The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that the dollar volume of homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in BC declined 25.4 per cent to $2.6 billion in August compared to the same month last year. A total of 5,337 MLS® residential unit sales were recorded over the same period, down 17.9 per cent from August 2011. The average MLS® residential price was $491,145, 9.0 per cent lower than a year ago.

"Consumer demand continued to trend lower in August," said Cameron Muir, BCREA Chief Economist. "Tighter mortgage credit conditions introduced in July appear to be taking a toll on an already tentative market. However, with home sales slower than improving economic conditions suggest, a rebound may be in store before year-end."

Year-to-date, BC residential sales dollar volume declined 17.5 per cent to $26.2 billion, compared to the same period last year. Residential unit sales dipped 9.1 per cent to 50,131 units, while the average MLS® residential price was 9.3 per cent lower at $521,599.

BCREA represents 11 member real estate boards and their approximately 18,000 REALTORS® on all provincial issues, providing an extensive communications network, standard forms, economic research and analysis, government relations, applied practice courses and continuing professional education (cpe).

To demonstrate the profession's commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods.

For detailed statistical information, contact your local real estate board. MLS® is a cooperative marketing system used only by Canada's real estate boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.