FOUR-FOR-FOUR IN RECORD-SETTING MONTHS FOR FRASER VALLEY REAL ESTATE

SURREY, BC – Once again Fraser Valley real estate saw record-breaking numbers with April sales reaching higher than any previous April historically.

Last month, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,969 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), an increase of 47.8 per cent compared to April 2015. The previous record for sales processed in an April was set in 1991 at 2,513. However, sales did drop 1.2 per cent compared to the all-time Board record set in March 2016 at 3,006 sales processed.

Charles Wiebe, President of the Board, said of this month’s market data, “Fierce demand continues to put a strain on both inventory levels and buyers looking to purchase within the Valley.

“There’s no ‘one thing’ that can take credit for the unprecedented pace of this market. With low interest rates, a strong provincial economy, and much of the Fraser Valley remaining quite affordable, there are many factors that continue to drive the level of demand we’re seeing.”

The Board received 3,942 new listings in April, an increase of 22.5 per cent compared to April of last year, and a 2.8 per cent decrease from March 2016. The total active inventory for April was 5,697, down 32 per cent from last year’s 8,384 active listings.

Wiebe added, “While it may seem daunting, I must emphasize that it is still very possible to enter this market. However, working with a REALTOR® is essential for both home buyers and sellers; a professional will help you navigate what you need and what’s out there. Whether it’s a buyer or a home that you’re looking for, we’ll help you find it.”

Across Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in April 2016 was 17 days, compared to 38 days in April 2015.

The MLS® HPI benchmark price of a Fraser Valley single family detached home in April was $776,500, an increase of 30 per cent compared to April 2015 when it was $595,500.

In April, the benchmark price of townhouses was $353,300, an increase of 17.6 per cent compared to $300,400 in April 2015. The benchmark price of apartments also increased year-over-year by 15 per cent, going from $191,200 in April 2015 to $219,900 in April 2016.