Staying Cool:

The GTA real estate market maintained its cool demeanor in September, following the trends set during the summer months. The impact of interest rates continued to affect buyers.

Durham & Toronto Market Insights

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Home Sales:

In September, 4,642 homes were sold in the GTA, marking a 12.1% drop from August and a 7.1% decline from the previous year. Detached homes and condo apartments continued to be the top choices for buyers. The dip in sales was more noticeable for ground-oriented homes, particularly semi-detached houses and townhouses.

Home Prices:

The average selling price for homes in the GTA was around $1,129,428. This is a 3% increase compared to the previous year and a 3.4% uptick from August. However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily indicate a reversal of the downward trend seen over the summer, given the rising inventory and declining sales.

Inventory Levels: 

The GTA's current month of inventory stands at 3.94 months, signaling a balanced market. New listings increased by 44% compared to the previous year and by 32% from August. Interestingly, this contrasts with the pricing trends. More homes are available, but fewer are selling, despite slightly higher prices month-over-month. In the Durham Region, the market remains more competitive, with only 2.6 months of inventory.

Days on Market:

Homes are spending an average of 20 days on the market. In Durham Region, it took approximately 25 days for homes to sell, and in Toronto, that number was around 30 days. It's worth mentioning that we're noticing many listings terminating and relisting, which can extend these timeframes.

Interest Rates and Their Impact:

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem noted, "The fight against inflation is not over." Despite taking a "wait and see" approach in September, the impact of the nine consecutive interest rate hikes since April 2022 continues to affect buyer purchasing power. Moreover, the Bank of Canada hasn't ruled out another interest rate hike in October, with the next announcement scheduled for Oct. 25th.

Pricing Strategies:

Pricing plays a significant role in this market, especially in the Durham Region. An overpriced home can struggle to gain interest, while an underpriced one may not attract the right offer. As demand eases due to rising borrowing costs, many sellers are finding it challenging to establish the right pricing strategy. Some homes miss offer dates, terminate listings, and relist, sometimes more than once before they sell. Accurate pricing backed by data is crucial for an efficient sale.

External Factors:

The market is still influenced by the same external factors, primarily interest rates and their impact on buying power, coupled with the heightened demand driven by population growth in the GTA.

Local Market Variations:

Every market experienced significant inventory increases, but some key markets saw substantial price swings. For example, Ajax witnessed a 7.3% increase in the average price of semis, while Clarington saw a 7.5% decrease in detached prices and an 8% increase in condo pricing. These shifts are often due to fewer sales and specific property sales impacting the average price month-over-month.

What's Next:

In the short term, what happens next largely depends on the Bank of Canada's decision in its Oct. 25 announcement. If inventory continues to rise, we can expect the market to remain cool in the latter half of 2023. While mortgage affordability remains a challenge for buyers, they may have more negotiating power. Financing and inspection conditions are becoming more common in offers, and sellers will continue to adapt to a more competitive market. Preparing your home effectively, including setting a well-thought-out list price, will be crucial for attracting the right buyers.

The GTA real estate market keeps evolving, and we'll keep you updated. If you have any questions or need assistance with your real estate endeavors, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to guide you through the ever-changing world of real estate!

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