As of November 2024, the Toronto and Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate markets are experiencing notable shifts influenced by recent economic developments.
Surge in Home Sales
October 2024 saw a significant increase in home sales across the GTA. The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported 6,658 homes sold, a 33% month-over-month and 43% year-over-year rise. This surge is mainly due to recent interest rate cuts, which encouraged buyers to re-enter the market.
Inventory Levels and New Listings
Despite the uptick in sales, the market remains well-supplied. The number of active listings in October was 24,481, a 4.4% decrease from the previous month but a 25% increase from last year. This is the number of active listings for October since 2008, providing buyers with a broader selection of properties.
Price Trends
The average selling price in the GTA saw a modest increase. The average home price rose by 1.5% in October to approximately $1.13 million. This slight appreciation reflects a balanced market where increased demand is met with ample supply.
Impact of Interest Rate Adjustments
The Bank of Canada's recent rate cuts, bringing the benchmark rate down to 3.75%, have played a pivotal role in revitalizing the housing market. Lower borrowing costs have made homeownership more accessible, prompting a surge in buyer activity.
Challenges in Affordability
Despite positive sales figures, affordability remains a concern. High home prices and economic factors continue to challenge many prospective buyers. Economists suggest that the housing market may take several years to become more affordable, even with ongoing rate cuts.