About BCREA’s Housing Monitor Dashboard

The BCREA Economics team has created the Housing Monitor Dashboard to help REALTORS^® monitor BC’s housing market. This dashboard, which is updated monthly, provides up-to-date data on key variables for public education and use. Focuses include: 

• Resale Home Market

• Construction

• Rental Market

• Borrowing Costs

• Other BCREA Data

To view the full interactive BCREA Commercial Leading Indicator, click here.
To view the full Commercial Leading Indicator PDF, click here.

The BCREA Commercial Leading Indicator (CLI) rose 1.3 points to 149.8 in the fourth quarter of 2024, while the six-month moving average rose to 148.8. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, the index was down 0.2 per cent. 

Fourth Quarter Highlights

• The economic activity index rose in Q4 by 1.9 points. Growth in this index was broad-based, with inflation-adjusted retail trade (0.7 per cent), wholesale trade (0.5 per cent), and manufacturing sales (0.6 per cent) rising from the previous quarter.

• Office employment (financial, insurance, real estate, and professional services) rose by 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter, while manufacturing employment fell by 0.2 per cent. The overall employment component declined by 0.1 points from the previous quarter, contributing negatively to the index.

• The financial component of the index decreased in the final quarter by 0.5 points. Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) prices fell by 9.7 per cent, driving the component down. Additionally, interest rate spreads saw modest increases from the previous quarter, indicating slightly more perceived short-term risk in the economy. Both components combine into a net negative impact on commercial activity for the overall component.

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

You can get the benefits of cardiovascular and aerobic exercise in just 60 minutes a week. Exercise intensely for one minute and leisurely for another minute. Work up to a total of 20 minutes, three times a week.

The appeal of the one-minute workout is that after 30-60 seconds of pushing yourself, you continue moving, but at a leisurely pace. If you want to do more, then rest for between  30-60 seconds and push toward the intense phase again.

New studies show the program is as effective as more minutes of exercise and can be equally as safe.

Delayed flights, bad weather, clogged airports—and once you make it through the winter travel obstacle course, you might have to sit next to someone with a nasty cold. Save yourself some time and energy, and cut back on your stress with these tips.  

• Pick a morning flight. If your flight is canceled because of bad weather, then you're more likely to find another flight the same day.

• Try to find a non-stop flight. If that isn't an option, then look for connecting flights out of airports that aren't experiencing severe weather. In other words, skip that layover in Buffalo.

• Charge your electronic devices and have your cables handy. You might not be able to find replacements at the airport, and if you do, they're often wildly overpriced.

• Book a window seat. People in middle or aisle seats are more likely to catch colds from other passengers and the flight crew.

• Don't forget hand sanitizer. Keep your hands clean and away from your face to reduce your risk of illness.

• Have a Plan B. You can't control the weather, and you probably don't control the FAA, either.

Winter can be a challenging time for many, with shorter days, colder weather, and the post-holiday lull. But you don’t have to let the winter blues take over! Here are a few simple strategies to keep your energy up and your spirits high.

Get Moving—Exercise is a powerful mood booster. Even a short walk outside can increase endorphins and help you feel more positive. 

Soak Up Natural Light—Lack of sunlight can affect your mood. Keep your home bright by opening blinds and curtains during the day.

Connect with Others—Staying connected to friends and family is key to fighting feelings of isolation. Schedule a coffee date, host a game night, or even hop on a quick video call to brighten your day.

Your home should be a place of comfort, and you don’t need a big budget to make it feel like a personal retreat. Here are some affordable ways to refresh your space:

Layer Cozy Textiles—Few things are as inviting as soft, layered textures. Add throw blankets to your sofa or bed, and layer rugs for warmth and comfort. Check thrift stores for affordable finds or repurpose blankets or scarves you already have.

Upgrade Lighting—Lighting can easily transform a space. Swap harsh overhead lights for lamps with warm-toned bulbs, string lights, or candles. These small changes create a softer, more relaxing glow that’s perfect for cozy evenings.

Rearrange and Declutter—Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need. Rearrange furniture to improve flow and clear out items that don’t spark joy. A tidier, open space can feel instantly calming and more inviting.

