Home sales were up in January 2024 in comparison to January 2023. This annual increase came as some homebuyers started to benefit from lower borrowing costs associated with fixed-rate mortgage products. New listings were also up year-over-year but at a lesser annual rate compared to sales. The resulting tighter market conditions when compared to the same period a year earlier, potentially point toward renewed price growth as we move into the spring market.
“We had a positive start to 2024. The Bank of Canada expects the rate of inflation to recede as we move through the year. This would support lower interest rates which would bolster home buyers’ confidence to move back into the market. First-time buyers currently facing high average rents would benefit from lower mortgage rates, making the move to homeownership more affordable,” said TRREB President Jennifer Pearce.
“Once the Bank of Canada starts cutting its policy rate, likely in the second half of 2024, expect home sales to pick up even further. There will be more competition between buyers in 2024 as demand picks up and the supply of listings remains constrained. The result will be upward pressure on selling prices over the next two years,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.
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