HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT 2015

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HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT 2015
2015

HOUSING MARKET
OUTLOOK REPORT
HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3    C A NA DI A N O V E R V I E W   29   QUE BE C
                                          29     MONTREAL
5    I NFO G R A P H I C
                                          30     QUEBEC CITY
6    B RI TI SH C O L U M B I A
                                     31   NE W BR UNS WICK
     6     VICTORIA
                                          31     FREDERICTON
 7 GREATER
		VANCOUVER AREA                          32     SAINT JOHN
     8     ABBOTSFORD                     33     MONCTON
     9     CHILLIWACK                34   NOVA S COTIA
     10    KELOWNA
                                          34     HALIFAX-DARTMOUTH
11   A LB ERTA                       35   PE I
     11    CALGARY
                                          35     CHARLOTTETOWN
     12    EDMONTON
                                     36   NE WFOUNDLAND
13   SA SKAT C H E WA N
                                          36     ST. JOHN’S
     13    SASKATOON
     14    REGINA                    37   CONTACT LIS T

15   M A NI TO B A
     15    WINNIPEG

16   O NTA RI O
     16    WINDSOR-ESSEX
     17    LONDON-ST. THOMAS
     18    SUDBURY
     19    KITCHENER-WATERLOO
     20    HAMILTON-BURLINGTON
     21    BARRIE
     22    ST. CATHARINES
     23    GREATER TORONTO AREA
     24    MISSISSAUGA
     24    OAKVILLE
     25    BRAMPTON
     26    DURHAM
     27    KINGSTON
     28    OTTAWA

@REMAXca | REMAX.ca
HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT 2015
CANADIAN
             OVERVIEW
             Most regions posted modest gains in
             average residential sale price, despite
             increased inventory in many of Canada’s
             housing markets. Residential property
             markets in Toronto, Vancouver and their
             surrounding areas, as well as Calgary and
             Edmonton continued to see prices and
             sales rise. The greater areas of Vancouver
             and Toronto saw inventory of single-
             family houses remain at a record low,
             while demand continued to climb. Prices in
             these markets are expected to continue to
             increase in 2015, by approximately three
             per cent in the Greater Vancouver Area
             and four per cent in the Greater Toronto
             Area. Healthy gains are also anticipated in
             Kelowna (7%), Victoria (4%), Windsor (5%)
             and Moncton (6%).

             Outside of B.C., Alberta and some areas of
             Southern Ontario, higher inventory levels
             was a significant trend characterizing much
             of the Canadian housing market in 2014. In
             some markets, the long, cold winter and late
             start to the spring season created a build-up
             of listings on the market, which continued
             to have an impact throughout the year, but
             also resulted in higher than usual activity in
             the fall as buyers came back to the market.
             In many cities in Canada, notably St. John’s,
             Quebec City, Ottawa and Halifax, increased
             construction over the past several years
             contributed to an increase of inventory.
             However, with construction of new buildings
             winding down, inventory levels are expected
             to balance within the next couple of
             years without having a notable impact on
             property prices.

             With an increased supply of inventory on
             the market going into the new year, the
             average sale price is expected to remain
             stable or rise modestly in most cities
             in 2015. Montreal (1%), Quebec City
             (1.5%), Ottawa (1.6%) and Sudbury (1.6%)
             are expecting a modest rise in average
             residential sale price, while little change in
             prices is expected in Winnipeg, Saskatoon
             and St. John’s.

             Condominiums continued to grow their

| @REMAXca        2015 Housing Market Outlook Report     |    3
HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT 2015
share of the market in many regions. In            options meant that young buyers were                      anticipated to have a dramatic effect on
Toronto and Vancouver, higher prices and           typically able to qualify for a mortgage for              the real estate market, as it would likely
limited inventory for single-family homes          their choice of home in these markets.                    be minor and rates would continue to be
mean that condominiums are becoming                The new mortgage rules will likely have                   low.
a practical choice for many young buyers           less of an effect in the coming year as
looking to enter the market. In Montreal,          buyers adapt to the new regulations and                   The economic outlook for Canada in
Kingston, Burlington, and Victoria, condos         make the necessary changes to meet the                    2015 is stable. The Bank of Canada has
are increasingly attracting Baby Boomers           criteria.                                                 projected GDP to grow by approximately
looking for affordability and amenities                                                                      2.5 per cent, a rate that is roughly on
within walking distance.                           The historically low interest rates of the                par with 2014’s growth. Small increases
                                                   past several years have helped sustain                    in employment rates and wages are
Many first-time buyers continued to feel           demand, and have mitigated the impact                     anticipated as well. Canada expects to
the impact of the Canada Mortgage and              of the tightened lending criteria. The                    welcome between 260,000 and 285,000
Housing Corporation’s tightened lending            Bank of Canada has hinted at a rate                       new permanent residents in 2015, which
criteria, which were revised in 2012. The          increase in late 2015, and some experts                   should positively impact the residential
new mortgage lending regulations have              have speculated that the increase could                   real estate market.
delayed the entry of first-time buyers into        come as early as May. An interest rate
the market in many regions, thus slowing           hike could potentially result in a spike in
down the rest of the market. Regina and            buying activity, as buyers rush to secure
Saskatoon were exceptions; well-paying             their mortgage before the increase comes
jobs and a good availability of affordable         into effect. Overall, a rate increase is not

                                                AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE                                                               2015**
                                                                                                                                             $416,300
                                                            (Canada)                                            2014*
                                                                                                               $406,145
                                                                          2013
                                                                         $382,513
    2011                             2012
   $363,346                         $363,740

                    *August Year-to-Date **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics. Estimates
                                and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                                2015 Housing Market Outlook Report      |   4
RE/MAX HOUSING
MARKET OUTLOOK
Most regions across Canada posted modest
                                                                                             After a harsh winter and late spring,
gains in average residential sale price in 2014.
                                                                                             market activity picked up in the late
Prices are expected to remain stable,
                                                                                                       summer and fall.
despite an increase in inventory.

     WESTERN CANADA                                                                               EASTERN CANADA
High demand created a seller’s                                                               Higher inventory created a buyer’s
market in B.C. and Alberta, while                                                            market in many regions. Toronto was
the market was more balanced in                                                              the exception with low inventory and
    Saskatchewan and Manitoba.                                                                           high demand.

                                              ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Low interest rates, GDP growth and                 The Bank of Canada has projected          Canada expects to welcome between
immigration continue to drive demand.              GDP to grow by approximately 2.5          260,000 to 285,000 new permanent
                                                   per cent, a rate that is roughly on par            residents in 2015.
                                                           with 2014’s growth.

