OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD NEWS RELEASE-OCTOBER 5, 2016

No fall(ing) back in Ottawa’s resale market

OTTAWA, October 5, 2016 - Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,371 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® System, compared with 1,241 in September 2015, an increase of 10.5 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,171.
“Again this month, we have broken the record for residential and condominium units sold, with 200 more units sold than the five-year average for September sales,” says Shane Silva, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “With average sale prices remaining virtually unchanged since the beginning of the year, this could be an indication that prices have adjusted to market expectations and sales have rebounded as a result.”
September’s sales included 269 in the condominium property class, and 1,102 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases, and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.
“Units listed in both residential and condominium property classes continue to decline,” indicates Silva. “From 2,076 listed in September 2015 to 1,822 listed in September 2016 for residential properties, and from 637 listed in September 2015 to 588 listed in September 2016 for condominium sales. With fewer listings coming on to the market, combined with recent higher unit sales, overall inventory is declining. The basic economics of supply and demand at play will continue to have an impact on the Ottawa resale market.”
The average sale price of a residential-class property sold in September in the Ottawa area was $383,793 a decrease of 0.1 per cent over September 2015. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $252,136, a decrease of two per cent over September 2015. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.
“The hottest segments in our market for September continue to be two-storey and bungalow residential homes in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range, followed by one-level and two-storey condos in the $200,000 to $300,000 and the $100,000 to $200,000 price range” says Silva. “In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB Members have assisted clients with renting almost 2,500 properties since the beginning of the year.”

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-January News Release- [2015-02-04 VP]

Homebuyers undeterred by January cold

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 627 residential properties in January through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 587 in January 2014, an increase of 6.8 per cent. The five-year average for January sales is 633.

"The cold weather proved not to be a deterrent for buyers in January," says President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, David Oikle. "Residential and Condo sales combined, contributed to an increase in sales this month, and we are right on par with the January average. Residential two-storey and bungalow properties had the highest concentration of buyers. In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB members assisted clients with renting 183 units this month."

January's sales included 114 in the condominium property class, and 513 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"This month has been a busy month for our Members," says Oikle. "The number of residential and condo properties listed in January (2,018) more than doubled the amount of newly listed properties from December - a normal occurrence at the beginning of the year, in advance of the usual busy spring market."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in January in the Ottawa area was $348,617, an increase of 0.5 per cent over January 2014. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $250,406, a decrease of 5.8 per cent over January 2014. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $370,442, an increase of 0.5 per cent over January 2014. While average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, it should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value, because the average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold.

"The possibility of interest rates approaching record lows will provide even more opportunity for homebuyers," explains Oikle. "The Ottawa resale market remains steady, and we look forward to a productive year ahead."

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-November News Release [2014-12-03 VP]

November sales up slightly over last year

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 893 residential properties in November through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 888 in November 2013, an increase of 0.6 per cent. The five-year average for November sales is 935.

"Sales have been remarkably similar to last year overall, with units sold for the first eleven months of the year at 13,291, just slightly above the year-to-date sales for 2013," says Randy Oickle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "Inventory levels are starting to dip back down, which is normal for this time of year, and average sales prices keep steady with last year. Overall, it has been a typical year so far for the real estate market in Ottawa - steady and fluctuating between a balanced and buyer's market."

November's sales included 170 in the condominium property class, and 723 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"Properties have taken longer to sell, requiring most sellers to be more patient with the market," explains Oickle. "Resale condos are slightly behind last year's volume, likely caused by increased competition with new condo developments. Although the market slows somewhat in December, Sellers should note that many buyers for 2015 will begin their search over the holiday period, statistically the highest property search period."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in November in the Ottawa area was $356,900, an increase of 0.4 per cent over November 2013. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $250,425, a decrease of three per cent over November 2013. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $381,936, an increase of 0.7 per cent over November 2013. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"The $300,000 to $349,999 price range had the highest concentration of properties sold in November, followed by the $350,000 to $399,999 range. There were 93 properties sold in the price range between $500,000 to $749,999," says Oickle. "The rental market continues to be hot in Ottawa, with approximately 175 properties rented in November, and over 2,300 rented since the beginning of the year. Ottawa Real Estate Board members can assist you with a variety of needs, whether you are looking to rent, or wanting to better understand the prices in your area."

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-October News Release [2014-11-05 VP]

October sales set a near record as market heads into buyer's territory

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,121 residential properties in October through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,089 in October 2013, an increase of 2.9 per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1,076.

"Sales from this past month are the second best on record for October, only comparable to the 1,199 sales in October 2009," explained Randy Oickle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "Our residential listing inventory is up 12.5 per cent from 2013, with 7,550 active listings at the end of October this year. Year-to-date sales have now slightly surpassed year-to-date numbers from last year, and we are up 0.2 per cent over 2013. Interestingly, although sales volume is slightly ahead of last year - when we were in a balanced market - the higher listing volume this year has moved us into a buyer's market."

