Skip to main content

Featured

scalating Violence: Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens in Lebanon and Gaza

  Palestinian children amid the rubble of destroyed buildings, during a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip. Israeli air strikes have intensified across Lebanon and Gaza, leaving dozens dead and further destabilizing fragile ceasefires in the region. In southern Lebanon , an Israeli drone strike on the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon killed at least 13 people and wounded several others. The attack targeted a car parked near a mosque, with Lebanese officials reporting that ambulances rushed victims to nearby hospitals. Hours later, another strike in the village of Tiri killed one person and injured 11, including students aboard a bus. Meanwhile, in Gaza , hospitals reported at least 25 Palestinians killed in multiple strikes across Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Rafah. Medics confirmed that casualties included families caught in residential areas, underscoring the human toll of the renewed bombardments. Israel’s military claimed...

article

Canadian Home Sales Dip in May, Listings Show Modest Growth

 

Amid a somewhat sluggish market, Canadian home sales experienced a slight decline in May. According to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), sales fell by 0.6% compared to April and were down 5.9% year-over-year. The average home price also dipped to $699,117, marking a 4% decrease from the previous year.

However, there’s a silver lining: the number of newly listed properties increased by 0.5% in May, signaling a modest uptick in listings. By the end of the month, approximately 175,000 properties were available for sale across the country, a substantial 28.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Despite this positive trend, it’s worth noting that listing levels remain below historical averages.

Economists are cautiously optimistic. The recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada (the first in over four years) may encourage buyers to re-enter the market. While the impact on affordability is still uncertain, further rate relief could set the stage for a stronger second half of 2024. As bond yields decline, we may see increased activity in June, striking a balance between lower mortgage rates and potential home price growth.

In summary, May was indeed a “sleepy month” for housing activity in Canada, but with interest rates playing a pivotal role, the market’s dynamics could shift in the coming months. Keep an eye on developments as we navigate this intriguing real estate landscape.



Comments