                                            PROJECTIONS FOR 2015
                                            Increase in average residential sale price

                                  EDMONTON

         VANCOUVER
BRIT IS H CO LUMBIA

                      VICTORIA
                                                        2014 from 4,322 in October of 2013.                     enough product to fulfill high demand.
                                                        The total number of sales at the end of
                                                        October jumped to 5,844 – an 11 per                     Victoria sees a large number of Albertans
     Considered to be one of Canada’s                   cent increase from 2013’s total of 5,231.               choosing to relocate to the city, and this
     most desirable cities to live in, Victoria’s                                                               may be enhanced by the recent troubles
     real estate market remained strong                 Interest rates are anticipated to be the                in Alberta, such as the 2013 floods.
     throughout the year. It mirrored the               predominant factor in the 2015 housing                  Victoria’s market should see an increase
     2013 market, with a modest increase in             market, coupled with the lack of available              in demand as a result.
     activity. The rise in activity was attributed      affordable housing. The market should
     to the harsh winter in Alberta, causing            largely resemble 2014 in regards to price               With its well established tourism
     some residents to reconsider their locale          appreciation. It is also expected to remain             industry and thriving technology sector,
     and make the move to Victoria. Another             balanced, not favouring the buyer or the                the economic outlook for Victoria is
     contributing factor was the prolonged              seller.                                                 healthy. The region is expecting a four per
     stability of interest rates.                                                                               cent increase in the average residential
                                                        Demand from first-time buyers should                    sale price as well as a 10 to 12 per
     The average residential sale price in              play a significant role in Victoria’s real              cent increase in unit sales. As weather
     Victoria increased 3.6 per cent from               estate market in 2015. These buyers                     conditions across North America are
     2013, rising to an estimated $493,800              often enter the market by purchasing a                  proving increasingly unpredictable,
     from last year’s $476,568. Inventory of            condominium. There is currently a good                  Victoria stands out as an attractive city to
     available properties for sale decreased            selection of condominiums, as well as                   live in.
     nine per cent to 3,927 in October of               new projects under development, creating

                                                     AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                 (Victoria)
                                                                                                                                              2015**
                                                                                                                                              $513,600
                 2011
                                                                                                                   2014*
                $498,300                   2012                                                                   $493,800
                                          $484,164                            2013
                                                                             $476,568

                                    *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                                 Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                                   2015 Housing Market Outlook Report    |   6
GREATER
                              VANCOUVER
                              AREA
                              Greater Vancouver maintained its status as the
                              most expensive region in Canada for residential
                              real estate in 2014. The average residential sale
                              price was approximately $838,400 in 2014, an
                              increase from $781,517 the previous year.

                              Off-shore buyer demand from Mainland China
                              continued throughout the year. Activity for
                              detached houses was strong. Some properties are
                              still attracting multiple offers and selling for above
                              the list price, which is a sign of continued buyer
                              demand.

                              Towards the end of 2014, condos in East
                              Vancouver were showing typical healthy activity.
                              Well-priced homes often sold within one to two
                              weeks, whereas the average market time for
                              condos was 45 days.

                              In 2015, RE/MAX expects that there will continue
                              to be upward pressure on detached house prices
                              in the Westside due to high demand and low
                              inventory. However, the condo and townhouse
                              markets will likely sustain a more balanced market.
                              For detached homes, unit sales from August to
                              October were down three per cent from the
                              same three-month period last year due to lack of
                              inventory. Condo unit sales were up 19 per cent
                              for the same period, and townhouse unit sales
                              were up 17 per cent.

                              It is projected in Greater Vancouver, the number
                              of unit sales should remain largely the same, while
                              house prices will see an increase of around three
B R I TI S H C O LU M B I A

                              per cent.

                              After losing multiple offer bids for detached
                              houses in East Vancouver, buyers may become
                              more hesitant to continue their pursuit of buying
                              a detached home in 2015. However, as those
                              potential buyers move to the sidelines and wait
                              for the market to stabilize, the pipeline of demand
                              for the region will continue to grow.

                              Long-time homeowners of detached homes in
                              the Westside will continue to sell their homes as
                              they look to downsize into retirement, whereas
                              homeowners who entered the market more
                              recently may wish to sell to take advantage of

                                          2015 Housing Market Outlook Report     |   7
the substantial increases in their home’s        luxury homes are being built on small                   over-year unit sales have increased by
value. On average, price appreciation has        and medium sized lots in the Westside by                seven per cent since 2013, rising to 1,798
increased 48.3 per cent over the past five       those who want the location, but not an                 sales from 1,684. The average price for
years.                                           older home.                                             a residential unit in Abbotsford climbed
                                                                                                         five per cent to approximately $388,500
Across Vancouver, young families and             Interest rates have not shown any sign of               in 2014.
equity downsizers will drive demand.             change, and this stability creates optimism
Buyers who cannot afford detached                for East Vancouver’s housing market in                  Based on year-end estimates, the average
Westside homes will take advantage of            2015. Year-over-year, demand for housing                residential sale price is projected to
the relative affordability of townhouse          in Vancouver continues to grow. There                   increase by 0.5 per cent in Abbotsford.
living. Demand for Westside homes will           has been no substantial pullback to that                The flux of interest rates and ripple effect
continue to be driven by off-shore buyers        demand as Vancouver is recognized locally               from off-shore buyers in larger markets
who can afford to pay the two million            and internationally as a very desirable                 like Vancouver and Surrey may affect
dollar-plus price tag.                           place to live. Affordability remains an issue           Abbotsford’s sales and price activity.
                                                 for many who simply cannot afford even a
Continued economic strength, consumer            condo on the Westside or downtown.                      New infrastructure built to connect
confidence and off-shore buyers will                                                                     Abbotsford to other cities such as Surrey,
continue to drive demand for the                                                                         Langley and Richmond should continue
Westside upper-end housing market in             ABBOTSFORD                                              to increase sales. This includes the South
2015. Upscale condo units are selling            Abbotsford’s residential market activity                Surrey Perimeter highway connecting
briskly in the downtown core, and new            remains stable across all segments. Year-               to Richmond and additional highway

                                             AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE                                                            2015**
                                                   (Greater Vancouver Area)                                                            $863,600
                                                                                                           2014**
                                                                                                           $838,400
                                                                       2013
    2011
                                                                      $781,517
   $779,730
                                   2012
                                  $730,063

