From the CMHC press release regarding vacancy rates in St. John’s.

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Fall Rental Market Survey, the vacancy rate in the St. John’s Census metropolitan area (CMA) was 1.3 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent in 2010.
“With record employment and income growth attracting people to the region, population growth continued to create rental demand as new immigrants have a high tendency to rent,” said Chris Janes, senior market analyst with CMHC in Newfoundland and Labrador. “An increase in home prices and a solid economy also supported demand for rental units in 2011. These factors, coupled with limited new rental supply, continued to keep the local vacancy rate low,” added Janes.
Provincially, vacancy rates in percentage terms were 1.3 in the Corner Brook area, 1.2 per cent in Gander and 0.9 per cent in the Grand Falls-Windsor area. The combined provincial vacancy rate for all centres surveyed increased from 1.0 per cent to 1.3 per cent.
Overall, the average two bedroom rent was $701 across the five urban centres surveyed, with increases recorded in every centre. The highest average two bedroom rent recorded was $771 in the St. John’s CMA, while Bay Roberts posted the lowest average rent of $561. The remaining average two bedroom rents were $584 in Corner Brook; $567 in Gander and $646 in Grand Falls-Windsor.

 

So tomorrow is the big day in St. John’s….the 193rd Regatta Day. The Royal St. John’s Regatta is North America‘s oldest annual sporting event dating back to 1816. If weather isn’t suitable the event is postponed until the next suitable day.  Since Regatta Day is a civic holiday in St. John’s, this means that the weather actually determines whether or not workers have the day off – a matter sometimes complicated by late-night partying associated with the end of the George Street Festival the night before. (Locally known as Regatta Roulette)

Decided to drive downtown St. John’s this morning and swing up to Signal Hill and head back to my office via Quidi Vidi Lake.  Randomly taking photos as I went. There are a great number of people out today.  Most with camera’s so I can only assume tourist’s.  Even as I drove up the road to Signal Hill the place was packed with people.  Nothing to see up there though as the fog has it completely engulfed.  No ocean view that’s for sure.

Tomorrow Quidi Vidi Lake will be surrounded with tens of thousands of people.  Each visiting “the pond” for their own personal reasons.  Whether it be family tradition, curious spectators, visiting tourists, family/friends of the rowers or just to head down for a game of chance at the concession booths – none will be disappointed.

CMHC released the June Housing Starts for the St. John’s Area yesterday.  Here is a clip of the article.

“Housing starts in the St. John’s region were up during the month of June, according to  preliminary data released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). June’s housing starts totaled 278 units throughout the St. John’s area compared to 232 units in June of 2010. There were 56 additional starts recorded in urban centres outside the St. John’s area, for a total of 334 provincial urban housing starts. Year-to-date, urban starts are down 3 per cent, with 935 posted provincewide.
“Higher levels of multiple housing starts supported the overall gains in new home construction activity in the St. John’s area in June,” said Chris Janes, senior market analyst with CMHC in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Single-detached starts were relatively stable in June at 193 units. The trend towards lower levels of single housing starts remains, with this segment down 20 per cent compared to this time last year,” added Janes.
In urban centres across Canada, total housing starts recorded in June were up four per cent to 15,982 units compared to 15,346 a year ago. Single-detached starts declined seven per cent to 7,287 units, while multiple starts increased 16 per cent to 8,695 units in June. In the Atlantic region, 1,051 new homes were started compared to 1,012 units during June 2010.”

A copy of the PDF file can be found here.

Average price of a house in St. John’s increased slightly this month. March average sale price was approx $277,000, for April it is $285,000. Average sales price year to date is up as well, almost 6.5% (all of Newfoundland) Interestingly the current real estate market certainly doesn’t reflect this increase.  From looking at the break down in homes sold, it appears that this data is a little “skewed” as a majority of the houses sold were in the 260k to 350k price range, hence bringing up the average prices. Currently, HALF of the homes on the market expire.  Meaning they do not sell.  From my opinion, majority of the houses currently on the market are WAY overpriced.  We are seeing a large number of reductions in prices.  Houses are sitting on the market an average of 60 days before selling.  I don’t think we will see a drop in the average house prices, but we will certainly see a lot of home owners having to reduce their homes to be in line with the market.  It seems that I have the following statement each month……but….. proper pricing on your home is key in this market and will be the same trend in 2011.  Contact us for a free market evaluation on your home.

