Back to back months of the second and third best months ever on record with 1,638 transactions in June and 1,629 in May makes 2016 the most active year for the first 6 months and second quarter.  Only May 2007 is higher than this June at 1,652 sales.  The next busiest second quarter on record was in 2008 when again there were back to back outstanding monthly results with May and June each recording 1,564 sales.

Sales were up 9% in June over the same month last year and the identical percentage increase for the first 6 months in comparison to the same period in 2015.  It is the first time Winnipeg Realtors has surpassed 7,000 MLs sales in 6 months.

"There is no question the perfect storm I spoke of earlier in the year is materializing," said Stewart Elston, president of Winnipeg Realtors.  "The Winnipeg real estate market is supported by strong underlying fundamentals.  Helping us reach new heights is the excellent supply of MLS listings with much to choose from throughout the market region.  The difference between this year and last year is stronger buyer sentiment and therefore higher conversions of listings to sales."

Single family homes led the way to this impressive June result with 1,252 sales or 76% of total MLS sales.  Condos did not perform as well in comparision to the previous 2 years but still very respectable at 187 sales or over 11% of total MLS sales.

Eager buyers vying for coveted single family home listings translated to more above list price offers this June in comparison to last month and June 2015.  It is the highest monthly dollar volume on record.  Year to date dollar volume of close to $2 billion has risen 11% over the first half of 2015.  

"2016 is exceeding our initial forecast and expectations for MLS sales this year," said Elston.  "Recent news of a record breaking 12 month increase of 19,453 people to our province and 63,119 individuals in the last four years is certainly a contributing factor.  Along with population growth and a younger demographic comes an increased number of births which often triggers demand for housing.  It is worth noting our own membership numbers have been increasing in the last few years and now sit at over 1,900 members."

Price growth this year is more in line with the forecast for single family homes.  A healthy supply of listings for the most part is keeping price increases in check.  The chart below illustrates subdued price appreciation for all quadrants of Winnipeg and a similar pattern in the outlying rural municipaslities when comparing the first half of 2016 to the same period in 2015. 

Condo prices were not expected to see any discernible difference in 2016 if not facing some downward pressure owing to the abundance of MLS listings and new condo supply on the market.  They have decreased very modestly at this stage.

The average year to date price for single family homes and condos is $306,311 and $232,507 respectively.

Of course depending on the property type you have, its location, the number of competing similar property types with their own strengths and weaknesses, you need to be talking to an expert -- a Realtor -- who can advise you on what you need.