Home Sales in BC Post Strongest March in Eight Years

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reported that a total of 9,101 residential unit sales were recorded by the Multiple Listing Service in March, up 37.6 per cent from the same month last year. Total sales dollar volume was $5.8 billion, an increase of 57.1 per cent compared to a year ago.

The average MLS residential price in the province rose to $641,799, up 14.1 per cent from the same month last year. BC home sales climbed significantly in March and  more homes traded hands last month than any March since 2007.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, March has posted the most home sales of any month since December of 2009. Great news! With rock bottom interest rates and rising consumer confidence having strengthened housing markets in most regions of BC.

Many of the board areas are now exhibiting a seller's market conditions with home prices advancing well above the overall rate of inflation. During the first quarter, BC residential sales dollar volume was up 33.2 per cent to $12.7 billion, compared to the same period last year.

Residential unit sales were up 22.5 per cent to 20,139 units, while the average MLS residential price was up 8.7 per cent at $630,435.