Calgary, Sept. 4, 2012 – Following several months of higher than expected sales growth, Calgary residential sales in August totaled 1,725 units, a 10-per-cent increase over last year.

“While the sales grow remains strong, it is slower than previous five months in part due to the lack of new listings in the City’s single family market,” said Bob Jablonski, CREB® President. “With fewer products to choose from, many consumers are holding off on transacting or turning to surrounding towns, the new home market and condominiums.”

New listings within the City of Calgary total 2,585 units in August, down 13 per cent from one year ago and down more than four per cent on a year-to-date basis. Meanwhile, new listings in the surrounding towns have improved by nearly 10 per cent after the first eight months of this year.

“Improving choice, affordable prices, combined with lifestyle factors and the lack of choice in the single family market within city limits, have driven sales growth in towns surrounding the city,” said Jabslonski. “In general, the area has witnessed sales activity that is comparable to peak sales activity.”

Single family sales totaled 1,169 in August 2012, six per cent above levels recorded in 2011. Meanwhile, new listings declined by 14 per cent on a year-over-year basis over the same time frame. This year, demand has far outpaced new additions to supply in the single-family market, causing a significant depletion of standing inventories. However, the recent decline in sales growth helped ease the pressure on the market, as months of supply have risen to levels more consistent with balanced territory.

While sales growth activity did cool, the upward price pressure on single family homes will not likely ease until the fall. As of August, the benchmark price for a single family home was $432,600, an eight-per-cent increase over August 2011 levels. The increase may seem significant, but the prices have leveled off compared to the previous month and remain nearly $20,000 below peak levels recorded in July 2007.

August sales in both condominium apartment and townhouse units recorded year-over-year growth that outpaced the single family market. Year-to-date apartment sales have improved by nearly 10 per cent over 2011, while the level of new listings remained at levels similar to last year. The improvement in sales relative to new listings has helped reduce the elevated inventory levels, keeping this market in balanced territory.

The benchmark price of a condominium apartment for the month of August was $248,700, a 3.6-per-cent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile townhouse style condominiums had a monthly benchmark price of $278,200, only a 2.5-per-cent increase. While the upward momentum is a signal of continued recovery in the condominium market, the benchmark price for condominiums remains nearly 16 per cent below peak levels.

“Some continue to foresee a scenario where price declines are looming in the local housing market, especially given national trends,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® Chief Economist. “There is no question economic concerns can threaten our housing recovery. However, to date Calgary housing market consumers are exhibiting confidence evidenced through the pick-up in sales activity across all housing types.

“The rapid sales growth caused supply levels to drop, particularly in the single family market, resulting in price gains. While we anticipate recent movements in the single family resale market will take some pressure off the higher-than-expected price growth, another city wide price correction is not expected given current economic growth expectations combined with one of the best affordability climates in the country.”

Calgary, June 1, 2012 – May 2012 residential sales in the City of Calgary increased by 31.8 per cent over last year, to 2,385, making it the highest May activity since the recession.

“In the past month, easing concerns regarding Calgary’s long- term economic prospects combined with continued full-time job growth and low interest rates, has contributed to the rise in housing demand, pushing sales to levels more consistent with long term trends,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist. “However, we are not out of the woods in terms or economic risks, as recent indicators point towards weak growth in the U.S. economy and increased uncertainty in global markets.”

Demand growth continues to outpace supply in the single-family market. Monthly sales reached 1,710 units in May, resulting in year-to-date sales 19.1 per cent higher than the same period last year. While new listings recorded a year-over-year increase of 6.7 per cent, this did little to alleviate the supply constraint in the single-family market. Inventories totaled 3,842 in May, keeping months of supply in seller territory, with less than 2.5 months of supply.

“With less supply in the single-family market, buyers are making their decisions quicker,” says Becky Walters, CREB®’s president-elect. “As a result, we’ve seen a reduction in the amount of time homes stay on the market, and sellers are getting figures closer to their list price.”

The single-family benchmark price for the month of May 2012 was $427,500, a 6.7-per-cent increase over the previous year. Prices were expected to record modest gains this year and, while the increase is higher than expected, the single-family benchmark price remains 5.3-per-cent below the peak price of $451,400, reached in July 2007.

“Buyers are also turning to surrounding areas and the condominium markets, both of which have adequate supply levels and price growth that remain below single-family levels,” Walters says.

After the first five months of the year, condominium-apartment sales totaled 1,518, an 8.7-per-cent increase over the same period last year. New listings for the month rose by 5.4 per cent compared to last year, but on a year-to-date basis, they remain at comparable levels. As the number of sales outpaced new listings, total inventory levels of apartment condominiums have retracted by 3 per cent over May 2011, and with three months of supply, firmly moved into balanced territory.

