RE/MAX Housing Market 2015
GTA Housing market
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.
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 absorbing any modest price fluctuations. However, as inventory for freehold homes continues to be at historic lows, the city is projected to be poised to have another strong year of price appreciation.
Mississauga Housing Market
As per RE/MAX housing market outlook 2105, Mississauga has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several decades. While its growth is typified by suburban developments, the city also boasts leafy neighbourhoods, lakefront properties and a burgeoning downtown. These factors, along with its transit links to downtown Toronto, are driving demand for residential property in Mississauga among a range of buyers.
Mississauga’s real estate market picked up in the second half of 2014 following a long and cold winter and historically late start to the market. Typically, the spring buying and selling season begins in February, whereas last year it started in May. Pent-up demand made for a busy summer season and more fall activity than is typical. The average residential price is expected to rise between two and three per cent in 2015 with inventory levels remaining steady, as per RE/MAX housing market outlook 2105 report.
New luxury homes on leafy lots in Mississauga neighbourhoods such as Lorne Park and parts of Port Credit are enticing wealthier buyers and bringing a more multicultural character to the area. A regular train service from Port Credit to Toronto and new condominiums in downtown Mississauga are attracting younger buyers to those areas. In Mississauga’s brisk housing market, well-priced homes sold within days in 2014, although properties over $1 million typically had listing periods of between one and two months. A seller’s market is expected to continue through to 2015 but soften modestly, especially in the luxury segment where it is moving closer to a balanced market.
Download Full Report (pdf) Canada Housing Market Outlook 2015