October's sales included 194 in the condominium property class, and 927 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $355,813, a decrease of 1.2 per cent over October 2013. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $290,224, an increase of 7.3 per cent over October 2013. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $369,540, a decrease of 3.2 per cent over October 2013. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"Again this month, the $300,000 to $399,999 price range continues to have the highest concentration of properties sold, followed by the $500,000 to $749,999 range," says Oickle. "Fifteen properties were sold in the over $1 million range, with six of these properties being condominiums. No condos were sold in this price range last year, which is a possible explanation for the large increase in average sale price for condos this October compared to last."

In addition to residential and condominium sales, OREB members have assisted clients with renting over 2,100 units so far this year. OREB members also assist clients with the sale of building lots, businesses, farms and recreational properties, and the leasing of commercial space.

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-August News Release [2014-09-04 VP]

AVERAGE SALES FOR OTTAWA IN AUGUST

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,203 residential properties in August through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,216 in August 2013, a decrease of 1.1 per cent. The five-year average for August is 1,199.

"As usual, we are seeing a typical end-of-summer slowdown, especially in comparison to July's record sales," says Randy Oickle, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "Although sales numbers are down slightly since last year, August's sales are slightly higher than the five-year average, and continue to be on par with year-to-date sales compared to last year."

August's sales included 219 in the condominium property class, and 984 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, stacked etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"Units sold in the residential property class alone, excluding condos, are up four per cent year-over-year. And average sale price has increased for both the residential and condo class," says Oickle. "If you are planning on buying or selling a home, we encourage you to consult one of our member REALTORS® to get in depth advice on prices in your neighbourhood."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in August in the Ottawa area was $360,214, an increase of 3.4 per cent over August 2013. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $263,996, an increase of 2.7 per cent over August 2013. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $381,628, an increase of 1.9 per cent over August 2013. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"The $300,000 to $399,999 price range continues to have the highest concentration of properties sold, followed by the $500,000 to $749,999 range - the later range up by 27.4 per cent from last year," explains Oickle. "This increase may possibly be the contributing factor in the average house price increases this month."

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-JANUARY NEWS RELEASE 2014-01-07

Ottawa remains stable in 2013, devoid of large fluctuations

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 610 residential properties in December through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 615 in December 2012, a decrease of less than one per cent. The five-year average for December sales is 646, with sales from December 2011 and 2009 increasing that average.

The total number of homes sold through the Board's MLS® system in 2013 was 13,873, compared with 14,326 in 2012, a decrease of 3.2 per cent. The average sale price for residential properties, including condominiums, sold in 2013 was $357,348, an increase of 1.6 per cent over 2012.

"Looking back at the 2013 market, home sales in the first part of the year were, for the most part down, in comparison to the year before," said new President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board, Randy Oickle. "The introduction of tighter mortgage rules in July 2012 largely affected the market well into 2013. However, as the year progressed the market began to pick back up, and then leveled out in November and December. Impending mortgage rate increases may have caused the increase in the second half of 2013, as many first-time home buyers jumped into the market in advance of these increases."

December's sales included 145 in the condominium property class, and 465 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in December in the Ottawa area was $340,021, an increase of 0.9 per cent over December 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $245,349, a decrease of 5.1 per cent over December 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $369,543, an increase of three per cent over December 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"Although, the government succeeded in its plan to "cool down" the market over the past year and a half, Ottawa remains steady and balanced, devoid of large fluctuations in resale activity," says Oickle. "We are truly fortunate to live and work in such a stable market area, and it seems buyers and sellers agree that Ottawa remains a great place to call home."

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of approximately 3,000 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-NOVEMBER NEWS RELEASE-2013-11-04

October resales comparative to five-year average

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,090 residential properties in October through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,069 in October 2012, an increase of two per cent. The five-year average for October sales is 1,091.

"Resale units sold in October are right on par compared to the five-year average," says Ansel Clarke, Past President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "This is a welcome change from the first half of 2013, where we saw continuous decreases, albeit small ones, in the number of units sold. We are also seeing average prices beginning to creep back up. The Ottawa market is proving, once again, to be a steady, balanced market."

October's sales included 211 in the condominium property class, and 879 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in October in the Ottawa area was $360,085, an increase of 4.1 per cent over October 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $270,542, an increase of 1.6 per cent over October 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $381,580, an increase of 3.5 per cent over October 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"Talk to an Ottawa-area REALTOR® today for help with buying and/or selling a home. We do the homework so you don't have to." Visit wedothehomework.ca for more information on working with a REALTOR®.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of over 2,900 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-OCTOBER NEWS RELEASE-2013-10-04

Ottawa market heats up as fall settles in
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,119 residential properties in September through the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 995 in September 2012, an increase of 12.5 per cent. The five-year average for September sales is 1,121.

“As a result of the new mortgage rules introduced last summer, we saw continuous decreases in units sold in the first half of 2013. Since July 2013, the Ottawa resale market has started to heat up again,” says Tim Lee, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. “The number of residential and condo units sold has increased since last year. Condo units sold are up 15 per cent, while residential units sold are up 11.8 per cent. Also, impending mortgage rate increases may be causing many first-time home buyers to buy now before the rates increase.”

