Supersize Rate Drop. Surrey Real Estate Update.

Dear Clients, Friends and Neighbours,

On October 23rd The Bank of Canada lowered its overnight policy rate by 50 basis points from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent.

In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that the economy continues to operate in excess supply and economic growth has been modest.  Further, the Bank stated that inflationary pressures are no longer broad-based, and that consumer and business inflation expectations have largely normalized. Moving forward the Bank anticipates inflation will remain close to its 2% target.

While the Bank normally reserves movements larger than 25 basis points for more urgent times it seems it preferred to catch-up all at once however, it has risked setting a new precedent and will have to communicate its intentions going forward very carefully to avoid a market over-reaction.

Although we have seen a slight uptick in Surrey and South Surrey housing sales over the last month, market conditions continue to be soft overall.

This latest rate cut will do a lot to restore consumer confidence and create windows of opportunity for those with variable rate mortgages, folks with fast approaching loan renewals, folks carrying credit debt and for first time home buyers.

Although unlikely to turn the tide dramatically, this super-size rate cut may start the process of opening the market up to those who have been on the sidelines for a long time.  Unsteady economic and interest rate conditions have caused many folks to delay listing their home and consequently their goals of buying up, making a lateral move or downsizing.

If you have been one of those households waiting for the tide to turn, now would be a good time to meet with your local realtor and chat about timing considerations as many expect the Bank will be cutting rates again in December.

Its likely an early spring market is in the cards, a trend we have seen in previous market turn-arounds.  Many analysts expect the 2025 spring market to come in hot as pent-up demand to make a move has been sustained over a much longer time than in recent history.

If that is the case, one would hope the spring market starts with some balance ie: a healthy supply of new inventory that nicely matches the rising demand. 

However, if the Bank of Canada cuts rates too fast or pent-up demand and buyer FOMO come on too strong housing prices could shoot up dramatically thus eliminating the advantages of lower borrowing costs.

Either way, if you have been thinking of making a move in the near future it will be important to speak to a real estate expert who can help illuminate the ever growing list of risks and opportunities.

We can help.  It’s what we do.

Jenn & Colin