“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” – L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

 

As of Thursday October 8th, 2021, 77.09% of the total Canadian population has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and 72.21% of the total Canadian population are fully vaccinated. That’s more than 57,441,496 doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered across Canada. We are still in Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen, as of today’s date, October 15th, 2021. But, we do have some progress! As of September 25th, capacity limits were increased in many indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required as well as in certain outdoor event venues. To look on the bright side, we are one step away from exiting the roadmap, where only a small number of measures will remain in place. And that’s what you missed on… Reopening Ontario.

Now, on to real estate! This month, we saw just a substantial decrease in total condo leases year over year and a fantastic increase in average rental price both year-over-year & month-over-month. Let’s delve into the numbers for our Liberty Village condo market in September and let them do the talking.

Attention Landlords and Renters!!

If you are think of renting out your condo this Fall or Winter and you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, have a look at our hugely popular blogpost- Landlord Services in Liberty Village.

If you are thinking of renting a condo this Fall or Winter and you don’t know where to start, take a look at our massively popular blogpost- Everything You Wanted to Know About Renting Your First Condo in Liberty Village.

How Many Condos Rented in Liberty Village in September?

September 2021 saw a total of 69 condo rentals in Liberty Village. In comparison, September 2020 had 157 rentals. Very interesting! We can put this decrease into context when we look at the average monthly rental prices in September 2021 versus September 2020. Spoiler Alert: prices were much lower, given it was one of the peak months of what we coined “pandemic pricing”. We will go into detail about it later on in this post – so look out for that! This is a 56.05% decrease in condo rentals year-over-year. When comparing September 2021 to September 2019 stats (when the pandemic was not even a figment in our imaginations), there is a substantial 38% jump in rentals! This means that, rentals were 38% higher during the recovery of a pandemic than a “normal” month like September 2019. As you can see, perspective is VERY important. Sometimes, the numbers can be surprising at first glance, but if we delve deeper, we can clearly see why the number of condo rentals decreased.

Rental volume tells us part of the story. Let’s look at prices. Did values increase, remain the same or decrease from September 2020 to September 2021? Let’s take a look at the average rental price for all types of condo rentals year over year.

The average rental price in September 2021 was $2,405 on the 69 rentals. The average rental price for the 157 rentals in September 2020 was $2,190. A 9.82% year over year increase in rental price – amazing news for Landlords! Now comes the part where we put the year-over-year number of condo rentals into perspective. As shown above, prices were 9.82% lower, this time, last year. Naturally, Renters were eager to secure a deal – something that does NOT happen in a city like Toronto. This explains why the number of rentals was so insanely high – people love a bargain! Now, if we look at the average rental price through a month to month lens, there is also a 4.70% increase in average rental price month over month. More great news for Landlords! Renters – don’t fret. If we bring back September 2019, in comparison to September 2021 stats, prices are still down 7.39%. This means, as a Renter, you can still get that bargain you were looking for. So, while prices have risen compared to September 2020’s “pandemic pricing”, prices are still lower when we look at a “normal” time like September 2019. 

The average rental price in September 2021 was $2,405 on the 69 rentals. The average rental price for the 157 rentals in September 2020 was $2,190. A 9.82% year over year increase in rental price – amazing news for Landlords! Now comes the part where we take the year-over-year number of condo rentals into context. As shown above, prices were 9.82% lower, this time, last year. Naturally, Renters were eager to secure a good ‘ole deal – something that NEVER happens in a city like Toronto. This explains why the number of rentals was so insanely high – people just love a bargain! Now, if we look at the average rental price through a month to month lens, there is also a 4.70% increase in average rental price month over month. More great news for Landlords! Renters – don’t fret. If we bring back September 2019, in comparison to September 2021 stats, prices are still down 7.39%. This means, as a Renter, you can still get that bargain you were looking for. So, while prices have risen compared to September 2020’s “pandemic pricing”, prices are still lower when we look at a “normal” time like September 2019.

So, What Does This Mean for Renters?

When analyzing the September 2021 market statistics, and in quoting our last blogpost, “our best advice to prospective renters is to secure a rental today (or yesterday, if you can time travel).” Prices are climbing on a month-by-month basis, but prices have not yet returned to “normal”. So, if you want to secure a lower monthly rate than 2019, it’s best to move at rapid speed. We called last month’s rental market absolutely bonkers. This month, we’re calling it a healthy rental market- still multiple offers, units being scooped up within a day or days of being listed and units going at or over their asking prices. If you want to get your condo search started now, email our rental specialist Kylie or fill out our Contact Form.

So, What Does This Mean for Landlords?

If you’re a Landlord, the solid year-over-year increase in average rental prices should put a smile on your face! To quote the experts, “average rental prices will increase exponentially as more and more of the Canadian population becomes vaccinated.” Even though the numbers are not quite what they were pre-pandemic, they are surely climbing. And what’s more exciting for Landlords is that there is currently very little inventory when comparing last year’s quantity of rental listings. Naturally, a lack in supply and large demand will improve the average value of condos. So, our best advice to Landlords, and in quoting our last blogpost, “would be to list your unit ASAP.” If your unit is currently Tenanted and/or you’re unable to jumpstart the process, waiting a few months won’t hurt your chances either. Set yourself up for success by touching base with a rental expert a few months before you’re ready to list. Our rental specialist, Kylie, will keep you privy to all comparable leased units in the meantime, prepare a thorough marketing strategy and ensure you are on the best track to get major dollar for your unit. To learn more about the Landlord services we offer, have a look at our hugely popular blogpost- Landlord Services in Liberty Village.

Any predictions for next month, this Fall or the Winter market? Let us know in the comments below.

If you have any specific questions about the market or are curious as to how this relates to you, get in touch. Email our rental specialist Kylie or fill out our Contact Form.

Kylie Solway

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