According to the Building Industry and Land Development Association, Condominium sales for August 2013 in the Greater Toronto Area showed the most dismal performance in a decade. Condominium sales are hovering 46% below the long-term average. In a seeming paradox,  prices remain at historic highs for low-rise homes given the tight market conditions in that particular segment. Nonetheless, home sales have also declined, now sitting at 43% below the long-term average. The slower sales were primarily attributed to a shortage of land pushing up prices for homes. Another factor sighted was the uptick in government fees and other charges which adds to the cost of buying a new home.