The Riz Team Blog

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 3, 2020) ––There were 575 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in November, marking another record-breaking month of homes sold in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. November’s home sales represented an increase of 35 per cent compared to the same month last year, and a decrease of 17 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for November is 433.

November is the fifth consecutive month of record home sales in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

“We are now well beyond any pent-up demand from the first lockdown,” said Nicole Pohl, President of KWAR. “Now we’re simply dealing with straight-up demand for our community as an attractive place to put down roots, and the current COVID-19 pandemic is only further fuelling the already hot market and elevating Waterloo region as a desirable place to own a home.”

Total residential sales in November included 341 detached homes (up 28.6 per cent from November 2019), and 82 condominium apartments (up 60.7 per cent). Sales also included 112 townhouses (up 53.4 per cent) and 40 semi-detached homes (up 5.2 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in November increased 13 per cent to $637,336 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $753,641 an increase of 14.4 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $400,882 for an increase of 12 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $482,901 (up 8.6 per cent) and $562,988 (up 30.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in November increased 16.5 per cent to $600,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 15 per cent to $685,000.

“Prices continued to climb in November as buyers across all price points compete for listings as soon as they come on the market,” said Pohl. “The number of available properties going up for sale simply can’t keep up to the number of people wanting to purchase them.”

There were 584 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 34.8 per cent compared to November of last year, and 13 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for November.

The number of Months of Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1 month for the month of November. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for November was 3 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for November was 1.8 months.

KWAR’s president says the sales-price-to-list-price ratio for all residential properties sold in November was 107.9 per cent. “The only other time I’ve seen the sale to list ratio this high was in May of 2017 when it hit 108.6 per cent,” says Pohl.  For comparison, in 2019, the monthly close price to list price ratio was at or near 100 per cent from January through to December. Since August it has been over 105 per cent.

With competition this fierce, Pohl says working with a local REALTOR® has never been more important.

The average number of days to sell in November was 14 days, compared to 28 days in November 2019.

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 are considering.

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 4, 2020) ––There were 691 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in October, the most ever recorded for the month. October’s home sales represented an increase of 28 per cent compared to the same month last year, and a decrease of 9.6 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for October is 471.

“This is the fourth month in a row we have set a monthly record number of home sales,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “Demand for homes in October continued to strongly outpace supply in Kitchener-Waterloo and area.”

Total residential sales in October included 417 detached homes (up 25.6 per cent from October 2019), and 94 condominium apartments (up 34 per cent). Sales also included 134 townhouses (up 26.4 per cent) and 46 semi-detached homes (up 48.3 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in October increased 19.4 per cent to $635,301 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $742,596 an increase of 21.7 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $395,627 for an increase of 14.8 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $499,641 (up 15.6 per cent) and $539,434 (up 16.6 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in October increased 19.2 per cent to $595,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 20.5 per cent to $686,000.

“Consumers buying/selling real estate continues to be one of the few shining lights to help Ontario’s economy recover from the pandemic,” said Koehler. “We’re continuing to see more buyers than sellers, including additional buyers migrating here from out of the region looking for the quality of life this region offers.”

There were 783 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 16 per cent compared to October of last year, and 11.5 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for October.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1 month for the month of October. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for October was 3.2 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for October was 1.8 months.

KWAR’s president says the market we have been experiencing is extraordinary. “While our association does not track where buyers are coming through the MLS® System, I can say unequivocally we are seeing strong demand from GTA buyers. What people want and need in a home, and where they want to be located has been redefined in a very short period. Waterloo region is quite rightly, a highly desirable place to own a home.”

The average days to sell in October was 13 days, compared to 23 days in October 2019.

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 are considering.

REALTORS® SELL A RECORD NUMBER OF HOMES IN SEPTEMBER

There were 758 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in September, the most ever recorded for the month. September’s home sales represented an increase of 41.6 per cent compared to the same month last year, and an increase of 8 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for September is 460.

“This is far more home sales then what we would normally see in September as buyers continue to play catch up from the COVID-19 hindered spring market,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “While the pandemic has had devastating impacts on many aspects of our lives it has only solidified the importance of home and homeownership.”

