Toronto real estate. JULY RESALE MARKET

     Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,922 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in July 2011, representing a 23% increase over July 2010. Total sales through the first seven months of this year amounted to 55,863 – down by 1.3% compared to the same period in 2010. After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the July figure continued to point to an annual sales result close to 90,000 – in line with results from the previous six months.
      “Strong home sales continued in July, with a substantial rebound over last summer’s slow-down brought about by higher mortgage rates, new lending guidelines and misconceptions about the HST. The greatest rebound was seen in the condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “If the current pace of sales holds up, we could see the second best year on record under the current TREB market area.”
      The average selling price in July was $459,122 – up by almost ten % compared to the July 2010 average of $418,675.
      “Tight market conditions have boosted the annual rate of price growth this year. However, the listings situation is starting to improve. A better supplied market later this year and into 2012 would lead to a more sustainable rate of price growth,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

       Competition from the resale market has impacted demand for new homes, comments the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. With sales of newly built contemporary homes potentially suffering, the 0.3% reduction is hoped to increase interest from buyers and overseas investors.
       Despite worries that the US economic downturn may impact sales, however, there is still overall confidence in the Canadian housing market. A study from the Real Property Association of Canada, revealed yesterday in the Canadian Real Estate Magazine, has found that the country's property market is still growing, and has been for the last eight quarters.
       “The market is largely viewed as stable and attractive, which bodes well for future investment and development,” says the report.