The pandemic has been a turbulent time for real estate in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Canada at large. Whether you’re contemplating purchasing your first new home or condo, moving to a larger home, downsizing, or investing in real estate, you’re likely interested in the market and in being kept apprised of the latest trends and developments.
According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TREB), total residential real estate transactions were down 18% last month compared to the year before (9,046 transactions in September of 2021, compared to 11,033 transactions in September of 2020), and total new listings were down 34% compared to last year (just 13,483 listings in September of 2021, compared to 20,441 listings in September of 2020). The sharp decline in listings and smaller decline in transactions shows that there is a lack of supply in the GTA real estate market, so it’s not surprising to see that the average selling price increased 18.3% year over year (for an average of $1,136,280 in September of 2021, compared to $960,613 in September of 2020). Listing days on the market have also decreased (14 days in September of 2021, compared to 16 days in September of 2020).
With new home and condominium prices on a steady upward swing – with no sign of stopping – the best time to buy real estate in the GTA is, as always, as soon as possible.
RBC’s latest Housing Trends and Affordability Report, which measures affordability based on ownership costs as a percentage of household income, rose to a 30-year high in the second quarter of 2021. In Toronto, the report shows that the share of income a household would need to cover ownership costs is, on average, 59.1%.
The share of income necessary to cover the costs of owning a single-family detached home in the GTA is rising rapidly, making this dream more and more difficult for families to achieve. Soaring demand for detached homes during the pandemic made these homes’ prices increase even more. Fortunately, owning a condo apartment continues to be a more affordable option for many families, young professionals, and empty nesters and downsizers. Semi-detached homes and townhomes are also great options that offer much more value than fully-detached single family homes.
The strong real estate market can make getting into the market a challenge, but is good news for home owners and investors. For those considering purchasing a home or condo, the time is now. Toronto’s real estate market is strong and will have many opportunities for sellers, buyers, and investors alike.
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