Total residential sales in September included 431 detached homes (up 28.6 per cent from September 2019), and 93 condominium apartments (up 127 per cent). Sales also included 178 townhouses (up 43.5 per cent) and 54 semi-detached homes (up 59 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in September increased 17.5 per cent to $637,691 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $768,762 an increase of 25 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $390,690 for an increase of 13 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $ 476,636 (up 8.7 per cent) and $544,874 (up 16.5 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in September increased 13.7 per cent to $580,250 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 16.5 per cent to $676,000.

“We saw more new listings coming to the market in September which was welcome,” said Koehler. “However, demand continues to outpace supply.”

There were 929 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 13 per cent compared to September of last year, and 17.7 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for September.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1 month for the month of September. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for September was 3.3 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for September was 2.2 months.

The year-to-date number of residential sales has increased 2.6% over 2019 indicating that the decreased activity in April and May has been more than made up in the past four months.

KWAR’s president believes one of the results of the pandemic is that it has forced many employers to realize their staff can in fact work remotely. This has freed employees to migrate from some large urban areas to more affordable areas such as Waterloo Region that offers a higher quality of life.

To help encourage new listings and address our supply shortage, Ontario’s REALTORS® are asking the government to introduce a short-term Land Transfer Tax holiday. More information about this and other proposals can be read in the Ontario Real Estate Association’s (OREA) recently released policy report, Rebuilding Ontario: A Framework for Recovery.

The average days to sell in September was 14 days, compared to 23 days in September 2019.

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 are considering.

AUGUST HOME SALES SET ANOTHER RECORD

There were 686 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in August, the most ever recorded for the month. August’s home sales represented an increase of 48 per cent compared to the same month last year, and a decrease of 8 per cent compared to the previous month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for August is 470.

“Waterloo Region has had an extremely hot market all summer,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. ”Following a spring market where most people were observing physical distancing guidelines, sales in August continued to be very active with demand continuing to outstrip supply forcing buyers to act quickly.”

Total residential sales in August included 433 detached homes (up 61.5 per cent from August 2019), and 79 condominium apartments (up 38.5 per cent). Sales also included 138 townhouses (up 40 per cent) and 39 semi-detached homes (no change).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in August increased 21 per cent to $634,409 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $734,427 an increase of 18.9 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $386,972 for an increase of 16 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $495,932 (up 18.3 per cent) and $535,330 (up 21.1 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in August increased 20.8 per cent to $597,955 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 17.4 per cent to $675,000.

“This summer, local home sales rebounded from the COVID-19 slow down we had in the spring,” said Koehler. “While not as heated as July, August sales were another month for the record books, as home buyers returned to the market with renewed intensity.”

There were 833 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 43.8 per cent compared to August of last year, and 26.4 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for August.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1 month for the month of August. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for August was 3.3 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for August was 2.2 months.

The average days to sell in August was 16 days, compared to 26 days in August 2019.

Koehler notes real estate was deemed an essential service from the beginning of the lockdown and REALTORS® have been taking all the necessary precautions to ensure transactions are done safely. KWAR’s president advises consumers to talk to their Realtor® about what measures they will be taking to protect your health and safety as they help you on your real estate journey.

Please note: regular stats charts are not available due to system maintenance. The stats charts will be posted here when available.

COMPETITIVE MARKET LEADS TO HUGE PRICE GAINS IN JULY

There were 734 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System)  of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in July, an increase of 25.7 per cent compared to the same month last year, and well above the previous ten-year average for July of 531.

“Competition was high for buyers looking to lock down a house in July,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR.  “The rate of home sales in July resembled the kind of month we would normally see in May, and I chalk up much of that to the pent up demand that built as we moved into Stage 3 of reopening in mid-July.”

Total residential sales in July included 464 detached homes (up 39.3 per cent from July 2019), and 65 condominium apartments (up 3.2 per cent). Sales also included 153 townhouses (up 4.8 per cent) and 52 semi-detached homes (up 23.8 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in July increased 22.8 per cent to $639,814 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $745,149 an increase of 21.4 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $392,770 for an increase of 15.2 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $465,756 (up 12.8 per cent) and $522,872 (up 20.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in July increased 21.7 per cent to $595,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 17.4 per cent to $675,000.

