Home sales in Greater Vancouver declined on a monthly basis by 11.6% in July, the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reported.<\/p>\n
The 3,326 sales last month were still 6.3% higher than the 3,128 transactions in July 2020 and 13.3% over the 10-year average, but activity fell, perhaps expectedly, from highs attained earlier in the pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cModeration was the name of the game in July,\u201d said Keith Stewart, an REBGV economist. \u201cHome sales and listings fell in line with typical seasonal patterns as summer got going in earnest in July. On top of moderating market activity, price growth has levelled off in most areas and home types.\u201d<\/p>\n
Listings for detached, semis and condos decreased by 26.4% to 4,377 from 5,948 in July of last year, although that could very well owe to mass COVID-19 vaccination allowing Vancouverites to travel or otherwise enjoy their summer. Still, listings last month declined from 5,849 in June and fell 12.3% below the 10-year average for July.<\/p>\n
There were 9,850 homes for sale on the MLS at the end of July, decreasing by 18.5% year-over-year and 9.1% month-over-month from 12,083 and 10,839, respectively. Naturally, Vancouver\u2019s housing supply shortage is pushing prices upward, with the benchmark price for all property types reaching $1,175,500 in Metro Vancouver\u2014while that\u2019s a 13.8% year-over-year increase, it was flat from June.<\/p>\n
\u201cLow housing supply remains a fundamental factor in Metro Vancouver\u2019s housing market,\u201d said Stewart. “Home sales remain above average and we\u2019re starting to see price increases relent as well. Going forward, the supply of homes for sale will be among the most critical factors to watch. This will determine the next direction for house price trends.”<\/p>\n