Healthy Greater Vancouver home sales fuel March housing market

Continued demand in the Greater Vancouver housing market led to an increase
in sales and listing activity last month. Sales of detached, attached and apartment properties reached 4,033 units in March 2006, an increase of 2.4 per cent compared to March 2005’s 3,938 units, and a decrease of 7.7 percent
compared to March 2004’s record-breaking 4,371 sales.

“By investing in real estate, homebuyers are demonstrating confidence in our economy and confidence in the high reputation of the Vancouver housing market,” says Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president Rick
Valouche. “While benchmark prices increased in comparison to the same period last year, we’re seeing less of a change in comparison to February 2006.

“While there’s been a higher ratio of sales to listings in the Greater Vancouver region over the past year, last month saw an increase of 13 per cent of active listings compared to March of 2005. Demand is high, and more listing activity will bring greater balance to the market,” Valouche says. “Buyers should use a REALTOR® to help determine the type of properties you need and can afford, and whether or not your preference exists in the neighbourhood in which you’re interested.”

According to Multiple Listings Service® (MLS®) data, sales of apartment properties increased by 8.4 per cent to 1,779 sales in March 2006 compared to 1,641 sales in March 2005. The benchmark price of an apartment property in Greater Vancouver, calculated by the MLSLink® Housing Price Index, is $305,002, up 22.6 per cent from one year ago.

Sales of attached properties increased 13 per cent in March 2006 to 730 sales, compared to 646 sales in March 2005. The benchmark price of an attached unit is $375,919, up 17.6 per cent from a year ago.

Sales of detached properties decreased 7.7 per cent in March 2006 to 1,524 sales, compared to 1,651 sales in March 2005. The benchmark price of a detached unit is $610,382, up 21.3 per cent from last year.

More than 66 per cent of homes sold in March 2006 were sold below the Greater Vancouver average price of $488,091.

(SOURCE: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver)