In August, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) processed 1,017 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 2.4 percent compared to last month and a 51.3 percent decrease compared to this time last year.
The Board received 2,045 new listings in August, a decrease of 14.3 percent compared to July, and only 2.9 percent less than August 2021. The month ended with a total active inventory of 5,871, a decrease of 8.5 percent from last month but up by 44 percent compared to August 2021. Once again August saw a balanced market in the Fraser Valley with an overall sales-to-active ratio of 17 percent (the market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active ratio is between 12 percent and 20 percent).
“For the past three months we’ve seen the local market return to a more balanced state,” said Board President, Sandra Benz. “With the Fraser Valley continuing to settle after months of record sales and prices, we expect to see more activity this coming fall as buyers look to capitalize on the region’s reputation for providing greater value for the real estate dollar.”
Benchmark prices continued to fall across all property categories, bringing them in relative line with prices from December 2021 and eating into year-over year gains.
“With possible further hikes in interest rates this fall, homebuyers need to augment their decisions with critical advice and guidance,” said Baldev Gill, Board CEO. “Along with other professionals such as mortgage brokers and lawyers, Fraser Valley REALTORS® are a vital part of the team advising buyers and sellers on market realities and identifying potential opportunities that align with their objectives.”
Across the Fraser Valley in August, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home increased to 33 and for townhomes to 26 days. Apartments took, on average, 25 days to sell.
MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity
• Single Family Detached: At $1,513,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 5.1 percent compared to July 2022 and increased 9.8 percent compared to August 2021.
• Townhomes: At $841,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 3.9 percent compared to July 2022 and increased 16.1 percent compared to August 2021.
• Apartments: At $542,000 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 2.1 percent compared to July 2022 and increased 18.4 percent compared to August 2021.
**Statistics provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board