Greater Toronto Area REALTORS Monthly Resale Housing Figures

TORONTO, December 5, 2012 -- Greater Toronto Area REALTORS reported 5,793 sales in Nov 2012 down by 16 percent compared to Nov 2011. 

"Transactions have been down on a year-over-year basis since June, after being up substantially in the last half 2011 and the initial half of 2012. Some consumers pulled forward their choice to purchase that has impacted sales levels in the second 1/2 2012," announced Toronto Real-estate Board ( TREB ) President Ann Hannah. 

"Stricter mortgage lending suggestions, including a reduced maximum amortization period and a purchase price ceiling of one-million dollars for government insured mortgages, have inspired some customers to head to the sidelines. This situation has been increased in the Town of Toronto as the extra up-front Land Transfer Tax takes money away from buyers that otherwise might be used for a bigger down payment," continued Ms. Hannah. 

The average selling price was up by 1.6 % annually to $485,328. The MLS Home Price Index ( MLS HPI ) Composite Benchmark was up by 4.6 per cent matched against last year. 

"The moderate yearly rate of price growth compared to previous months was principally because of a different mix in detached home sales this year matched against last, especially in the City of Toronto. The share of detached homes that sold for over one-million dollars was down significantly, which influenced the final average price," enunciated Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. 

"The MLS HPI detached benchmark price, which tracks the price for a home with the same features over time, was up by about 6 % in Toronto, suggesting that market conditions for low-rise homes remain quite tight in spite of a changing mix of sales," added Mercer.

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The Bank of Canada kept its key policy rate at One per cent

The Bank of Canada kept its key policy rate at One per cent on December 4th 2012. It has been unchanged at this level for over two years, marking the longest period way back to the early 1950s that rates have been left untouched. This includes the bottom line that the Bank would still like its next move to be a rate hike, saying some modest withdrawal of current impulse will "likely" be required "over time", but that the "timing and degree of any such withdrawal will be weighed carefully against global and domestic developments, including the evolution of disparities in the household sector." . And while Europe remains in recession, Chinese growth appears to be stabilizing, lessening fears of a hard landing. 

The Bank declared that while the business growth in the united states was still progressing at a steady pace, it was being held back by uncertainty related to the result of fiscal cliff negotiations. Having said that, the world economy remains vulnerable to a major shock from the U.S. Or Europe. 

Third quarter industrial expansion in Canada was weak, though the Bank attributed this to "transitory interruptions in the energy sector," announcing it still expects expansion to pick up going forward. 

Spurred on by the continuance of near-record low interest rates, consumption and business investment still are anticipated to be the number one drivers of commercial growth in Canada next year. The Bank noted that housing activity has declined and that growth in household credit has slowed, but cautioned it was too early to determine if this trend would be sustained. 

Regarding customer price inflation, the Bank stated that it has evolved broadly in accordance with their outlook, with both total and core inflation anticipated to rise and return to the Two per cent target in the subsequent year. 

The final analysis is that commercial expansion is anticipated to stay modest but positive, consistent with low inflation and low interest rates. The Bank of Canada has regularly said it would like to raise rates, although the existing economic outlook advises such an action won't be warranted till late next year at the earliest, and that outlook could be revised by the time the Bank makes it next statement on Jan 23rd, 2013, by which time the result of the U.S. Financial cliff will be known. 

As of December 4th, 2012 the advertised five-year lending rate stood at 5.24 percent. It has been unvaried at this level since the beginning of June.

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The Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada is once more keeping its key policy rate unvaried, though continuing to signal that rates will move higher at some point. The Bank's statement noted that in Canada "although underlying momentum appears slightly softer than previously expected, the pace of economic expansion is expected to pick up in 2013," and that "it is too early to ascertain whether the moderation in housing activity and credit growth will be sustained." . 

The prime rate for most lenders should stay at Three percent, exactly where it's been for more than 2 years. 

The Bank's next rate call is scheduled for Jan Twenty-three. 

As for fixed rates, we carry on enjoying traditionally low rates for those wishing to purchase or refinance.

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MREB against new land transfer tax in Mississauga

The Mississauga Real estate Board will appear before city councillors on Monday in an attempt to head off the concept of the land transfer tax that Mayor Hazel McCallion is pushing. 

MREB President Fawzi Matter and State Relations Chair Linda Pinnizzotto will outline the local real estate industry's objections to the tax, which they are saying would add significantly to the financial millstone of buying a property and put a damper on the local economy. 

With ratepayers facing a proposed 7.8 percent property tax increase, McCallion has been lobbying her colleagues to support a land transfer tax, similar to one already in effect in Toronto. That could add $74 million yearly to City coffers. 

A land transfer tax is a one time fee that is charged when property, including land and buildings, is transferred from one owner to another. 

The MREB claims arrival of the tax could applied the brakes on a local home market that has already fell during a prolonged recession. Generally the amount is a proportion of the purchase price and is paid by the patron. 

The board has started an internet campaign to mount opposition to such a tax. 

"A Land Transfer Tax will moisten Mississauga home sales," the MREB says in a message to members. 

A recent study concluded that Toronto home sales dropped Sixteen percent as a result of the tax there. 

It "would mean lost roles for Mississauga's economy because of reduced consumer expenditure on restorations, movers, furnishings, etc.," the board claims. 

The MREB will present its deputation to councillors at budget dialogues that resume Monday at 1 p.m. 

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