Real Estate Sales Strengthen in August Enhancing Market Stability
Real estate sales activity picked up throughout Greater Victoria last month with a total of 542 homes and other properties selling through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from 523 sales in July. There were 425 sales in August of last year.
Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, noted that the increase in market activity is positive news: "The increase in sales reflects ongoing stability in the market. Although there was some modest increase in overall prices in August it is important to note that prices can fluctuate month-to-month depending on the properties sold and it takes time for trends to develop. Higher priced sales in particular can have a significant impact on overall average prices." Fimrite noted that there were 25 single family home sales of over $1 million in August including one in Oak Bay and one in North Saanich at over $3 million each.
Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale declined at the end of last month with inventory levels currently 13 per cent higher than a year ago. "The available choice for buyers has been at record highs in recent months but the number of properties available for sale dipped below 5,000 last month to 4,944 compared to 5,094 at the end of July."
The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $652,841, up from $581,117 in July. The median price also increased to $547,000 while the six-month average increased to $621,960. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $339,047, up from $315,371 in July. The average for the last six months increased to $329,951. However, the median price for condominiums in August declined to $271,500. The average price of all townhomes sold last month increased to $437,079 from $412,178 in July. The median price also increased to $416,700 while the six month average also increased to $446,135.
MLS® sales last month included 307 single family homes, 128 condominiums, 68 townhomes and 15 manufactured homes.
