Last year, buyers were rushing to cash in on some housing markets, while the rest of Canada looked on. Now, some markets have cooled considerably while others are starting to warm up.
All of which begs the question: Is this the year to buy? A recent survey by BMO found that one in four Canadians are hoping to buy a primary residence in 2018. To find out if you should be one of them, read on for these important things to consider.
Prices are down. In March, prices were down year-over-year in 80 per cent of local markets, as they adjust to the effects of a new mortgage stress test which was implemented on January 1. Many economists are predicting that prices won’t stay down for long, with most predicting that they could start to rise again this summer. If you’re looking to capitalize on this lull, now could be the time.
There’s an inventory shortage. The fall in prices have also scared off sellers, who are wary of listing their home on a cooler market. Listings have been down consistently since January. If you’re hoping for a good selection, it might be worth to buy later this summer.
