GTA REALTORS® Report December Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, December 17, 2009 - Greater Toronto REALTORS reported 3,079 existing home transactions in the first two weeks of December compared to 1,487 in 2008. The strong growth represents both increased home ownership demand and the fact that we are comparing the recovery phase of the sales cycle this December with the contraction phase experienced last winter

Year-to-date sales, at 84,888, were up 16 per cent compared to the same period last year and have moved in line with the healthy levels experienced in the 2004 through 2006 period.

"We experienced a very strong and broad based recovery in the second half of 2009," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. "The rebound in the housing sector speaks to the confidence that households have in overall economic recovery.”

The average resale home price during the first two weeks of December rose 17 per cent to $423,103. The year-to-date average was $395,411, up four per cent compared to the same period in 2008.

“The double-digit price growth we have experienced since September will continue through the first quarter of 2010. Average price growth will move to a sustainable pace in the spring as listings increase," according to Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

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GTA REALTORS® REPORTING OCTOBER MID-MONTH HOUSING STATISTICS

TORONTO, October 19, 2009 - In the first two weeks of October, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,631 sales – up 34 per cent compared to the first two weeks of October 2008. The average price for these transactions was up 17 per cent year-overyear to $414,479.

"While demand for existing homes has remained strong, it is important to recognize the context of current statistics. We are now making comparisons to the fall of 2008 when we experienced a marked decline in sales and average price," said TREB President Tom Lebour.

Year-to-date sales, at 69,964 are up six per cent compared to 2008. Average price, at $389,687, is up by two per cent.

"Tight market conditions throughout the GTA will continue to exert upward pressure on home prices in the fourth quarter," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Expect more listings in 2010 as home owners react to the price gains experienced in he second half of 2009.”

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