“Elevated homebuyer activity combined with constrained supply put huge pressure on prices last month,” said Koehler. “Homebuyers remain very confident about owning a home in Waterloo Region, and with mortgage rates still at near-record-low levels I expect we will continue to see strong home buyer demand going into the fall”.

There were 888 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to July of last year, and 15.5 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for July.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of July was 592, a decrease of 32.6 per cent compared to July of last year.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.3 months for the month of July, 27.8 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for July was 3.1 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for July was 2.1 months.

The average days to sell in July was 17 days, compared to 22 days in July 2019.

Koehler notes real estate was deemed an essential service from the beginning of the lockdown and REALTORS® have been taking all the necessary precautions to ensure transactions are done safely. KWAR’s president advises consumers talk to their Realtor® about what measures they will be taking to protect your health and safety as they help you on your real estate journey.

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. 

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 

Historical Sales – By Price Range 

Average Days on Market

JUNE HOME SALES SPRING BACK AND PRICES CLIMB

RESIDENTIAL AVERAGE TOPS $600K FOR FIRST TIME

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (July 6, 2020) ––The number of homes sold in June shot up 57.6 per cent compared to May. There were 673 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in June 2020, an increase of 2.1 per cent compared to June 2019, and an increase of 8.5 per cent compared to the previous 10-year average for June.

“After a pandemic-induced delay to the typical spring market, home sales sprung back to life in a big way in June,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “As Waterloo region entered stage two of reopening, we saw many buyers and sellers resuming their home buying and selling plans.”

Total residential sales in June included 413 detached homes (up 1.7 per cent from June 2019), and 67 condominium apartments (up 36.7 per cent). Sales also included 134 townhouses (down 15.7 per cent) and 59 semi-detached homes (up 31.1 per cent).

Total residential sales during this second quarter (April, May, June) are down 33 per cent compared to last year. On a year-to-date basis, they are down 15.6 per cent.

“I expect for the remainder of 2020 will see the number of home sales returning to near historical levels,” says Koehler. “There will be some catching up to do in the coming weeks, but I don’t think you will see the market taking a hiatus this summer.”

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in June increased 12.8 per cent to $601,285 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $698,736 an increase of 13.2 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $372,392 for an increase of 13.2 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $457,851 (up 11.4 per cent) and $504,816 (up 17.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in June increased 14.4 per cent to $564,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 11.9 per cent to $650,000.

There were 920 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, the most added in a single month since May of last year, and 1.9 per cent more than the previous ten-year average for June.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of June was 640, a decrease of 28.7 per cent compared to June of last year.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.4 months for the month of June, 22.2 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for June was 3.22 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for June was 2.22 months.

The average days to sell in June was 16 days, compared to 20 days in June 2019.

Koehler notes real estate was deemed an essential service from the beginning of the lockdown and REALTORS® have been taking all the necessary precautions to ensure transactions are done safely. KWAR’s president advises consumers to talk to their Realtor® about what measures they will be taking to protect your health and safety as they help you on your real estate journey.

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 

Historical Sales – By Price Range 

Average Days on Market

Home Sales Climb in May Compared to Record-Low April

Average Sale Prices Show Strength

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (June 3, 2020) ––There were 419 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in May 2020, a decrease of 40.5 per cent compared to May 2019, and an 80 per cent increase compared to April 2020 when sales contracted sharply due to COVID-19.

“Real estate was included as an essential service in Ontario from the outset of the COVID-19 shutdown, and Realtors have stepped up to ensure those who need to list or buy can do so safely,” said Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR.

Total residential sales in May included 255 detached homes (down 41 per cent from May 2019), and 42 condominium apartments (down 42.5 per cent). Sales also included 79 townhouses (down 42.8 per cent) and 43 semi-detached homes (down 29.5 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in May increased 6.5 per cent to $568,275 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $657,274 an increase of 5.4 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $330,336 for an increase of 0.6 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $454,197 (up 13 per cent) and $482,479 (up 11.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in May increased 10.1 per cent to $545,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 9.6 per cent to $630,000.

