Edmonton-area real estate sales rise in April, but prices fall slightly
Warmer weather boosted real estate activity around the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in April as unit sales and inventory increased.
Compared to March 2018, single-family home sales increased 22.76 per cent, condominium sales rose 12.09 per cent and duplex/rowhouse sales jumped 20.71 per cent. Inventory also increased in April, up 13.58 per cent month-over-month and 14.85 per cent year-over-year.
“We are in the busiest season for real estate in Edmonton, so sales are consistent with seasonal market trends,” says Darcy Torhjelm, chair of the Realtors Association of Edmonton.
Increased sales numbers were reflected in the year-over-year figures as well, as sales for all residential properties rose 5.78 per cent over April 2017. Singlefamily home sales saw a 7.65-percent year-over-year boost, while duplex/rowhouse sales increased 15.75 per cent and condominium sales decreased 3.06 per cent.
New listings in April totalled 3,470, up 0.32 per cent relative to March 2018 and up 10.97 per cent compared to April 2017.
In total, there were 1,555 MLSlisted properties sold during April, which was an increase of 20.17 per cent compared to March 2018 and an increase of 5.78 per cent in April 2017.
“More sellers are entering the market and are motivated to move their properties before the summer,” said Torhjelm, “which provides the best selection of properties for buyers who are actively looking and taking advantage of the increased number of listings.”
While sales and inventory spiked in April, sale prices dropped slightly. The average residential sales price was $369,258, down 1.34 per cent compared to March 2018 and down 2.48 per cent relative to April 2017. The average price of a single-family home was $429,116, a decrease of 3.37 per cent month-over-month and a decrease of 2.39 per cent yearover-year. Condominium average prices rose 5.63 per cent compared to March 2018 but dipped 4.51 per cent relative to April 2017. Duplex/rowhouse average prices decreased 7.33 per cent monthover-month and decreased 9.48 per cent year-over-year.
Average days on market for all residential properties decreased to 57 days, one day shorter than in March 2018 but two days longer compared to April 2017. For single-family homes, the average days on market was 52, up from 51 in March 2018 and up from 48 in April 2017. Condominiums spent an average of 66 days on market, down from 72 the previous month and up from 60 in April 2017. For duplex/rowhouses, the average days on market was 59, up from 57 in March 2018 and down from 64 in April 2017.
GARDEN INSECTS ON AGENDA AT EHS SPEAKER’S SERIES EVENT
Gardeners seeking information on harmful pests or helpful pollinators can attend the Edmonton Horticultural Society (EHS) Speaker’s Series event May 28, featuring a presentation from Dr. Ken Fry, entomology instructor in the School of Animal Science & Horticulture at Olds College.
Fry has been involved with insect management research and teaching for more than 25 years. He will discuss pest management options to both conserve and encourage beneficial insects, as well as the impact of climate change on pests and beneficial insects. Fry will also provide an update on research projects, which include the introduction of a parasitic wasp to manage the lily beetle, surveillance of invasive species affecting the urban forest, and evaluating the effects of Aphodiinae beetles on turf grass.
Fry serves as the curator of a 65,000-specimen insect collection at Olds College and is a co-author — along with Doug Macaulay and Don Williamson — of “Garden Bugs of Alberta” and a contributing author to “Organic Farming on the Prairies.” The EHS Speaker’s Series event takes place on Monday, May 28 at 6:45 p.m. at the Central Lions Seniors Recreation Centre, located at 11113 113 St NW. Admission is free for EHS members, $10 for non-members.