Home sales strong in May, with best monthly numbers in 2018.
The London and St Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced 1,171 homes* were sold in May, down 24.4% over the same time last year, which saw a record-setting month for May with 1,549 homes sold. The May 2017 home sales stands as the highest ever sales month in LSTAR’s history, since the Association began tracking sales data in 1978.
"We're very encouraged by the sales in May, which represent the third best May results LSTAR has had," said Jeff Nethercott, 2018 LSTAR President. "The homes sold are actually above the 10-year average, despite the ongoing challenge of low inventory in the marketplace. Similar to what’s happened each month this year, home prices continue to gradually increase across the region, as fewer homes are available for sale.”
The average May sales price in London and St. Thomas was $366,096 up 6.4% over May 2017 and up 28.4% over May 2016. By geographic area, London South was $370,851 up 4.4% from last May. In London North, average home sales price was $451,556 up 4.7% compared to the previous year, while in London East, it was $291,359 an increase of 11.1% from May 2017. In St. Thomas, it was $288,723 up 11.2% over last May.
"The big trend we continue to see in the marketplace is low inventory, which remains at its lowest level in 10 years," Nethercott said. "In May, there were 1,643 active listings, down 7.7% from this time last year and down 44.6% from May 2016. The sales-to-new listings ratio was 70.8%, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) says represents conditions in the marketplace that favour sellers. With warmer temperatures and summer around the corner, it's a great time to contact your local REALTOR® if you're considering selling your home."