Total # of new MLS Listings [April] = 814 (based on residential stats)

Total # of Sales [April] = 303

Number of Active Listings in the NLAR MLS System (ALL of Newfoundland) = 3700

Here is a break down by area for the month of April

St. John’s Real Estate: Listings = 190   Sales = 81 Sales/Listings Ratio = 42%

Average sale price for a home in St. John’s: $285,097 for the month of April and the 12 month average $281,644

Mount Pearl Real Estate: Listings = 32 Sales = 18  Sales/Listings Ratio = 41%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $252,736

Paradise Real Estate: Listings =55 Sales = 26 Sales/Listings Ratio =52%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $310,525

East Extern Real Estate: Listings = 53 Sales = 15  Sales/Listings Ratio = 33%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $290,202

Conception Bay South Real Estate: Listings = 44   Sales = 15  Sales/Listings Ratio = 40%

Average Sale Price (12 month average): $258,061

Demand for housing in St. John’s remains healthy, particularly among first time buyers, despite a decline in year-to-date sales.  Buyer’s market conditions and the best choice of product in years have buoyed the entry-level segment, along with wage gains, economic growth and rising consumer confidence levels. Affordability continues to be  favourable, with increased earnings offsetting the more moderate price growth of late.  Most young home buyers are now active from $200,000 to $250,000.  Those buying new construction will have to ante up more—typically between $230,000 and $280,000 to start—as the  price of new construction has risen at a greater rate.  Those on a tight budget will find that homes listed below $200,000 are few and far between and tend to sell for close to full price, if listed at fair market value.  Some even generate a rare multiple offer.

To illustrate the supply issue, only 34 homes have sold year-to-date under $175,000, accounting for just 10 per cent of all sales, and only 39 listings under that price point are currently available. Given that, buyers at the lowest end of the price spectrum will have to act more quickly.  The housing mix in St. John’s continues to favour the single detached home, particularly in the first-time buyer segment.

Of the 34 homes sold under $175,000, only three were condominiums. Entry-level condominium product remains limited in St. John’s, as builders continue to focus on the mid-range—units priced between $250,000 and $350,000. While condominiums are gaining traction with younger buyers, they remain only a small portion of entry-level sales. Condominiums now start from $165,000 to $175,000 for an  older, 650 to 750 sq. ft. walk-up unit on Thorburn Rd., Dalton Ave., and in Pleasantville.

With the current oversupply of homes listed for sale in St. John’s, buyers remain in the driver’s seat. That, along with historically low interest rates, continues to serve as a significant  impetus.

Detached homes can be found from $169,000 for an older bungalow requiring work, located on the peripherals. Older homes are most popular. Most sought-after are properties priced between $210,000 and $250,000 in established neighbourhoods such as Cowan Heights, Mount Pearl and Paradise. Most buyers are realizing their choice location, with little need to compromise.  Those that must choose are opting to spend a little more, if necessary.

Solid demand among first-time purchasers is expected to carry over in to the spring market, with new financing criteria expected to have little impact. In fact, look to sales in the entry-level segment to prompt greater activity in the move-up range in the months ahead. February year-to-date sales were 11 per cent off year-ago levels, with 359 sales recorded, while average price continued its ascent at $255,512, up just over five per cent.

Full RE/MAX Media Release for the First Time Buyers Report 2011

ST. JOHN’S, March 8, 2011 – Housing starts in the St. John’s real estate region decreased during the month of February, according to preliminary released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

February’s housing starts totaled 52 units throughout the St. John’s area compared to 67 units in February of 2010. There were no additional starts recorded in urban centres outside the St. John’s area.
“New home construction activity took a breather during February, with starts down 22 per cent,” said Chris Janes, senior market analyst with CMHC in Newfoundland and Labrador. “While starts activity is retreating from recent highs, growth in employment, income and population is expected to support the local housing market again this year,” added Janes.

In urban centres across Canada, total housing starts recorded in February were down seven per cent to 9,900 units compared to last year’s total of 10,637. Single-detached starts declined 27 per cent to 3,300 units, while multiple starts increased eight per cent to 6,600 units in February. In the Atlantic region, 269 new units were started compared to 453 units during February 2010.

The full CMHC press release can be found here

*** SALE PENDING *** Fraser and Stephen Winters have just listed 7 Kincaid Street.  This 4 year old 2-story home shows just like new.  Hardwood and ceramic on the main floor.  Bright open concept eat-in kitchen and family room.  Rounding out the main floor is a separate, spacious living room as well as a 1/2 bathroom.  Three bedrooms in total on the second floor.  The master bedroom includes a 3 piece ensuite and walk-in closet.  There is a large rec-room in the basement as well as a separate office (or 4th bedroom)  Newly updated laundry room with a half bathroom.  This house is located on an oversize lot with panoramic views of the East End of St. John’s.  You can even enjoy a surprisingly spectacular view of the ocean from your patio deck.  The property is fully landscaped has a fenced backyard and includes a baby barn.  As a bonus feature, you can have rear yard access. Asking price is $299,900.

For a virtual tour of 7 Kincaid Street click here

CMHC’s Housing Now publications was just released for Newfoundland and Labrador outlining January’s housing starts for the St. John’s real estate market.  Below is the outline of the press release.  For the full PDF file click here.