                             *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                         Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                             2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   8
lanes going to Langley. As buyers age,        the market for longer. As the availability    end of the market, price appreciation of
they see greater opportunity to stretch       of newer condos decreases, sales activity     four to five per cent is expected for the
their dollar and settle in Abbotsford. The    in older apartments should see a boost.       coming year, and sales are anticipated to
average sale price for detached houses        Additionally, older apartments should         remain on par with 2014.
this year is approximately $451,900 with      gain a pricing advantage as many sellers
minimal price increases expected next         have received their depreciation reports      As an increased number of first-time
year.                                         and are actively renovating to remain         buyers enter into the market, move-
                                              competitive.                                  up buyers are able to realize the sale
In 2015, inventory levels are expected                                                      of their home and move to the next
to decrease with days on the market to                                                      level. Another trend noted in the
                                              CHILLIWACK
follow suit. In October 2014, there were                                                    Chilliwack market comes from Vancouver
                                              The average residential sale price in
approximately 9,000 listings, indicating                                                    homeowners who are retiring and selling
                                              Chilliwack rose to an estimated $307,000
Abbotsford’s market is moving towards                                                       their properties. The additional equity
                                              in 2014, an increase of three per cent
a favourable predicament for sellers.                                                       after purchasing a place in Chilliwack
                                              over the previous year. Unit sales
Without significant development planned                                                     provides a comfortable retirement fund.
                                              increased 15 per cent, to 2,395 sales in
across all segments, the oversupply                                                         Many of the first-time buyers work in
                                              2014 from 2,074 in 2013, with September
of inventory is catching up to the                                                          trades and fly in and out of northern
                                              and October seeing a lot of activity.
demand. Townhouses are preferred over                                                       British Columbia. A growing sense of
                                              Chilliwack’s housing market is expected
condominiums as families and first-time                                                     consumer confidence is fuelled by buyers’
                                              to continue to grow in 2015. Sales are
home buyers command the lion’s share of                                                     financial security and a strong economy.
                                              anticipated to increase six to 10 per cent,
the market. The second largest group is       and the average price is expected to rise
owners who have a dual income and no                                                        Consumer confidence, strength of the
                                              three to four per cent to $317,750.
children. Women are also more active in                                                     economy and new construction in areas
the residential housing market than men.                                                    like south Chilliwack, prompt optimism
                                              As the market started to heat up towards
                                                                                            for the residential real estate market in
                                              the end of summer, days on the market
Upper-end housing plays a small role in                                                     2015. Developments in Garrison Crossing,
                                              decreased and the market is moving from
Abbotsford’s market. Detached houses                                                        previously an army base, are adding a mix
                                              a balanced to a seller’s market. There was
with acreage represented approximately                                                      of inventory including rental space, row
                                              an adequate availability of all property
four per cent of all sales this year. Sales                                                 houses, condominiums and townhouses.
                                              types in 2014, including a selection of
are projected to be stable in 2015.                                                         The award-winning designs and walkability
                                              condominium inventory in particular. The
                                                                                            of the community continued to draw the
                                              condo market is expected to remain flat
While buyers flock towards newer                                                            attention of first-time home buyers and
                                              in the coming year, with no change in
condos, older apartments tend to sit on                                                     move-up buyers alike.
                                              average price anticipated. In the upper-

                                                                                              2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |    9
BRIT IS H CO LUMBIA

                      KELOWNA
                                                       residences in desirable neighbourhoods.                  comprising 34 per cent of sales. In 2014,
                                                       The days on market decreased by                          apartment unit sales have increased
                                                       approximately 16 per cent in 2014, and                   approximately 35 per cent, followed by
     Kelowna’s current housing activity                they are expected to decrease five to 10                 townhouse sales at approximately 30 per
     remains strong. The 2014 average                  per cent in 2015.                                        cent. Kelowna’s market is anticipated to
     residential sale price is estimated to be                                                                  see steady growth and price appreciation
     $428,000, a rise of eight per cent over           Given this fall’s year-over-year real estate             in this particular domain in 2015.
     the previous year. The 2014 housing               board data for unit sales and average
     market was exceptionally active with an           price, it is anticipated that unit sales                 Low inventory should continue to have
     increase of 23 per cent year-over-year            should increase 10 per cent in 2015.                     a significant impact on Kelowna’s real
     in unit sales. The region is projected to                                                                  estate market well into 2015, as well as
     continue on this upward trend. Due to             Move-up buyers drove demand in 2014,                     low interest rates. Low interest rates fuel
     reduced inventory, the average residential        and they are expected to do so in 2015.                  the increase of unit sales as well as price,
     sale price is expected to increase by             First-time home buyers may also continue                 enabling buyers to afford more expensive
     seven per cent in 2015.                           to be a key factor in demand, as they take               listings. Sales activity has continued to be
                                                       advantage of low interest rates.                         strong this fall, and it is projected to carry
     While sales have increased, inventory                                                                      forward in the next year.
     has not maintained pace, with active              The upper-end of the market has shown
     listings down 16 per cent compared to             steady signs of recovery since 2013. To                  There is considerable optimism in
     last year. This lack of supply has resulted       date, the market has seen 132 unit sales,                Kelowna’s 2015 real estate market,
     in multiple offers, as buyers compete for         and it is predicted that there should be                 as consumer confidence continues to
     attractive, well-priced properties. 2015          increased unit sales of 10 per cent in                   rebound as a result of low interest rates,
     inventory levels are expected to remain           2015.                                                    steady job growth, and a strong prairie
     on par with 2014, which should result                                                                      resource market.
     in upward pricing pressure as buyers              Condominiums make up a significant
     continue to compete for well-appointed            portion of Kelowna’s real estate market,

                                                    AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                                                                                                2015**
                                                               (Kelowna)                                                                        $458,000

                                                                                                                   2014*
                                                                                                                  $428,000
                 2011
                $404,756                  2012
                                         $400,027                             2013
                                                                             $397,000

                                    *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                                Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                                  2015 Housing Market Outlook Report     |   10
ALBERTA

                                                    in oil prices.                                          Buyers who are looking to move up
          CALGARY                                   The price adjustment in the energy
                                                                                                            are likely to drive demand in Calgary’s
                                                                                                            real estate market in 2015. Also, the
  Calgary’s housing market had another              industry should likely have an impact on                low vacancy rate for rentals has made
  year of healthy price appreciation as the         the 2015 Calgary housing market. While                  potential tenants look at purchasing
  average residential sale price has grown          it is still expected to see a slight increase           sooner than they anticipated.
  and is expected to finish off 2014 with           in price, it is anticipated to be less active
                                                    as potential buyers wait to see if lower                Condominiums and townhouses are
  an approximate six per cent gain to
                                                    oil prices result in more favourable house              expected to represent a growing share
  $483,000 from $456,000 in 2013. House
                                                    prices. However, RE/MAX expects 2015                    of the active marketplace, as long as
  price increases have been attributed to
                                                    to be a balanced market, creating a more                they are priced competitively. With
  good employment in the energy sector
                                                    level playing field for buyers and sellers.             increasing house prices, condominiums
  driving migration to the city.
                                                                                                            and townhouses are an affordable way to
                                                    A combination of oil prices and dollar                  purchase real estate in the city.
  A city-wide Civic Census showed that              value should have the greatest impact
  in April 2014, Calgary saw the migration          on Calgary’s housing market in 2015.                    The city’s growth is prompting optimism
  of approximately 28,000 people to the             One advantage is that most oil industry                 for its housing market in 2015. Today,
  area in the past 12 months, an increase           corporations are being paid in the                      the population is close to 1,195,000,
  of about 1,800 compared to the previous           American dollar, thereby lessening the                  and growing. There is a mild concern
  year. Migration has significantly impacted        current effect of the low Canadian dollar.              as to how the city will keep up with
  the real estate market fueling Calgary’s                                                                  such growth, as new infrastructure
  consistent strong performance over the            Calgary is projected to see a four per                  will be required. Despite this need, it
  past few years. However, in the fall of           cent increase in unit sales and a more                  is anticipated that Calgary’s real estate
  2014, the housing market started to show          modest three per cent increase in                       market should continue to flourish
  a shift from a seller’s market to a more          average residential sale price increasing to            throughout 2015.
  balanced market, likely due to a decrease         $497,500.

