Numbers reveal a positive August for GTA real estate and welcome figures for an industry that had a relatively cool summer selling season.
In Toronto, sales increased by 8.5% and prices were up 4.7% from a year ago. The average price for a home is now roughly $764,000 dollars. Although nowhere near early 2017 highs, the market is showing its resilience and demand despite all the battering it received over the past year.
New listings increased by 6% and the overall number of active listings increased by 9%, showing many new sellers joining the market and feeling positive about their capacity to get good prices for their assets. General media sentiment on the figures was positive, with many remarking that the figures show a market that is rebounding, on positive footing, and in good overall shape.
On Interest Rates And The Bank Of Canada
The Bank of Canada maintained its existing rate of 1.50%. There was no increase, which some expected, largely due to uncertainty over a trade deal with the U.S. and the potential implications and affects on the economy of a bad deal.
As Tembo has noted there is a risk of the U.S. placing tariffs on the Ontario economy and Canada’s forced departure from NAFTA. Such an outcome would devastate Ontario’s economy, whose backbone is automobile assembly and its associated spin-off industries and supply chain. Core inflation exceeded the Bank’s target of 2% and is at 3%.
The Latest Trade Negotiation News With The U.S.
The Prime Minister has stated that there will be no NAFTA deal with the U.S. unless Canada’s cultural industries (arts and broadcasting sectors) are protected. The PM is worried U.S. media conglomerates or companies could buy a Canadian newspaper or TV station. In addition the Prime Minister wants a dispute settlement clause included to to “ensure the rules are followed.” President Trump has tweeted that a deal with Canada is not a ‘necessity’ and he has repeatedly warned that he could easily exclude Canada from a deal if tariffs on Canadian dairy and eggs are not eliminated.