May 2016 Market Review

May was another blistering month in the Toronto real estate market. TREB reported 12,870 sales, up 10.6% over May 2015, and setting the record for that month. Once again, new listings declined, from 18,611 in May 2015 to 17,412, a drop of 6.4%. Hot sales and fewer new listings cut the total number of active listings from 18,585 last year to just 12,931, a huge drop of 30.4%.

That combination is the primary cause of the intense competition among buyers, and contributed to further price increases. The average sale price last month was $751,908, up 15.7% over $649,648 recorded last May. TREB’s HPI was up by roughly the same amount, 15%.

The 416 condo market also had a booming month. Sales increased by 21.7% year-over-year, while the average price was up a more modest 5%. There’s more selection in the condo segment, and although prices keep increasing, it’s at a much more manageable rate for first-time buyers. If you have your heart set on a house for your first purchase, you might want to consider a condo as a way to get your foot in to the real estate market….

Traditionally, the spring market goes ’til some time in June, and things definitely slow down after the July long weekend. In recent years, however, with the on-going supply shortage and teeming buyers, the summer months have remained competitive. It remains to be seen what exactly will happen this year, but I’m expecting stronger than usual activity in July, due to pent-up buying demand. I think that the key to success this summer will be to stay active!