                                                AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                            (Calgary)                                                                     2015**
                                                                                                               2014*                      $497,500
                                                                                                              $483,000
                                                                          2013
                                                                         $456,000
                                      2012
       2011                          $412,315
      $402,851

                                *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                            Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                              2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   11
EDMONTON
                                            Demand for residential real estate in                   38-storey high-rise condominium, Pearl
                                            Edmonton shows no signs of slowing                      Tower, is anticipating occupancy at the
                                            down. Low unemployment levels, strong                   end of 2014.
                                            economic performance in the oil and
                                            gas sector and Canada’s westward                        Condominiums represent a growing share
                                            migration contributed to an upswing in                  of the marketplace in all price ranges as
                                            the number of homes sold. Average prices                construction continues in the downtown
                                            increased for all product types, with the               core with 18 cranes and eight projects
                                            average residential sale price sitting at               underway. In particular, in the luxury
                                            approximately $374,000, up $23,000 from                 market, pent houses in the Pearl Tower
                                            last year.                                              sold between $1 - 2.5 million.

                                            Alberta leads the way in inter-provincial               Edmonton’s luxury market has been
                                            migration with an estimated 30,000                      setting new sales records over the last
                                            people settling in the Greater Edmonton                 three years. At the end of the third
                                            Area in the past year alone. Demand                     quarter of 2014, Realtors Association
                                            from new residents increased sales by                   of Edmonton reported a 29 per cent
                                            10 per cent in the region. The growth is                increase in sales over $1 million
                                            anticipated to be sustained over the next               compared to last year. The Symphony
                                            few years as $5.2 billion in construction               Tower, located in River Valley, is slated
                                            projects, such as Rogers Place, Stantec,                for construction for early 2015 with four
                                            Royal Alberta Museum, and Delta                         units already sold for more than $1.5
                                            Hotels and Resorts, are currently under                 million each. Record sales of multi-million
                                            construction in the downtown core.                      dollar listings are expected to continue
                                                                                                    into 2015.
                                            Sellers dominate in homes priced below
A L B E RTA

                                            $400,000, which accounts for 65 per                     The outlook in Edmonton is optimistic
                                            cent of the market. Multiple offers                     with the inter-provincial migration
                                            are common in the lower end of the                      decreasing the average age of residents.
                                            market and pushed some first-time                       This younger demographic with well-
                                            buyers to consider properties in the                    paying employment is attracting more
                                            move-up market, where there is more                     mixed-use community developments
                                            inventory. This competition has also                    with residential, retail and commercial
                                            caused a tremendous resurgence in the                   components. As affordability has reduced
                                            condominium market.                                     in the region over the past few years,
                                                                                                    prices are projected to climb four per
                                            The closure of City Centre Airport last                 cent, while inventory levels are expected
                                            year created development opportunities                  to be similar to the past two years,
                                            as previous height restrictions due to air              trending slightly downwards.
                                            traffic safety have been lifted. The first

                                        AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                                                                                  2015**
                                                   (Edmonton)
                                                                                                                                  $389,000
                                                                                                       2014*
                                                                  2013                                $374,000
                                                                 $351,000
                              2012
          2011               $334,318
         $325,395

                        *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                    Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                      2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   12
S AS KAT CHEWAN

                  SASKATOON
                                                    for 45 to 60 days, and this is projected                 restrictions on mortgage lending. First-
                                                    to increase by 15 to 20 days in 2015. An                 time buyers in Saskatoon are generally
                                                    oversupply may put downward pressure                     able to meet the lending criteria and
   The housing market in Saskatoon                  on prices; however, with Saskatoon’s                     secure a mortgage to purchase their
   continued to be balanced in 2014, and            healthy economy, steady demand and an                    home. Many first-time buyers in 2014
   is expected to see little change in the          anticipated slowdown in new builds, any                  were single professionals purchasing a
   coming year. The average residential             impact on price is expected to be minor.                 new condo in one of Saskatoon’s up-and-
   sale price in 2014 was approximately                                                                      coming neighbourhoods.
   $333,900, a slight 1.3 per cent decrease         The higher than normal level of inventory
   from $338,309 in 2013. Total sales               had the greatest impact on the upper-                    The Saskatoon economy is robust and
   increased modestly year-over-year, from          end market in 2014. The ample supply                     is projected to continue to grow in the
   2,756 sales in 2013 to 2,965 in 2014.            meant that buyers were in no hurry.                      coming year. Its three main industries,
   This housing market is expected to               While there were potential buyers who                    farming, mining, and oil and gas, are steady
   continue to be balanced in 2015 with no          were interested in moving up and could                   and continue to employ many residents
   anticipated change in average residential        afford to do so, the lack of urgency many                in well-paying jobs. Unemployment is low,
   sale price.                                      buyers felt meant that these sales took                  and the population is growing as workers
                                                    longer than usual. Saskatoon is also a                   from other parts of the country are
   Inventory was higher than normal by              traditionally conservative market, where                 moving to Saskatoon to fill newly-created
   approximately 15 to 18 per cent, which           buyers are careful with their money and                  jobs.
   affected both price and days on market,          take their time when making a purchase.
   though only slightly. A high level of
   inventory is expected to continue to             Activity in the lower end of the housing
   have an impact on the market in 2015,            market remained brisk. Unlike other
   though should affect days on market              Canadian markets, the first-time buyer
   more than price. In 2014, residential            market in Saskatoon has not felt much
   properties typically stayed on the market        of an impact from CMHC’s tighter

                                                 AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                            (Saskatoon)
                                                                           2013
                                                                          $338,309                              2014*                      2015**
                                       2012                                                                    $333,900                    $333,900
                                      $331,867
             2011
            $309,823

                                 *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                             Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                               2015 Housing Market Outlook Report     |   13
REGINA
                                                   The average residential sale price in                   As the economy in Saskatchewan has
                                                   Regina increased four per cent over the                 picked up and new jobs have been
                                                   previous year to approximately $333,200,                created, Regina is seeing people who
                                                   despite a higher than normal number of                  grew up in the city moving back home
                                                   listings for most of the year. The year                 from Calgary or Edmonton. This is
                                                   started slowly, with the cold weather                   encouraging the older generation to stay
                                                   delaying the normally busy spring market.               in the city after retirement in order to
                                                   This created a build-up of listings, which              be near their children and grandchildren.
                                                   had a psychological impact on the market.               Many of these retirees are choosing to
                                                   Though demand remained strong, there                    sell their house and downsize to a condo
                                                   was no pressure on buyers. Summer                       in Regina and a second home somewhere
                                                   and early fall were slower than usual,                  warm, such as Arizona.
                                                   and up until October 1, the market was
                                                   substantially down compared to 2013. A                  Unlike in many other markets, first-
                                                   fast-paced October nearly caught 2014                   time homebuyers in Regina haven’t been
                                                   up to the previous year’s sales, and the                affected by tightened mortgage lending
                                                   year is expected to finish on par with                  criteria. Well-paying jobs and a good
                                                   2013.                                                   availability of affordable homes mean that
                                                                                                           young couples and singles are generally
                                                   High inventory was the most significant                 able to qualify for a mortgage for the
                                                   factor impacting the market in 2014,                    home of their choice.
                                                   and although inventory is expected to
                                                   remain high in 2015, a slowdown in                      The overall outlook for Regina next
SA S K ATC H E WA N

