HOME PRICES CONTINUE TO CLIMB IN SEPTEMBER

LISTINGS CONTINUE TO BE OUTSTRIPPED BY BUYING DEMAND

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (October 4, 2021) –– A total of 506 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR), a decrease of 32.1 per cent compared to last September and a decrease of 5.9 per cent compared to August.

“While the total number of homes sold last month was down considerably compared to last September, it can still be considered an above average month of activity when we remember that last September smashed any previous September for number of sales,” says KWAR’s president, Nicole Pohl. “In fact, I would say we are on track for setting a record number of annual sales in 2021.”

Total residential sales in September included 267 detached (down 37.3 per cent from September 2020), and 83 condominium units (down 11.7 per cent). Sales also included 41 semi-detached homes (down 21.2) and 115 townhouses (down 33.5 per cent).

In September, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $792,599. This represents a 24.2 per cent increase over September 2020 and a 5.7 per cent increase compared to August 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $963,646. This represents a 24.9 per cent increase from September 2020 and an increase of 7.9 per cent compared to August 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $497,949. This represents an increase of 28.6 per cent from September 2020 and an increase of 12.4 per cent compared to August 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $646,026. This represents a 35.7 per cent increase from September 2020 and an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to August 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $686,316. This represents an increase of 26.1 per cent compared to September 2020 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to August 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $784,200 in September. This represents a 33.0 per cent increase over September 2020 and a 3.5 per cent increase compared to August 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $869,220. This represents a 34.2 per cent increase from September 2020 and 3.8 per cent increase compared to August 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $392,600. This represents a 21.5 per cent increase from September 2020 and a 3.1 per cent increase compared to August 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $581,700. This represents a 40.0 per cent increase from September 2020 and a 2.4 per cent increase compared to August 2021.

There were 698 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 23.4 per cent compared to September of last year, and a 13 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for September.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of September was 345, a decrease of 35.3 per cent compared to September of last year, and 73.2 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,285 listings for September.

“Home prices reached all new highs in September, “says Pohl. “And while there is a growing call to add more transparency to how real estate is traded in Ontario —the brutal reality of this market is that supply is simply not keeping up with demand and that is what is driving up prices.”

The President of KWAR says: “While there are many who have zeroed in on the blind bidding process, the greater concern is that homes are being purchased without all the normal conditions you would see in a balanced market. As a practicing REALTOR® I completely support and hope the government will add the ability for REALTORS® to provide greater transparency on offers,” says Pohl. “But as it is, we are legislatively restricted from disclosing anything more than simply the number of offers, which is not working for homebuyers.”

The number of months of inventory nudged up slightly from August’s 0.4 months to half a month in September. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for the past 11 consecutive months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in September was 10 days, compared to 14 days in September 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 23 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe, and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

HOMEBUYING DEMAND CONTINUES TO OVERWHELM HOUSING SUPPLY

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (September 3, 2021) –– A total of 535 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR), a decrease of 22.1 per cent compared to last August’s record-smashing month, and a decrease of 12.3 per cent compared to July.

While sales were down relative to last month and last August, they remained well above average notes KWAR’s president, Nicole Pohl. “The main reason for the decrease is simply that last month was the first full month in Step 3 of the reopening, and people were tired of the lockdown,” says Pohl. “They got out and enjoyed their summer and shifted their real estate needs to the back burner for a much-needed change of focus.”

Total residential sales in August included 299 detached (down 30.6 per cent from August 2020), and 80 condominium units (down 1.2 per cent). Sales also included 38 semi-detached homes (down 2.6) and 118 townhouses (down 13.2 per cent).

In August, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $753,296. This represents a 19.3 per cent increase over August 2020 and a 0.3 per cent decrease compared to July 2021

• The average price of a detached home was $895,756. This represents a 22.5 per cent increase from August 2020 and a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to July 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $445,280. This represents an increase of 18.2 per cent from August 2020 and an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to July 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $623,767. This represents a 26.1 per cent increase from August 2020 and an increase of 0.1 per cent compared to July 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $683,048. This represents an increase of 26.5 per cent compared to August 2020 and an increase of 2.3 per cent compared to July 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $757,900 in August. This represents a 29.5 per cent increase over August 2020 and a 1.2 per cent increase compared to July 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $837,100. This represents a 31.5 per cent increase from August 2020 and 1.8 per cent increase compared to July 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $380,700. This represents a 11.7 per cent increase from August 2020 and a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to July 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $568,000. This represents a 37.3 per cent increase from August 2020 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to July 2021.

