As we moved from 2022 into 2023, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market unfolded as expected. The number of January sales and the overall average selling price were similar to December 2022. On a year-over-year basis, both sales and prices were down markedly, continuing to highlight the impact of higher borrowing costs on affordability over the last year.

“Home sales and selling prices appear to have found some support in recent months. This coupled with the Bank of Canada announcement that interest rate hikes are likely on hold for the foreseeable future will prompt some buyers to move off the sidelines in the coming months. Record population growth and tight labour market conditions will continue to support housing demand moving forward,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Paul Baron.

GTA REALTORS® reported 3,100 sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in January 2023 – in line with the December 2022 result of 3,110, but down 44.6 per cent from January 2022. The average selling price for January 2023 at $1,038,668 was slightly lower than the December 2022 result and down by 16.4 per cent compared to the January 2022 average price reported before the onset of Bank of Canada interest rate hikes. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was in line with the December result, but down by 14.2 per cent compared to January 2022.

“Home prices declined over the past year as homebuyers sought to mitigate the impact of substantially higher borrowing costs. While short-term borrowing costs increased again in January, negotiated medium-term mortgage rates, like the five-year fixed rate, have actually started to trend lower compared to the end of last year. The expectation is that this trend will continue, further helping with affordability as we move through 2023,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

“All three levels of government have announced policies to enhance housing affordability over the long term, including many initiatives focussed on increasing housing supply in the ownership and rental markets. Most recently, we were encouraged to see Toronto City Council support the Mayor’s 2023 Housing Action Plan as part of the City’s overall $2 billion commitment to housing initiatives,” said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.

CONDO MARKET UPDATE

Selling prices for condominium apartments bucked the overall downward trend in the housing market during the fourth quarter of 2022. The average selling price in Q4 2022 stayed in line with the average in Q4 2021.

“While condo market conditions have become more balanced over the past year, there has been enough demand relative to supply to support selling prices. On average, the condo market segment is the most affordable. Therefore, it makes sense that we didn9t see the same type of price adjustment, in the face of higher borrowing costs, compared to other more expensive segments like detached homes.” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Paul Baron.

Total condo apartment sales amounted to 3,582 in Q4 2022 3 down 54.1 per cent compared to Q4 2021. New listings were also down on a year-over-year basis by 14.3 per cent. The average Q4 2022 selling price was $710,520, which was slightly higher than the Q4 2021 average of $710,246. Looking at individual Greater

Toronto Area (GTA) regions, a similar trend played itself out, with average selling prices remaining flat compared to last year.

“Condo apartments remain an important segment of the market. They are the key entry point for many first-time buyers. Investor-owned condos are also an important source of rental supply in many parts of the GTA. As immigration into Canada continues at a record pace for the foreseeable future, the GTA will welcome many

new households. This should see the demand for condos, in both the ownership and rental markets, strengthen moving forward.” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.

If you’re thinking of selling or buying a property or just want to pick our brains, we’re here to help! Just email us at hello@christinecowern.com or call us at 416-291-7372. We’d love to connect!