                                                   new development projects should help                    year is positive. The economy is strong
                                                   stabilize the market. Regina is expected to             and stable, and though lower oil prices
                                                   shift from a buyer’s market to a balanced               do have an impact, the economy is
                                                   market by the end of next year.                         fairly diversified, with gold, potash and
                                                                                                           manufacturing playing an important
                                                   The upper-end market was balanced                       role. Two large construction projects, a
                                                   in 2014, and no change to this market                   new football stadium and a wastewater
                                                   segment is expected for next year.                      treatment plant, are expected to bring
                                                   Regina’s upper-end market is made                       new jobs to the city.
                                                   up primarily of resale properties, and
                                                   includes large bungalows, two-storey
                                                   houses and two-storey splits. This market
                                                   has grown over the past several years
                                                   as Reginans, traditionally conservative
                                                   with their savings, have become more
                                                   comfortable with the idea of spending
                                                   more on their homes.

                                               AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE                                                            2015**
                                                           (Regina)                                                                      $346,500
                                                                                                              2014*
                                                                         2013                                $333,200
                                                                        $320,385
                                     2012
                 2011               $301,332
                $276,469

                               *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                           Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                             2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |    14
MANIT O BA

                                                   in 2014 were condos. Most of these are                   of first-time buyers are driving the
             WINNIPEG                              new builds that are either still under
                                                   construction or were recently completed.
                                                                                                            market in Winnipeg. One of these is new
                                                                                                            immigrants, who tend to prioritize home
                                                   However, some of these listings are for                  ownership when choosing how to invest
  Winnipeg began 2014 as a seller’s market,        units in older developments, coming                      their savings. The other group is young,
  but by the fall, an influx of inventory          on the market as their owners, having                    two-income couples from Winnipeg
  had shifted it to a balanced market.             downsized to a condo from a house a                      who work in service industries. With the
  Towards the end of 2014, there was an            decade ago, are moving into retirement                   federal government’s plan to bring more
  abundance of choice for buyers. If the           communities. In September, the average                   immigrants to Winnipeg next year, the
  trend continues, Winnipeg will likely be a       number of days on the market for condo                   market should remain robust and sales
  buyer’s market in 2015.                          units was 40, up from 30 the previous                    are expected to increase.
                                                   year.
  Despite an increase in inventory, the                                                                     The outlook for Winnipeg is generally
  average sale price for both detached             The CMHC’s stricter lending criteria                     positive. Its well-diversified economy is
  houses and condominium units rose                have had an impact on the first-time                     steady and no significant changes are
  modestly. The average sale price for a           buyer’s market in Winnipeg. Manitoba’s                   expected in the coming year. The return
  detached house rose to approximately             land transfer tax, whose rates were set                  of its NHL team and the new Canadian
  $290,490 in 2014 from $282,894 in 2013,          in the 1990s and haven’t been adjusted                   Museum for Human Rights show that
  while the average sale price of condo            for today’s house prices, is a significant               Winnipeg is becoming a destination city.
  units rose to approximately $236,639             burden for these buyers as well. These
  from $227,511. Prices are expected to            two financial hurdles have made it difficult
  remain flat in 2015; high inventory should       for first-time buyers to enter Winnipeg’s
  keep prices stable, but likely will not          housing market in the past few years, and
  reduce prices.                                   this is not expected to change in 2015.

  Much of the of inventory on the market           Despite the challenges, two key groups

                                                AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                           (Winnipeg)
                                                                                                               2014*                      2015**
                                                                           2013                               $285,800                    $285,800
                                                                          $274,373
                                      2012
          2011                       $255,058
         $241,409

                                *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                            Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                              2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   15
O NTARIO

                                                   motivating more resale properties to                     more homes selling in higher price ranges.
    WINDSOR-                                       come on the market. Windsor-Essex is
                                                   slowly recovering from a larger inventory
                                                                                                            Upper-end properties are selling more
                                                                                                            quickly and easily in Windsor-Essex than
  ESSEX                                            shortage in 2013 and it is expected to
                                                   require another year to fully balance.
                                                                                                            they ever have before. Twenty-five homes
                                                                                                            listed at $400,000 and above have sold to
                                                                                                            date in 2014, much more than in previous
  Windsor-Essex’s fall housing market              First-time buyer activity has increased                  years. Many attribute this to a broadly-
  recovered by the end of 2014 from a              due to favourable interest rates.                        accepted positive sentiment both buyers
  long winter and delayed spring. Increasing       Affordability in the region is good for this             and sellers have towards the market. A
  consumer confidence from buyers and              demographic and increased affordability                  strong economy, favourable interest rates
  sellers buoyed the housing market as it          because of low interest rates mean that                  and encouraging industry expansion in
  returned to its norm after a slow year.          first-time buyers can purchase homes                     Windsor-Essex have put the market on
  Year-over-year sales data indicated that         with higher value than the lower range.                  the rebound and are motivating buyers
  the market remained stable, as sales in          As such, the greatest market activity is                 and sellers to engage with the market.
  2014 were very similar to 2013. The              in properties resting near the average
  average residential sale price in Windsor-       price range in Windsor-Essex, between
  Essex County increased five per cent in          $100,000 and $200,000.
  2014, rising to approximately $192,200
  from $183,518 in 2013.                           Consistency and balance should
                                                   characterize Windsor-Essex’s housing
  There was a slight inventory shortage            market throughout 2015. Property values
  in 2014, and the housing market in the           are expected to increase roughly five per
  coming year is expected to experience a          cent in 2015. New homes continue to
  similar shortage. However, if demand for         earn market share and often come with
  new homes continues to grow, pressure            much higher price tags. In fact, compared
  should be taken off of the resale market,        to previous years, the market has seen

                                                AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                                                                                          2015**
                                                         (Windsor-Essex)
                                                                                                                                          $201,800
                                                                                                               2014*
                                                                          2013                                $192,200
                                      2012                               $183,518
                                     $175,581
       2011
      $170,034

                                *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                            Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                              2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   16
O NTARIO

