Remax Ontario and Atlantic Canada

Calgary home values close to boom levels, despite flood impact

CALGARY SKYLINE CROPPED 429165_10150674768322432_971485300_n
Calgary home values are nudging 2007-08 property boom levels, with sharp declines in flood-hit neighbourhoods unable to check the city’s real estate growth.

The city’s 2014 property assessments, released Friday, showed values of properties outside areas badly damaged by the June floods have risen six per cent since last year.
Citywide, the typical home is now worth $430,000, up from $410,000 in 2013.
That’s the highest level since 2008, when the boom lifted the median price to a record $447,500.
“We have certainly seen a really strong increase, and certainly a resetting of some of those values back before some of the financial crisis happened,” said city assessor Nelson Karpa.
Many communities saw assessments rise more sharply than the six-per-cent median, particularly those in northeast Calgary and those hugging Nose Hill and Fish Creek parks.
Elbow Park and Roxboro were the only neighbourhoods where assessed values dropped.
Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) economist Ann Marie Lurie said the citywide rise was likely being led by a surge in demand for single family homes.
“A single family home under $500,000 have been selling quicker and their prices are increasing.
“We have finally pushed above those unadjusted (for inflation) levels. We’ve pushed above those peaks that we saw in 2007 (for single family homes).”
The trend was likely stronger in parts of the city which registered value increases above the six per cent average, she said.
“It could be that those areas have more homes on that lower end of the (single family) market.”
Value increases for condos and townhouses still trailed single family properties, she said, despite strong recent performance.
Price growth for single family homes in 2013 was 7.8 per cent, CREB figures showed, compared to 8.7 per cent for condos.
However, condo prices in the city took a bigger hit after the 2007 boom, Lurie said, and were yet to recover to that peak.
Calgary property taxes are based on the assessments. The city council set this year’s property tax hike at five per cent, but all homeowners whose property assessment rose by more than the six per cent average will pay a greater increase and people with lesser value rises or drops will face a lesser one.
Realtors often warn that assessments aren’t a substitute for actual market value. Assessors normally don’t visit homes, and they only consider neighbourhood home sales up to the previous June 30 — which means they’re already six months behind sales trends.
Residents and business owners can review assessments and appeal by March 4.

By Jason Markusoff and Michael Wright, Calgary Herald January 4, 2014

CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS for December 2013

TIGHT MARKET CONDITIONS SUPPORT PRICE GROWTH
Sales enjoy second consecutive year of double-digit growth
Screen shot 2014-01-03 at 1.24.28 PM
Click here or on the image above to view the full report.
December’s 8 per cent year-over-year increase in sales volume in the city of Calgary capped a year that saw an 11 per cent growth in sales volume for the entire 12 months.
City residential sales totaled 1,172 units in December, bringing total sold units for 2013 to 23,489. Prices for the year were up by 8.6 per cent over 2012. “Sales growth exceeded expectations in 2013, pushing above long-term trends,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s chief economist.
“Two consecutive years of elevated levels of net migration, combined with an improving job outlook and confidence surrounding long-term economic prospects, supported the demand growth.”
As expected, both new listings and transactions in December eased over the previous months because it is typically a slower time of the year for sales. However, sales activity for the month was in line with long-term averages, despite poor weather conditions just before the holiday season.
“Typically, fewer sellers list their homes in December,” said Becky Walters, CREB® president. “There were more new listings this year than in 2012 because some sellers saw the continued price gains and decided it was the right time to list.”
Market conditions favoured the seller for much of 2013, causing price gains in both the single-family and condominium sectors in the city. The single family benchmark price was $472,200 in December, a 0.3 per cent increase over the previous month and an 8.6 per cent increase over the previous year. On an annual basis, unadjusted single family prices grew by more than seven per cent in 2013, exceeding previous highs.
“Prices have recovered in the single-family market, but sellers need to keep in mind there are differences between communities and types of homes,” said Walters. “Higher-end homes (priced above $500,000) have recorded slower price growth than those in the lower-price segment. And there are many communities where prices have not surpassed previous highs.”
There were 16,302 single-family homes sold in 2013, an 8 per cent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, the 22,569 new listings were nearly one per cent higher than in 2012. Condominium apartment sales totaled 4,007 units in 2013, more than 14 per cent higher than in 2012. Condominium townhouse sales totaled 3,180 units a 22 per cent increase over 2012.
“The condominium market is more affordable than single family, and that is attractive to first-time buyers who are weighing rising rental costs against ownership costs,” said Walters. “Investors are also attracted to condos, because prices have not yet fully recovered to their previous highs.”
Condominium apartment and townhouse prices totaled $278,600 and $307,100 respectively in December. On average, annual benchmark price growth in the townhouse market totaled just more than six per cent, compared to the apartment sector increase of nearly nine per cent.
“In 2014, both sales activity and prices are expected to improve, but not at the same pace recorded this year,” said Lurie “While factors influencing demand will support growth in 2014, rising listings and increased competition from the new home sector should alleviate some of the supply pressure in the market.” Those factors, combined with potential increases in long-term lending rates, should take some of the steam off the exceptionally strong price growth recorded in 2013, said Lurie.
Click on the following link to read the full report:  CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS – 2013 December

