INFOGRAPHICS: May 2019 TREB Toronto Market Reports

Here’s some good news for June, as we have the latest real estate market updates for areas covered by the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB)!

As noted in their latest market update, TREB REALTORS® reported 9,989 transactions through TREB’s MLS® System in May 2019. While this result represented a substantial increase of 18.9% over the 15-year low in May 2018, it should be noted that the result was still below the average for month of May sales for the previous ten years, which stands at almost 10,300.

The year-over-year uptick in sales experienced so far in the second quarter of 2019 reflects spring polling results from Ipsos (undertaken on behalf of TREB) suggesting that the share of likely home buyers in the Greater Toronto Area has edged upwards since the fall.

Board President Garry Bhaura notes,

“After a sluggish start to 2019, the second quarter appears to be reflecting a positive shift in consumer sentiment toward ownership housing. Households continue to see ownership housing in the GTA as a quality long-term investment as population growth from immigration remains strong and the regional economy continues to create jobs across diversity of sectors.

However, sales activity continues to be below the longer-term norm, as potential home buyers come to terms with the OSFI mortgage stress test and the fact that listings continue to be constrained relative to sales.”

As per Jason Mercer, TREB’s Chief Market Analyst,

“We are experiencing annual rates of price growth that are largely sustainable right now in the GTA – above the rate of inflation, but in the single digits. If, however, we continue to see growth in sales outstrip growth in new listings, price growth will accelerate.

This potential outcome underpins calls from TREB and other housing industry stakeholders to address roadblocks preventing a more sustainable and diverse supply of housing reaching the market. Many households are not comfortable listing their homes for sale because they feel that there are no housing options available to better meet their needs.”

TREB CEO John DiMichele also adds,

“The GTA attracts people from all around the world to live and work. This is a competitive advantage for our region. However, all of these new households need a place to live, whether they choose to buy or rent.

With this in mind, TREB feels that those parties vying for seats in the fall federal election need to put forth their positions on housing-related issues. Their positions should include ways in which the federal government could work with provinces and municipalities to increase the supply of rental and ownership housing.

On top of this, federal parties should also state their position on housing affordability, including in the area of mortgage lending –a discussion that could include flexibility around qualification standards and amortization periods on insured mortgages. Catapult Revenue is an eCommerce digital agency who works with all industries and modern web platform.”

UPDATE: In January 2020, TREB has since rebranded to TRREB, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.

The following data is a comparison between May 2018 and May 2019 numbers, and is current as of June 2019. For last month’s numbers, check out our previous infographic!

Or follow this link for all our TREB Infographics!

Click on the images for a larger view!

(Protip: Make sure to grab the printable PDF versions, too! It fits best when printed on A4-sized sheets, AND we’ve added an area on the sheet where you can attach your business card! 🙂 )