Investors are on the hunt for deals, economist says
With home sales -- and prices -- dropping in B.C., is now a good time to invest in real estate?
The B.C. Real Estate Association says it just might be, pointing to a large drop in carrying costs for an investment property today compared to a year ago.
"It doesn't matter what the market is doing, I don't say whether or not it's a good time to buy," association chief economist Cameron Muir said in an interview on Monday. "That being said, I would suspect investors are actively looking in the marketplace for bargains. If you compare today versus a year ago, investing in real estate is more attractive than it was then."
Muir made the comment after the release of an association housing survey Monday that concluded the residential sales dollar volume on B.C.'s Multiple Listing Service declined 61 per cent to $873 million in January, compared to the same month in 2008 when sales totalled $2.25 billion. In the Metro Vancouver region, the sales volume was down 62 per cent over the same period, to $413 million from $1.09 billion in January 2008.
Muir -- who said he also believes sales activity in the province will pick up in the spring because of improving affordability resulting from lower mortgage rates and home prices -- cited a typical mortgage payment for a property in January 2009 compared to January 2008.
He said the benchmark price for a two-bedroom condo in Metro Vancouver was $334,602 in January, 11.5 per cent less than the $378,336 the same condo would have sold for 12 months earlier. A typical posted five-year fixed-term mortgage stood at 5.79 per cent in January, much lower than a similar mortgage rate of 7.39 per cent the previous January.
Therefore, he said, a condo with a 10-per-cent down payment (on a 25-year amortization) would have resulted in a monthly mortgage payment of $1,890 this January, nearly $600 less than the January 2008 mortgage payment of $2,468 (property taxes, maintenance fees and mortgage insurance fees not included).
On top of that, he said, there's upward pressure on rents with the same two-bedroom condo renting in October 2008 for about $1,507 a month -- a five-per-cent increase from October 2007.
"For both investors and home buyers, your mortgage payment would be several hundred dollars less than a year ago," said Muir, who noted that investors have so far not been very active since the economic downturn started last year. "As an investor, the cash flow from the rent will more closely match your mortgage payment on the property."
The BCREA survey also showed that residential unit sales fell 57 per cent to 2,115 units during the same period.
The average price on the MLS in B.C. was $412,934 in January, down nine per cent from the same month last year, the survey noted.
Muir said that home sales were sluggish in January, reflecting an overall malaise in consumer confidence and a weaker provincial economy.
Muir said that first-time buyers are especially impacted by the economic news and are holding back because of a lack of confidence. "Demand from first-time buyers has been off significantly. First-time home buyers tend to be younger and not have years of experience in their occupations. Therefore, they have more concerns around job security. They're more vulnerable to layoffs."
Despite that, he said, the BCREA expects sales to rise this spring because of greater affordability and lower interest rates.
Muir noted that Realtors are reporting increased activity from buyers over the past three weeks, but that it hasn't yet materialized in sales statistics. "By all accounts, there's increased interest.
There are more showings and more buyers kicking tires."
Meanwhile, an Ipsos Reid poll released last week showed that a growing number of British Columbians think this is a good time to buy a home, though most say it isn't a good time to sell.
The poll found that some 71 per cent of respondents said it is a somewhat good or very good time to buy real estate. In November, only 60 per cent of respondents told Ipsos Reid it was a good time to buy.
In the latest poll, though, 82 per cent said this is not a good time to sell a home.
The poll also found that British Columbians' expectations for falling prices are changing, with just 42 per cent of respondents saying they expected prices to be lower 12 months from now compared to 57 per cent in November.
The association represents 12 member real estate boards and about 18,000 realtors.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun By Brian Morton February 17, 2008
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
BC Home Sales Start with a Whimper in 2009
British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports residential sales dollar volume on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC declined 61 per cent to $873 million in January, compared to the same month last year. Residential unit sales fell 57 per cent to 2,115 units during the same period. The average MLS® residential price in the province was $412,934 in January, down 9 per cent from January 2008.
"Home sales were sluggish in January, reflecting an overall malaise in consumer confidence and a weakening provincial economy," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist.
"Reports of an increasing number of consumers shopping for a home have yet to materialize in the sales statistics," added Muir. "The large selection of homes for sale in January likely reduced any sense of urgency for potential homebuyers to commit to a purchase."
Improving home affordability resulting from lower mortgage rates and home prices is expected to elevate sales activity in the province this spring.
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
"Home sales were sluggish in January, reflecting an overall malaise in consumer confidence and a weakening provincial economy," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist.