There were 590 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 27.6 per cent compared to August of last year, and a 13 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for August.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of August was 255, a decrease of 53.6 per cent compared to August of last year, and 79.5 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,252 listings for August.

“The number of homes coming to market continues to be overwhelmed by the number of homebuyers we have wanting to purchase in Waterloo Region,” says Pohl.

The number of months of inventory persisted from the July level of 0.4 months in August. Inventory has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in August was 12 days, compared to 17 days in August 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 26 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market 

“Although home sales slowed down to some degree in July compared to June, overall demand remains very strong,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “The current inventory of homes available for sale in the Kitchener-Waterloo and area is extremely low, making Waterloo Region one of the most competitive markets in Ontario.”

Total residential sales in July included 339 detached (down 27.1 per cent from July 2020), and 91 condominium units (up 30 per cent). Sales also included 46 semi-detached homes (down 4.2) and 135 townhouses (down 11.8 per cent).

In July, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $755,681. This represents a 18.2 per cent increase over July 2020 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to June 2021.

• • • The average price of a detached home was $907,192. This represents a 21.9 per cent increase from July 2020 and a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to June 2021.
  • • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $429,630. This represents an increase of 6.7 per cent from July 2020 and a decrease of 3.6 per cent compared to June 2021.
  • • The average sale price for a townhouse was $623,732. This represents a 33.8 per cent increase from July 2020 and an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to June 2021.
  • • The average sale price for a semi was $667,570. This represents an increase of 28.6 per cent compared to July 2020 and an increase of 2.9 per cent compared to June 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $748,700 in July. This represents a 30.5 per cent increase over July 2020 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to June 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $822,300. This represents a 31.1 per cent increase from July 2020 and 0.2 per cent increase compared to June 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $385,900. This represents a 19.5 per cent increase from July 2020 and a 3.3 per cent increase compared to June 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $564,500. This represents a 40 per cent increase from July 2020 and a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to June 2021.

“The housing market took a bit of a breather last month,” notes Pohl. “July is typically a quieter month with families taking vacation, and with the region coming out of lockdown there were certainly more staycations happening.  But we do anticipate the market will pick up steam again and it will be another busy fall.”

There were 675 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 24 per cent compared to July of last year, and a 14.4 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for July.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of July was 281, a decrease of 52.7 per cent compared to July of last year, and 79.1 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,346 listings for July.

The number of months of inventory was 0.4 in July, a decline from 0.5 months in June. Inventory has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in July was 11 days, compared to 17 days in July 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 22 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

Number of Home Sales Set New June Record

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (July 6, 2021) –– The 740 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) set a new monthly high for June and represented an increase of 10.1 per cent compared to June 2020, and a 13.6 per cent decrease compared to May 2021.

“The number of homes sold in the Kitchener-Waterloo area these past 6 months surpasses any previous 6 months of activity through our MLS® System,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “Since the beginning of the year, we have reported 4,393 home sales in Kitchener-Waterloo and area, which is remarkable.”

Total residential sales during this second quarter (April, May, June) are up 83.7 per cent compared to last year. On a year-to-date basis, they are up 65.7 per cent.

Total residential sales in June included 411 detached (down 0.2 per cent from June 2020), and 103 condominium units (up 51.5 per cent). Sales also included 74 semi-detached homes (on par) and 152 townhouses (up 14.3 per cent).

In June, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $759,115. This represents a 26.4 per cent increase over June 2020 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to May 2021.

• • • The average price of a detached home was $919,914. This represents a 31.9 per cent increase from June 2020 and an increase of 5.9 per cent compared to May 2021.
    • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $445,493. This represents an increase of 19.3 per cent from June 2020 and a decrease of 2.3 per cent compared to May 2021.
    • The average sale price for a townhouse was $590,980. This represents a 29 per cent increase from June 2020 and a decrease of 1.9 per cent compared to May 2021.
    • The average sale price for a semi was $647,918. This represents an increase of 28.3 per cent compared to June 2020 and a decrease of 1.8 per cent compared to May 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $745,800 in June. This represents a 32.1 per cent increase over June 2020 and a 0.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2021.

The benchmark price for a detached home was $820,800. This represents a 32.7 per cent increase from June 2020 and 0.6 per cent increase compared to May 2021.

• • • The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $373,400. This represents a 17 per cent increase from June 2020 and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to May 2021.
    • The benchmark price for a townhouse is $566,900. This represents a 45 per cent increase from June 2020 and a 1.4 per cent decrease compared to May 2021.

