, Metro Vancouver’s real estate market is proving its resilience and adaptability, even amidst changing economic tides. As we forge ahead in Metro Vancouver, it’s imperative to stay informed, monitor market trends, and collaborate closely with astute real estate professionals who can offer tailored guidance for your unique journey.