December home sales were up by 3.9 per cent in December with the average price increasing by 7.6 per cent compared to the same month a year ago, according to new figures from the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington.

"With the holidays and cold weather, sales tend to dip in December when compared to the previous months. It's a trend we see almost every year," said association President Kathy Della-Nebbia.

"A decrease in new listings and an increase in sales can equal less inventory on the market. With increased competition for the properties available, this looks to be an opportune time to sell your property."

The average home price in December was $581,566. Apartment-style property sales increased by 14.8 per cent from December 2018, and the average price increased by 10.2 per cent. Townhouse sales decreased from December 2018 by 7.6 per cent. But prices of townhouses increased by 1.4 per cent.

The sales decline in the number of townhouses is mostly explained by a decrease in the number of townhouse listings, the board says. There were less than the usual number of choices for buyers.

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