"Reports of an increasing number of consumers shopping for a home have yet to materialize in the sales statistics," added Muir. "The large selection of homes for sale in January likely reduced any sense of urgency for potential homebuyers to commit to a purchase."
Improving home affordability resulting from lower mortgage rates and home prices is expected to elevate sales activity in the province this spring.
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
MLS® home sales ease in January
OTTAWA – February 13th, 2009 – The number of properties sold via the MLS® systems of real estate boards in Canada slipped further in January 2009, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
Seasonally adjusted residential MLS® sales activity numbered 26,376 units in January 2009. This is 3.1 per cent below activity in December 2008, and a decline of 37.3 per cent in activity compared to January 2008.
Monthly percentage declines in seasonally adjusted activity in January 2009 were on par with those in December 2008 (-2.4 per cent month-over-month), and moderate by comparison to October (-14.9 per cent) and November 2008 (-11.8 per cent).
Monthly declines in seasonally adjusted sales activity in British Columbia and Ontario pulled national activity statistics lower, and offset monthly increases in MLS® residential sales activity in Manitoba, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
Actual MLS® resale housing activity totaled 16,343 sales nationally in January 2009, down 40.9 per cent on a yearover-year basis. Only Prince Edward Island recorded an increase in residential units sold, up two per cent compared to January 2008.
The supply of homes for sale remains high, but is trending lower nationally. The decline in new MLS® listings is trending lower in line with sales activity in many regions. Seasonally adjusted new MLS® residential listings numbered 69,875 units in January 2009. This is down three per cent from the previous month, and 13 per cent below the peak reached in May of last year.
The actual (unadjusted) number of new listings on the MLS® systems of real estate boards in Canada posted the largest year-over-year decline on record in January 2009, falling 14.2 per cent from the level in January 2008. The decline in supply to meet lower demand is expected to help stabilize the resale housing market balance and put a floor under prices.
“There is no doubt the market is not as active as it was last year, but there are certainly buyers and sellers in the Canadian residential market,” says the President of the Canadian Real Estate Association, Calvin Lindberg of Vancouver.
“In many markets, transactions have a tendency to take longer because of negotiations between the two. Realistic pricing is the key to the sale of residential property in this market. Conditions also vary from one neighbourhood to another, so buyers and sellers should know those details.”
CREA’s President is also confident federal budget initiatives for homebuyers will have an impact later in the year. “The increase in the Home Buyers’ Plan and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to cover closing costs are both important for first time home buyers, and they are an important factor in an active housing market.”
The national average price for home sales via the MLS® in January 2009 is down 11.3 per cent compared to January 2009. This national average price continues to be skewed lower in large part by fewer sales in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, where homes are more expensive and demand has softened most. The MLS® average home sale price was up from year-ago levels in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
The price trend is similar but less dramatic for the weighted national (and major market) MLS® average price, which compensates for changes in provincial (and major market) sales activity by taking into account provincial (and major market) proportions of privately owned housing stock. The weighted national MLS® average sale price was down 6.2 per cent year-over-year in January. The weighted major market MLS® average home sale price was down 4.6 per cent year-over-year in January.
The major market MLS® residential average price declined by less than the national average on a year-overyear basis. Major markets in which the average price declined by less than the national average include Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Hamilton-Burlington, Edmonton, London & St. Thomas, and Windsor.
By contrast to year over year declines in the national and major market average price in January 2009, average prices were up from year ago levels in St. John’s, Halifax-Dartmouth, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, Saguenay, Oshawa, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Montreal, Ottawa, and Gatineau.
Seasonally adjusted residential dollar volume for MLS® sales totaled $7.4 billion in January 2009, down 3.7 per cent from the previous month and the lowest level since May 2003.
“Weak sales activity in January follows the CREA forecast that national MLS® sales activity will be well below the activity of last year,” says CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. Affordability has improved and will be better during the spring home buying season in many markets compared to last year. However weak consumer confidence is likely to continue squeezing sales activity during the spring home buying season.”
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Seasonally adjusted residential MLS® sales activity numbered 26,376 units in January 2009. This is 3.1 per cent below activity in December 2008, and a decline of 37.3 per cent in activity compared to January 2008.
Monthly percentage declines in seasonally adjusted activity in January 2009 were on par with those in December 2008 (-2.4 per cent month-over-month), and moderate by comparison to October (-14.9 per cent) and November 2008 (-11.8 per cent).