September’s sales included 245 in the condominium property class, and 874 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in September in the Ottawa area was $346,342, a decrease of 1.2 per cent over September 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $257,059, a decrease of 3.4 per cent over September 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $371,370, a decrease of 0.5 per cent over September 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

“As Ottawa and surrounding areas continue to grow and expand, Ottawa continues to be a healthy, balanced market,” says Lee. “Talk to an Ottawa-area REALTOR® today for help with buying and/or selling a home. We do the homework so you don’t have to.”

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of over 2,900 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association. 

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-AUGUST NEWS RELEASE-2013-09-05

Ottawa resale market on the up and up

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,219 residential properties in August through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,145 in August 2012, an increase of 6.5 per cent. The five-year average for August sales is 1,202.

"It has been one year since the Canadian Government introduced the new mortgage rules, and although the Ottawa market has been slow-moving since the beginning of the year, this month's numbers are quite the opposite," says Tim Lee, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "With both residential and condo units sold up a respectable amount since last year, it breaks the downward cycle. In addition, average sale prices evened out in August, creating a welcomed lull in inflating property prices."

August's sales included 272 in the condominium property class, and 947 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in August in the Ottawa area was $348,519, a slight increase of 0.4 per cent over August 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $257,494, a decrease of 5.4 per cent over August 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $374,663, an increase of 1.8 per cent over August 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"Inventory on hand has decreased since last month, and is starting to return to more normal levels," says Lee. "Ottawa continues to be a healthy, balanced market, and as always, a great city to live in. With a strengthening economy and historically low interest rates, Ottawa consumers remain in a very enviable position." Talk to an Ottawa-area REALTOR® today for help with buying and/or selling a home.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of over 2,900 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-July, 2013 News Release

Steady as she goes. No major fluctuations for Ottawa resales.
Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,339 residential properties in July through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,376 in July 2012, a decrease of 2.7 per cent. July's sales are just below the five-year average of 1,347.

"Although the number of residential properties, including condominiums, is down since last year, residential-class units sold increased 0.5 per cent from this time last year," says Tim Lee, President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "The market has definitely cooled down since last year, as a result of the introduction of new mortgage rules by the Government. However, Ottawa remains balanced, and we are not seeing major fluctuations that other large Canadian cities sometimes experience."

July's sales included 273 in the condominium property class, and 1,066 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in July in the Ottawa area was $359,551, an increase of 6.6 per cent over July 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $275,189, an increase of 3.7 per cent over July 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $381,156, an increase of 6.3 per cent over July 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

"In July, there were 14 properties sold over $1 million," says Lee. "This is an 80 per cent increase in this price range over July 2012. The fact that this many properties were sold over $1 million in July definitely increases the average sale price."

There is now a better way in which REALTORS® can determine price trends in the housing market - the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI). Similar to Canada's Consumer Price Index, the HPI measures housing asset price inflation (or deflation).

"The HPI has been designed to offer a much more accurate and reliable indication of changes in house value over time," says Lee. "Many of the inconsistencies and inaccuracies of previous models did not allow for true comparison of "apples" to "apples," but this model certainly does. The HPI will be a valuable tool that REALTORS® can add to their toolkit. Buying and selling a home is one of the biggest decisions a person will make in their life, and the HPI can be used to help you get the right price. Contact an Ottawa-area REALTOR® today to help you with buying or selling your house."

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of over 2,900 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.

OTTAWA REAL ESTATE BOARD-JUNE NEWS RELEASE...posted July 4, 2013

Condo sales dip below average, residential units remain steady

Members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 1,594 residential properties in June through the Board's Multiple Listing Service® system, compared with 1,662 in June 2012, a decrease of 4.1 per cent.

"June sales are down a bit since last month, but even though there's a slight decrease, it seems to be the norm throughout the years," says Ansel Clarke, Immediate Past President of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. "Since June 2003, with the exception of June 2011, sales have consistently decreased from May to June. This shows continued stability in the market over the last decade."

June's sales included 314 in the condominium property class, and 1,280 in the residential property class. The condominium property class includes any property, regardless of style (i.e. detached, semi-detached, apartment, townhouse, etc.), which is registered as a condominium, as well as properties which are co-operatives, life leases and timeshares. The residential property class includes all other residential properties.

"The condo market has dipped below average. The five-year average for June condo sales is 368 - putting June in at 17 per cent lower than the average," says Clarke. "Although, when you look at residential units sold, without looking at condo sales, the decrease from year to year is only one per cent. Inventory on hand had been building up since the beginning of the year, but we're now starting to see a small decrease, which will bring the Ottawa market into an even more balanced buyer/seller territory."

The average sale price of residential properties, including condominiums, sold in June in the Ottawa area was $359,232, an increase of 1.9 per cent over June 2012. The average sale price for a condominium-class property was $265,410, a decrease of 4.3 per cent over June 2012. The average sale price of a residential-class property was $382,248, an increase of 2.2 per cent over June 2012. The Board cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing trends over time 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.

The Ottawa Real Estate Board is an industry association of over 2,900 sales representatives and brokers in the Ottawa area. Members of the Board are also members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.