Toronto Real Estate Board President Larry Cerqua announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 12,794 residential transactions through TREB’s MLS® System in June 2016. This result was 7.5 per cent higher than the 11,905 sales reported in June 2015. In line with the prevailing trend so far this year, the number of new listings was down by 3.8 per cent.

“As I start my term as TREB President, we are certainly in an interesting environment for ownership housing. There is no doubt that demand is at a record level, but would-be home buyers continue to face an uphill battle against a constrained supply of listings, which has perpetuated strong price growth. Buyers and sellers alike continue to benefit from the value a REALTOR® brings to a transaction,” said Mr. Cerqua.

“As the federal, provincial and local levels of government discuss housing policy in the coming months, issues affecting the lack of supply in the GTA should be of paramount importance. TREB will be undertaking, and making public, results of additional research in the second half of 2016, with the goal of proactively adding to the housing policy discussion,” added Mr. Cerqua.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 16 per cent on a year- over-year basis. The average selling price for all home types combined was up by a slightly higher annual rate of 16.8 per cent to $746,546. The single-detached, semi- detached and townhouse market segments led the way in terms of price growth.

“When TREB surveyed consumer intentions for 2016, we found that the majority of GTA households who were likely to purchase a home continued to be pointed towards some form of ground oriented housing. This is why we continue to see strong competition between buyers in many neighbourhoods where supply remains constrained,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board

Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced that there were 12,870 home sales reported through TREB’s MLS® System in May 2016. This result represented a new record for the month of May and a 10.6 per cent increase over the same period last year. In contrast, the number of new listings was down over the same time frame by 6.4 per cent. The decline in listings was experienced in both the low-rise and condominium apartment market segments.

“Whether we’re talking about existing homeowners or people looking to purchase for the first time, there is no shortage of buyers in the marketplace today. So, while the record number of home sales through the first five months of 2016 is not necessarily surprising, it does sometimes mask the larger story in the GTA: the shortage of listings, which has resulted in strong upward pressure on home prices,” said Mr. McLean.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark was up by 15 per cent year-over-year in May 2016. Similarly, the average selling price for all home types combined was up by 15.7 per cent over the same period. Low-rise home types, which remained in short supply in many GTA neighbourhoods, experienced the strongest price growth.

“Widespread competition between buyers of singles, semis and townhouses across the GTA has underpinned the robust annual rates of price growth experienced so far this year. With this said, however, it is also important to understand that tighter market conditions for condominium apartments have resulted in price growth well above the rate of inflation in this market segment as well,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board

Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 6,010 sales through TREB’s MLS® System during the first 14 days of May 2016. This result represented a 7.1 per cent increase compared to 5,610 sales reported for May 2015.

For low-rise home types, year-over-year sales growth was strongest in the regions surrounding the City of Toronto. The fact that annual rates of sales growth for singles, semis and towns were lower in the ‘416’ area code speaks to the lack of listings in many Toronto neighbourhoods. There are many willing buyers in the marketplace today – the issue is that a substantial number of these households have not been able to find a home that meets their needs.

The average selling price for the first two weeks of May 2016 was $758,626, which represented a year-over-year increase of 16.1 per cent compared to an average price of $653,274 reported for the same time period in 2015. Double-digit annual rates of average price growth were experienced for all major home types.

The annual pace of average price growth for condominium apartments, while lower than that recorded for low-rise home types, was above 10 per cent for both the City of Toronto and surrounding regions. Even with strong new unit completions over the last few years, this market segment has become tighter as well.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

March 17, 2016 – Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,569 sales through TREB’s MLS® System during the first 14 days of March 2016. The number of transactions was up by 20.3 per cent compared to 3,797 transactions reported during the same period in 2015. For the TREB market area as a whole, double-digit annual rates of sales growth were experienced for all major market segments, with semi-detached house sales up by the greatest rate compared to last year.

The number of new listings reported by TREB Members during the first two weeks of March amounted to 6,689 – a 1.2 per cent decrease, which had its roots in the City of Toronto.
With market conditions tightening compared to last year, strong competition between buyers resulted in the average selling price for March mid-month transactions increasing by 12 per cent year-over-year. Low-rise market segments continued to drive price growth, but the condominium apartment market segment also continued to experience an annual rate of price growth more than double the rate of inflation.

In the City of Toronto, detached and semi-detached house price growth was not as strong compared to the surrounding region. This was due to the fact that fewer higher end homes were sold during the first 14 days of March compared to the same period in 2015.

Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO, April 5, 2016 — Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced record TREB MLS® home sales for the first quarter of 2016 following a strong result for March transactions.  There were 10,326 sales in March and 22,575 sales in the first quarter.  The year-over-year growth rate for sales was 15.8 per cent for Q1 2016 and 16.2 per cent for March 2016.  For the TREB market area as a whole, double-digit year-over-year rates of sales growth were experienced for all major home types during the first quarter.

The positive annual growth in sales was not mirrored on the listings front. The number of new listings entered into TREB’s MLS® System during March and the first quarter were down compared to the same periods in 2015.

“At the beginning of 2016, TREB’s outlook for the year pointed to a strong possibility of a second consecutive record year for home sales.  This outlook was based, in part, on upbeat consumer survey results pointing to robust home buying intentions.  It is clear that these upbeat intentions have translated into record first quarter results,” said Mr. McLean.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark for March 2016 was up by 11.6 per cent compared to March 2015.  The average selling price for all home types combined was up 12.1 per cent year-over-year in March and 13.6 per cent in the first quarter.

“Demand was clearly not an issue in the first three months of 2016, regardless of the housing market segment being considered.  The supply of listings, however, continued to aggravate many would-be home buyers.  We could have experienced even stronger sales growth were it not for the constrained supply of listings, especially in the low-rise market segments.  The resulting strong competition between buyers has underpinned the double-digit rates of price growth experienced so far this year,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO, March 3, 2016 — Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported a record number of home sales through TREB’s MLS® System in February 2016. There were 7,621 transactions reported this past February – up 21.1 per cent compared to February 2015.

The number of new listings entered into TREB’s MLS® System was also up on a year-over-year basis, but by a lesser 8.2 per cent. The fact that the annual rate of sales growth outstripped the annual rate of new listings growth shows a tightening of market conditions compared to last year.

“Even after accounting for the leap year day, sales were above the previous record for February set back in 2010.  Sales were up strongly from the 15th day of the month onward as well, despite the new federal mortgage lending guidelines coming into effect that require at least a 10 per cent down payment on the portion of purchase prices between $500,000 and $1,000,000,” said Mr. McLean.

Seller’s market conditions continued throughout the GTA in February.  Strong competition between buyers resulted in a healthy growth in selling prices. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 11.3 per cent year-over-year. The average selling price was up by 14.9 per cent annually to $685,278.

“Recent polling conducted for TREB by Ipsos suggested that GTA households will remain upbeat about purchasing a home in 2016. Early sales results for January and February certainly support this view.  With strong sales up against a constrained supply of listings, home prices continued to trend strongly upward,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO, February 3, 2016 — Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 4,672 residential transactions through TREB’s MLS® System in January 2016.  This result represented an 8.2 per cent increase compared to January 2015.

“It is clear that the handoff from 2015 to 2016 was a strong one.  This is not surprising given that recent polling conducted for TREB by Ipsos suggested 12 per cent of GTA households were seriously considering the purchase of a home in 2016.  Buying intentions are strong for this year as households continue to see home ownership as an affordable long-term investment,” said McLean.

The MLS® Home Price Index Composite Benchmark Price for January 2015 was up by 11.2 per cent on a year-over-year basis.  The average selling price over the same period was up by 14.1 per cent.

The difference in the annual growth rates for the MLS® HPI and average price was largely due to a greater share of high-end detached homes sold in the regions surrounding the City of Toronto this year compared to last.  The MLS® HPI removes the impact of shifts in the share of different property types sold from one year to the next.

“Market conditions in January were tighter compared to a year earlier, with an annual increase in sales up against a decline in listings.  This is why growth in the MLS® HPI benchmarks continued to be strong, especially for singles, semis and townhouses, where there has been a persistent lack of inventory,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

January 20, 2016 – Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 1,583 sales through TREB’s MLS® System during the first 14 days of January 2016. This result represented a 15 per cent increase compared to 1,376 sales reported during the same time frame in 2015. Annual rates of sales growth were stronger in the areas surrounding the City of Toronto for all major home types.

While the number of sales increased strongly on a year-over-year basis, the number of new listings reported by TREB Members was down slightly compared to the first 14 days of 2015. This suggests that market conditions were tighter this year compared to last, with more competition between buyers in many market segments and areas in the GTA.

The average selling price for the first two weeks of January 2016 was $594,969 – up 16.5 per cent compared to the average of $510,575 reported for the same period in 2015. GTA-wide, the strongest annual rate of average price growth was reported for detached houses. The double-digit annual increase reported for detached homes in the ‘905’ regions was likely the result of a compositional shift in the types
of homes sold this year compared to last, with a greater share of high-end homes sold in 2016.