Monthly declines in seasonally adjusted sales activity in British Columbia and Ontario pulled national activity statistics lower, and offset monthly increases in MLS® residential sales activity in Manitoba, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
Actual MLS® resale housing activity totaled 16,343 sales nationally in January 2009, down 40.9 per cent on a yearover-year basis. Only Prince Edward Island recorded an increase in residential units sold, up two per cent compared to January 2008.
The supply of homes for sale remains high, but is trending lower nationally. The decline in new MLS® listings is trending lower in line with sales activity in many regions. Seasonally adjusted new MLS® residential listings numbered 69,875 units in January 2009. This is down three per cent from the previous month, and 13 per cent below the peak reached in May of last year.
The actual (unadjusted) number of new listings on the MLS® systems of real estate boards in Canada posted the largest year-over-year decline on record in January 2009, falling 14.2 per cent from the level in January 2008. The decline in supply to meet lower demand is expected to help stabilize the resale housing market balance and put a floor under prices.
“There is no doubt the market is not as active as it was last year, but there are certainly buyers and sellers in the Canadian residential market,” says the President of the Canadian Real Estate Association, Calvin Lindberg of Vancouver.
“In many markets, transactions have a tendency to take longer because of negotiations between the two. Realistic pricing is the key to the sale of residential property in this market. Conditions also vary from one neighbourhood to another, so buyers and sellers should know those details.”
CREA’s President is also confident federal budget initiatives for homebuyers will have an impact later in the year. “The increase in the Home Buyers’ Plan and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to cover closing costs are both important for first time home buyers, and they are an important factor in an active housing market.”
The national average price for home sales via the MLS® in January 2009 is down 11.3 per cent compared to January 2009. This national average price continues to be skewed lower in large part by fewer sales in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, where homes are more expensive and demand has softened most. The MLS® average home sale price was up from year-ago levels in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador.
The price trend is similar but less dramatic for the weighted national (and major market) MLS® average price, which compensates for changes in provincial (and major market) sales activity by taking into account provincial (and major market) proportions of privately owned housing stock. The weighted national MLS® average sale price was down 6.2 per cent year-over-year in January. The weighted major market MLS® average home sale price was down 4.6 per cent year-over-year in January.
The major market MLS® residential average price declined by less than the national average on a year-overyear basis. Major markets in which the average price declined by less than the national average include Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Hamilton-Burlington, Edmonton, London & St. Thomas, and Windsor.
By contrast to year over year declines in the national and major market average price in January 2009, average prices were up from year ago levels in St. John’s, Halifax-Dartmouth, Quebec City, Regina, Saskatoon, Saguenay, Oshawa, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Montreal, Ottawa, and Gatineau.
Seasonally adjusted residential dollar volume for MLS® sales totaled $7.4 billion in January 2009, down 3.7 per cent from the previous month and the lowest level since May 2003.
“Weak sales activity in January follows the CREA forecast that national MLS® sales activity will be well below the activity of last year,” says CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump. Affordability has improved and will be better during the spring home buying season in many markets compared to last year. However weak consumer confidence is likely to continue squeezing sales activity during the spring home buying season.”
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Thursday, February 12, 2009
MLS® home sales to decline further in 2009, rebound in 2010
OTTAWA – February 9th, 2009 – National MLS® home sales activity is expected to decline in 2009 before rebounding in 2010, according to a new residential housing forecast prepared by The Canadian Real Estate Association.
National MLS® home sales activity declined 17.1 per cent in 2008, and MLS® sales activity is forecast to fall an additional 16.9 per cent to 360,900 units in 2009. This would be the lowest level for national sales activity since the year 2000. Sales activity is expected to decline from levels set in 2008 in every province, led by declines in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
National MLS® home sales activity is forecast to rebound by 9.9 per cent to 396,600 units in 2010, marked by an acceleration in activity in the second half of that year. The rebound in activity in 2010 is forecast to be biggest in British Columbia and Alberta.
New listings on the MLS® systems of real estate Boards in Canada have been trending steadily lower since peaking in the second quarter of 2008, and that trend is forecast to continue. It is that combination of rebounding sales activity and fewer new listings that will stabilize the MLS® resale housing market in 2010.
“We are caught in a cycle where consumer confidence has been eroded because of job losses, and consumer confidence is an essential ingredient for housing sales activity,” says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association, Calvin Lindberg of Vancouver. “And housing activity helps creates jobs.”
“The essential selling ingredients in today’s market are realistic pricing, marketing, and preparation. There are potential buyers making inquiries, but the barrage of economic news makes them much more cautious than before.”
The MLS® sales forecast developed by CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump shows that fewer transactions in some of Canada’s more expensive housing markets, combined with reduced asking prices, will continue to put downward pressure on average MLS® sale prices.
