National sales of existing homes during the third quarter were among the strongest on record.

It was also the biggest year-over-year gain since 2002 showing the Canadian housing market is returning to a stronger Real Estate market.

Canadian Realtors reported home resales through their MLS service in the amount of 135,182 in the third quarter of 2009, up 18 per cent from one year ago.

The seasonally adjusted rate was 48 per cent higher than the fourth quarter of 2008.

The number of resale homes was down 16 per cent at the end of September due to increased sales and a lack of new listings.