“In May we saw the strong appetite for homes in the Kitchener-Waterloo area is still very much alive,” said Koehler. “But as the virus continued to circulate in the community many would-be sellers were reluctant to put their homes on the market. For the homebuyers who cannot wait out the pandemic, they are not finding any fire sales as homes are not only maintaining their value, but also increasing.”

There were 577 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 48.7 per cent compared to May of 2019, far fewer than the previous 10-year average of 1,035 listings in May.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of May was 567, a decrease of 43.9 per cent compared to May of last year.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.3 months for the month of May, 38.1 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for May was 3.25 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for May was 2.32 months.

Koehler acknowledges the pandemic has pushed even the most traditional real estate practitioners to adopt to digital and virtual technology to interact with clients. She advises consumers should talk to their Realtor about the digital tools they use to minimize the need for physical contact and to ensure that all of Health Canada’s guidelines are in place to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus when in-person showings are required.”

The average days to sell in May was 20 days, compared to 19 days in May 2019.

Media Contact: Tania Benninger, Stakeholder Relations, 519-584-1141

Read Online: https://kwar.ca/category/market-updates

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

Historical Sales – By Price Range 

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.

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (May 4, 2020) ––There were 227 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in April, a decrease of 63.6 per cent compared to the same month last year, and the lowest number of sales in a single month since December 2008.

“It goes without saying the current pandemic has had a major impact on the number of sales we would normally see in April,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “With everyone doing their part to flatten the curve and doing their best to self-isolate, the buying and selling of homes have been greatly reduced.”

Total residential sales in April included 145 detached homes (down 63.3 per cent), and 22 condominium apartments (down 71.1 per cent). Sales also included 44 townhouses (down 61.1 per cent) and 16 semi-detached homes (down 60 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in April increased 7.3 per cent to $568,738 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $657,042 an increase of 7.3 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $367,230 for an increase of 8.1 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $406,463 (up 0.4 per cent) and $491,816 (up 13.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in April increased by 7.1 per cent to $525,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 6.3 per cent to $605,000.

While still deemed an essential service, REALTORS® listed considerably fewer homes in April due to the current state of emergency. There were 417 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 54.8 per cent compared to April of 2019, far fewer than the previous 10-year average of 937 listings in April.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of April was 571, a decrease of 36.6 per cent compared to April of last year.

The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.2 months for the month of April, 36.8 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for April was 2.95 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for April was 2.12 months.

Koehler says most REALTORS® are advising sellers to hold off on listing their properties until after the state of emergency has been lifted. However, not every seller or buyer has that option which is why real estate was deemed an essential service. Realtors who have been working with buyers and sellers through this unprecedented time have been carefully following the guidelines of health Canada and taking all the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their clients. “In addition to health safety measures, our members are quickly adapting to new ways of showing property by conducting virtual showings for their clients, and other innovative practices,” says Koehler.

The president of KWAR is confident that despite the current pandemic, the slowdown in housing sales will be temporary.  “It has been a strong sellers’ market for the past few years with buyers competing for a scare number of listings.” Now for the first time in a long time, April saw some balance with a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 54 percent – well within the balanced threshold. “We have witnessed some buyers expecting homes to sell at greatly reduced amounts, and frankly, that’s simply not the case. Home values have remained stable which we expect will continue,” says Koehler.

The average days to sell in April was 19 days, compared to 21 days in April 2019.

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.

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

Historical Sales – By Price Range

Average Days on Market

Home Sales in March Came in Like a Lion Went out Like a Lamb

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (April 3, 2020) ––There were 577 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in March, an increase of 13.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 0.2 per cent below the previous 5-year average.

“We had a very strong start to the month which carried through right up until the province declared its COVID-19 related state of emergency on March 17^th,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “Before the pandemic hit our region, I believe we were on pace to set a record number of sales for March with the continuance of high demand, low inventory, and a strong seller’s market.

During the first quarter of 2020, there were 1,327 home sales, 14.6 per cent above last year’s result for the same period and 4 per cent above the previous 5-year average.

