SURREY, BC – March 2023 saw the second consecutive month of growth in sales in the Fraser Valley, and although still below seasonal norms, the trend is an encouraging sign that the region continues to head towards increased market stability.

At 1,550, property sales posted on the FVREB’s Multiple Listings Service (MLS®) were 72.6% higher than sales recorded last month. Although 39.9% lower than a year ago and nearly 25% below the ten-year average, it marks the first time since August that monthly sales exceeded the 1,000 level.

“After months of uncertainty made it difficult for buyers and sellers to re-enter the housing market, we may well be seeing a turning point,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “The pause in rate hikes has helped to restore a much-needed sense of predictability, which is building consumer confidence. As a result, we’re starting to see more traffic at open houses along with more multiple offer situations.”

As in all regions across the province and the country, low supply is still an issue and a primary factor driving price growth.

New listings, at 2,559, were 32% higher than in February, but still 44.1% below last year, while active listings were up by 2.8% over last month and 3.5% below last year. However, both are well off the ten-year average and among the lowest March listings recorded in a decade.

As a result, the aggregate sales-to-active listings ratio grew to 34%, shifting the market into sellers territory, with demand for townhomes even more pronounced, at a 62% ratio. (The market is considered balanced when the sales-to active listings ratio is between 12% and 20%.)

Benchmark prices continued to edge upward with roughly 2% month-over-month growth across all categories.
The composite Benchmark price was $965,100 in March.

“While market demand continues to trend up, we still face an uphill battle on the supply side, which is keeping prices elevated,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “The province will require sustained inventory growth of at least 25% over each of the next five years in order to normalize inventories. Until then, we strongly advise buyers and sellers to consult with a REALTOR® to plan the best strategy.”

Properties spent slightly fewer days on the market compared to last month with detached homes posting 30 days on the market and apartments 29. Townhomes moved faster, at 26 days.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached : At $1,390,600 the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 1.9% compared to February 2023 and decreased 21.7% compared to March 2022.
• Townhomes : At $794,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 2.3% compared to February 2023 and decreased 14.5% compared to March 2022.
• Apartments : At $521,800 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 2.3% compared to February 2023 and decreased 11% compared to March 2022.

Click here to view the March 2023 stats package.

Momentum Continues to Build in The Fraser Valley Real Estate Market by FVREB