The national MLS® average home price is forecast to decline eight per cent in 2009, with prices down most in Western provinces and Ontario. By contrast, the average home price in Newfoundland & Labrador is forecast to rise 4.8 percent in 2009. Prices are forecast to stabilize in 2010, with annual price increases of one per cent or less in five provinces.
The price trend is similar but less dramatic for the weighted national MLS® average price, which compensates for changes in provincial sales activity by taking into account provincial proportions of privately owned housing stock. The weighted national MLS® average price is forecast to decline 6.4 per cent in 2009, and hold steady in 2010.
“Increasingly cautious homebuyers and mortgage lenders means that active listings will take longer to sell in 2009 compared to previous years,” said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump.
“The national housing market is recalibrating due to weak sales activity,” said Klump. “Supply will take time to adjust to lower demand, but sellers unwilling to accept offers below their expectations will remove their home from the market,” he added. “Fewer active listings reduces buyer choice, and in time puts a floor under prices,” CREA’s Chief Economist added.
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
National MLS® home sales activity declined 17.1 per cent in 2008, and MLS® sales activity is forecast to fall an additional 16.9 per cent to 360,900 units in 2009. This would be the lowest level for national sales activity since the year 2000. Sales activity is expected to decline from levels set in 2008 in every province, led by declines in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.
National MLS® home sales activity is forecast to rebound by 9.9 per cent to 396,600 units in 2010, marked by an acceleration in activity in the second half of that year. The rebound in activity in 2010 is forecast to be biggest in British Columbia and Alberta.
New listings on the MLS® systems of real estate Boards in Canada have been trending steadily lower since peaking in the second quarter of 2008, and that trend is forecast to continue. It is that combination of rebounding sales activity and fewer new listings that will stabilize the MLS® resale housing market in 2010.
“We are caught in a cycle where consumer confidence has been eroded because of job losses, and consumer confidence is an essential ingredient for housing sales activity,” says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association, Calvin Lindberg of Vancouver. “And housing activity helps creates jobs.”
“The essential selling ingredients in today’s market are realistic pricing, marketing, and preparation. There are potential buyers making inquiries, but the barrage of economic news makes them much more cautious than before.”
The MLS® sales forecast developed by CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump shows that fewer transactions in some of Canada’s more expensive housing markets, combined with reduced asking prices, will continue to put downward pressure on average MLS® sale prices.
The national MLS® average home price is forecast to decline eight per cent in 2009, with prices down most in Western provinces and Ontario. By contrast, the average home price in Newfoundland & Labrador is forecast to rise 4.8 percent in 2009. Prices are forecast to stabilize in 2010, with annual price increases of one per cent or less in five provinces.
The price trend is similar but less dramatic for the weighted national MLS® average price, which compensates for changes in provincial sales activity by taking into account provincial proportions of privately owned housing stock. The weighted national MLS® average price is forecast to decline 6.4 per cent in 2009, and hold steady in 2010.
“Increasingly cautious homebuyers and mortgage lenders means that active listings will take longer to sell in 2009 compared to previous years,” said CREA Chief Economist Gregory Klump.
“The national housing market is recalibrating due to weak sales activity,” said Klump. “Supply will take time to adjust to lower demand, but sellers unwilling to accept offers below their expectations will remove their home from the market,” he added. “Fewer active listings reduces buyer choice, and in time puts a floor under prices,” CREA’s Chief Economist added.
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
REALTORS® applaud budget initiative to help home buyers
Ottawa – February 2nd, 2009 – The Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Pierre Beauchamp, and Jean-Pierre Blackburn, the Minister of National Revenue, today announced how changes to the Home Buyers’ Plan outlined in the federal budget will help stimulate the housing sector and make it easier for first time home buyers to realize their dream of home ownership.
“We would like to thank the federal government for recognizing of the importance of the housing industry in our economy,” said CREA CEO Pierre Beauchamp, during a formal announcement ceremony with National Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn.“There were several incentives in the federal budget designed to address the issue of affordability. This may prove to be one of the most important for generating economic activity.”
Introduced in 1992 by a Conservative government and made permanent by a Liberal government in 1994, the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) has broad political and consumer support. It now allows first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to be used in a down payment on a residential property. From the day the Plan was launched until today, the maximum withdrawal was $20,000.
This meant the HBP has not kept pace with inflation or home prices and as a result, the Plan did not have the same impact and relevance it did 16 years ago. In 1992, $20,000 represented 13.3 per cent of the average house price, versus about 6.5 per cent today.
