There were 8,268 MLS^® residential unit sales recorded across the province in December, a record for the month which represents an increase of 57.8% from December 2019. The average MLS^® residential price in BC was $847,600, an increase of 12.5% from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $7 Billion, a 77.5% increase year-over-year.

“While 2021 is expected to get off to a roaring start, the level of supply in the market is near a record low,” added Ogmundson. “That will likely translate to considerable pressure on prices until listings pick-up.”

There were 93,953 residential unit sales recorded by MLS^® in 2020, an increase of 21.5% from the 77,350 units sold in 2019. The annual average MLS^® residential price in BC was $782,027, an 11.7% increase from $700,369 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume was $73.5 Billion, a 35.6% increase from 2019.

“Housing markets across the province staged a remarkable recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic and recession,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “We expect considerable momentum heading into 2021.”

Total active residential listings were down 16.1% to 20,725 units in December. The average price and unit sales, broken down by statistics from each Real Estate Board can be found below. Year-over-year % change in parentheses.

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that a total of 9,416 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November 2020, an increase of 42.1% from November 2019. The average MLS® residential price in BC set a record of $816,074, a 9.3% increase from $746,310 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in November was $7.68 Billion, a 55.4% increase over 2019.

“Home sales were once again unseasonably strong in November with several markets setting records for the month,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While demand continues to be strong, the supply of listings has reached near-record lows in several parts of the province, with prices rising sharply as a result."

Active listings were down close to 14% year-over-year in November, which contributed to a 34.8% sales-to-active listings ratio. Consequently, the provincial average price rose 9.3% compared to this time last year with many markets seeing even stronger price growth.

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 32.3% to $66.43 Billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were up 18.7% to 85,625 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 11.4% to $775,845.

The average price and unit sales, broken down by statistics from each Real Estate Board can be found below:

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 11,051 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October 2020, an increase of 43.8% from October 2019. The average MLS® residential price in BC set a record of $812,960, a 12.5% increase from $722,333 recorded the previous year. Total sales dollar volume in August was $8.98 Billion, a 61.8% increase over 2019.

“The provincial housing market sustained its blistering pace of activity in October,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While pent-up demand may be starting to fade, record low interest rates and a recovering job market are supporting strong sales.” “A pandemic-driven shift in buyers’ preference for extra space is pushing average prices to record highs as larger value transactions account for a higher share of sales,” added Ogmundson.

Prices are also being pushed higher by a lack of inventory. Total provincial active listings continue to trend lower and were close to 14% lower in October 2020 compared to 2019.  Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 29.7% to $58.7 Billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were up 16.3% to 76,140 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 11.5% to $771,085.  

The average price and unit sales, broken down by statistics from each Real Estate Board can be found below. 

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

Last month, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that a total of 10,172 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) which is an increase of 42.8% from the same month last year. There was a 12.7% increase in the average MLS® residential price in BC bringing it to $771,309 ($684,093 recorded the previous year). Total sales dollar volume in August was $7.8 billion, a 61.1% increase over 2019.

“Very strong provincial home sales continued in August,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “While pent-up demand from the spring is driving much of the increase, we anticipate a sustained strong level of sales through the fall.”

Total provincial active listings are still down more than 10% year-over-year, with some markets even more under-supplied as the pandemic continues to keep listings low. As a result, prices are sharply rising around the province. Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 15.8% to $40.4 billion, compared with the same period in 2019. Residential unit sales were up 4.9% to 53,336 units, while the average MLS® residential price was up 10.4% to $757,504.   

The average price and unit sales, broken down by statistics from each Real Estate Board can be found below:

Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association

“BC home sales climbed higher for the first time in 18 months on a year-over-year basis in July,” said BCREA Chief Economist Cameron Muir. Housing demand has also trended higher since March, rising 21 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis. “Households appear to be adjusting to the tighter credit environment as the shock of the B20 stress test dissipates.”