                                                  positive, making sellers optimistic when                 would bring the average residential
    LONDON-                                       approaching the housing market. London
                                                  experienced greater industrial investment
                                                                                                           property price in London-St. Thomas
                                                                                                           to approximately $260,500. If the
  ST. THOMAS                                      in the previous year, partly due to a lower
                                                  Canadian dollar compared to the U.S.
                                                                                                           unemployment rate continues to
                                                                                                           decrease in London-St. Thomas, and
                                                  dollar across the border. Additionally,                  interest rates stay low, the area is
  Residential property sales in Ontario’s         interest rates have stayed relatively                    expected to maintain its balanced market.
  London-St. Thomas area remained stable          low since 2008 and are continuing to                     London-St. Thomas continues to draw the
  throughout 2014. A fall surge of market         encourage activity in London’s balanced                  attention of buyers from cities such as
  activity made up for a slow spring due          market. A slowly strengthening U.S.                      Toronto, who are drawn to the area for
  to a longer than expected winter. By            economy, affordable housing, and market                  its affordable housing. These buyers are
  the end of October, sales exceeded              optimism have all positively impacted                    expected to further explore London’s
  last year’s benchmark. In fact, October         the residential housing market. With                     housing market throughout 2015.
  2014 saw more market activity than              London’s stable economy, move-up buyers
  any previous October since 2007. The            and first-time homebuyers continue to
  average residential sale price in London-       increase their share of market activity.
  St. Thomas increased a modest 3.4 per           The majority of transactions involving this
  cent in the past year, rising to $254,200       group occurs in the $200,000-$300,000
  from $245,737. With 7,474 units already         range, which is the most popular range
  sold by the end of October, compared to         for housing sales.
  6,947 in 2013, the market is expected to
  even out with approximately 8,300 sales         The London-St. Thomas residential
  by the end of the year.                         housing market is expected to maintain
                                                  its stability throughout 2015, with a
  The economic outlook of London-                 modest average price increase of two
  St. Thomas has been increasingly                to three per cent anticipated. This

                                               AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                                                                                         2015**
                                                       (London-St. Thomas)                                                               $260,500
                                                                                                              2014*
                                                                                                             $254,200
                                                                         2013
                                     2012                               $245,737
       2011                         $238,822
      $232,387

                               *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                           Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                             2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   17
SUDBURY
                                           The northern Ontario city, known as                      a rise in inventory.
                                           Canada’s nickel capital, had a slow start
                                           to the year as the long and cold winter                  First-time homebuyers are expected
                                           deterred potential buyers and sellers                    to continue to play a large role in the
                                           from entering the real estate market.                    market, with interest from investors
                                           This resulted in a 14 per cent decline                   cooling off as vacancy rates increase.
                                           in units sold between January and April                  Sales in the upper-end market should also
                                           of 2014, compared to the same period                     remain strong.
                                           the previous year. The market picked up
                                           considerably through the summer, and by                  As in any resource-based economy,
                                           the end of October, the year-over-year                   Sudbury’s real estate market is heavily
                                           decrease in sales had narrowed to 9.6 per                tied to the performance of nickel and
                                           cent.                                                    copper. The outlook for the coming year
                                                                                                    is optimistic. The newly reopened Totten
                                            Despite fewer sales, the average                        nickel mine, Sudbury’s first new mine in
                                            residential sale price increased in                     40 years, should create employment and
                                            2014 to approximately $255,400 from                     Laurentian University’s new School of
                                            $250,518 the previous year. This increase               Architecture is expected to draw people
                                            of around two per cent was due to a                     to the city.
                                            proportionately higher number of sales
                                            at the higher-end of the market. In 2015,
                                            prices are expected to rise by one to
                                            two per cent and an increase in listings
                                            is anticipated. The market is expected
                                            to remain balanced, though shift slightly
                                            toward favouring the buyer.
O N TAR I O

                                            Wages in Sudbury are expected to
                                            remain strong for the foreseeable future,
                                            sustaining the ability of residents to
                                            continue purchasing new and resale
                                            homes. New construction is expected
                                            to grow by two per cent following weak
                                            demand in 2014. A proposed increase
                                            in development charges in 2016 is likely
                                            to spur the construction of a higher
                                            than usual number of detached homes
                                            in the third quarter of 2015. The average
                                            number of days on market is expected to
                                            remain steady at around 73 days, despite

                                        AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                    (Sudbury)
                                                                                                                                  2015**
                                                                                                                                  $259,500
                                                                                                       2014*
                                                                  2013                                $255,400
                              2012                               $250,518
          2011               $247,462
         $234,544

                        *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                    Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                      2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   18
O NTARIO

                                                  technology companies more than picked                    significant demand for student housing
   KITCHENER-                                     up the slack when BlackBerry’s fortunes
                                                  turned a number of years ago. In addition,
                                                                                                           each year. While student housing
                                                                                                           historically spilled into established
  WATERLOO                                        there is an established insurance industry
                                                  in Kitchener-Waterloo, which also helps
                                                                                                           residential neighbourhoods, purpose-
                                                                                                           built developments are being planned
                                                  diversify the local economy. Well-paying                 to accommodate students. Parts of the
  The residential real estate market in           jobs and well-educated workers should                    Northdale area near the University
  Kitchener-Waterloo was very active              continue to drive the real estate market.                of Waterloo, for example, are being
  through 2014 and is expected to remain                                                                   redeveloped complete with high-rise
  healthy in 2015. The average residential        Kitchener-Waterloo is in a balanced                      buildings. While there is a sense that the
  sale price for a single family dwelling         market. While multiple offer scenarios                   condominium market may slow down in
  rose to an estimated $336,900 in 2014,          present themselves occasionally, there                   the near term, condos should represent a
  an increase of approximately 4 per cent         is usually a good selection of listings                  growing share of the market, particularly
  over the previous year. Residential unit        for buyers. Recent municipal elections                   around the light rail corridor.
  sales increased by approximately three          saw new mayors for both cities, both
  per cent in 2014 and are expected to            of whom support the construction of
  increase by approximately two per cent          a new planned light rail line. This has
  in 2015, with a one per cent increase in        already boosted real estate prices around
  unit sales.                                     the corridor through which the line is
                                                  expected to run. In addition, Google is
  Kitchener-Waterloo’s transformation             expected to move into new facilities in
  into a high-tech hub began more than            Kitchener in 2015, bringing new, well-
  a decade ago. While BlackBerry, once a          paying jobs.
  global technology powerhouse, put the
  region on the map, the dozens if not            Kitchener-Waterloo is home to two
  hundreds of established and emerging            universities and one college creating a

                                               AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                      (Kitchener-Waterloo)                                                               2015**
                                                                                                                                         $342,800
                                                                                                              2014*
                                                                         2013                                $336,900
                                                                        $323,771
                                     2012
       2011                         $311,006
      $301,010