The condominium-apartment market recorded a modest improvement in pricing, with a benchmark price of $245,400 in May 2012, a year-over-year price gain of one per cent. Meanwhile, condominium-townhome benchmark prices appreciated by 3 per cent over last year for a monthly price of $277,000.

“While there have been some conflicting opinions on the national housing market, particularly with price expectations, the Calgary housing market does not appear to reflect either a boom or a bust scenario, and is simply returning to activity levels consistent with a normal market,” says Lurie. “The current low supply in the single-family market has pushed up pricing slightly higher than anticipated. However, sufficient supply in the remaining housing industry combined with economic uncertainty will likely prevent a repeat of the price jumps recorded in the not-so-distant past.”
Calgary, June 1, 2012 – May 2012 residential sales in the City of Calgary increased by 31.8 per cent over last year, to 2,385, making it the highest May activity since the recession.

“In the past month, easing concerns regarding Calgary’s long- term economic prospects combined with continued full-time job growth and low interest rates, has contributed to the rise in housing demand, pushing sales to levels more consistent with long term trends,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist. “However, we are not out of the woods in terms or economic risks, as recent indicators point towards weak growth in the U.S. economy and increased uncertainty in global markets.”

Demand growth continues to outpace supply in the single-family market. Monthly sales reached 1,710 units in May, resulting in year-to-date sales 19.1 per cent higher than the same period last year. While new listings recorded a year-over-year increase of 6.7 per cent, this did little to alleviate the supply constraint in the single-family market. Inventories totaled 3,842 in May, keeping months of supply in seller territory, with less than 2.5 months of supply.

“With less supply in the single-family market, buyers are making their decisions quicker,” says Becky Walters, CREB®’s president-elect. “As a result, we’ve seen a reduction in the amount of time homes stay on the market, and sellers are getting figures closer to their list price.”

The single-family benchmark price for the month of May 2012 was $427,500, a 6.7-per-cent increase over the previous year. Prices were expected to record modest gains this year and, while the increase is higher than expected, the single-family benchmark price remains 5.3-per-cent below the peak price of $451,400, reached in July 2007.

“Buyers are also turning to surrounding areas and the condominium markets, both of which have adequate supply levels and price growth that remain below single-family levels,” Walters says.

After the first five months of the year, condominium-apartment sales totaled 1,518, an 8.7-per-cent increase over the same period last year. New listings for the month rose by 5.4 per cent compared to last year, but on a year-to-date basis, they remain at comparable levels. As the number of sales outpaced new listings, total inventory levels of apartment condominiums have retracted by 3 per cent over May 2011, and with three months of supply, firmly moved into balanced territory.

The condominium-apartment market recorded a modest improvement in pricing, with a benchmark price of $245,400 in May 2012, a year-over-year price gain of one per cent. Meanwhile, condominium-townhome benchmark prices appreciated by 3 per cent over last year for a monthly price of $277,000.

“While there have been some conflicting opinions on the national housing market, particularly with price expectations, the Calgary housing market does not appear to reflect either a boom or a bust scenario, and is simply returning to activity levels consistent with a normal market,” says Lurie. “The current low supply in the single-family market has pushed up pricing slightly higher than anticipated. However, sufficient supply in the remaining housing industry combined with economic uncertainty will likely prevent a repeat of the price jumps recorded in the not-so-distant past.”
Calgary, June 1, 2012 – May 2012 residential sales in the City of Calgary increased by 31.8 per cent over last year, to 2,385, making it the highest May activity since the recession.

“In the past month, easing concerns regarding Calgary’s long- term economic prospects combined with continued full-time job growth and low interest rates, has contributed to the rise in housing demand, pushing sales to levels more consistent with long term trends,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist. “However, we are not out of the woods in terms or economic risks, as recent indicators point towards weak growth in the U.S. economy and increased uncertainty in global markets.”

Demand growth continues to outpace supply in the single-family market. Monthly sales reached 1,710 units in May, resulting in year-to-date sales 19.1 per cent higher than the same period last year. While new listings recorded a year-over-year increase of 6.7 per cent, this did little to alleviate the supply constraint in the single-family market. Inventories totaled 3,842 in May, keeping months of supply in seller territory, with less than 2.5 months of supply.

“With less supply in the single-family market, buyers are making their decisions quicker,” says Becky Walters, CREB®’s president-elect. “As a result, we’ve seen a reduction in the amount of time homes stay on the market, and sellers are getting figures closer to their list price.”

The single-family benchmark price for the month of May 2012 was $427,500, a 6.7-per-cent increase over the previous year. Prices were expected to record modest gains this year and, while the increase is higher than expected, the single-family benchmark price remains 5.3-per-cent below the peak price of $451,400, reached in July 2007.

