CONTACT
RSS

What appraisers use to value properties in BC

Sales to Listing Ratios for Micro Markets 
Today, I want to talk about some micro markets. What I love about these ratios is that you can apply the formula to an infinite amount of markets. You can be broad in scope, which the REBGV provides, or you can dig down to, say, one-bedroom apartment units in Downtown Kelowna, or Downtown Vancouver, specifically, Yaletown one-bedroom units between $500,000 and $800,000. The permutations are limitless. Lets dig into the definition and application of Sales to Listings Ratios. 

The Sales to Listing Ratios are an indicator of demand and supply. It is all the completed sales in the last 30 days divided by the total number of active listings. There is downward pressure on prices when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. Check out these micro markets using data from July 4th to August 4th, 2022.  
It is clear that most areas, and property types are below 12% and have been for a few months. This means there is pressure for prices to continue to decrease in the near future. You will see that some markets are in the +/- 15% which means a more balanced market. Two areas which have a  very strong buyer’s market are Surrey and Vancouver West Single Family. Seller’s still have some control to maintain a high price point for their apartments and townhomes in the Burnaby South and North Vancouver areas. 
 


Months of Inventory

Months of Inventory (MOI) is the relationship of sales pace to the number of properties currently on the market if no additional homes were added to the supply. It is calculated by determining the number of homes sold per month and dividing by the total number of properties for sale on the last day of the month. When there is more than six months of inventory on the market, there is ample supply for buyers to choose from, so we say it is a buyer’s market. If there is less than six months of inventory, buyers have to compete more for each home, so sellers don’t have to give in to buyer demands as readily. We say this is a seller’s market. At around six months of inventory, we call the market balanced.

It appears that Langley apartments and townhomes are in a perfectly balanced position at exactly 6 months of inventory. Areas of concern are Surrey and Vancouver West Single Family Homes. Being an astute professional, you have probably already observed a strong correlation between the sales to listing ratio and the MOI. These do trend at the same rate. This is just another way to visualize the demand supply dynamics of different areas and or property types. 

You can view the general July statistics for GVA and Fraser Valley on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn below:


Where are Prices Going?

We are in a transition period after years of strong growth in most markets. Nobody has a crystal ball but these two indicators provide excellent data for buyers and sellers to make educated decisions. In addition, it helps appraisers with valuing properties. Typically, appraisers use sales data that can be up to three months old and the statistics we rely on may not be relevant or updated, so having this real- time information can assist the appraiser in determining a current fair market value. The data suggests most markets being a “buyer’s” market which will push downward pressure on prices. It is undetermined how motivated the sellers are, but we can assume many are motivated, for various reasons, and unless things change (interest rates, decreased supply, etc.) values will continue to decline. There are definitely opportunities during these times of transition to find properties at below-market prices.  For those of you trying to time the market, good luck! For those who are proactive and opportunity driven, contact your realtor and go make some offers!

Comments:

No comments

Post Your Comment:

Your email will not be published
Categories
MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.