OPINION: In August, the dichotomy in the Canadian home resale market continued, with large gains in the four metropolitan areas (Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria and Hamilton) that have been driving the national index recently. Apart from these four regions, prices have overall decreased over the last 12 months (top chart). That being said, for the first time in seven months, the monthly price increase in Vancouver was below 2%. Market conditions, although still tight, have eased in that city with the decrease in home sales since their peak last February. That sets the stage for a moderate price correction in Vancouver. In contrast, due to a combination of high sales and shrinking supply, market conditions are the tightest in Toronto since at least 14 years, with the number of dwellings listed for sale representing only 1.1 month of sales (middle chart). As a result, house prices growth in Toronto has accelerated to a monthly average of 3.1% over the last three months. On a year-over-year basis, price increases in these two metropolitan areas have accelerated for condos as well as for other types of dwellings (bottom chart).

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