Fall 2009 Housing forecast

For immediate release
Market Strength Extends Through 2010
BCREA Fall 2009 Housing Forecast
Vancouver, BC – November 13, 2009. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its Fall 2009 Housing Forecast today.
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are estimated to increase 20 per cent to 82,900 units this year from 68,923 units in 2008. Residential sales in 2010 are forecast to increase a further 8 per cent to 89,600 units. The ten-year average is 82,800 units.
“A sharp rebound in consumer demand turned a potentially dismal year into a very strong year for home sales,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “Vancouver and Victoria, in particular, are posting near record unit sales this fall.”
President Scott Veitch Vice President John Tillie Past President Andrew Peck Chief Executive Officer Robert Laing
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BC interior housing markets are also experiencing robust consumer demand as low mortgage rates and stronger market confidence drive home sales higher.
The average annual MLS® residential price in the province is expected to post a new record this year, rising 2 per cent to $463,200 and is forecast to climb an additional 4 per cent to $482,800 in 2010. BC MLS® Residential Sales020,00040,00060,00080,000100,000120,000UnitsSource: BCREA
“Recovery in the BC economy will unfold gradually next year,” added Muir. “With sales prices in some markets flirting with record highs, affordability constraints will limit home price inflation over the next year.”
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The full Fall 2009 Housing Forecast is available here: www.bcrea.bc.ca/economics/HousingForecast.pdf.
For more information, please contact:
Cameron Muir
Chief Economist
Direct: 604.742.2780
Mobile: 778.229.1884
Email: cmuir@bcrea.bc.ca