Multiple Listing Service (MLS) residential sales in the province are forecast to rise 15.6 per cent to 108,680 units this year, after recording 94,021 sales in 2020. In 2022, MLS^® residential sales are forecast to pull back 9 per cent to 98,850 units.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VANCOUVER - The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2021 First Quarter Housing Forecast update which is expected to stay positive.

Multiple Listing Service (MLS) residential sales in the province are forecast to rise 15.6 per cent to 108,680 units this year, after recording 94,021 sales in 2020. In 2022, MLS residential sales are forecast to pull back 9 per cent to 98,850 units.

“After an unprecedented and often surprising performance in 2020, the provincial housing market is set up for a very strong year in 2021,” said Brendon Ogmundson, BCREA Chief Economist. “A strong economic recovery and record-low mortgage rates will continue to drive strong demand this year.”

On the supply side, new listings activity recovered through the second half of 2020, but not nearly enough to see any accumulation in overall inventory. As a result, market conditions will start 2021 very tight, with the potential for strong price increases through the spring and summer until new supply comes online. We are forecasting a 7.7 per cent rise in the MLS average price this year, followed by a further 3 per cent in 2022.