Demand for luxury homes intensifies amid rising Canadian and global wealth

Improved financial standing among high net worth individuals is the major factor driving strong sales activity at the top end of Canadian housing markets, according to a report released by RE/MAX. Record or near-record activity reported in most major centres from coast-to-coast

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada and RE/MAX of Western Canada examined 12 major centres from coast-to-coast and found that luxury sales have surged in close to two-thirds of housing markets between January 1 and April 30 of this year, compared to the same period in 2010. Leading in terms of percentage increases over the four-month period were Greater Vancouver (118 per cent)—where foreign investment has also played a major role—Ottawa (59 per cent), Calgary (51 per cent), Halifax-Dartmouth (27 per cent), Winnipeg (24 per cent), Hamilton-Burlington (13 per cent) and Greater Toronto (nine per cent). Six of the seven major cities—with the exception of Calgary—are poised to set new records in top-end activity by year-end. Several are just short of peak levels reported in 2010, such as Victoria, Regina, and London-St. Thomas.

Three key factors—serious equity gains, stock market recovery, and improved economic performance—have been behind the push for luxury housing product across the country. The combination also continues to bolster the bottom line of high net worth individuals both nationally and globally. The impact of that wealth is being seen in the demand for all things luxury—from homes to cars, collectibles and fine wines.

While foreign investment has augmented sales activity in several Canadian markets, its influence was only significant in Greater Vancouver. The vast majority of regions reported that locals were the primary drivers of demand for luxury product. A number of factors position Canada as an attractive option, foremost that its real estate remains a bargain by international standards, given its ranking for quality of life, political and economic stability and the strength of its property laws. To those from abroad, it’s the perfect mix.

The strength of the upper-end segment continues to defy expectations. That demand remains largely domestic speaks to the solid underpinnings of the market, while underscoring the appeal of Canadian real estate on an international stage. Western Canada, in particular, will continue to see the upside benefit of investment from abroad.

The climbing wealth factor has played a role. The financial status and number of millionaires is rising once again—a fact supported by several recent studies released by notable institutions such as CapGemini/Merril Lynch, Citi Private Bank, Deloitte Centre for Financial Services, and Investor Economics—to name a few. While estimates vary, the studies concluded that the high net worth population in Canada and/or abroad—and its corresponding fortunes—is trending upward and will experience considerable expansion moving forward. Despite the impact of the 2008/2009 global financial crisis, most millionaire portfolios/assets have improved or exceed pre-downturn levels. Of particular interest, residential real estate holdings have increased among high net worth individuals, as they express a clear preference for tangible assets. This trend is expected to continue, and serve to boost high-end residential real estate in months ahead, as the move to diversify assets continues in 2011.

As Canada’s millionaire club swells in size, inventory will play an increasing role in future, as the existing upper end housing stock struggles to keep pace with growing demand in central core areas, particularly in Canada’s gateway centres. Infill, renovation and new construction are helping to some extent—while driving up prices in tandem. The building activity is also serving to create new prime areas in areas that were once considered high-end peripherals, as well as in suburban communities.

Limited inventory levels in Canada’s largest markets have hampered sales activity to some extent in 2011, given that demand exceeds available supply. Multiple offers are occurring in both Greater Vancouver and Greater Toronto, as buyers compete for quality product in prime neighbourhoods.

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