Calgary, September 1, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), sales for upper-end homes are above the pace set a year ago. As of Wednesday August 31, there were 948 single family sales over $700,000 recorded this year, compared to 779 reported for the same period in 2010.
At the same time, sales for condos priced below $200,000 also received a boost, pointing to a growing number of first-time homebuyers taking advantage of affordability and low mortgage rates. There were 834 condo sales below $200,000 this year compared with 596 for the same period in 2010.
"We are seeing a lift in sales at both ends of the market," says Sano Stante, president of CREB®. "Improving economic conditions coupled with affordability and price stability has given Calgary a boost in buyers for upper-end homes and entry level condos."
According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), the year to date average price for single family resale homes reached $468,051, a one per cent rise over last year. Condominium prices continue to remain one per cent lower than last year's figures with an average price of $288,167 after the first eight months.The 2011 year to date median price of single family and condominium homes were a respective $410,000 and $263,000.
"When looking at Canada's major cities, Calgary is one of the most affordable regions for homeownership in the country," says Stante. "Buyers are benefiting from improved selection at all price ranges in the market. In fact, nearly half of all single family homes sold year to date were priced below $400,000. Well priced properties seem to be moving in this market."
The single family market recorded 1,106 sales in the month of August 2011. This is an increase of 28 per cent when compared to August 2010 sales, which were the lowest levels of August sales since 1994. Year to date sales of 9,485 are 10 per cent higher than last year's figures.
Single family inventory levels reached 4,573 in August, a nine per cent decline over last year's levels. The recent rise in listings was counteracted by robust sales, keeping absorption levels at four months compared to the six months recorded in August 2010.
As in the single family market, condominium inventories of 1,997 were lower than last year's levels. The market conditions have changed significantly as inventory levels continue to decline. Recent improvement in sales, combined with lower listings, has resulted in a year over year decline in the months of supply.
Condominium sales amounted to 468 units in August 2011, with a year to date total of 3,885 similar to levels recorded in the first eight months of 2010.
Stante states "With Calgary's energy sector slated to grow, it is expected to lift the city's employment, income andin-migration, and in turn help contribute to growth in the resale market. We expect price growth to improve as we approach the end of 2011 and move into 2012."
About CREB®
CREB® is a professional body of more than 5,300 licensed brokers and registered associates, representing 248 member offices. CREB® is dedicated to enhancing the value, integrity and expertise of its REALTOR® members. Our REALTORS® are committed to a high standard ofprofessional conduct, ongoing education, and a strict Code of Ethics and standards of business practice.
For Calgary Metro, CREB® statistics include only Zone A, B, C, and D for properties located in Calgary. Furthermore all historical data has been adjusted to the most current information.
Any use or reference to CREB® data andstatistics must acknowledge CREB® as the source. The board does not generate statisticsor analysis of any individual member or company's market share.
Average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods, or account for price differentials between geographical areas. All MLS® active listings for Calgary and area may be found on the board's website at www.creb.com.
CREB® is a registered trademark of the Calgary Real Estate Board Cooperative. The trademarks MLS® and Multiple Listing Service® are owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR® and REALTORS® are controlled by CREA andidentify real estate professionals who are members of CREA, and subsequently the Alberta Real Estate Association and CREB®, used under licence.
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