First-time buyers ‘extremely discouraged’

Many experts believed that the real estate market was cooling. But as the spring buying season begins, it’s clear that’s not true, reports CBC.ca.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the national average price for a home in March was $401,419, an increase of six per cent in year-over-year comparisons.

While the market defies predictions, one thing’s for sure: The continued rise of Canadian home prices is putting a damper on the hopes and dreams of first-time buyers.

In a recent report released by BMO Financial, the national average budget for first-time buyers has increased to $316,000, with Vancouver topping the list at $506,500. Toronto comes in at $408,300 and Calgary at $363,400.

The BMO Financial report found that 60 per cent of first-time buyers in Canada are delaying purchases, and 39 per cent of those cite high prices as the main reason.

But not all is doom and gloom. Several cities across the country have seen price drops, including Montreal, Winnipeg and Regina.

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