“That is important because the size of the down payment a home buyer can make is one of the most important factors in determining affordability,” said Beauchamp. “A plan that helps home buyers increase the down payment can mean lower financing costs, and that is a major factor to home affordability.”
The Home Buyers’ Plan helps Canadians buy their first home and save for retirement at the same time. Since home ownership is the cornerstone of retirement for the vast majority of Canadians, they should not have to choose one or the other. The Home Buyers’ Plan accomplishes that, by allowing Canadians to save for retirement and providing the option to use those RRSP resources at a later date to buy a home.
Research conducted for CREA by the Altus Group also shows that each residential real estate transaction in Canada generates $32,200 in ancillary consumer spending. The study also reported that 94,700 full time direct jobs were generated annually by that ancillary or spin-off activity. The study is posted on the www.crea.ca website.
In 2007, the last year statistics are available for, 52,380 Canadians used the Home Buyers’ Plan. Those transactions generated $1.7 billion in ancillary economic spending.
“That economic activity was generated by a plan that did not cost taxpayers a penny,” Beauchamp added, “which is why government action now to adjust the plan to keep it relevant is important for the overall Canadian economy.”
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
“We would like to thank the federal government for recognizing of the importance of the housing industry in our economy,” said CREA CEO Pierre Beauchamp, during a formal announcement ceremony with National Revenue Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn.“There were several incentives in the federal budget designed to address the issue of affordability. This may prove to be one of the most important for generating economic activity.”
Introduced in 1992 by a Conservative government and made permanent by a Liberal government in 1994, the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) has broad political and consumer support. It now allows first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to be used in a down payment on a residential property. From the day the Plan was launched until today, the maximum withdrawal was $20,000.
This meant the HBP has not kept pace with inflation or home prices and as a result, the Plan did not have the same impact and relevance it did 16 years ago. In 1992, $20,000 represented 13.3 per cent of the average house price, versus about 6.5 per cent today.
“That is important because the size of the down payment a home buyer can make is one of the most important factors in determining affordability,” said Beauchamp. “A plan that helps home buyers increase the down payment can mean lower financing costs, and that is a major factor to home affordability.”
The Home Buyers’ Plan helps Canadians buy their first home and save for retirement at the same time. Since home ownership is the cornerstone of retirement for the vast majority of Canadians, they should not have to choose one or the other. The Home Buyers’ Plan accomplishes that, by allowing Canadians to save for retirement and providing the option to use those RRSP resources at a later date to buy a home.
Research conducted for CREA by the Altus Group also shows that each residential real estate transaction in Canada generates $32,200 in ancillary consumer spending. The study also reported that 94,700 full time direct jobs were generated annually by that ancillary or spin-off activity. The study is posted on the www.crea.ca website.
In 2007, the last year statistics are available for, 52,380 Canadians used the Home Buyers’ Plan. Those transactions generated $1.7 billion in ancillary economic spending.
“That economic activity was generated by a plan that did not cost taxpayers a penny,” Beauchamp added, “which is why government action now to adjust the plan to keep it relevant is important for the overall Canadian economy.”
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Home Inspector Licensing Good for Consumers
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is pleased with the BC Government’s recent announcement to license home inspectors, effective March 31, 2009.
“As a REALTOR®, I know it’s important for my clients to have the best property information possible,” said BCREA President Scott Veitch. “An independent inspection is a great starting point for consumers to learn about property conditions.”
Since 1998, the Association has recommended the government license home inspectors. Now, BCREA looks forward to the development of meaningful standards to ensure consumers receive adequate protection.
“Solid information helps consumers have confidence in their home buying decisions,” added Veitch. “And confidence and protection are necessary for the excellent quality of life we enjoy in British Columbia.”
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
“As a REALTOR®, I know it’s important for my clients to have the best property information possible,” said BCREA President Scott Veitch. “An independent inspection is a great starting point for consumers to learn about property conditions.”
Since 1998, the Association has recommended the government license home inspectors. Now, BCREA looks forward to the development of meaningful standards to ensure consumers receive adequate protection.
“Solid information helps consumers have confidence in their home buying decisions,” added Veitch. “And confidence and protection are necessary for the excellent quality of life we enjoy in British Columbia.”
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Recessionary Conditions Slow Housing Market
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) has released its Forecast Update for the first quarter of 2009.
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 9 per cent from 68,923 units in 2008 to 62,650 units this year. Residential sales in 2010 are forecast to rebound 8 per cent to 68,000 units. The ten-year average is 82,800 units.
