Higher priced homes selling faster as listings trend down calgary_real_estate_board_logo

Calgary, May 2, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), City of Calgary year-to-date sales declined by 4 per cent compared to the first four months of 2010. The decline was offset by a 14 per cent drop in listings recorded over the same period, resulting in lower inventory levels, and a moderate growth in average prices.

In April 2011, single family home sales were 1,217, while 2,299 listings came to market, a decline of 10 percent over April 2010 and 25 per cent, respectively.  Inventory levels rose slightly over March 2011 levels, but remained well below inventories recorded in April 2010, and close to the long term average, indicating the market continues to show balanced conditions.

"While our spring market has been a little slow to get started, we are seeing our inventory levels return to healthy levels," says Sano Stante, president of CREB®.  "This trend, combined with an improving job market, will help warm up Calgary's housing market in the coming months."

Along with a decline in inventory, Stante points out that homes in the higher-end of the market are selling faster, with average days on market trending down, and below the 5-year average.

"We are seeing improvements in the sale of homes in the higher price points.  Homes above $700,000 are selling within an average of 41 days. This is consistent with pre-recession levels," says Stante.

The average price of single family homes in the City of Calgary in April 2011 was $479,575, a 4 percent increase from April 2010 levels. Meanwhile, the median price of $420,000 rose by 1 per cent over levels recorded in April 2010.  The price differential comes as a result of high end home sales. In April 2011, two single family homes were sold in the price range of$3 million to $4 million, skewing up the monthly average price.

"Condominium listings declined 27 per cent in April, helping to offset a 16 per cent decrease in year-over-year sales. The decline in listings is significant and has helped place downward pressure on inventory levels. This will improve stability in condominiums and begin to move it towards a more balanced market," says Stante.

Year-to-date condo sales were 1,883, a 13 per cent decline compared to the first four months of 2010.  The condominium average price for the month of April 2011 was $289,158, similar to the previous year when condominiums sold for an average of$289,588.  The median price for condominiums in the month of April 2011 was $260,000, down 3 per cent compared to the same time last year.

"All in all, the positive investments we are seeing in the energy sector and our economy will begin to translate into improved job prospects and growth for Calgary. This will help contribute to a stronger demand for housing and a stable real estate market," adds Stante.

About CREB®

CREB® is a professional body of more than 5100 licensed brokers and registered associates, representing 243 member offices. CREB® is dedicated to enhancing the value, integrity and expertise of its REALTOR® members. Our REALTORS® are committed to a high standard of professional conduct, ongoing education, and a strict Code of Ethics and standards of business practice.

Any use or reference to CREB® data and statistics must acknowledge CREB® as the source. The board does not generate statistics or analysis of any individual member or company'smarket 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 and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA, and subsequently the Alberta Real Estate Association and CREB®, used under licence.

Posted by Jeff Mikolajow on
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