ST. JOHN’S, February 8, 2011 – Housing starts in the St. John’s region were flat during the month of January, according to preliminary released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).  January’s housing starts totaled 105 units throughout the St. John’s area compared to 104 units in January of 2010.  There were four additional starts  recorded outside the St. John’s area, for a total of 109 provincial urban housing starts compared to 113 last January.

“An 18 per cent increase in single-detached housing construction was offset by lower multiple unit starts activity  during January,” said Chris Janes, senior market analyst with CMHC in Newfoundland and Labrador. “While starts activity is expected to come off record highs, continued growth in employment, income and population will remain supportive of the local housing market this year,” added Janes.

In urban centres across Canada, total housing starts recorded in January were down six per cent to 9,773 units compared to last year’s total of 10,438. Single-detached starts declined 28 per cent to 3,463 units, while multiple starts increased 13 per cent to 6,310 units in January. In the Atlantic region, 480 new units were started in January compared to 441 units during the same period in 2010.

CMHC just released their First Quarter 2011 edition of  Housing Now – Major Centres – St. John’s.  You can view the entire PDF release here http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/esub/64199/64199_2011_Q01.pdf

Here are some of the highlights:

- High prices and an increasing inventory of unsold new and existing homes saw  housing market activity continue to slow during the fourth quarter of 2010

- During the October to December period, both new home construction and resale market activity registered declines.

- Average prices,  however, advanced compared to 2009, but remained relatively unchanged on a  month-over-month basis

- Residential construction activity declined moderately

- Total housing starts were down approximately six per cent, with 488 starts versus 520 in 2009’s fourth quarter

- The overall average new house price for the St. John’s CMA was $326,954

- 50 per cent of all new single-detached homes sold for more than $300,000 during the quarter

- decline in sales and increased inventory, positioned the market as buyers again during the fourth quarter

- buyers had a much broader choice of homes because available inventory  increased approximately 40 per cent in the quarter, including a 56 per cent surge in December

- Listings remained on the market for an average of 65 days

- Despite higher inventory, offers came in at approximately 96 per cent of asking
price

- The average MLS® residential price in Newfoundland was $238,696 during the October to December period – an increase of 12 per cent.

There are approximately 51 major developments that could take place in St. John’s this year. Of these developments, Pleasantville appears to be the hottest topic (as well as the largest development)  A new Canadian Forces Base  as well as 975 residential spaces. I have received a number of calls in the past few months on this new subdivision already.  This will be the hot spot for East End St. John’s homes for sure.

The old Woolworth building is slated to become an office tower/parking garage.

An $18million dollar hotel is to be built at the corner of Prescott and Water Street.

A $15million dollar hotel/condo building is being built on Temperance Street.

The old Arcade building on Water Street as well as the old CBC building are aimed to be converted to office buildings and condos.

On Tiffany Lane in the East End of St John’s a new $10million dollar condo development will be built.

In the West End of St. John’s a new $8million dollar seniors condominium complex will be built as well as another in the Center of the City on Blackmarsh Road.

A 200 home project is expected to get underway off Ruby Line and Heavy Tree Road in Mount Pearl.

Lots of new Box Stores being constructed up on Stavanger Drive Area.  (Best Buy, Kesleys, a new RONA building, a new Canadian Tire building) as well as new ones on Kesley Drive near Kenmount Terrace.

Things are certainly booming here in St. John’s.  Good times, prosperous times are ahead for Newfoundlanders.

With only a small rise in inventory in 2010, the growth in prices in the existing home market was higher than expected (approx 15% since 2009). For 2011, average house prices are forecast to increase across Atlantic Canada from a high of close to four per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), three per cent in Nova Scotia (NS) and close to one per cent in New Brunswick (NB). Prices in Prince Edward Island (PEI) are expected to rise less than one per cent in 2011. Existing home sales are expected to decline modestly.

Sales declines will vary across Atlantic Canada from one per cent in NS, close to four per cent in NB and NL and nearly eight per cent in PEI.

Although the economic forecast remains positive, recent concerns regarding the global outlook have tempered the possibility of stronger growth in 2011.

For Newfoundland and Labrador, energy and mining development will continue to be the main source of future growth. Several major capital projects will continue to  inject stimulus into the local economy and contribute to a positive outlook.

Growth in commodity prices has also provided a lift to mining companies in the interior of the province. Stronger income growth compared to the other three Atlantic provinces has also helped support the level of consumer spending, as well as the stronger than expected level of housing activity. The fishing industry will continue to pose a challenge for Newfoundland’s rural economies,  but population losses will moderate over the forecast period due to improving economic conditions in St. John’s.  Natural declines in offshore oil production will restrain GDP growth, although increased royalties received by the province will offset the effects of production declines on economic growth overall.

(source: CHMC)