SURREY, BC – Continued slowing sales and a healthy rise in new listings in September has brought the Fraser Valley housing market into balance. Three months of declining sales has seen Benchmark prices dip for a second straight month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,100 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September 2023, a decrease of 13.6% compared to August. Sales were up 22.6% compared to September 2022.

New listings rose to 2,860 in September, an increase of 9.1% over last month, and 25.8% above this time last year. Active listings have been rising since last December and grew again in September by 3.8% to 6,532, 3.5% below the ten-year average.

“With inventory levels continuing on a slow and steady rise, together with slow sales, what we are seeing is a more balanced market,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “If this trend continues, increased new listings will help to maintain a balanced market, giving buyers greater choice.”

The market for detached homes softened again in September, with a sales-to-active listings ratio of 14%, down from 16% in August. Demand for townhomes and apartments remained stronger (31% and 25%, respectively). The overall sales-to-active listing ratio is at 17%, representing a balanced market. The market is considered balanced when the sales-to-active-listings ratio is between 12% and 20%.

Benchmark prices in the Fraser Valley dipped compared to last month with losses of less than 1% across all property types.

“With interest rate uncertainty still in play, September sales were slower than the trends for this time of year,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “Market activity and prices can vary from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, so consulting your REALTOR® will be a vital step for buyers and sellers who need expert guidance and advice to navigate local market conditions.”

On average properties spent a minimum of three weeks on the market before selling, with townhomes and apartments moving faster (23 and 24 days, respectively) than detached homes (29 days).

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached : At $1,526,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 0.6% compared to August 2023 and increased 4.6% compared to September 2022.
• Townhomes : At $848,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.3% compared to August 2023 and increased 3.5% compared to September 2022.
• Apartments : At $545,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 1.4% compared to August 2023 and increased 3.4% compared to September 2022.

Click here to view the September 2023 stats package.

Fraser Valley Market Balanced, as Demand Softens and Prices Edge Lower by FVREB