                               *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                           Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                             2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   19
HAMILTON-BURLINGTON
                                            The major trend characterizing                          properties in Hamilton Mountain, and
                                            Hamilton’s real estate market in 2014                   multiple offers were common. Its older
                                            was an influx of buyers from the Greater                homes and vibrant communities make it
                                            Toronto Area looking to the city for                    a desirable destination for buyers from
                                            more affordable single-family homes. This               the GTA looking to get more space for
                                            increase of activity in the Hamilton real               their money. The increase of buyers from
                                            estate market has spurred development,                  the GTA is a key driver of demand in
                                            particularly in the city’s historic                     Hamilton and this is expected to continue
                                            downtown. The average residential sale                  to represent an increasing market
                                            price in Hamilton in 2014 is an estimated               segment in the coming year. The luxury
                                            $319,300, and it is expected to increase                market, particularly those properties
                                            by approximately three per cent in 2015.                priced between $750,000 and $1
                                                                                                    million, was brisk in 2014, with sales up
                                            In neighbouring Burlington, situated to                 approximately 30 per cent year-over-year.
                                            the east of Hamilton, demand for condos
                                            downtown and on the waterfront has                      The overall outlook for the region is
                                            greatly increased. The average number                   bright. The manufacturing sector, a key
                                            of days on market for these units has                   driver of the Hamilton economy, has
                                            been steadily decreasing over the past                  been growing, and a 12 per cent increase
                                            three to five years, and new projects                   in manufacturing jobs was reported for
                                            coming onto the market are renewing                     2014. Health care is the region’s largest
                                            interest. Downtown Burlington’s vibrant                 sector, and a newly-opened hospital
                                            mix of shopping, restaurants, and culture               should continue to bring new jobs to the
                                            is drawing buyers, particularly Baby                    area. There was a five per cent increase
                                            Boomers, to condo units in the area.                    of full-time jobs in Hamilton in 2014,
                                            The average residential sale price was                  which should have a positive impact on
O N TAR I O

                                            approximately $512,500 in 2014, and is                  the housing market. The overall average
                                            anticipated to increase by approximately                residential sale price in the Hamilton-
                                            two per cent next year.                                 Burlington region was approximately
                                                                                                    $406,900 in 2014, an increase from the
                                            Burlington, with its closer proximity to                previous year, and it is expected to rise
                                            the Greater Toronto Area, is typically                  between two and three per cent in 2015.
                                            the more expensive of the two cities.
                                            However, in October 2014, the average                   Most of the region was a seller’s market
                                            sale price in Ancaster, an area of                      in 2014, and 2015 should likely see the
                                            Hamilton, was $541,922 – higher than in                 region move into a balanced market,
                                            Burlington in the same period ($539,363),               especially for upper-end properties.
                                            which has never happened in the past.

                                            Demand was very high in 2014 for

                                        AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                                                                                                  2015**
                                               (Hamilton-Burlington)                                                              $417,900
                                                                                                       2014*
                                                                  2013                                $406,900
                                                                 $383,840
                              2012
          2011               $360,059
         $333,498

                        *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                    Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                      2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   20
O NTARIO

                                                    commute to downtown Toronto easier                       The condo market is starting to
           BARRIE                                   for these residents.                                     emerge in Barrie, drawing both the
                                                                                                             single professional and empty nesters.
                                                    Retirees from the GTA are another                        Market Town Condominiums, a multi-
  The average residential sale price in             demographic driving demand in Barrie.                    residential development currently under
  Barrie was approximately $318,700 in              These buyers are looking for a quieter                   construction, has been performing
  2014, an increase of an estimated 3.4             community, but want to be near family                    well in pre-sales. Other condominium
  per cent over 2013. An increase of                and friends in the city. These two groups                developments are being planned for the
  approximately one per cent in average             of buyers from the GTA are expected to                   next several years, as the city aims to
  residential sale price is projected in 2015,      continue to drive demand in the coming                   increase its density by building up.
  continuing Barrie’s steady growth over            year.
  the past several years.                                                                                    Several factors prompt optimism for
                                                    Supply has been generally low in Barrie                  Barrie’s residential real estate market
  Barrie’s proximity to the Greater                 for the past decade and active residential               next year and in the years to come.
  Toronto Area draws both young families            listings were down in 2014 from the                      The Go Train is continually adding lines
  and retirees to the area. Many first-             previous year. Demand is high, creating                  in the region, opening more areas to
  time buyers are professional couples              a seller’s market for properties that                    commuters. There have been preliminary
  who commute to the GTA for work,                  are priced well. Buyers in this market                   discussions about widening Highway 400
  and are purchasing a home in order to             are savvy, and while multiple offers are                 from six lanes to ten between Highway
  start a family. They often plan to move           common for properties that are priced                    89 and the 400/11 split, which would
  back to the GTA, but become attached              correctly, listings that are not well-priced             decrease commute times and make the
  to the lifestyle Barrie offers, such as the       can remain on the market for several                     area more attractive to buyers. Barrie’s
  proximity to nature and recreational              months. Barrie is expected to remain a                   proximity to the GTA is expected to
  activities, and end up moving up within           seller’s market for well-priced properties               continue to drive demand in the region
  Barrie instead. Go Train service, which           in 2015.                                                 and keep the residential real estate
  began operating in 2012, has made the                                                                      market vibrant in 2015.

                                                 AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                             (Barrie)                                                                      2015**
                                                                                                                2014*                      $320,900
                                                                                                               $318,700
                                                                            2013
                                                                           $308,200
                                       2012
       2011                           $299,685
      $287,588

                                 *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                             Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                               2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   21
O NTARIO

                                                    residential development. St. Catharines                  as out-of-town investors recognize the
    ST.                                             has drawn other significant investments
                                                    including the Meridian Centre, Niagara
                                                                                                             value of St. Catharines’ real estate. Over
                                                                                                             the past year, St Catharines has seen a
  CATHARINES                                        Outlet Mall (Canada’s largest open-air
                                                    shopping mall), the continued expansion
                                                                                                             substantial increase in homes priced over
                                                                                                             $1 million, and an increase of 22 per
                                                    of the Niagara Health System, and a new                  cent in homes priced between $500,000
  Due to an extended winter and a                   downtown campus of Brock University.                     and $900,000. The upper-end market is
  shorter than usual spring in 2014, St.                                                                     expected to continue growing throughout
  Catharines experienced its usual spring           Good health-care resources, combined                     2015.
  activity in early fall. Throughout 2014,          with affordable property values, are
  sales increased by approximately two              encouraging retirees from Mississauga                    Inventory is projected to decrease in
  per cent. This coincided with an increase         and Toronto to pursue residential                        2015, lowering the average number of
  in the average residential sale price to          properties in St. Catharines. Additionally,              days on the market. As in 2014, homes
  an estimated $269,800 in 2014 from                postsecondary institution expansion has                  priced appropriately between $250,000
  $258,595 in 2013, an increase of 4.3 per          brought an influx of students. Demand                    and $300,000 should continue to
  cent. The increase in sales activity and          from students looking for rentals has                    command the most attention by buyers.
  slight increase in value resulted in an 11.4      drawn the attention of out-of-town
  per cent decrease in average days on the          investors looking to develop residential
  market.                                           rental properties in the area.