Calgary home price growth doubles national average

Year-over-year hike of 8.82% best in Canada

Calgary year-over-year home price growth was the best in Canada in November and more than doubled the national average, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association.
The association’s MLS Home Price Index, released on Monday, said prices in Calgary have risen by 8.82 per cent from a year ago while in Canada, for 11 major centres surveyed, they were up by 4.11 per cent.
The index tracks benchmark prices in Canada’s housing markets.
CREA said MLS sales across Canada in November rose by 5.9 per cent to 32,411 units. They were up by 18.7 per cent in Calgary to 2,173 units and increased by 13.1 per cent in Alberta to 4,563 sales.
Related: Canadian home sales, prices stronger than expected
The average sale price in Canada was up by 9.8 per cent to $391,085 and increased by 7.5 per cent in Calgary to $445,114 and by 5.3 per cent in Alberta to $385,217.
CREA also released a revised residential market forecast on Monday. It said sales in Alberta this year are projected to reach 66,300 units, which is a 9.8 per cent hike from the previous year and the best growth rate in the country. Sales will rise an additional 3.5 per cent in 2014 to 68,600 units.
Across Canada, the association is forecasting 0.8 per cent growth this year to 458,200 sales and 3.7 per cent growth in 2014 to 475,000.
As for the average sale price, CREA is projecting it to rise by 4.9 per cent this year in Alberta to $381,100 followed by 3.4 per cent growth, the best in Canada, in 2014 to $393,900.
Across Canada, the association is forecasting 5.2 per cent price growth this year to $382,200 and 2.3 per cent growth in 2014 to $391,100.
“In staggering contrast to the dire forecasts early this year, precisely one of the 26 largest cities in the country has reported a drop in average prices so far this year — Victoria, with a minuscule 0.6 per cent sag,” said Doug Porter, chief economist with BMO Capital Markets. “All of the other 25 cities have recorded single-digit price gains, with the median city posting a non-threatening 3.6 per cent rise.
“When judged by total sales volumes, a measure that combines both price changes and the number of units sold, the hottest markets this year have been Calgary, Edmonton, and, against all expectations Vancouver. All three reported double-digit volume increases, the only cities in that category.”
 