It is also important to note that growth in the average condominium apartment price also remained robust, suggesting that there is no glut in inventory within this market segment.

TORONTO, January 6, 2016 — The second best sales result on record for December capped off a record year for TREB MLS® home sales in the GTA. Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced that there were 4,945 sales reported in December bringing the 2015 calendar year total to 101,299 – a substantial 9.2 per cent increase compared to 2014 as a whole. Strong annual sales increases were experienced for all major home types last year.

“Home ownership is a quality long-term investment that families can live in while the value increases over time. A relatively strong regional economy in the GTA coupled with low borrowing costs kept a record number of households – first-time buyers and existing homeowners alike – confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term,” said Mr. McLean.

“If the market had benefitted from more listings, the 2015 sales total would have been greater. As it stands, we begin 2016 with a substantial amount of pent-up demand,” continued Mr. McLean.

The average selling price for 2015 as a whole was $622,217 – up 9.8 per cent compared to $566,624 in 2014. The MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark Price was up by a similar annual rate of 10 per cent in December. GTA home price growth was driven by the low-rise segments of the market, but condominium apartment price growth was generally well-above the rate of inflation as well through 2015.

“TREB will release its official 2016 outlook later in January, but suffice to say that the demand for ownership housing is expected to remain very strong in 2016. Despite stricter mortgage lending guidelines and the possibility of slightly higher borrowing costs, on average, there will be many buyers who remain upbeat on the purchase of ownership housing,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO , Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW/ – Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. (the “Company”) (BRE.TO) announced today that it has approved the acquisition of certain franchise agreements from Brookfield Real Estate Services Manager Limited (“the Manager”).

Acquisition of Franchise Agreements
Under the Royal LePage and Via Capitale brands, the Company will purchase franchise agreements representing 33 real estate operations and 459 REALTORS^®1 across Canada for approximately $6.6 million . These agreements are estimated to generate an annual royalty stream of $1.0 million and will be effective January 1, 2016 .

As outlined in the Company’s Management Services Agreement (“MSA”) with the Manager, 80 per cent of the acquisition price will be paid in January 2016 and the balance paid in January 2017 when the purchase price is finalized, based on the actual performance of the acquired agreements.

The payment due January 1, 2016 of approximately $5.3 million , plus applicable HST, will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and a draw down on the Company’s debt facilities.

“The Company experienced strong growth in 2015, as high performing real estate brokers and agents from coast-to-coast continued to choose our industry-leading brands,” said Phil Soper , president and chief executive officer, Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. “Our ongoing commitment to equipping our REALTORS^® with the most innovative and complete suite of business services and tools is paying dividends, as we continue to enjoy market-leading momentum and sustained industry leadership.”

ABOUT BROOKFIELD REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. is a leading provider of services to residential real estate brokers and a network of more than 16,000 REALTORS^®. The Company operates in Canada under the Royal LePage, Via Capitale and Johnston & Daniel brands. Further information is available at www.brookfieldresinc.com

Brookfield Real Estate Services is an affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with over $200 billion of assets under management. For more information, go to www.Brookfield.com

¹ REALTORS^® is a trademark identifying real estate licensees in Canada who are members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Phil Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage discusses the state of Canadian housing in different regions of the country.

Source: Business News Network

TORONTO, November 5, 2015 — Toronto Real Estate Board President Mark McLean announced that Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 8,804 home sales through TREB’s MLS® System in October 2015.  This is the best result on record for the month of October.

“It is clear that many GTA households remain upbeat about home ownership because owning a home represents a high quality, long-term investment.  We will see a big, new record this year for home sales reported through TREB’s MLS® System,” said Mr. McLean.

“Despite the record October result, I must point out that the Government of Ontario could hamper home sales in the near future. The Wynne government is seriously considering allowing municipalities throughout Ontario to institute a second land transfer tax on top of the existing provincial tax.  Recent polling has shown that the great majority of Ontarians oppose this tax and would consider delaying a move if they were forced to bear the additional upfront cost,” added Mr. McLean.

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was up by 10.3 per cent year over year in October. Over the same period, the average selling price for all home types combined was up by 7.3 per cent to $630,876. Price growth continued to be driven by the low-rise market segments.

“Record sales coupled with a constrained supply of listings in many GTA neighbourhoods has underpinned very strong price growth throughout 2015. Even if we do see a greater supply of low-rise listings in the marketplace over the next year, market conditions will remain tight enough to see continued price growth well-above the rate of inflation,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

Source: The Toronto Real Estate Board