  In 2014, there were several major                 In the condominium market, high fees
  investments in the St. Catharines region.         have encouraged buyers to pursue
  Most recently, the General Motors plant           home ownership for similar prices. The
  sold to developers expecting to use               condominium market remains stable,
  the 54 acres for mixed use, potentially           but not growing. On the other hand,
  including research, industrial and                the upper-end market is rapidly growing

                                                 AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE
                                                           (St. Catharines)                                                                2015**
                                                                                                                                           $283,300
                                                                                                                2014*
                                                                           2013                                $269,800
                                       2012                               $258,595
       2011                           $253,469
      $244,630

                                 *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                             Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                               2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   22
GREATER
              TORONTO
              AREA
              The residential real estate market in Canada’s
              largest city continued showing healthy market
              activity in 2014, with both the average residential
              sale price and the number of transactions showing
              an increase over the previous year. Inventory
              continued to be very low among freehold
              properties and average days on the market fell
              from 25 the previous year to 23. The average
              residential sale price is projected to increase four
              per cent in 2015. With rising prices and limited
              inventory, potential buyers will need to be well
              prepared and informed when entering the housing
              market next year.

              In the past, modest, but under-valued, homes sold
              for hundreds of thousands of dollars above asking
              price in some areas of the city and the effect was
              that buyers entered the market with no certainty
              about what kind of home they could afford. In
              turn, sellers came to the conclusion that their
              homes were all of sudden worth more than they
              actually were.

              More realistic pricing in 2014 has inspired
              confidence among buyers—a trend that
              is expected to continue in 2015. Toronto
              should remain a seller’s market, although the
              condominium market is projected to be more
              balanced as developers release inventory and
              investors seek to unload their units. Many first-
              time buyers should continue to look to the
              condominium market, attracted by affordable
              options in convenient locations. Downsizers may
              not play as much of a role in this market as had
              once been expected, as many buyers in this group
              have been deterred by unpredictable assessment
              funds and condo fees.
O NTA R I O

              The recent municipal election has brought a
              feeling of stability to the city, which generally
              proves well for local real estate. With political
              stability and the city set to be showcased by the
              2015 Pan AM Games, pent-up demand may result
              in strong price appreciation in the latter portion
              of 2015. The luxury market will continue to display
              strength, as wealthy buyers are comfortable

                        2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   23
absorbing any modest price fluctuations.        Mississauga’s real estate market picked                  downtown Mississauga are attracting
However, as inventory for freehold homes        up in the second half of 2014 following                  younger buyers to those areas.
continues to be at historic lows, the city      a long and cold winter and historically
is projected to be poised to have another       late start to the market. Typically, the                 In Mississauga’s brisk housing market,
strong year of price appreciation.              spring buying and selling season begins                  well-priced homes sold within days in
                                                in February, whereas last year it started                2014, although properties over $1 million
MISSISSAUGA                                     in May. Pent-up demand made for a busy                   typically had listing periods of between
                                                summer season and more fall activity                     one and two months. A seller’s market is
Mississauga, which borders the City of          than is typical. The average residential                 expected to continue through to 2015
Toronto on the west, has grown by leaps         price is expected to rise between two                    but soften modestly, especially in the
and bounds over the past several decades.       and three per cent in 2015 with inventory                luxury segment where it is moving closer
While its growth is typified by suburban        levels remaining steady.                                 to a balanced market.
developments, the city also boasts leafy
neighbourhoods, lakefront properties and        New luxury homes on leafy lots in                        OAKVILLE
a burgeoning downtown. These factors,           neighbourhoods such as Lorne Park
along with its transit links to downtown        and parts of Port Credit are enticing                    The market for residential real estate in
Toronto, are driving demand for                 wealthier buyers and bringing a more                     Oakville, an affluent community situated
residential property in Mississauga among       multicultural character to the area. A                   on the shores of Lake Ontario between
a range of buyers.                              regular train service from Port Credit                   Toronto and Hamilton, showed strong
                                                to Toronto and new condominiums in                       growth in 2014. The average residential

                                             AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL SALE PRICE                                                            2015**
                                                    (Greater Toronto Area)                                                             $589,100
                                                                                                            2014*
                                                                                                           $566,400
                                                                       2013
                                                                      $522,963
                                   2012
                                  $497,150
    2011
   $465,412

                             *Estimate **Forecast - Source: Historical values are sourced from CREA or Local Board statistics.
                         Estimates and forecasts are based on the opinion of independent RE/MAX broker/owners and affiliates.
                                                                                                           2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   24
sale price rose 12 per cent over the           New Canadians from China are playing          Canadians, and it is not uncommon for
previous year, to approximately $800,000       a growing role in the market as well,         these buyers to prefer large homes to
in 2014 from $715,000 in 2013. With            purchasing lakefront properties, some of      accommodate multi-generational and
less inventory on the market than in           which exceed $10 million.                     extended families. However, some seniors,
the previous year, days on the market                                                        who have come to Canada under family
fell from an average of 32 in 2013 to 27.      All signs point to continued strength in      sponsorship, are using their savings
Oakville’s residential real estate market is   the Oakville market in 2015. While the        as down payments and moving from
expected to remain robust in 2015, with        number of listings is expected to remain      apartments to condominiums, challenging
the average sale price increasing by an        consistent, a decrease in inventory is        the notion of what it means to be a first-
estimated five per cent.                       projected to result in an increase in         time homebuyer.
                                               the average residential sale price. New
While Oakville remained a seller’s market      construction in the north end of Oakville     Move-up buyers continued to drive
in 2014, it began shifting to a more           and a soon-to-be-completed hospital is        the market in Brampton, with lending
balanced market in the late summer and         expected to play a role in driving demand.    conditions favourable enough for buyers
fall. Appropriately priced homes moved                                                       to hold on to two properties. The coming
quickly and with competing offers, while       BRAMPTON                                      year should move from a seller’s market
homes priced above their market value                                                        to a more balanced market as inventory
were slow to sell. First-time homebuyers       The residential real estate market in         is projected to increase.
play a very marginal role in driving           Brampton, a growing city bordering
this market, as most properties are            northwest Toronto, is set to finish 2014      Luxury sales are expected to remain
comparably expensive.                          strong and carry momentum into 2015.          robust in the coming year. Homes in this
                                               While low interest rates have positively      segment are typically set on one to two-
What would be considered a luxury              influenced the market, the arrival of         acre lots. Many prospective buyers in this
home in many communities across                more and more newcomers has also              market segment are entrepreneurs who
Canada is typical in Oakville. Entire          played a role in growing this multicultural   have found success in the tool and die,
neighborhoods comprise homes over              community. The market is anticipated          automotive or trucking industries.
3,000 square feet outfitted with premium       to calm to a degree in 2015 and an
finishes like walk-in closets and chef’s       increase in the average residential sale      The real estate market in Brampton
kitchens—and price tags around $1              price of between five and 10 per cent is      could suffer if the municipal government
million. The luxury market is driven by        anticipated.                                  were to implement a land transfer tax
buyers who value the quality of the                                                          similar to Toronto. Conversely, any one
area’s schools, amenities and lakefront.       Brampton is home to many South Asian          of a number of factors, such as a new

                                                                                              2015 Housing Market Outlook Report   |   25
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