TRREB released its initial forecast for 2021 at the beginning of February in conjunction with its annual Market Year in Review and Outlook report. The outlook for 2021 called for 105,000 transactions reported through TRREB’s MLS® System with an average selling price of $1,025,000.
The reasoning underlying the sales forecast was that an improving regional economy and very low borrowing costs would continue to fuel strong demand, but this demand would ebb somewhat in 2021 because of stalled population growth due to pandemic-related border closures. While sales do appear to have peaked this year and TRREB is no longer reporting record months in terms of home sales, first-quarter activity was higher than expected. March home sales, at over 15,000, represented an all-time monthly record.
Taking into account the record Q1 2021 sales result, but still accounting for sales trending below record levels for the remainder of this year, TRREB is revising its 2021 sales forecast upward to 115,000 transactions. With year-over-year sales growth continuing to outpace new listings growth, the forecast average selling price has also been revised upward to $1,070,000.
“Home sales soared at the start of the year, with a huge sales record in the first quarter. However, the record pace of sales has run its course as pent-up demand has increasingly been satisfied in the absence of normal population growth. With this said, a persistent lack of inventory across most segments of the market will keep competition between buyers strong, resulting in an average selling price well above $1 million through the end of 2021,” said TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer.
New MLTT Research
TRREB’s market update comes as new public opinion polling, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for TRREB, found public opposition to a potential increase in Toronto’s Municipal Land Transfer Tax. Last winter, City of Toronto Council directed City staff to report back in July regarding a possible increase to the land transfer tax for properties priced over $2 million.
“Any MLTT increase has a ripple effect on ALL market segments, and would further constrain inventory, making it an even more challenging environment for buyers. Recent polling by Ipsos shows a majority of residents understand this risk and more than half oppose a potential increase to the land transfer tax. Housing affordability is one of Toronto’s most serious challenges and City Council should be doing everything it can to make it more affordable, not less,” said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.
The poll found more than half of respondents are against this potential MLTT hike. The online poll surveyed 801 Toronto residents, between June 15 and 21 (with a margin of error of +/- 3.9 per cent), and showed:
• 54 per cent oppose a potential MLTT increase on $2 million plus properties
• 63 per cent believe a potential MLTT increase on $2 million plus properties will result in a tighter supply of homes for sale across all price points
Toronto Vacant Home Tax
The City of Toronto is also moving towards implementing a tax on vacant homes, excluding principal residences. TRREB has worked closely with City staff in recent months and years, calling for evidencebased decision making to ensure that the tax meets its policy objectives of improving rental housing supply and ensuring that appropriate exemptions are provided.
“We appreciated the opportunity for input, and we are encouraged that the recommended tax design is consistent with TRREB’s views, especially the need for various exemptions. TRREB is generally supportive of the list of exemptions included in the staff recommendations, and we look forward to providing further input as staff continues with the next step of public consultations,” added DiMichele.
Post a comment