“The global financial crisis and world-wide recession will continue to take their toll on the BC economy this year,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “World events have pulled Canada and BC into a recession, where concern for job security and declining net worth are keeping many potential homebuyers on the sidelines.”
“A continuing imbalance between supply and demand will put some additional downward pressure on home prices this year,” added Muir.
The average MLS® residential price is forecast to decline 13 per cent to $396,600 in 2009. Home prices in the province are expected to be relatively stable in 2010, forecasted to average $389,000.
BC housing starts are forecast to fall 45 per cent to 19,000 units this year as a result of rising inventories, weak consumer demand and tight credit conditions.
Next year is expected to be a year of stabilization in the economy and the housing market. Real GDP growth in the province is forecast to rise a modest 1.5 per cent and job losses in 2009 are expected to give way to some gains in employment in 2010.
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
BC Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) residential sales are forecast to decline 9 per cent from 68,923 units in 2008 to 62,650 units this year. Residential sales in 2010 are forecast to rebound 8 per cent to 68,000 units. The ten-year average is 82,800 units.
“The global financial crisis and world-wide recession will continue to take their toll on the BC economy this year,” said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. “World events have pulled Canada and BC into a recession, where concern for job security and declining net worth are keeping many potential homebuyers on the sidelines.”
“A continuing imbalance between supply and demand will put some additional downward pressure on home prices this year,” added Muir.
The average MLS® residential price is forecast to decline 13 per cent to $396,600 in 2009. Home prices in the province are expected to be relatively stable in 2010, forecasted to average $389,000.
BC housing starts are forecast to fall 45 per cent to 19,000 units this year as a result of rising inventories, weak consumer demand and tight credit conditions.
Next year is expected to be a year of stabilization in the economy and the housing market. Real GDP growth in the province is forecast to rise a modest 1.5 per cent and job losses in 2009 are expected to give way to some gains in employment in 2010.
“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Friday, January 30, 2009
Canada's Economic Action Plan - The Home Renovation Tax Credit
Home renovations are smart investments in the long term value of a home and also create economic activity by increasing the demand for labour, building materials and other goods. Renovations can also reduce energy consumption and the long-term cost of owning a home.
To provide some $3 billion of much-needed fiscal stimulus and encourage investments in Canada’s housing stock, Budget 2009 proposes to implement a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).
Temporary, Timely and Targeted Stimulus
The HRTC will apply to eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, pursuant to agreements entered into after January 27, 2009. The temporary nature of the credit will provide an immediate incentive for Canadians to undertake new renovations or accelerate planned projects.
The HRTC can be claimed for renovations and enduring alterations to a dwelling, or the land on which it sits.
How the HRTC Will Work
The 15-per-cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350.
The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures incurred on one or more of an individual’s eligible dwellings. Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use.
Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or re-modelling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.
Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.
Who Can Claim the HRTC?
About 4.6 million families in Canada are expected to benefit from the credit.
Taxpayers can claim the HRTC when filing their 2009 tax return.
Eligibility for the HRTC will be family-based. For the purpose of the credit, a family is generally considered to consist of an individual, and where applicable, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner.
Family members will be able to share the credit.
Examples of HRTC Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures
To provide some $3 billion of much-needed fiscal stimulus and encourage investments in Canada’s housing stock, Budget 2009 proposes to implement a temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC).
Temporary, Timely and Targeted Stimulus
The HRTC will apply to eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010, pursuant to agreements entered into after January 27, 2009. The temporary nature of the credit will provide an immediate incentive for Canadians to undertake new renovations or accelerate planned projects.
The HRTC can be claimed for renovations and enduring alterations to a dwelling, or the land on which it sits.
How the HRTC Will Work
The 15-per-cent credit may be claimed on the portion of eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000, but not more than $10,000, meaning that the maximum tax credit that can be received is $1,350.
The credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures incurred on one or more of an individual’s eligible dwellings. Properties eligible for the HRTC include houses, cottages and condominium units that are owned for personal use.
Renovation costs for projects such as finishing a basement or re-modelling a kitchen will be eligible for the credit, along with associated expenses such as building permits, professional services, equipment rentals and incidental expenses.
Routine repairs and maintenance will not qualify for the credit. Nor will the cost of purchasing furniture, appliances, audio-visual electronics or construction equipment.
Who Can Claim the HRTC?
About 4.6 million families in Canada are expected to benefit from the credit.
Taxpayers can claim the HRTC when filing their 2009 tax return.
Eligibility for the HRTC will be family-based. For the purpose of the credit, a family is generally considered to consist of an individual, and where applicable, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner.