Bring Nature Indoors—Incorporate greenery with plants, flowers, or natural elements like twigs and pine cones. Even simple arrangements can make a room feel more alive. Propagating plants or foraging outside keeps costs low while adding personality.

DIY Personalized Decor—Turn your walls into a gallery of memories and creativity. Frame favorite photos, sketch minimalist art, or repurpose old materials like scarves or fabric scraps for one-of-a-kind pieces. These touches make your home uniquely yours.

Canadian retail sales increased by 2.5 per cent to $69.6 billion in December from the previous month. Compared to the same time last year, retail sales are up by 3.9 per cent. Furthermore, core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobile items, also rose by 2.5 per cent month-over-month. In volume terms, adjusted for rising prices, retail sales increased by 2.5 per cent in December.  In the fourth quarter of 2024, retail sales increased by 2.4 per cent, while retail sales rose by 1.3 per cent on an annual basis in 2024.

Retail sales in British Columbia were up 1.6 per cent in December month-over-month and up 2.0 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were up 2.1 per cent both from the prior month and from December 2023.

Canada's sharp jump in retail activity in December largely reflects the impact of the GST/HST tax break during the holiday season. As expected, strength in core retail sales is driven by sales in the food/beverage and clothing industries, both of which were included under the tax holiday.  While tailwinds from the tax break were expected, economists are mostly monitoring whether this momentum will continue following its conclusion last week. Nonetheless, the Bank of Canada remains poised for a 25-point cut next month and hopes to see its effects transmit into stronger Canadian retail spending in the first quarter of 2025. 

https://mailchi.mp/bcrea/canadian-retail-sales-december-2024

For more information, please contact: Gino Pezzani.

February is often associated with grand romantic gestures, but true love is found in the small, meaningful actions we take for ourselves and the people around us. Here are some simple ways to spread warmth and care this month.

For Yourself

Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down one thing you’re thankful for each day. This practice can boost your mood and help you focus on the positive.

Treat Yourself to Something Special: Whether it’s your favorite dessert, a relaxing bath, or a solo movie night, take time to indulge in small pleasures.

Unplug for an Hour: Disconnect from devices and enjoy a quiet moment with a book, some music, or simply your thoughts.

For Others

Handwritten Notes: Write a thoughtful note to a friend, family member, or partner. In today’s digital world, a handwritten message feels especially personal.

Unexpected Kindness: Pay for someone’s coffee, leave a positive review for a local business, or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.

Small Tokens of Appreciation: Surprise someone with a baked treat, a bouquet of flowers, or even a heartfelt compliment—it can make their day.

For Your Community

Volunteer: Spend an hour at a local shelter or community center or donate to a cause that matters to you.

Support Local Businesses: Shop small or recommend your favorite spots to friends.

Be a Good Neighbor: Offer to bring in packages or share a warm meal with someone nearby.

Love doesn’t need to be extravagant; it lives in the thoughtful, everyday moments that connect us to others and remind us to care for ourselves. This February, embrace these simple acts of love and see how they can brighten the world around you.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the oldest and most significant holidays in many East and Southeast Asian cultures. Its origins trace back over 4,000 years to ancient China, where it began as a way to celebrate the end of winter and the start of the agricultural season. Rooted in traditions of honoring deities and ancestors, it marks a time of renewal, family unity, and gratitude.

The holiday is based on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon. This is why the date varies each year but always falls between late January and mid-February. Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, along with one of five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal or water), creating a 60-year cycle.

One of the most enduring legends behind the Lunar New Year involves Nian, a mythical beast that terrorized villages. To scare it away, people lit firecrackers, banged drums, and displayed red decorations, which Nian was said to fear. These customs evolved into today’s vibrant celebrations, including lion dances, fireworks, and red envelopes filled with money.

The final day of the Lunar New Year is celebrated with the Lantern Festival, symbolizing unity and hope. While the holiday has transformed over centuries, its core themes—family, gratitude, and new beginnings—remain timeless. Today, it’s observed worldwide, bringing people together to honor tradition and welcome prosperity for the year ahead.