“The greatest challenge of the housing market continues to be the limited supply of existing homes to purchase,” says Pohl. “What we could use right now is for more homes to get built to help meet the robust buyer demand which continues to exceed supply.”

There were 860 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 6.6 per cent compared to June of last year, and a 5.4 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for June.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of June was 365, a decrease of 43 per cent compared to June of last year, and 73.9 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,400 listings for June.

The number of months of inventory was 0.5 in June, a decline from 0.7 months in May. Inventory has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in June was 11 days, compared to 17 days in June 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 20 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN APRIL SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (May 5, 2021) –– Following last month’s record-smashing number of home sales, the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) posted the second-highest number of monthly home sales in April. There were 843 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of KWAR last month, an increase of 263.4 per cent compared to April 2020, and a decrease of 15.5 per cent compared to March 2021.

“Even if we do not take into account April 2020, when Ontario was in the early days of its state of emergency, it was still an exceptional number of homes sold last month,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “The previous 10-year average number of residential sales for April was 618.”

Total residential sales in April included 484 detached (up 233.8 per cent from April 2020), and 111 condominium units (up 382.6 per cent). Sales also included 67 semi-detached homes (up 294.1 per cent) and 181 townhouses (up 285.1 per cent).

In April, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $757,906. This represents a 34.3 per cent increase over April 2020 and a 0.9 per cent decrease compared to March 2021.

• • • The average price of a detached home was $899,315. This represents a 36.9 per cent increase from April 2020 and an increase of 0.04 per cent compared to March 2021.

• • • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $441,887. This represents an increase of 21.2 per cent from April 2020 and an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to March 2021.

• • • The average sale price for a townhouse was $612,550. This represents a 52.1 per cent increase from April 2020 and a decrease of 2.03 per cent compared to March 2021.

• • • The average sale price for a semi was $652,609. This represents an increase of 33.0 per cent compared to April 2020 and an increase of 0.18 per cent compared to March 2021.

“We are starting to see home prices calm down in March and April compared to what was happening in January and February,” says Pohl.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $742,800 in April. This represents a 40.4 per cent increase over April 2020 and a 0.6 per cent increase compared to March 2021.

• • • The benchmark price for a detached home was $809,000. This represents a 39.9 per cent increase from April 2020 and 1.0 per cent decrease compared to March 2021.
  • • The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $374,100. This represents a 31.1 per cent increase from April 2020 and a 4.3 per cent increase compared to March 2021.
  • • The benchmark price for a townhouse is $591,300. This represents a 47.2 per cent increase from April 2020 and a 6.6 per cent increase compared to March 2021.

There were 1,098 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 162.7 per cent compared to April of last year, and a 17.15 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for April* (*calculated from 2019 to 2010 to adjust for the impact of the state of emergency on activity in April 2020).

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of April was 458, a decrease of 21.8 per cent compared to April of last year, and 66.9 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,384 listings for April* (*calculated from 2010 to 2019 to adjust for the impact of the state of emergency on activity in April 2020).

The number of months of inventory was 0.7 in April, which is unchanged from March. Inventory has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in April was 9 days, compared to 19 days in April 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 21 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

RECORD SMASHING NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN MARCH

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (April 6, 2021) –– In March, the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) posted the highest number of monthly home sales in the board’s history. There were 993 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of KWAR in March, an increase of 72.7 per cent compared to March 2020, and an increase of 66 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous 10-year average number of residential sales for March is 552.

“This is the first time we’ve sold more than 900 homes in a single month,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “The second highest number of sales occurred in May 2017 when there were 816 sales through our MLS® System.”

Total residential sales in March included 593 detached (up 69.4 per cent from March 2020), and 124 condominium units (up 82.4 per cent). Sales also included 79 semi-detached homes (up 216 per cent) and 197 townhouses (up 49.2 per cent).

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $765,393. This represents a 30.8 per cent increase over March 2020, and a 1.5 per cent increase compared to February 2021.

• • • The average price of a detached home was $899,460. This represents a 32.3 per cent increase from March 2020, and a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to February 2021.

• • • The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $423,470. This represents an increase of 12 per cent from March 2020, and an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to February 2021.

• • • The average sale price for a townhouse was $622,258. This represents a 35.9 per cent increase from March 2020, and an increase of 2 per cent compared to February 2021.

• • • The average sale price for a semi was $652,669. This represents an increase of 32.5 per cent compared to March 2020, and a decrease of 4.8 per cent compared to February 2021.

