Welcome to the September 2023 Langley Real Estate Report & Trends, your up-to-date source for all the latest information on the Langley, BC real estate market. In this report, we will delve into the key statistics and trends that defined the Langley market in August, providing valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike.

While this blog post captures a snapshot of the market for this month, our 'Langley Market Update' page offers continually updated insights. Be sure to check it regularly for the most up-to-date information on the Langley real estate market.

Langley Housing Market Statistics for All Property Types
For August 2023

Snapshot: Key Real Estate Statistics in Langley, BC

As we transition from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall, Langley's real estate market shows signs of subtle shifts. Let's dive into the key statistics for August 2023 to understand the market's current pulse.

Average Sold Price: A Slight Dip with a Silver Lining: The average sold price for homes in Langley this August was $1,061,938. While this marks a 1.38% decrease compared to July 2023, it's essential to view this in the broader context. The price is down by 2.98% from the last quarter but shows a promising 5.82% increase compared to August 2022, when the average was $1,003,550. The year-over-year growth suggests a resilient market.

Sales Numbers: A Mixed Bag: August saw a total of 300 properties changing hands, a modest 0.67% increase from July's 298 sales. However, when we look at the quarterly change, there's a 22.88% decrease from the previous quarter's 389 sales. On the brighter side, the market is bustling compared to last year, showing a 35.75% increase from August 2022's 221 sales.

Listing Numbers: A Seasonal Adjustment: New listings in August numbered 447, down from July's 568 and last quarter's 681. However, compared to August 2022, when there were 380 new listings, we're still ahead by 17.63%. This could indicate that sellers are becoming more confident in the market.

Benchmark Prices: Property Type Matters
Detached Houses: $1,638,700
Townhouses: $856,200
Apartments: $611,700
The benchmark prices across different property types continue to offer a range of options for potential buyers, each with its own market dynamics.

Average Days On Market (DOM): A Bit More Patience Required: Properties in August stayed on the market for an average of 22 days, up from July's 17 days and last quarter's 20 days. However, this is an improvement from August 2022, when properties took an average of 25 days to sell.

Active Listings: A Slight Contraction: The total number of active listings in August was 956, a small dip from July's 981 but lower than August 2022's 1,147. This could signify a more balanced market as we move into the fall season.

Most Active Neighbourhoods: Where the Action Is: Walnut Grove and Murrayville were the hotspots in Langley this August, with active-to-sales ratios of 54.9% and 52.8%, respectively. These neighbourhoods are where buyers and sellers should pay special attention.

In summary, August 2023 has been a month of nuanced changes in Langley's real estate market. While some numbers have dipped, the year-over-year growth in average sold prices and sales numbers indicates underlying strength. Stay tuned for our next section where we decode what these numbers mean for you.

Decoding the Data: What Does Langley's Market Mean for You?

As the leaves begin to turn, so does the Langley real estate market. But what do the numbers and trends mean for you? Whether you're a buyer, a seller, or a homeowner, understanding the current market nuances is crucial for making informed decisions.

The Inventory Conundrum: A Seller's Advantage: Inventory remains low, which has been a significant driver for the price increases we've seen throughout 2023. Despite sales being below average, the scarcity of available homes has given sellers the upper hand. If you're considering selling, now might be an opportune time to capitalize on the high prices.

The Return to Normalcy: A Glimpse into 2024: Home sales are expected to return to more typical levels next year. While prices are likely to continue their upward trajectory, the rate of growth could be tempered by an increase in housing supply. Sellers should be mindful of this when planning for the long term.

The Seasonal Slowdown: A Buyer's Breather: The market has shown signs of slowing in the past two months, influenced by both seasonal trends and buyer hesitancy. Many potential buyers are in a "watchful waiting" mode, anticipating further rate changes. This slowdown offers a brief respite for buyers who have been grappling with a frenzied market.

The Interest Rate Factor: A Balancing Act: On September 6th, the Bank of Canada opted to hold its policy interest rate at 5%, pausing the rate hikes initiated earlier this summer. The next announcement is scheduled for October 25, 2023. This pause could be a game-changer for both buyers and sellers. If rates hold steady, we might see an increase in new listings, providing more options for buyers and potentially easing the upward pressure on prices.

The current market conditions present unique opportunities and challenges for buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike. While sellers enjoy the advantage of low inventory and rising prices, buyers have a momentary breather due to the seasonal slowdown and paused interest rates. As we await the next Bank of Canada announcement, one thing is clear: knowledge is power, and understanding these market dynamics can help you make the most of your real estate journey. Stay tuned for our next section, where we'll gaze into the crystal ball to forecast Langley's real estate future.

