Greater Toronto Realtors(R) Report Commercial Market Figures

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 7, 2015) - Toronto Real Estate Board President Paul Etherington announced that TREB Commercial Network Members reported 5,120,001 square feet of leased industrial, commercial/retail and office space during the fourth quarter of 2014.

This result was down by five per cent compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. The amount of space leased was down for the industrial and commercial/retail segments and up for the office segment.

Average lease rates for properties leased on a per square foot net basis (where pricing was disclosed) were little changed compared to Q4 2013 for industrial and office properties. The average lease rate for commercial/retail properties was up on a year- over-basis. Generally speaking, average lease rate increases or decreases result from both a change in market conditions and a change in the mix and type of properties leased from one year to the next.

"The third quarter result for Canadian Gross Domestic Product represented relatively strong economic growth and included an increase in exports, which is a positive for many businesses operating in south central Ontario. Notwithstanding the stock market turmoil experienced during the fourth quarter of 2014, it is quite possible that the lower value of the Canadian dollar could prompt further demand for Canadian exports. This could lead some GTA firms to step up their search for new space as the demand for their goods and/or services increases," said Mr. Etherington.

Total commercial sales in the fourth quarter, at 243, were down in comparison to the same period last year, when 336 properties were reported sold. While the number of transactions were down, average selling prices on a per square foot basis (where pricing was disclosed) were up for industrial and office properties, and down only slightly for commercial/retail properties.

"Looking forward through 2015, the Greater Toronto Area continues to be a global region with a diversified economy and a high quality of life. These attributes will continue to put the Toronto area in good stead, as it relates to attracting businesses and new comers from around the world," continued Mr. Etherington.

Fourth Quarter 2014: All Commercial Lease Transactions
Total Leased Space for All Lease Transaction Types on TorontoMLS
	Total Leased Square Feet
	Q4 2014	Q4 2013	% Change
Industrial	3,703,054	4,123,037	-10.2	%
Commercial	565,962	568,860	-0.5	%
Office	850,986	695,362	22.4	%
Total	5,120,001	5,387,259	-5.0	%

Fourth Quarter 2014: Average Per Square Foot Net Lease Rates
Lease Transactions Completed on a Per Square Foot Net Basis with Pricing Disclosed on TorontoMLS
	Average Lease Rates
	Q4 2014	Q4 2013	% Change
Industrial	$5.22	$5.33	-2.0	%
Commercial	$21.03	$19.01	10.6	%
Office	$13.45	$13.34	0.8	%

Fourth Quarter 2014: All Commercial Sale Transactions
Total Number of Sales on TorontoMLS
	Total Sales
	Q4 2014	Q4 2013	% Change
Industrial	93	137	-32.1	%
Commercial	91	140	-35.0	%
Office	59	59	0.0	%
Total	243	336	-27.7	%

Fourth Quarter 2014: Commercial Sales Completed with Pricing Disclosed on TorontoMLS
Transactions with Pricing Disclosed on TorontoMLS
	Avg. Sale Price Per Sq. Ft.
	Q4 2014	Q4 2013	% Change
Industrial	$102.87	$97.54	5.5	%
Commercial	$250.80	$253.94	-1.2	%
Office	$289.62	$224.90	28.8	%

NOTE: Some table totals may differ due to conversion and rounding.

Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They are governed by a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Over 40,000 TREB Members serve consumers in the Greater Toronto Area. TREB is Canada's largest real estate board.