By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald December 16, 2013

CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS – November 2013

SALES GROWTH BOOSTED BY RISE IN NEW LISTINGS…
Screen shot 2013-12-05 at 11.51.12 AM
Click here on the following link to view the full CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS for November 2013
Fifth consecutive month of double-digit trend:
City residential sales totaled 1,730 units in November, a 19 per cent increase in sales volume over the previous year. Following another month of strong activity, year-to-date sales totaled 22,322 units, 11 per cent higher than long-term trends. CREB® President Becky Walters said it appears that several factors are motivating buyers.
“Many first-time homebuyers appear to be moving now to get ahead of any further increases in home prices, rent hikes, or an increase in lending rates,” she said. “And current owners are taking advantage of the recent price gains to upgrade to a home that better fits their lifestyle.” There were 1,823 new listings in the city in November. While this is an 12 per cent increase over levels recorded at the same time in 2012, listings remain below long-term trends and total inventory levels is lower than normal for this time of year.
“Tight market conditions have resulted in higher-than-expected price gains in all sectors of the Calgary market,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist. “However, these increases need to be
put into context.”
Citywide, only the price of single-family homes has fully recovered and started to push above unadjusted levels recorded in 2007. Meanwhile, condominium apartment and townhouse prices remain below peak, Lurie said.
Single-family benchmark prices totaled $470,600 in November, 8.5 per cent higher than one year ago. Meanwhile, condominium apartment and townhouse unadjusted benchmark prices totaled a respective $279,600 and $305,700 in November, 6 per cent below 2007 peak pricing.
Year-to-date, single-family sales totalled 15,533 units, eight per cent higher than the previous year. The higher-than-expected rise in sales activity is due to stronger activity in the second half of the year. Tightness in the condominium apartment market eased in November, as the year-over-year growth in November new listings of 23 per cent outpaced the sales growth of 20 per cent. While overall inventory levels remain 26 per cent lower than levels recorded in 2012, this is an improvement over the declines recorded throughout recent months. Year-to-date sales activity totaled 3,787 units, a 15 per cent increase over the previous year.
Condominium townhouse sales totaled 3,002 units after 11 months, a 21 per cent increase over the previous year. While this sector remains the smallest out of the Calgary housing types, it has recorded the largest gains in sales. “Overall, sales growth in surrounding communities outpaced the city,” said Walters. “They offer the family friendly attractions of small towns, and they’re more affordable.”
Lurie noted the vibrant employment market has encouraged a large number of net migrants into the city over the past two years. Click here to read more! (Or click on the following link to view the full CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS for November 2013)

International Connections

We are excited and proud to be part of the Legacy Luxury Lifestyle offering all our clients and their listings exclusive access around the globe! We provide only the highest level of service as well as new solutions to our clients by offering an EXPERIENCE of VALUE as “Global Agents”!
vision1
Legacy Luxury Lifestyle Inc., and its group of companies, specializes in creating the most comprehensive, dynamic and holistic international ‘gateway’ marketing platforms which specifically showcases luxury real estate and lifestyle opportunities in select key markets around the world.
Screen shot 2013-11-28 at 4.52.36 PM
Visit Our Profile or the main Legacy Luxury Lifestyle website for more information! Click Here to view our listings from around the world!
Connect with Doug, Susan or Kristen today to learn the top 10 steps in helping you achieve your goals in Real Estate, whether locally, nationally or globally, we are your choice Realtors!

Calgary Apartment Construction Lagging

Casting light on Calgary’s current rental crunch, a new report shows there were fewer purpose-built apartments built in Calgary than in any other major city in Canada between 2006 and 2011.
As shown in the report released by the Altus Group, there were only 800 purpose-built rental apartments built in Calgary between 2006 and 2011. The number places Calgary last amongst the markets surveyed for rental apartment construction. During the same period, Montreal saw the highest level of purpose built apartment construction, with 16,000 units built, while the next lowest level of rental construction came in Ottawa, where 1,100 units were added.
During the five-year period in the survey, Calgary’s population went from 991,759 to 1,090,936, an increase of 99,177. In the same span, Edmonton added 1,300 purpose-built rental units while posting a population increase of 81,829.
“New units in condominium apartment projects outpaces units in purpose-built rental apartment buildings by about three to one in 2006-2011,” stated the report, which took information from the National Household Survey conducted during the 2011 Census of Canada.
Demonstrating the demand for rental units in the city, the report showed 41 per cent of the condominium apartment units built between 2006 and 2011 ended up as rental units, while 46 per cent were owner occupied.
Of the 10,700 condo apartment units constructed in Calgary during the period, only 3,800 were in buildings higher than five storeys. In Toronto, where 61,000 apartments were built, 55,000 were in buildings higher than five storeys.
Other findings in the report showed nearly one million Canadian households were in need of “major” repairs, roughly seven percent of the country’s housing stock. Defined as problems that “compromise the dwelling structure or the major systems” of the home, 17 per cent of homes built before 1920 were need of major repairs compared to just one per cent of recently built units.
Also detailing the make-up of the average Canadian household, the report showed the average household size for those living in newly built homes was 2.7 persons for owner occupied units, while the average size for those in rental units was an even 2.0 persons.
Apartment-construction-graph-web
 
 
by Cody Stuart on Nov 20, 2013, CREBNow

Just Listed in Abbotsford!

