HOUSING DEMAND TO RISE THROUGH 2015

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) residential sales in British Columbia are forecast to increase 5.2 per cent to 76,700 units this year. Stronger economic conditions in 2015 are expected to push MLS residential sales up a further 6.7 per cent to 81,800 units. Consumer demand largely recovered last year after a marked pull-back in 2012. While growth in consumer demand is likely to be more muted during the first half of 2014, a more elevated level of demand is expected for the balance of the year and through 2015. 

 

Relatively weak economic growth at home and abroad over the past few years has limited housing demand in the province to below average levels. However, that dynamic is changing as stronger economic performance in the US, China and Japan will push up commodity prices and propel BC exports higher. In addition, BC consumers appear to be spending again after sitting out the better part of the last two years. The combination of stronger performance in the export sector combined with an elevated level of consumer spending is expected to generate increased job growth in the province in both 2014 and 2015. Real GDP growth in BC is forecast to rise 2.4 per cent this year and a further 2.7 per cent in 2015. 

Housing market conditions have shifted to balance in most regions of the province, with home prices edging higher. Consumer demand was up nearly 20 per cent during the first

quarter compared to the same period last year, while total active listings were down nearly 10 per cent. With stronger economic conditions on the horizon and mortgage interest

rates at rock bottom, BC’s housing markets are poised for an extended period of relatively robust demand and moderately rising prices.

The average MLS residential price in the province is forecast to increase 4.3 per cent to $560,600 this year and a further 2 per cent to $571,600 in 2015. After a modest decline in new construction activity in 2013, BC housing starts are forecast to rise approximately 2 per cent in both 2014 and 2015. Most BC markets appear well supplied and further expansion of the housing stock will likely be limited to modest increases in population and household growth. 

However, beyond 2015 strong growth in the population of those aged 20 to 44 will put pressure on new home inventories and drive up new construction activity, particularly multiple units that cater to price sensitive first-time buyers.

Courtesy of BCREA