Family members will be able to share the credit.
Examples of HRTC Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures
Eligible
- Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement
- New carpet or hardwood floors
- Building an addition, deck, fence or retaining wall
- A new furnace or water heater
- Painting the interior or exterior of a house
- Resurfacing a driveway
- Laying new sod
Ineligible
- Furniture and appliances (refrigerator, stove, couch)
- Purchase of tools
- Carpet cleaning
- Maintenance contracts (furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, etc.)
REALTORS® welcome federal housing initiatives in stimulating Canadian economy
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) welcomes the federal government initiatives to stimulate economic growth outlined in the 2009 budget, especially those that will encourage home ownership in Canada. The Association applauds the government for recognizing the
economic importance of the housing industry in some of the budget measures.
“The change announced to the popular Home Buyers’ Plan will help Canadians who want to own their own home, and do it in a responsible way that is not a major drain on taxpayers,” says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Calvin Lindberg.
Research conducted for CREA by the Altus Group shows that each residential real estate transaction in Canada generates $32,200 in ancillary consumer spending. The study also reported that 94,700 full time direct jobs were generated annually by that ancillary or spin-off activity. The study is posted on the www.crea.ca website.
“The federal government has found a way to introduce economic stimulus and housing initiatives for specific groups, and for Canadians who want to buy their first home.” Mr. Lindberg added. CREA had proposed the federal government do that by increasing the limit of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to help stimulate the housing market.
Introduced in 1992 by a Conservative government and made permanent by a Liberal government in 1994, the HBP has broad political and consumer support. It will now allow first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to be used in a down payment on a residential property. The Plan has not had the same impact and relevance it did 16 years ago, when the original $20,000 limit represented 13.3 per cent of the average house price, versus about 6.5 per cent in 2008.
The Association also believes that the success of the proposed home renovation tax credit program will depend on effective administration and promotion. “The use of tax credits will make the program of interest to many Canadians who own their own home,” adds the CREA President, “but the success will be tied in part to the availability of savings or credit, since the expense has to be paid before the tax credit is issued.”
A survey conducted for CREA by IPSOS Reid in October 2008 revealed that only 12 per cent of homeowners had ever applied to some type of government renovation or energy efficiency program. In that same survey, 36 per cent said they would consider replacing windows as a priority to improving home energy efficiency, while another 27 per cent said it would be adding insulation. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) also welcomes federal government initiatives that will encourage home ownership and better communities in Canada.
“The announced measures for aboriginal and social housing are welcomed by REALTORS® as steps to help house those who may be in need, and to modernize existing housing resources,” adds CREA President Calvin Lindberg.
CREA first called on governments to address various issues affecting native home ownership during the World Urban Forum in Vancouver in 2006. The Association’s analysis of native housing issues is available in a booklet posted on the www.crea.ca website. “The budget spending initiatives help address the issue of the quality of native housing, and quality of life on Canadian reserves. Equally as important is the transition to market-based housing on reserves, and
the government in the budget has committed to the transition to that as well,” adds Mr. Lindberg.
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
economic importance of the housing industry in some of the budget measures.
“The change announced to the popular Home Buyers’ Plan will help Canadians who want to own their own home, and do it in a responsible way that is not a major drain on taxpayers,” says the President of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Calvin Lindberg.
Research conducted for CREA by the Altus Group shows that each residential real estate transaction in Canada generates $32,200 in ancillary consumer spending. The study also reported that 94,700 full time direct jobs were generated annually by that ancillary or spin-off activity. The study is posted on the www.crea.ca website.
“The federal government has found a way to introduce economic stimulus and housing initiatives for specific groups, and for Canadians who want to buy their first home.” Mr. Lindberg added. CREA had proposed the federal government do that by increasing the limit of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to help stimulate the housing market.
Introduced in 1992 by a Conservative government and made permanent by a Liberal government in 1994, the HBP has broad political and consumer support. It will now allow first time homebuyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to be used in a down payment on a residential property. The Plan has not had the same impact and relevance it did 16 years ago, when the original $20,000 limit represented 13.3 per cent of the average house price, versus about 6.5 per cent in 2008.
The Association also believes that the success of the proposed home renovation tax credit program will depend on effective administration and promotion. “The use of tax credits will make the program of interest to many Canadians who own their own home,” adds the CREA President, “but the success will be tied in part to the availability of savings or credit, since the expense has to be paid before the tax credit is issued.”
