What is a Buyer’s Market in Canada?

Well, that’s a very good question! Here we breakdown what a buyer’s market is, contributing factors, and what to expect in this type of market.

A buyer’s market arises when there is an excess of homes available for sale compared to the number of potential buyers. In Canadian real estate, this condition typically results in lower home prices and provides buyers with greater negotiating power. 

Various factors — such as interest rates, supply and demand, and local market conditions—  can influence a buyer’s market. Buyers should take advantage of these conditions to find a home they want that’s within their budget. Sellers, on the other hand, will need to adopt strategies to attract buyers in a less competitive market.

Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio and Other Metrics

The sales-to-active listings ratio is a vital metric for identifying a buyer’s market. In British Columbia, for example, when this ratio falls below 12%, it signifies a buyer’s market. This indicates an oversupply of homes, leading to longer durations on the market and necessitating price reductions by sellers to attract buyers.

Another metric used to determine a buyer’s market is months of inventory. When there are more sellers looking to sell homes than there are buyers, the imbalance between supply and demand favours buyers.

Contributing Factors

Several elements contribute to the emergence of a buyer’s market. High interest rates can diminish buyers’ purchasing power, making homes less affordable and reducing demand. Economic conditions, such as high unemployment rates or economic downturns, also decrease the number of potential buyers. Additionally, an increase in housing supply, whether through new construction or a surge in existing home listings, can shift the market towards buyers.

Seller Flexibility

In a buyer’s market, sellers often show increased flexibility. They may accept lower offers, agree to cover closing costs, or allow for conditions  such as home inspections or financing clauses. This can make it easier for buyers to find homes that meet their needs and budgets.

Buyer’s Advantages

A buyer’s market presents an ideal opportunity for purchasing a home. With reduced competition, buyers can take more time to find suitable properties and are more likely to secure favourable deals. This period is also advantageous for negotiating additional benefits, such as repairs or upgrades, before closing.

Regional Variations

The conditions of a buyer’s market can vary by region within Canada. Local economic conditions, housing supply, and demand dynamics play considerable roles. For example, elevated interest rates and affordability issues have led to stagnant market conditions in some areas, potentially signalling a buyer’s market. Months of inventory is also a contributing factor. While four to six months of housing inventory is considered a balanced market, over six months of inventory is considered a buyer’s market.

Conversely, regions with strong economic growth and limited housing supply may continue experiencing seller’s market conditions despite broader national trends. Take Calgary for example. The city continues to see strong buyer competition, which can be attributed to various factors including an increase in inter-provincial migration to the province and historically low housing supply. As of July 2024, market conditions in Calgary indicated a seller’s market as over half of the city’s neighbourhoods saw homes selling for above asking in the second quarter of this year.

Market Indicators for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, understanding current market conditions is critical. Monitoring indicators such as the sales-to-active listings ratio, average time on the market, and recent price trends can help determine the presence of a buyer’s market. Sellers need to be prepared to price their homes competitively and show a willingness to negotiate to attract buyers under these conditions.