Looking Ahead: Langley Real Estate Forecast

As we step into the final quarter of 2023, it's time to look beyond the horizon. What does the future hold for Langley's real estate market? Let's delve into our expert projections to give you a roadmap for the coming months.

The Resilience Factor: A Market Defying Odds: Langley's real estate market has shown remarkable resilience this year, especially considering the higher interest rates. The Bank of Canada's conditional pause earlier in the year led to a robust spring season. However, the central bank's recent tightening measures and delayed expectations for future rate cuts have introduced new variables into the equation.

The 2024 Outlook: A Return to Equilibrium: Sales are expected to normalize in 2024, thanks to strong population growth and favourable demographics. However, a sustained market upswing will likely hinge on a decrease in mortgage rates. If you're planning a long-term investment, keep an eye on these indicators.

The Fall Forecast: A Seasonal Surge: Traditionally, the fall season brings a spike in market activity. Despite the current high-interest environment, we anticipate a seasonal uptick in both inventory and home sales. Sellers with well-priced and well-presented homes should find buyers swiftly, given the low inventory levels.

The Generational Shift: Millennial and Gen Z Impact: The younger generations are becoming increasingly influential in the market. With millennials and Gen Z households eyeing their first homes and the continued influx from international immigration, any price declines are likely to be short-lived as these groups enter the buying fray.

The Risk and Reward Equation: A Balanced Approach: With looming uncertainties around interest rates and provincial housing strategies, both buyers and sellers should exercise caution. Assessing the risks and opportunities in this fluid environment is crucial for making informed decisions.

The Seller's Edge: Quality Over Quantity: Inventory remains low, creating a seller's market for quality properties. If you're considering selling, now is the time to make your move, but ensure your property is priced and presented to attract immediate attention.

The Langley real estate market is poised for some interesting dynamics in the coming months. While the market has its share of uncertainties, its underlying strength and resilience offer a sense of optimism. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, understanding these future trends can equip you with the insights needed to navigate the market effectively.

Sales-to-Active Ratio: A Measure of Market Type

The Pulse of Supply and Demand: Understanding the Sales-to-Active Ratio: The Sales-to-Active Ratio is a cornerstone metric that provides invaluable insights into the Langley real estate market. By examining this ratio, we can gauge the market's temperature—whether it's a Seller's, Buyer's, or Balanced Market—and thus help both buyers and sellers set realistic expectations and strategies. Let's break down the Sales-to-Active Ratio for August 2023 and see how it compares to previous periods.

August 2023: A Seller's Market, But Cooling: The Sales-to-Active Ratio for August 2023 was 31.3%. While this is a slight increase from July 2023's 30.3%, it still firmly places Langley in Seller's Market territory. High demand and limited supply continue to favor sellers, albeit with a slight cooling compared to earlier months.

July 2023: Holding Steady in a Seller's Market: In July 2023, the Sales-to-Active Ratio stood at 30.3%. Although this was a decrease from the preceding month, it still indicated a Seller's Market. The high demand and low supply dynamics were still very much in play, favoring sellers.

August 2022: A Year of Transformation: Rewinding to August 2022, the Sales-to-Active Ratio was at 19.3%. The significant jump to this year's 31.3% highlights a considerable shift towards a market that heavily favours sellers.

In summary, the Sales-to-Active Ratio continues to underscore the strength of the Langley real estate market. Despite minor fluctuations month-over-month, the ratio has remained above the 20% threshold for several months, confirming that Langley is still a Seller's Market. Understanding this key indicator is crucial for both buyers and sellers as they navigate the complexities of the Langley housing market. Armed with this knowledge, you can set appropriate expectations and craft effective strategies for your real estate journey.

Stay tuned for our next report, where we'll continue to bring you the most current and actionable insights.

Ready to Make Your Move in Langley's Real Estate Market?

Navigating through the dynamic real estate market of Langley, BC, is indeed a thrilling expedition filled with opportunities, challenges, and crucial choices. But rest assured, you're not alone on this voyage.

At Thorne Maisey Bongers Real Estate Group, we go beyond the traditional role of REALTORS®. We serve as your reliable guides, your steadfast partners, and your advocates. Leveraging our collective experience of over 70 years, our mission is to empower you, shed light on the path ahead, and simplify the complexities of the real estate market for you.

Are you ready to delve into the market? Explore the wide array of houses, townhomes and condos for sale in Langley. Each property unfolds a unique story, offering a potential home that's ready to house your dreams and aspirations.

Considering selling your home? Allow us to provide you with a complimentary home evaluation. Gain an understanding of your property's value in the current market and stride confidently towards your next chapter.

Every real estate journey begins with a step. Take that step with assurance. Connect with us today, and let's work together to turn your real estate aspirations into reality.

All data © 2023 BC Northern Real Estate Board, Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, and Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. All rights reserved. Data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.