KITCHENER-WATERLOO HOME SALES UP IN MARCH, AVERAGE PRICE DIPS FROM FEBRUARY

“The skyrocketing prices of the last two months took a bit of a breather in March, with the overall average price dipping five per cent compared to what we saw in February,” said Megan Bell, President of KWAR. “While it is too soon to draw conclusions from just one month of home sales, I know many will be comforted to see a leveling off on the average price, no matter how incremental.”

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Total residential sales in March included 416 detached (down 29.7 per cent from March 2021), and 114 condominium units (down 9.5 per cent). Sales also included 64 semi-detached homes (down 17.9 per cent) and 131 townhouses (down 33.8 per cent).

In March, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $960,181. This represents a 25.5 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 4.6 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The average price of a detached home was $1,132,637. This represents a 25.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease 6.4 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $565,782. This represents an increase of 33.4 per cent from March 2021 and a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $796,696. This represents a 27.4 per cent increase from March 2021 and a decrease of 7.6 per cent compared to February 2022.
• The average sale price for a semi was $876,371. This represents an increase of 34.5 per cent compared to March 2021 and a decrease of 5.0 per cent compared to February 2022.

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 $960,100 in March. This represents a 29.6 per cent increase over March 2021 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $1,046,200. This represents a 28.1 per cent increase from March 2021 and 4.0 per cent decrease compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $484,000. This represents a 32.9 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.2 per cent increase compared to February 2022.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $765,500. This represents a 41.3 per cent increase from March 2021 and a 4.9 per cent increase compared to February 2022.

“Even though the average price decreased across all property types on a month-to-month basis, the MLS® HPI showed continued monthly gains for both townhouse and apartment property types,” notes Bell.  “As the province feels its way out of the pandemic, we are beginning to see some very preliminary signs of a potential cooling. We are not seeing quite as many multiple offers and some offers are coming in with conditions. Of course, when we say cooling, we’re talking about a market that has been scorching hot which is why we are pleased to see this happening.”

There were 1,131 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease 16.8 per cent compared to the record topping number of listings added in March of last year, and a 28.0 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for March.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 441, an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to March of last year, and 59.0 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,072 listings for March.

The number of months of inventory nudged up to 0.7 months in March from 0.5 months in February. Inventory has been under the one-month mark since October 2020. 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, the same as it was in March 2021. The previous 5-year average is 16 days.

The More Homes for Everyone Act

Statement from KWAR President Megan Bell

Last week the Government of Ontario introduced a new bill, the More Homes for Everyone Act to address the province’s housing affordability crisis.

While we welcome several aspects of the proposed More Homes for Everyone bill, such as measures to support more timely municipal decision making and developing policies and tools to support multi-generational homes in existing neighbourhoods—bolder actions to increase supply were notably missing.

Ontario’s Housing Affordability Task Force had recommended limiting exclusionary zoning and allowing “as of right” residential housing up to four units and up to four storeys on a single residential lot. Instead, the government has committed to the Task Force’s recommendations as part of a “long term roadmap”.

KWAR is optimistic Waterloo Region will be bold about housing in their official plan update

Ending exclusionary zoning to allow for gentle density in our neighbourhoods is critical to filling the lack of “missing middle” supply for family-sized households.

While Minister Clark states that some municipalities (such as Toronto and Mississauga) were not ready, KWAR is optimistic that the Region of Waterloo (ROW) will take a more progressive view toward increasing density.  On the development side, the Waterloo region has been exceeding density targets set by the province. At KWAR’s recently held Where Do We Grow From Here Symposium we learned from the ROW’s Commissioner, Rod Regier the Region is proposing policies for the ROW official plan that would see a tiered approach to missing middle housing by allowing 4 units and up to 4 storeys, as-of-right, on all land currently zoned residential and on any new greenfield land (residential); and allow a range of 8 to 12 storeys, along specific corridors, such as the ION corridor.

KWAR encourages the Region of Waterloo to stay the course on its bold proposals for its Regional Official Plan and create ways to bring a broad range of housing options to our community.

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.

A NEW RECORD HIGH FOR NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN NOVEMBER AND AN ALL-TIME RECORD LOW SUPPLY READING

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 3, 2021) –– There were 597 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) setting a new record high for November. Compared to the same month last year, November sales were up 4.4% and on par with last month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for November is 446.

“The elevated pace of home sales we’ve seen for the past year and a half showed no sign of slowing down in November,” says KWAR’s president, Megan Bell. “Despite some speculation of there being a housing market correction in store for Waterloo Region, sustained homebuying demand combined with a record low level of inventory in November produced continued price growth in the MLS® HPI benchmark price.”