A survey conducted for CREA by IPSOS Reid in October 2008 revealed that only 12 per cent of homeowners had ever applied to some type of government renovation or energy efficiency program. In that same survey, 36 per cent said they would consider replacing windows as a priority to improving home energy efficiency, while another 27 per cent said it would be adding insulation. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) also welcomes federal government initiatives that will encourage home ownership and better communities in Canada.
“The announced measures for aboriginal and social housing are welcomed by REALTORS® as steps to help house those who may be in need, and to modernize existing housing resources,” adds CREA President Calvin Lindberg.
CREA first called on governments to address various issues affecting native home ownership during the World Urban Forum in Vancouver in 2006. The Association’s analysis of native housing issues is available in a booklet posted on the www.crea.ca website. “The budget spending initiatives help address the issue of the quality of native housing, and quality of life on Canadian reserves. Equally as important is the transition to market-based housing on reserves, and
the government in the budget has committed to the transition to that as well,” adds Mr. Lindberg.
“Copyright Canadian Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Davies park plan unveiled
A park that has been in the works for at least 14 years — the Davies Street Park — came one step closer to realization.
The illustrative concept plan for the park was presented last Tuesday at the Best Western.
City Manager Kevin Cormack, along with Robert Fershau of Nowell2 Land Design, presented the conceptual plan to council and the public.
“This is an exciting step forward,” said Mayor John Dooley.
“These lands have been targeted for a park for many years and I am confident that we will be able to move forward to realizing this goal in 2009.”
The park’s plan was composed by using a park planning committee, and in the end all members came up with the same basic idea.
“We mixed the committee with residents in the area, some youth and a man from the Eagles,” said Cormack.
“We wanted to have a broad committee that had some representation from different perspectives.”
The new park will have two bathrooms, a natural area, advanced bike trails and a beginner bike skills park.
The hard court multi sports area will be brought back to date for sports like basketball, street hockey and skateboarding. There will also be a footbridge connector trail, adventure playground (which instead of using plastic will use concrete cylinders and stumps), toddler playground, community garden and a tree zoo.
More trees and benches will also be put in along the main path to slow down bike traffic on the steep incline.
“The involvement of the committee allowed us to understand the needs of the community as well as the needs of the city,” said Fershau.
“Through this collaborative process we were able to develop a concept plan that accomplished the committee’s goals while preserving and enhancing the unique features of the site.”
The park will be the third largest park in Nelson behind Lakeside Park and Gyro Park.
The Lakeside Park will be 4.8 hectares and will cost about $600,000 to complete.
The planners hope the park will be accessed by everyone of all ages during all four seasons and that it will become the major trailhead to the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail.
“When completed, Davies Street Park will transform a former gravel pit into another first-class amenity in the city that compliments and improves on an expanding network of green spaces,” said Fershau.
By Darryl Pollock - Nelson Star Published: January 14, 2009 6:00 PM
The illustrative concept plan for the park was presented last Tuesday at the Best Western.
City Manager Kevin Cormack, along with Robert Fershau of Nowell2 Land Design, presented the conceptual plan to council and the public.
“This is an exciting step forward,” said Mayor John Dooley.
“These lands have been targeted for a park for many years and I am confident that we will be able to move forward to realizing this goal in 2009.”
The park’s plan was composed by using a park planning committee, and in the end all members came up with the same basic idea.
“We mixed the committee with residents in the area, some youth and a man from the Eagles,” said Cormack.
“We wanted to have a broad committee that had some representation from different perspectives.”
The new park will have two bathrooms, a natural area, advanced bike trails and a beginner bike skills park.
The hard court multi sports area will be brought back to date for sports like basketball, street hockey and skateboarding. There will also be a footbridge connector trail, adventure playground (which instead of using plastic will use concrete cylinders and stumps), toddler playground, community garden and a tree zoo.
More trees and benches will also be put in along the main path to slow down bike traffic on the steep incline.
“The involvement of the committee allowed us to understand the needs of the community as well as the needs of the city,” said Fershau.
“Through this collaborative process we were able to develop a concept plan that accomplished the committee’s goals while preserving and enhancing the unique features of the site.”
The park will be the third largest park in Nelson behind Lakeside Park and Gyro Park.
The Lakeside Park will be 4.8 hectares and will cost about $600,000 to complete.
The planners hope the park will be accessed by everyone of all ages during all four seasons and that it will become the major trailhead to the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail.
“When completed, Davies Street Park will transform a former gravel pit into another first-class amenity in the city that compliments and improves on an expanding network of green spaces,” said Fershau.
By Darryl Pollock - Nelson Star Published: January 14, 2009 6:00 PM
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