'More stable' fall 2024 real estate market predicted: WECAR
The Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors says the fall outlook is positive amid economic growth and interest rate reductions.
WECAR released its Fall 2024 Real Estate Market Outlook on Tuesday, forecasting a more stable market driven by the Bank of Canada's recent interest rate cuts and new business investment.
The central bank's decision to lower its benchmark interest rate to 4.25 per cent last week is expected to make mortgages more accessible, encouraging both buyers and sellers to engage in the market.
"Windsor-Essex is positioned for a stable fall market," said WECAR president Maggie Chen. "While our local market had a slow start this year, it has remained steady since spring, and we expect it to continue that way through year-end. The reduction in interest rates will offer a much-needed boost to affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers and investors looking to benefit from Windsor’s economic growth.”
The average home price in Windsor-Essex in August was $561,916, which is up 4.5 per cent from the previous month.
According to Invest Windsor, the labour force, employment and population all saw significant increases in Q2 2024 demonstrating strong economic fundamentals. The Windsor-Essex region is benefiting from increasing business investment including the near completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and the new NextStar Energy EV battery plant.
WECAR says these developments are drawing hundreds of new residents to the area, further stimulating demand for housing.
"When it comes to the economy and jobs, Windsor and Essex County are back in a big way and that is having a positive effect on our local housing market,” said Krista Gionet, CEO at WECAR. “Consumers are heading into a more balanced market this fall, with increased demand due to lower rates and a solid number of homes on the market for buyers to choose from.”
WECAR’s message to local policymakers is to continue to get more homes built.
“We need to continue to create the conditions to get more housing built in particular in our downtown core,” said Chen. “Mayor Dilkens has championed more housing in our downtown and WECAR has been proud to support his work. We encourage all councillors to rally around policy that will boost local housing supply.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates: 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Milton brings high winds, destructive waves
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Harris calls Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading misinformation about Helene response
Kamala Harris called Donald Trump 'incredibly irresponsible' for spreading falsehoods about the federal response to Hurricane Helene's destruction, offering especially sharp words as a new storm bears down on Florida with just weeks until Election Day.
University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton wins Nobel Prize in physics
A British-Canadian researcher has won the Nobel Prize in physics for work developing the foundations of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The University of Toronto's Geoffrey Hinton was awarded the prize Tuesday morning, along with Princeton University researcher John Hopfield.
Most fathers say they spend equal time caring for their child — fewer mothers agree, survey says
When it comes to raising a child, the majority of fathers say they share tasks equally, but fewer mothers tend to say the same thing, according to a Statistics Canada survey.
Beware of scams during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days sales event: cybersecurity firm
As online shoppers hunt for bargains offered by Amazon during its annual fall sale this week, cybersecurity researchers are warning Canadians to beware of an influx of scammers posing as the tech giant.
'They are just ruthless': Toronto senior loses $27,000 to roofing scam
A Toronto senior says she can’t believe that two roofers took advantage of her, despite knowing she was recently widowed and suffering from a painful disability.
Is Disney World still open as Hurricane Milton strengthens to a Category 5?
Despite Hurricane Milton evolving into a Category 5 storm, Walt Disney World Resort remains open to the public and will operate as normal. However, the park announced Monday a few closures in an abundance of caution.
Kathy Bates shocked she forgot this moment in her 1991 Oscars speech
For years, Kathy Bates has believed she missed thanking someone pivotal during her acceptance speech after she won the Oscar for best actress in 1991 for her performance in 'Misery.'
Tampa Bay hasn't been hit directly by a major hurricane since 1921. Milton may be the one
Florida's Gulf Coast braced Tuesday for the impact of Hurricane Milton's winds and expected massive storm surge, which could bring destruction to areas already reeling from Helene's devastation 12 days ago and still recovering from Ian's wrath two years ago.