Despite a March that both came in like a lion and out like a lion, the 2015 Spring market is off to a solid start with home sales totaling 769 last month. "Compared to March 2014, the numbers are up a good deal," says Carl Vandergoot, President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. "However, given the impact of last year's Polar Vortex on home sales during the early months of 2014, comparing March 2014 to March 2015 doesn't give you a true picture. That being said, the five year average for home sales in March stands at 726, so we are, in fact, above the average for that time period."
Also up for March were listings by 10.7% - while inventory - active listings end of period – was down a marginal 1.1%. The market continues to be a balanced one, good for both buyers and sellers.
March 2015 was also a good month for home sales in London's Sister City of St. Thomas, with 58 homes exchanging hands. "That makes it the best March on record for St. Thomas since 2011," says Vandergoot. The average price of a home in St. Thomas Year to Date stands at $204,883, up 2.5%.
The average price of a home in the Association's entire jurisdiction - Middlesex and Elgin Counties - stands at $255,786 Year-to-Date, up 0.6%.
The best-selling house style in LSTAR's jurisdiction for March 2015 was the two-storey, then the bungalow, followed by ranches, then townhouse condominiums, then high rise apartment condos.
|
House Style |
Units Sold |
Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 storey | 203 | $362,464 |
| Bungalow | 125 | $202,913 |
| Ranch | 76 | $320,870 |
| Townhouse | 63 | $161,310 |
| High rise apt. condo | 43 | $178,777 |
The following chart, based on data taken from CREA's National MLS® Report for February 2015 (the latest information available), demonstrates how homes in LSTAR's jurisdiction continue to maintain their affordability compared to other major Ontario and Canadian centers.
"Our local economy greatly benefits from a strong real estate market," says Vandergoot, adding, "According to recent research conducted by the Altus Group, one job is created for every three real estate transactions and approximately $53,000 in ancillary spending is generated every time a house changes hands in Ontario."
*Average Price Year to Date for March 2015
