November 2018 Market Review

The Toronto real estate market had a slow-ish November, with sales volume dropping 14.7%, from 7,326 in November 2017 to 6,251 last month. At the same time, the number of new listings dropped 26.1%, from 14,260 to just 10,534, and the total number of listings dropped 9.8%, from 18,197 to 16,420. This dynamic (fewer sales, but with fewer homes available to buyers) resulted in a slight increase in the average sale price. The November 2017 average was $761,410, and that edged up 3.5% to $788,345 – a little above the Consumer Price Index (AKA ‘inflation’), which was 2.4% in October, 2018 (the most recent available number).

Sales volume for all types was down, but average price was up for all types except townhomes. The average sale price for semi-detached houses increased the most (17.2%), which could be an indicator that buyers continue to adjust to the high price of detached homes by choosing less expensive semis (which would increase demand in that segment and drive up prices). Condos had the second-highest increase (7%), which I think bolsters that argument, and suggests that the market can adjust to price spikes all by itself – no government intervention required! 😉

Regarding the number of available listing, it was down about 2500 from the previous month, which is typical for the last few months of any given year – things sort of peter out as we head into the Christmas/New Year season. Following that, the chill of winter can keep a lid on things for another month or two – it’s amazing how much bad weather can impact the Toronto market – but keep in mind that, although the market slows down, it never stops. If you really want to, you can certainly put out a listing now; and if you find something to buy, you have the choice of listing your current home immediately, or waiting ’til the New Year.

Check out TREB’s handy chart: MarketWatch_infographic_November