By Jeremy Davis
Each year, the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MHBA) hosts a spring and fall showcase of homes called the Parade of Homes that provides prospective buyers with an opportunity to see new trends in home building design, as well as in home décor.
The 2023 Spring Parade of Homes launched last week and provides a unique chance for those in the market for a new home to view the latest and greatest styles in the new housing market while also seeing developments in technology, finishing and fixtures. There are many who look forward to the Parade of Homes to see what the current trends are, even if only to gain ideas on renovations for their current home.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the MHBA’s Spring Parade of Homes,” said Lanny McInnes, President & CEO of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association. “Launched as the “Showcase of New Homes” in 1998, the Spring Parade of Homes has grown in scope and size and now gives Manitobans two incredible opportunities during the year to see the latest in new home construction in and around Winnipeg.“
When looking at the market statistics for 2022, there were 1471 new residential detached homes and 355 new condominiums listed on the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) throughout the entire market region inside Winnipeg and the regional areas located outside the city. This includes newly built, to be built, and builds that were under construction. When combined, these account for approximately 8% of the total listings of 22,312 for 2022. MLS® data shows this number to be around 8% for 2021 and 11% for 2020.
MLS® market data for 2022 shows a tale of two markets, with a lack of listings in the first six months which rebounded in the last six months. Sales in the first six months saw a continuation of the unprecedented growth in our market region, while the second half came back into line with the seasonal changes we were used to seeing before the pandemic began.
According to the Manitoba Home Builders’Association, Manitoba had record housing starts in 2020, a small decline in 2021, and starts for 2022 continued to be stronger than pre-pandemic levels. Housing starts have been higher in the last 3 years than the 10-year average.
“Both the Spring and Fall Parade of Homes are signature events for Manitoba’s new home construction industry and help lead many homeowners to finding and building their new home,” said McInnes. “The Parade of Homes has become an event that the public looks forward to, but also a key economic event that helps drive new home sales and construction. With over 120 show homes on display, the MHBA’s Spring Parade of Homes has something to offer any potential new home buyer. Our members are looking forward to your visit during the Spring Parade of Homes!”
The Parade of Homes is always a great reminder about the excitement a newly built home can provide for buyers. Homeownership continues to be a dream come true for Canadians and viewing the latest trends at the Parade of Homes helps create what those dreams are made of.
The Parade of Homes also serves as a good reminder of the work being done to increase housing inventory in our market region while contributing to innovative and creative advances that continually redefine trends in new home construction while putting a spotlight on new and growing communities.
The 2023 Spring Parade of Homes runs until March 19 and features over 120 new show homes from 28 different builders with locations in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas for people to see the impressive new features on display in new homes, condominiums, and townhomes. It is always an exciting way to explore new neighbourhoods in growing parts of Manitoba while having a look at creative, new trends in the housing industry.
The 2023 Spring Parade of Homes features homes in the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s market region that include Winnipeg, Niverville, Stonewall, La Salle, St. Adolphe, Ritchot, Oak Bluff, and West St. Paul.
You can pick up a copy of the 2023 Spring Parage of Homes at any Steinbach Credit Union or view a digital copy at www.homebuilders.mb.ca
Congratulations to the MHBA on 25 years of the Parade of Homes and, in the process, continuing to build on a legacy that promotes creativity and innovation in new home construction.
Jeremy Davis is the Winnipeg Regional Real Estate Board’s Director External Relations & Market Intelligence