One of Fraser Valley’s most prestigious homes: 2402 Jonquil on Eagle Mountain!

Screen shot 2013-11-12 at 8.52.38 AM

For more photos and information Click Here

Sprawling across the bluff, this home was masterfully built to the highest of standards, exceeding $3 million. Designed for the executive entertainer, the main floor is over 3,800 sq. ft. w/ luxurious master suite w/ stunning views of Mt. Baker; 2 offices, 4 patios, 3 fireplaces, floor to ceiling windows and VIEWS in all directions! Lower floor w/ rec rooms, guest bedrooms, space for gym/wine cellar, etc. Concrete & steel construction w/ zinc fascias, $200K stonework, Lutron lighting, video security, water features; over 6,400 sq. ft. on 0.8 acres.
Only 1 hr to Vancouver and 15 minutes to YXX, great for international travel! Price is FULLY FURNISHED!!
Screen shot 2013-11-12 at 8.51.45 AM
Screen shot 2013-11-12 at 8.52.17 AM
For more photos and information Click Here

CALGARY REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS for October 2013

Screen shot 2013-11-04 at 10.55.00 AM
Click Here to download the full report of the October 2013 Calgary Housing Market Statistics Report
Residential sales activity totaled 1,953 units in October, an 18 per cent rise over 2012 and pushing year-to-date voiume increases tojust over 10 percent.
However, on a year-to-date basis, city Wide sales remain far below transactions levels recorded throughout 2005  2007.
“Some people have noticed that properties are selling quicker, and at times above list,” said Becky Walters, CREB® president.“But, in spite of very positive signs, we are not seeing a repeat of 2006.”
Year-to-date, the average residential home was on the market for 37 days before selling. Thats 16 per cent less time than last year, but much longer than the 20 days recorded in 2006. in addition, the citywide sales price-to-list price ratio has increasedl but is lower than the levels recorded seven years ago.
New listings within the city ofCaigary totaled 2,522 units in October, a nine per cent increase over the previous year.
While the rise in new listings was not large enough to result in inventory growth, it is the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year gains.
“Price growth and tighter market conditions have encouraged some of the recent rise in new listings,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, chief economist. “This is a trend worth noting as the rise is easing some of the tightness in the market. Despite some movement, sellers market conditions persist.”
A total of 14,340 single-family homes sold after the first 10 months of the year, a seven per cent increase over the previous year. Sales growth has exceeded expectations mostly due to the recent rise in new listings, which was limiting growth potential in the first haif of the
Year-to-date, 3,482 condominium apartments and 2,774 condo townhouses were sold. While condominiums remain a smaller segment of the market, year-to~date sales are 18 per cent higher than last year.
Unadjusted benchmark prices in the city of Calgary increased in October relative to both September of this year and October 2012. Singie-family prices benchmarked at $468,000, whiie the benchmark price for condominium apartment and townhouse were a respective $276,100 and $302,200 in October.

Just Listed in Bankview!!

C3590150_801_18

$389,500 – 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms

A Rare loft unit!!!!The perfect urban retreat for a professional couple, complete with fabulous downtown views! Enjoy close proximity to downtown and all the amenities this prime location offers – shopping, public transit,trendy 17Ave and MUCH more. Main floor has an open concept living space perfect for entertaining or relaxing by your cozy gas fireplace. The loft area is large enough for a pool table, additional guest room, private library or whatever meets your needs. Appreciate in-suite laundry, natural lighting, heated underground titled DOUBLE parking and all with reasonable condo fees.

Call today to book your private viewing!

C3590150_201_19

Market Trends: Farm Edition 2013

Screen shot 2013-10-15 at 6.16.41 PMClick here on the image above to view the full report: Canada wide!
 