“On a year-over-year basis we continued to see huge price increases in the average price in March, however compared to February we are seeing some signs that perhaps prices may be starting to stabilize a bit,” says Pohl.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $738,200 in March. This represents a 33.4 per cent increase over March 2020 and a 4 per cent increase compared to February 2021.

• • • The benchmark price for a detached home was $817,000. This represents a 34.4 per cent increase from March 2020 and 3.6 per cent increase compared to February 2021.

• • • The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $358,700. This represents a 14.9 per cent increase from March 2020 and a 5.1 per cent increase compared to February 2021.

• • • The benchmark price for a townhouse is $554,900. This represents a 38.3 per cent increase from March 2020 and a 5.4 per cent increase compared to February 2021.

“In addition to the record number of sales in March, we also had a record number of newly listed properties come on the market,” says Pohl. “The number of new listings last month was the most of any month, and the highest number since May of 2017 when there were 1,271 new listings.”

There were 1,359 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 56.2 per cent compared to March of last year, and a 63.9 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for March.

Pohl notes while the additional inventory is welcome, home buying demand continues to substantially outpace supply.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 434, a decrease of 23.5 per cent compared to March of last year, and 63.5 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,188 listings for March.

The number of months of inventory was 0.7 in March and has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in March was 8 days, compared to 16 days in March 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 21 days.

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®.  Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market Chart

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

RECORD NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN FEBRUARY

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Mar 4, 2021) ––There were 597 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in February, an increase of 27.8 per cent compared to February 2020, and an increase of 66.7 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous 10-year average number of residential sales for February is 407.

“Competition for homes continued to be extremely intense in February, leading to a record-breaking number of home sales for the month,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR.

Total residential sales in February included 337 detached (up 23.9 per cent from February 2020), and 101 condominium units (up 57.8 per cent). Sales also included 47 semi-detached homes (up 46.9 per cent) and 112 townhouses (up 13.1 per cent).

In February, the average sale price of all residential properties sold in 2021 increased by 32.1 per cent to $752,289 compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile the average price of a detached home hit yet another new milestone by exceeding 900-thousand-dollars for the first time, coming in at $910,126 an increase of 35.4 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $415,322 for an increase of 11.9 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $609,566 (up 37.5 per cent) and $684,787 (up 41.1 per cent) respectively.

“We continued to see dramatic increases in the average price in February due to the persistent and fierce competition for homes in our region combined with short supply,” says Pohl.

The president of KWAR notes that buyers are very frustrated competing in this hyperactive market. The low inventory and mortgage rates are resulting in multiple offers, higher prices and creating a fear they are missing out on the chance to become homeowners in this unprecedented market.

“The rise in the average price we’ve been tracking the past several months has included some exceptional sale prices. That’s why this month and going forward we will also be including the MLS® HPI to provide a clearer picture of our local housing market trends.”

The MLS® HPI is a sophisticated statistical model and more stable price indicator than average or median price measures because it considers how the features of a home affects its price – such as age, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $709,600 in February. This represents a 27.9 per cent increase over February 2020 and a 5.6 per cent increase compared to January 2021.

The benchmark price for a detached home was $788,500. This represents a 28.8 per cent increase from February 2020 and 6.1 per cent increase compared to January 2021.

The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $341,200. This represents a 13.9 per cent increase from February 2020 and a 0.1 per cent increase compared to January 2021.

The benchmark price for a townhouse is $526,700. This represents a 33.1per cent increase from February 2020 and a 6 per cent increase compared to January 2021.

There were 737 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 21 per cent compared to February of last year, and a 15.7 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for February.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of February was 295, a decrease of 33.6 per cent compared to February of last year, and 73 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,096 listings for February.

The number of months of inventory in Waterloo region was 0.5 in February and has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in February was 10 days, compared to 17 days in February 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 33 days.

The MLS® HPI provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next. View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard

Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering. View KWAR – CREA Residential Market Activity and MLS HPI Report

Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale 

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type 

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Feb 4, 2021) ––There were 351 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in January, an increase of 24.9 per cent compared to January 2020, and an increase of 1.4 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous 10-year average number of residential sales for January is 286.

“January’s home sales were more active than what we typically see this time of year,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “But nothing has been typical about our housing market.”

Total residential sales in January included 201 detached (up 31.3 per cent from January 2020), and 71 condominium units (up 97 per cent). Sales also included 21 semi-detached homes (unchanged) and 56 freehold townhouses (down 17.6 per cent).