Total residential sales in November included 324 detached (down 3.9 per cent from November 2020), and 106 condominium units (up 27.7 per cent). Sales also included 30 semi-detached homes (down 25 per cent) and 136 townhouses (up 21.4 per cent).

In November, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $821,969. This represents a 28.9 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $990,447. This represents a 31 per cent increase from November 2020 and a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $494,548. This represents an increase of 23.5 per cent from November 2020 and an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $700,476. This represents a 44.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to October 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $717,143. This represents an increase of 27.3 per cent compared to November 2020 and a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to October 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 $825,000 in November. This represents a 34.1 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to October 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $915,800. This represents a 35.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and 3.2 per cent increase compared to October 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $398,000. This represents a 16.7 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 2.1 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.
• The benchmark price for a townhouse is $627,900. This represents a 45.5 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 4.0 per cent increase compared to October 2021.

“Lack of supply continues to be the refrain in November,” says Bell. “With inventory hitting an all time low it is a tough time to be house hunting right now.”

There were 605 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and a 14.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for November.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of November was 207, a decrease of 40.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and 80.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,071 listings for November.

The number of months of inventory reached an all time low of 0.3 in November. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for thirteen 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 November stayed at 10 days, compared to 14 days in November 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 24 days.

Bell notes that while the housing market typically slows down around the holiday season, she still expects to see a busier than normal December. “There is growing anxiety out there among buyers caused by the fear of missing out against rumblings of interest rates eventually going up in the year ahead.”

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.

PRICES CONTINUE TO INCREASE WITH STRONG HOME SALES IN OCTOBER

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 3, 2021) –– A total of 593 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR), a decrease of 11.1 per cent compared to last October and a decrease of 16.5 per cent compared to September.

“While not as red-hot as last year’s record-breaking October, it was still a higher-than-normal number of home sales for the month, and the second-highest October on record,” says KWAR’s president, Nicole Pohl. “The number of listings coming on the market can scarcely keep up with the demand for homes in Waterloo region, and the continued price growth we see in October reflects this.”

Total residential sales in October included 348 detached (down 13.2 per cent from October 2020), and 84 condominium units (down 8.7 per cent). Sales also included 40 semi-detached homes (down 9.1) and 121 townhouses (down 6.9 per cent).

In October, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $841,764. This represents a 32.9 per cent increase over October 2020 and a 6.1 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

• The average price of a detached home was $997,654. This represents a 34.2 per cent increase from October 2020 and an increase of 3.5 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $464,738. This represents an increase of 18.1 per cent from October 2020 and a decrease of 7.1 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $693,324. This represents a 39.4 per cent increase from October 2020 and an increase of 7.3 per cent compared to September 2021.
• The average sale price for a semi was $726,313. This represents an increase of 34.6 per cent compared to October 2020 and an increase of 5.6 per cent compared to September 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 $803,900 in October. This represents a 34.3 per cent increase over October 2020 and a 2.5 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

• The benchmark price for a detached home was $887,500. This represents a 35.5 per cent increase from October 2020 and 2.1 per cent increase compared to September 2021.
• The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $406,400. This represents a 22.7 per cent increase from October 2020 and a 3.5 per cent increase compared to September 2021.
•  The benchmark price for a townhouse is $603,900. This represents a 42.5 per cent increase from October 2020 and a 3.8 per cent increase compared to September 2021.

“With ongoing constraints on supply versus demand, home prices continued to accelerate in October,” says Pohl.

There were 621 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, a decrease of 18.4 per cent compared to October of last year, and a 12.1 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for October.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of October was 288, a decrease of 36 per cent compared to October of last year, and 76.5 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,285 listings for October.

The number of months of inventory remained at 0.5 in October. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for twelve 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 October was 10 days, compared to 13 days in October 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 22 days.

“Affordability throughout Waterloo Region continues to be challenged, creating significant barriers especially for many people who are just trying to get their foot in the door of the housing market,” says Pohl. “We are urging all levels of government to work together to tackle the supply issue facing housing markets across the country and right here in Waterloo region.”

Over the past two weeks representatives of KWAR, alongside REALTORS® from across Canada have been meeting with Members of Parliament to talk about Canada’s economic recovery plan and the need to prioritize housing. You can read about the ideas that REALTORS® are proposing here:  https://www.crea.ca/mp

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.

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 

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 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

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.

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.