“Buyers are also turning to surrounding areas and the condominium markets, both of which have adequate supply levels and price growth that remain below single-family levels,” Walters says.

After the first five months of the year, condominium-apartment sales totaled 1,518, an 8.7-per-cent increase over the same period last year. New listings for the month rose by 5.4 per cent compared to last year, but on a year-to-date basis, they remain at comparable levels. As the number of sales outpaced new listings, total inventory levels of apartment condominiums have retracted by 3 per cent over May 2011, and with three months of supply, firmly moved into balanced territory.

The condominium-apartment market recorded a modest improvement in pricing, with a benchmark price of $245,400 in May 2012, a year-over-year price gain of one per cent. Meanwhile, condominium-townhome benchmark prices appreciated by 3 per cent over last year for a monthly price of $277,000.

“While there have been some conflicting opinions on the national housing market, particularly with price expectations, the Calgary housing market does not appear to reflect either a boom or a bust scenario, and is simply returning to activity levels consistent with a normal market,” says Lurie. “The current low supply in the single-family market has pushed up pricing slightly higher than anticipated. However, sufficient supply in the remaining housing industry combined with economic uncertainty will likely prevent a repeat of the price jumps recorded in the not-so-distant past.”

Calgary, June 1, 2012 – May 2012 residential sales in the City of Calgary increased by 31.8 per cent over last year, to 2,385, making it the highest May activity since the recession.

“In the past month, easing concerns regarding Calgary’s long- term economic prospects combined with continued full-time job growth and low interest rates, has contributed to the rise in housing demand, pushing sales to levels more consistent with long term trends,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist. “However, we are not out of the woods in terms or economic risks, as recent indicators point towards weak growth in the U.S. economy and increased uncertainty in global markets.”

Demand growth continues to outpace supply in the single-family market. Monthly sales reached 1,710 units in May, resulting in year-to-date sales 19.1 per cent higher than the same period last year. While new listings recorded a year-over-year increase of 6.7 per cent, this did little to alleviate the supply constraint in the single-family market. Inventories totaled 3,842 in May, keeping months of supply in seller territory, with less than 2.5 months of supply.

“With less supply in the single-family market, buyers are making their decisions quicker,” says Becky Walters, CREB®’s president-elect. “As a result, we’ve seen a reduction in the amount of time homes stay on the market, and sellers are getting figures closer to their list price.”

The single-family benchmark price for the month of May 2012 was $427,500, a 6.7-per-cent increase over the previous year. Prices were expected to record modest gains this year and, while the increase is higher than expected, the single-family benchmark price remains 5.3-per-cent below the peak price of $451,400, reached in July 2007.

“Buyers are also turning to surrounding areas and the condominium markets, both of which have adequate supply levels and price growth that remain below single-family levels,” Walters says.

Calgary, May 1, 2012 – For the month of April 2012, year-over-year sales activity improved across all sectors in the city. Calgary residential sales total 2,200 for the month, a 26 per cent increase over levels recorded last year.

“The growth in full-time employment, combined with improving migration levels, is translating into improved demand for housing,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist. “While sales growth does seem exceptionally strong, it is important to keep in perspective that the sales activity in Calgary is returning to levels more consistent with the long-term average.”

The single-family market continues to tighten, with months of supply dropping below three months. Sales growth continues to outpace new-listings activity, placing downward pressure on inventories. As the market tightens, single-family homes are selling quicker, and there has been some upward pressure on pricing. The MLS® Home Price Index for the month of April recorded a year-over-year price increase of 5.5 per cent for a total benchmark price of $449,500.

“While the balance between demand and supply in the single-family market has shifted towards sellers’ territory, there are several components that make today’s market different from five years ago,” says Bob Jablonski, president of CREB®. “The main difference is there is still significant supply for consumers in surrounding towns and the condominium market in the city, and the new-home builders do have the ability to absorb some of the excess demand,” Jablonski adds.

After the first four months of the year, the condominium apartment sales totaled 1,133, a 2.2 per cent increase over the same period last year. Tighter supply in the single-family market has translated to improved demand for condominium apartments, and consumers active in this market have a sufficient amount of supply and new listings to choose from.

New condominium apartment listings for the month of April rose by 5.9 per cent compared to last year, and remain at similar levels on a year-to-date basis. As the gap between inventories and sales narrows, the months of supply continues to trend toward levels that are more consistent with a balanced market.

While the condominium apartment market moved into more balanced territory, index prices remain relatively unchanged. The condominium townhouse market is trending in a similar fashion to the single family market, and recorded a year-over-year index price increase of 2.7 per cent. Overall for the month of April, the condominium townhouse and apartment markets recorded a benchmark price of 294,500 and 248,300, respectively.