In January, the average sale price of all residential properties sold in 2021 increased by 23.9 per cent to $695,582 compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, the average price of a detached home hit a new milestone by exceeding 800-thousand-dollars for the first time, coming in at $853,945 an increase of 27.3 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $383,196 for a decrease of 1.4 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $566,345 (up 29 per cent) and $626,512 (up 29.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in January increased 25.9 per cent to $680,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 23.3 per cent to $801,500.

“With demand for homes unabated and consumer preferences leaning predominantly toward single detached homes, in January we saw buyers paying a premium for this property type,” says Pohl. “Conversely, even as condo sales were increasing in January, we saw prices for this style of housing soften by comparison.”

KWAR’s president points to supply not being able to keep up with continuing demand, much of it coming from the GTA, for the strong increases in home prices in Waterloo Region and in many other parts across the province. The number of months of inventory in Waterloo region has numbered less than 1 month since October. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

There were 432 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 7.4 per cent compared to January of last year, and 37.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for January.

The average number of days to sell in January was 16 days, compared to 22 days in January 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 30 days

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.

KW Housing Market Remains in High Demand

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (Jan 7, 2021) ––There were 6,492 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in 2020, an increase of 9 per cent compared to 2019. Compared to previous years, 2020’s annual sales were 5 per cent above the previous 5-year average, and 11.6 per cent above the previous 10-year average.

On a monthly basis, there were 42 per cent more home sales compared to last year, with 351 home sales in the month of December.

“December’s home sales were the highest on record for the month,” says Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR.  “This marks the sixth consecutive month of record home sales in Kitchener-Waterloo and helps propel 2020’s annual number of transactions over the 6,000-unit threshold for only the third time in our history.”

Total residential sales in December included 204 detached (up 46.7 per cent), and 63 condominium units (up 34 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e., semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 20 semi-detached homes (down 9.1 per cent) and 64 freehold townhouses (up 68.4 per cent).

For 2020, total residential sales included 3,899 detached (up 8.1 per cent), and 804 condominium units (up 18.9 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e., semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 450 semi-detached homes (up 6.8 per cent) and 1,346 freehold townhouses (up 7 per cent).

In December, the average sale price of all residential properties sold in 2020 increased by 14.4 per cent to $634,545 compared to 2019. Detached homes sold for an average price of $755,618 an increase of 11.9 per cent compared to 2019. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $383,196 for an increase of 5.4 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $514,760 (up 27.7 per cent) and $574,659 (up 20.2 per cent) respectively.

On a year-to-date basis, the average sale price of all residential properties sold in 2020 increased by 16.1 per cent to $612,521 compared to 2019. Detached homes sold for an average price of $719,203 an increase of 16.9 per cent compared to 2019. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $391,698 for an increase of 13.7 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $468,891 (up 14.6 per cent) and $520,753 (up 18.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last year increased 17.3 per cent to $575,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 15.7 per cent to $660,000.

“Even well before the pandemic we had noted a trend of consumers migrating out of the GTA to our region,” says Pohl. “As the pandemic heated up it only fueled this fire more as the very concept of what home means was shifting. With more people working from home, some permanently, space has become a greater concern than ever before. When you combine this with all the other great attributes of our region, it is no surprise this occurred.”

Like many other parts of Ontario, low inventory has become a defining factor of Waterloo Region’s housing market and the new normal. The number of months of inventory remained at just 1 month or less throughout most of 2020.

For historical context, the number of months inventory in Kitchener-Waterloo between 2011 and 2015 averaged 4. Between 2016 and 2020 it was a monthly average of 1.5 months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.

The average number of days to sell in 2020 was 16 days, compared to 23 days in 2019 and a previous 5-year average of 27 days.

Dollar volume of all residential real estate sold last year increased 26.5 per cent to $3.9 billion compared with 2019.

While the majority of residential MLS® System activity is properties for sale, REALTORS® are increasingly representing landlords and tenants. Last year 848 residential leases occurred through KWAR’s MLS® System, which is an increase of 13.9 per cent compared to last year.

“Looking to the year ahead, we should expect more of the same” predicts Pohl. “Real estate continues to be one of the shining lights supporting the Ontario economy, so we do not expect to see any significant efforts to try to cool the market. Buyers should continue to expect stiff competition in Waterloo Region, and for sellers, there will continue to be a strong interest for all properties entering the market. Active markets are difficult markets, but the only way for a seller to ensure they are getting the full market value of their home is through the level playing field of the KWAR MLS® System. For buyers, they should ensure they are working with a local REALTOR® to assist with the speed and challenges of this market”

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. Months Supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.