Vancouver buyers can expect discount in home prices in early 2013

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      Home buyers can expect a slight discount in the first half of 2013, one economist says.

      Bryan Yu of Central 1 Credit Union is anticipating a five-percent reduction in prices from current levels through till around the summertime.

      “What you see is there’s some downward pressure on pricing right now,” Yu told the Straight in a phone interview.

      Yu was commenting on figures released on February 4 by the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board showing that sales in January were near historical lows.

      The REBGV reported sales of 1,351 units last month, representing a 14.3 percent decrease compared to the 1,577 sales in January 2012. Still, that number was 18.3 percent higher than the 1,142 sales in December 2012.

      However, the REBGV noted that January 2013 sales were the second lowest for the month of January since 2001.

      It’s the same story for the FVREB, with 617 sales last month. That’s 23 percent lower than the 799 sales in January 2012. The board also noted that sales for January 2013 were the second slowest for that month in the last 13 years.

      The two real-estate boards also reported that a number of sellers are simply pulling their properties off the market. Still, give or take a few thousand dollars, the average detached property in Metro Vancouver is a pricey $900,000.

      Home sales typically peak in the month of May. According to Yu, Central 1 Credit Union forecasts an overall reduction in home prices of seven to eight percent compared with May 2012 levels through the end of the first half of 2013.

      Although buyers currently rule the market, Yu maintained that most sellers aren’t willing to take deeper cuts on prices.

      Comments

      8 Comments

      David

      Feb 6, 2013 at 5:08pm

      Next month we'll get the February numbers that will reveal a brief spike in sales. I know someone selling a very modest east Van home who received multiple offers close to asking price the day it went on the market and several more after the open house. It's the lunar new year and with it comes a surge in buying interest.

      Yay.

      Feb 6, 2013 at 8:34pm

      A slight discount. Awesome! So basically, with the Vancouver real estate market, it's comparable to an electronics store where the salesman says, "Hey! here's a 19" LCD TV- regular price is $18,000.00 but I'll give you a discount- how's about we take $100 off? And then I'm like, "$18k for a LCD TV?" And he's like, "Yes, but it's discounted, remember?". Anyways, I'll be waiting with bated breath.

      Marc

      Feb 6, 2013 at 8:50pm

      Another day, another story

      Joe Mainlander

      Feb 7, 2013 at 8:46am

      We started the year with 12,000 listings. Now, one month later, Metro Van is topping at 14,000 listings... and rising. The second highest amount of listings for this time of year in a decade.

      And the real estate boards keep saying people are pulling their listings off the market? Perhaps, but their being replaced many-fold.

      Therealstory

      Feb 7, 2013 at 11:48am

      Sellers can expect an even better discount by winter 2013. Take that to the bank.

      mw

      Feb 14, 2013 at 7:19pm

      why on earth would anyone buy at these prices. are people insane? stop buying and the prices WILL drop. patience is key.

      alby

      Feb 19, 2013 at 12:46pm

      Who cares if prices drop? You can rent for a tiny fraction of purchasing - why would you buy? Real estate is a terrible investment right now, and likely for the next 8-12 years....and the stock market has doubled since 2009. Just saying.

      Chris

      Feb 21, 2013 at 1:48pm

      In next two years, it will drop more than 30%. Many deals in December and January made with 20% cut from listed price. So it is very likely that buyers can negotiate more than 20% discount this year, and more next year.. totalling 40~50% cut..