Total residential sales in March included 348 detached homes (up 7.1 per cent), and 68 condominium apartments (up 5.1 per cent). Sales also included 136 townhouses (up 17.2 per cent) and 25 semi-detached homes (up 4.2 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in March increased 15.3 per cent to $583,752 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $679,728 an increase of 15.9 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $378,443 for an increase of 17.9 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $457,547 (up 23 per cent) and $492,752 (up 17.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in March increased 14.6 per cent to $544,500 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 16.2 per cent to $628,500.

“Of course, what is on everyone’s mind is the Coronavirus, and how this global pandemic is impacting every facet of our lives. The Ontario government included real estate services, legal and land registry as an essential service, but by no means is this business as usual for Realtors or their clients,” says Koehler. “As people everywhere follow instructions to only leave their homes for essential reasons, this is impacting the number of showings, and how properties are shown. Not everyone is in the position to postpone the purchase or sale of their home, and Realtors are adapting the technology we already use to serve our clients in this new environment and rigidly following Health Canada’s guidelines.”

REALTORS® listed a higher than average number of homes during the Month of March. There were 864 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to March of 2019, and the greatest number since 2015. The number of new residential listings was also 3.7 per cent higher than the previous ten-year average for March.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 535, a decrease of 35.9 per cent compared to March of last year.

Despite the much-needed addition of new inventory coming to the market, the number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.1 months for the month of March, 35.3 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for March was 2.73 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for March was 1.94 months.

KWAR’s president wishes to emphasize that while real estate continues to be an essential service in Ontario, consumers can expect that a REALTOR® will be taking all the necessary protections to ensure we’re doing our part to flatten the curve.

Koehler notes last month 51 listings were suspended on KWAR’s MLS® System, which means the listing is temporarily “off-market,” and there can be no marketing showings or offers during this period. KWAR’s president encourages buyers and sellers to discuss the current situation with their REALTOR®, to find out what they are doing to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transaction and to make the best and safest decision on how to move forward or hold your real estate decisions during this unprecedented time.

Trying to sell your home while in quarantine, self-isolating or worse yet, while someone in the house is sick, is not going to be in anyone’s best interest. We know many people are postponing their plans to list their home for the time being.

The average days to sell in March was 15 days, compared to 21 days in March 2019.

Media Contact: Tania Benninger, Stakeholder Relations, 519-584-1141

Read Online: https://kwar.ca/home-sales-march-2020

Historical Sales By Property Type 

Months Supply of Homes for Sale 

STRONG HOME SALES IN FEBRUARY

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (March 5, 2020) ––There were 467 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in February, an increase of 36.5 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 15.3 per cent above the previous 10-year average.

“After a few consecutive months of sluggish home sales, home buying activity in February was much stronger,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR.

Total residential sales in February included 272 detached homes (up 52 per cent), and 62 condominium units (up 14.8 per cent) which includes any property regardless of style (i.e. semis, townhomes, apartment, detached etc.). Sales also included 32 semi-detached homes (up 33.3 per cent) and 101 freehold townhouses (up 18.8 per cent).

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in February increased 16.3 per cent to $571,023 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $673,825 an increase of 13.2 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $371,923 for an increase of 16.4 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $443,382 (up 12.9 per cent) and $485,831 (up 8.4 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in February increased 18.2 per cent to $550,050 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 18.6 per cent to $630,000.

“Like many other markets across the province, the story of our local housing market continues to be one of supply and demand,” says Koehler. “Market-wide, the number of homes available for sale is simply not keeping up with the number of people wanting to purchase a home in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.”

REALTORS® listed 609 residential properties in KW and area last month, an increase of 7.8 per cent compared to February of 2019, and a decrease of 5.9 per cent in comparison 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 447, a decrease of 39.4 per cent compared to February of last year, and 62 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,179 listings for February. The number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) in February was just 0.9 months, 40 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for February was 2.55 months, and in the past 5 years the average supply for February was 1.76 months.

KWAR’s president points out that now more than ever sellers should avail themselves of a REALTOR®. “With a multitude of buyers jumping on a scarcity of properties for sale, many homes are selling for more than the asking price.  A REALTOR® will ensure you have maximum exposure to these buyers through the MLS® System and will manage the intricate process of any multiple offers professionally.”

The average days to sell in February was 17 days, compared to 26 days in February 2019.

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.

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

Historical Sales – By Price Range

Average Days on Market