GTA Real Estate Trends for Homebuyers: Surprising Insights from February 2023

Justo Team | March 12, 2023

To help you navigate the ever-changing GTA real estate market, we are exploring some GTA real estate trends from the data collected in February 2023. The market experienced a substantial decline in home sales in February 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year, as a result of higher borrowing costs and a decrease in new listings. However, the average selling price and MLS® HPI remained stable, thanks to the shift towards lower-priced homes by homebuyers. As you navigate the GTA real estate market, understanding the factors contributing to the decline in home sales and what the future holds for the market can help you make informed decisions.

Factors Contributing to the Decline in Home Sales

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported a 47% decrease in home sales in February 2023 compared to February 2022. The decrease in home sales is attributed to higher borrowing costs and a decrease in new listings. The Bank of Canada has been raising interest rates since early 2022, which has led many homebuyers to opt for lower-priced homes to offset these costs. Additionally, the number of new listings entered into the system in February 2023 was down 40.9% compared to the same month in the previous year.

If you’re looking to buy a home in the GTA, now may be the best time to act. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced agents and get started on your home-buying journey.

Stable Average Selling Price and MLS® HPI

The stable prices of the GTA real estate market, despite the decline in home sales, are an interesting example of current GTA real estate trends. The average selling price for February 2023 remained stable at $1,095,617, indicating the market’s resilience. Similarly, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark was down at a similar annual rate of 17.7% but up on a monthly basis. These stable prices can be attributed to the current GTA real estate trends, including the shift towards lower-priced homes by homebuyers and the decrease in new listings.

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Future of the GTA Real Estate Market

Looking towards the future of the GTA real estate market, TRREB Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer, predicts that buying intentions will pick up for 2023. However, this increased demand will run up against a constrained supply of listings, which will eventually lead to renewed price growth in many segments of the market. Innovative solutions such as the City of Toronto’s initiative to allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in all neighborhoods citywide will need to come to fruition to achieve an adequate and diverse housing supply that will support record population growth in the years to come. As these GTA real estate trends evolve, staying informed and proactive can help you make the most of your investment.

Key market highlights from February 2023

Sales	February 2023 sales: 4,783 (-47%) vs. February 2022: 9,028.
New Listings	February 2023 sales: 8,367 (-40.9%) vs. February 2022: 14,153.
Active Listings	February 2023 listings: 9,643 (+38.1%) vs. February 2022: 6,984.
Average Listing Days on Market	February 2023 had 22 days (+144.4%) vs. February 2022: 9 days.
Average Selling Price	February 2023 sales value: $1,095,617 (-17.9%) vs. February 2022: $1,334,062.
Detached Homes	February 2023 sales value: $1,439,735 (-19.9%), sales: 2,075 (-46.6%).
Semi-detached Homes	February 2023 semi-detached sales: 399 (-46.5%), avg. price: $1,069,266 (-21.4%).
Townhomes	February 2023 townhome sales: 821 (-47.4%), avg. price: $934,834 (-16.7%).
Condo Apartments	February 2023 condo apartment sales: 1,455 (-47.3%), avg. price: $705,472 (-11.8%).

In conclusion, the GTA real estate market saw a substantial decline in home sales in February 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year. The decline in home sales can be attributed to higher borrowing costs and a decrease in new listings. Despite this, the average selling price and MLS® HPI remained stable due to the shift towards lower-priced homes by homebuyers. The future of the GTA real estate market will depend on innovative solutions to increase the housing supply to meet the increasing demand.

As the GTA real estate market evolves, Justo will be here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate the changing market and find your dream home.