Central Alberta

Low interest rates and record crops continue to fuel demand for farmland from Kneehill north to Red Deer Counties, with the number of parcels transferring ownership in the 12-month period ( June 2012 to May 2013) on par with last year’s strong performance. Inventory continues to be a challenge in the area, with the shortage placing serious upward pressure on values. Price per acre has increased about 15 per cent on average this year over last, with prime land fetching substantially more. Properties that would have sold at an average of $2,800 to $3,500 an acre one year ago now have a sticker price as high as $3,400 to $4,500 per acre, or as high as $5,500 an acre in Olds. In the Lacombe area near Red Deer, even greater pressure exists, with values rising to as high as $6,500 per acre. Private deals continue unabated between neighbours and landlords/tenants, further hampering listing inventory. By far, the most aggressive players in the market are the supply-managed farms and the Hutterite Colonies—both of whom are looking to expand existing operations. New players have also emerged in recent years, including the investment community, who are now diversifying portfolios to include agricultural land

Many are opting for 3,000 acres to start, with land ideal for cereal grains, including wheat, canola, and barley. Interest rates continue to play a crucial role in the compilation of farmland, with variable rates hovering at two to three percent. Some farmers, anticipating higher rates down the road, are locking in at five- and ten-year terms to secure more long-term favourable rates. The low interest rate environment has discouraged some people from selling their land (unless they can sell at a premium), ultimately limiting the amount of land for sale. Yet, it has also created confidence amongst buyers that can now budget their cash flow to service new debt. Managing risk continues to be a mainstay for those in farming, with many lending institutions now working alongside agricultural communities. One trend that has been supported by loans offered by Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and other financial institutions is the return of younger farmers back into the market. Tremendous crops and record commodity prices in recent years have been a major impetus, in spite of commodities off last year’s peak levels. While market conditions are expected to remain stable for the remainder of the year in Central Alberta, the rapid appreciation experienced in the past is unlikely to continue. Banks are expected to somewhat tighten lending practices in the coming year, which will further serve to slow escalation. Still balance sheets show strong equity across the board, one factor that will support the market for farmland in the months and years ahead.

Southern Alberta

A serious shortage of farmland listings continues to temper momentum in Southern Alberta’s market. Buyers continue to seek out cultivated, dry land and irrigated parcels, but available properties remain few and far between. Approximately 10 farmland listings are currently available for sale. Exclusive listings and private deals continue to be commonplace, keeping listings from the open market and an expanded buyer pool. Any quality sections that have come on stream have moved quickly, and although demand remains strong, lower commodity values have served to create a new level of diligence among buyers. Purchasers are weighing their options and waiting for the ideal parcel. However, when the right opportunity presents, they’re moving quickly. Most farmland properties generally sell within two weeks—some within days. Confidence remains high and most purchasers feel secure in long-term value and potential that farmland investment represents. The bulk of buyers are local end users. The need and desire to expand continues to bolster the market, as everyone from smaller operators, local Hutterite colonies and major players vie to increase their stake. Some U.S. investors have bought up parcels for a long-term hold, with the intent to rent the land to existing operators. Competition for rental land remains solid, with rents averaging $50 to $60 an acre for dry land, while irrigated land with pivot commands a premium. While supply outpaces demand, prices have managed to hold firm over the past year. Grassland is commanding $800 to $1,200, while dry, bare land typically generates $1,000 to $1,600 per acre. Irrigation land requires a premium outlay, usually moving between $5,000 and $8,500 per acre. Farmland closer to key cities/municipalities have garnered top dollar, with notable sales this season running between $9,200 and just under $10,000 an acre. Deals are coming together rather fluidly, as most vendors continue to have realistic expectations. Financing is rarely an issue, despite tighter lending restrictions. Buyers exist for virtually all types of product, from large parcels to quarter sections, gentleman/hobby farms to ranchland and dairy operations, as long as the price reflects fair market value.

To date, the board has recorded roughly three dozen sales, with the busiest season for farmland real estate set to get underway this fall. While the pace remains steady, there are few multiple offers to speak of, as most properties sell right away through word of mouth, either exclusively or in private deals. Or in the case of MLS listings, most realtors have their own willing buyer pool waiting in the wings. Despite news of widespread flooding in Southern Alberta earlier this spring, most crop land was unaffected, although some hail did damage crops in the southeast area of the province. On the whole, yields look good for 2013. Overall, vendors can expect demand to remain in line with current levels for the foreseeable future, while purchasers will benefit from price stability. The potential for rising interest rates is not expected to prove a significant deterrent to eager purchasers, whose belief in land remains steadfast.
Click Here to view the full report for all of Canada.