Edmonton, May 5, 2008: The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reported that the average price for single family homes dropped less than half a percent after three months of small increases. April sales of all types of residential property through the Multiple Listing Service® were lower than the two previous years at 1,823 units but higher than the more typical years of 2004 and 2005.
“The Edmonton housing market is stable and buyers and sellers seem to be coming to a realistic view of housing prices,” said Marc Perras, president of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. “In this market, with a very high inventory, pricing is a key component of a successful sale.” While the typical sale is completed at 97% of the asking price many sellers have had to reduce their price to find the level that would attract a buyer.
Single family dwellings sold on average* for $386,033 in April just 0.4% down from the previous month. SFD prices are still 6.6% lower than April 2007. Condos sold on average for $256,947, a decrease of 2.3% from last month. On the other hand, duplexes and rowhouses sold during April were priced 2.3% higher at $316,065 on average. Overall, the average price for all types of residential property was down 2% at $336,931 when compared to March and down just 2.1% from a year ago.
There are 10,606 residential properties currently available on the MLS® (up 12% from last month’s record inventory). The average days on market was just 52 days; up one from March. There were 4,471 residential listings during the month and the sales to listing ratio is a low 41%. Total residential sales were $1.99 billion and total MLS® sales were $2.3 billion.
“It is hard to draw comparisons to last year,” said Perras. “Prices were still going up at this time last year and inventories were about one quarter what they are now. It’s a much different market in 2008.” He encouraged all buyers and sellers to consult with their REALTORS® for the best advice on current market trends and conditions.
REALTORS® Association of Edmonton
14220 - 112 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5M 2T8
http://www.ereb.com/MarketActivity/May.html