NEWS RELEASE BARRIE & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ************************* Quarter Three (Q3) Residential Real Estate Activity
Sept. 30, 2020 marked the end of Quarter Three (Q3) of 2020, and residential sales information is in with residential property sales recorded through the Matrix System for the Barrie and District Association of Realtors (BDAR).
The average price of units sold also saw a modest growth in Q3 2020 as compared to Q3 2019. Sales activity in Q3 2020 was much stronger than the same time last year. This was likely due to a rebound in the market as the economy reopens from the pandemic.
Both Barrie and Simcoe Country Excluding Barrie contributed to this growth. Average price during Q3 2020 was up 22.4 per cent as compared to Q3 2019. This was driven by a growth in average price inside and outside of Barrie.
Simcoe County There was an 55.3 per cent increase in units sold when compared to Q3 2019 (Q3 2020 with 3344 units sold vs Q3 2019 with 2153 units sold). Average price of homes in Simcoe county during Q3 2020 was $616,115. This was a 22.4 per cent growth from the same timeframe last year.
Barrie The number of sales increased 54.9 per cent in Q3 2020 (1021 units sold) when compared to Q3 2019 (659 units sold). Home prices within Barrie increased to $574,023, which was a 16.8 per cent increase from Q3 of last year.
Simcoe County Excluding Barrie The number of sales increased 55.5 per cent in Q3 2020 (2323 units sold) when compared to Q3 2019 (1494 units sold). Simcoe County Excluding Barrie had an average price of $634,586. This was a 24.7 per cent increase form Q3 of 2019.
Innisfil The number of units sold in Innisfil during Q3 2020 was 241, 56.5 per cent more than the number of units sold in Q3 2019 (154 units sold). The average price of units sold in Innisfil during Q3 2020 was $629,606. This was 32.3 per cent greater than the average price of Innisfil units sold during Q3 2019.
Orillia The number of units sold in Orillia during Q3 2020 was 251. This was 56.9 per cent more than the number of units sold in Q3 2019 (160 units sold).The average price of units sold in Orillia during Q3 2020 was $478,894. This was 12.0 per cent greater than the average price of Orillia units sold during Q3 2019.
Month-Over-Month (September 2020 vs August 2020) All Residential Homes
The September 2020 sales information is in, and residential property sales recorded through the Matrix System for the BDAR region showed a month-over-month decline in the number of units sold outside of Barrie, while the month-over-month change in average price remained the same.
Year-to-date change in number of units sold and average price showed strong growth. The Housing Price Index (HPI) showed a month-over-month increase of 2.5 per cent from August 2020.
Simcoe County
1031 residential units were sold in Simcoe County last month—a 6.7 per cent decrease from August 2020. During the same time a year ago (August 2019 to September 2019), there was a 6.9 per cent decrease in the number of units sold.
The average price of residential units sold last month was $628,403—a 0 per cent change from August 2020. This decline was around the same as the month-over-month change in average price a year ago which increased 0.1 per centt from August to September.
City of Barrie
329 units were sold last month within the City of Barrie, which was 3.8 per cent more than the number of units sold the month prior. A year ago, the number of units sold between September and August decreased 5.4 per cent.
The average price of units sold within Barrie during September 2020 was $567,916. This was 0.9 per cent less than the average price during August 2020. In contrast, the average price of units sold between September 2019 and August 2019 increased by 2.1 per cent.
City of Barrie – Apartments & Condos
52 apartment and condo units were sold in Barrie this month — 1.9 per cent more than the number of units sold in August 2020. The average price of apartment and condo units sold in the City of Barrie this month was $410,601 — 1.6 per cent less than the average price in August 2020.
Simcoe County Excluding Barrie
In Simcoe County Excluding Barrie last month, 702 units were sold. This was 10.9 per cent less than the number of units sold during August 2020. At the same time a year ago, there was a 7.6 per cent decrease in the number of units sold outside of Barrie.
The average price of units sold in the areas outside of Barrie last month was $656,752. This was 1.0 per cent more than the month before. Between September 2019 and August 2019, the average price of units sold outside of Barrie decreased 0.8 per cent.
62 residential units were sold in Innisfil last month—a 30.3 per cent decrease from August 2020. During the same period a year ago (August 2019 to September 2019), there was a 29.5 per cent increase in the number of units sold. The average price of residential units sold in Innisfil last month was approximately $605,571—a 9.4 per cent decrease from August 2020. This was a larger decline than last year, when the average price decreased by 3.3 per cent from August to September.
78 residential units were sold in Orillia last month—a 1.3 per cent increase from August 2020. During the same period a year ago (August 2019 to September 2019), there was a 14.8 per cent decrease in the number of units sold. The average price of residential units sold for Orillia last month was approximately $503,535 —a 5.0 per cent increase from August 2020. In comparison, the average price a year ago decreased by 0.3 per cent from August to September.