“While sales activity and the level of new listings continue to remain below long-term trends, the spring market is definitely on the rise over the previous year,” says Jablonski. “As confidence in the local housing market continues to build, we anticipate a rise in demand, followed by improved listings from those waiting to see some price appreciation prior to listing their home.”

Calgary, April 2, 2012 – City of Calgary residential sales continued to rise in March 2012, reaching 2,167 units, an increase of 12.6 per cent over last March.

“The rise in activity is related to the continued improvement of our economy and consumer confidence, as some concerns regarding the global economy have eased,” says Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB® chief economist.

After the first quarter of 2012, sales are up by 7.3 per cent over the same time last year. While the increase is significant, when compared to historic activity, residential sales continue to remain below the long-term trend. Monthly new listings remain slightly lower than last year, whereas year-to-date figures show 7.2 per cent fewer listings have come onto the market in the first quarter of this year.

“While the number of listings for the first quarter of 2012 remains low compared to last year, the level of decline has lessened,” says Bob Jablonski, president of CREB®; “therefore pointing to the fact that those people who have been on the fence are starting to list their homes, and this trend is expected to continue.”

The year-over-year decline in new listings, combined with improving sales, has pushed down inventory levels to 5,092 units from 5,866 last year, as well as months of supply. However, as Jablonski notes, “it is not uncommon for the months of supply to decline in March as we transition from the winter season to the spring season.”

Recently, the tightening supply has brought about much discussion of multiple offers on houses. “It is important to note that multiple offers can happen during any market with a well priced listing or a unique property,” says Jablonski. “New listings coming onto the market at a good price are generating a lot of activity, but year-over-year index price growth for the typical home in Calgary in March was 2.9 per cent, which is considered a normal range. Also, the sales-price to list-price ratio does not reflect levels recorded during the peak of the market, when there were supply shortages,”

Calgary, March 1, 2012 – Sales activity improved across all residential sectors this month compared to a year ago, according to CREB® data released today. Calgary and area sales growth pushed February total residential activity up by 11.6 per cent compared February 2011, mainly due to increased activity in the surrounding towns.

“City sales were boosted by a lot of activity in the last week of the month,” says Bob Jablonski, CREB® president. “This points towards the improvements that we expect to see in our spring market activity.”

Single family sales and condominium townhouse sales were the bright lights in the city of Calgary, while condo apartments continue to lag in volume of sales. There were 1,284 single-family homes sold in February 2012, a 10.9-per-cent increase over last-year figures, and a 5.6-per-cent year-to-date increase. Condo townhouses gained 11.4 per cent year-over-year in February sales.

“More selection and a wider range of prices have drawn consumers to the condominium townhouse and single family markets,” says Jablonski. “As is the case with all property types, we saw modest price improvements compared to February last year, but overall levels remain below peak pricing.”

Calgary, January 3, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), Calgary residential sales in 2011 increased eight per cent over last year, with 18,568 sales for 2011 compared to 17,267 in 2010.
Recovering from tepid sales activity in the first half of 2011, early improvements in employment and migration resulted in a pickup in housing demand in the second half of the year. By the end of June 2011, year-to-date sales activity had only increased by two per cent compared to the second half of the year, where residential sales improved by 15 per cent.

Calgary, December 1, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), Calgary residential sales in November increased eight per cent over last year, at 17,538 after the first 11 months of the year.

While sales activity tends to taper off in the winter months, so far this year Calgary area sales remain significantly stronger than levels recorded last year. Single family home sales totaled 962 for the month, an increase of eight per cent from November 2010. Meanwhile, year-to-date sales totaled 12,464, a 10 per cent increase over last year.

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October 3, 2011 – According to figures released today by CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), residential sales continued to gain momentum in Calgary this year, totaling 14,832 after the first three quarters, a seven per cent per cent rise over last year.

“Despite recent turmoil in the global economy, Calgarians are showing confidence in the long term prospects for the city and are taking advantage of affordable and stable home prices,” says Bob Jablonski, president-elect of CREB®.Single family home sales totaled 1,036 for the month of September, 2011, an eight per cent increase over last September. Year-to-date sales totaled 10,518 units a 10 per cent increase over last year. Monthly gains in listings brings inventory to 4,753 units, a level still lower than the previous year.

“Clearly there is a market for well priced listings. In particular, we are seeing strength in detached single family home sales. Relative affordability in this market has meant these homes are selling faster than condominiums and townhouses,” says Jablonski.

“And single family homes are selling closer to asking price—suggesting that homes will move in this market, when priced right,” added Jablonski.

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. “Calgary is one of the most affordable regions for homeownership in the country,”.