Year-To-Date (YTD) (September 2020 YTD vs September 2019 YTD) All Residential Homes
Simcoe County
7,001 residential units were sold in Simcoe County during September 2020 Year-To-Date (YTD) (January 1st, 2020 – September 30th, 2020). This was 23.3% more than what was sold during the same timeframe last year (January 1st, 2019 – September 30th, 2019). The average price of residential units sold during September 2020 YTD was $578,634. This was 14.7% greater than the average price during the same timeframe last year.
City of Barrie
2,260 units were sold in the City of Barrie during September 2020 YTD. This was a 28.2% growth from the same timeframe last year. This growth was greater than the increase in total Simcoe County (+23.3%).
The average price of units sold within the City of Barrie during September 2020 YTD was $550,832. This was 12.1% more than the same timeframe last year, and this growth was lesser than what was seen in the total Simcoe region (+14.7%). During September 2020 YTD, Barrie accounted for 32.3% of residential properties sold. This was 1.2 share points more than the same timeframe during 2019.
City of Barrie – Apartments & Condos
312 apartment and condo units were sold in Barrie during 2020 YTD — 22.8% more than the number of units sold in September 2019 YTD. The average price of apartment and condo units in the City of Barrie this year so far was $400,350. This was 7.7% more than the average price during the same timeframe last year.
Simcoe County Excluding Barrie
4,741 residential units were sold in the areas outside of Barrie during September 2020 YTD. This was 21.1% more than the number of units sold during September 2019 YTD. This growth in number of units sold was less than the growth seen in the total Simcoe region (+23.3%).
The average price of units sold during this time was $591,881. This was 16.0% greater than what was seen during September 2019 YTD. This growth was slightly greater than that of total Simcoe (+14.7%). During September 2020 YTD, Simcoe County Excluding Barrie accounted for 67.7% of residential properties sold. This was 1.2 share points less than the same timeframe during 2019.
520 residential units were sold in Innisfil during September YTD. This was 18.2% more than what was sold during the same timeframe last year (Jan. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2019). The average price of residential units sold in 2020 YTD was $584,354. This was 16.5% greater than the average price during the same timeframe last year. During this time, Innisfil accounted for 7.4% of sales in Simcoe County — down 0.3 share points from the same timeframe last year.
529 residential units were sold in Orillia from the beginning of 2020 to September 30th, 2020. This was 23.3% more than what was sold during the same timeframe last year (Jan. 1, 2019 – Sept. 30, 2019). The average price of residential units sold during September YTD was $463,847. This was 9.9% greater than the average price during the same timeframe last year. During September 2020 YTD, Orillia accounted for 7.6% of sales in Simcoe County, equal to that of September 2019 YTD.
Year-Over-Year (September 2020 vs September 2019) All Residential Homes
Simcoe County
1,031 residential units were sold in Simcoe County last month—53.2% greater than the same time last year. As well, the average price of residential units sold was $628,403, which was 26.0% greater than that of September 2019.
City of Barrie
329 residential units were sold during September 2020 within Barrie. This was 55.2% more than the number of units sold during September 2019. This growth was greater than that of total Simcoe County (+53.2%).
The average price of residential Barrie units sold during September 2020 was $567,916—13.5% greater than the average price of units sold during September 2019. This growth was less than the average-price growth of total Simcoe County (+26.0%).
Sales in Barrie accounted for 31.9% of residential sales in Simcoe County last month. This was 0.4 share points more than the same time last year.
City of Barrie – Apartments & Condos
52 apartment and condo units were sold in Barrie during September 2020 — 67.7% more than the number of units sold in September 2019. The average price of apartment and condo units in the City of Barrie in September 2020 was $410,602. This was 9.1% more than the average price during the same time last year.
Simcoe County Excluding Barrie
702 residential units were sold outside of Barrie during September 2020, and this was 52.3% more than the number of units sold during September 2019. This growth was slightly less than the 53.2% growth seen in the total Simcoe region.
The average price of units sold in Simcoe County Excluding Barrie last month was $656,752. This was a 31.9% increase in the average price, year-over-year. This growth was greater than what was found in total Simcoe County (+26.0%).
Residential property sales outside of Barrie accounted for 68.1% of sales in Simcoe County last month. This was 0.4 share points less than the same time last year.
62 residential units were sold in Innisfil during September 2020, and this was 8.8% more than the number of units sold during September 2019. This growth was significantly less than the 53.2% growth seen in the total Simcoe region.
The average price of units sold in Innisfil last month was approximately $605,571. This was a 32.0% increase in the average price, year-over-year. This growth was greater than what was found in total Simcoe County (+26.0%).
Sales in Innisfil accounted for 6.0% of sales in Simcoe County during September 2020. This was 2.5 share points less than Innisfil’s share of sales during the same time last year.
78 residential units were sold in Orillia during September 2020, and this was 69.6% more than the number of units sold during September 2019. This growth was greater than the 53.2% growth seen in the total Simcoe region.
The average price of units sold in Orillia last month was approximately $503,535. This was a 22.1% increase in the average price, year-over-year. This growth was less than what was found in total Simcoe County (+26.0%).
Orillia’s sales made up 7.6% of sales in Simcoe County. This was 0.7 share points more than the same time last year.
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
