Wednesday, September 11, 2019


Victoria real estate summer sales and inventory levels follow historic patterns

A total of 661 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this August, 11.3 per cent more than the 594 properties sold in August 2018 but a 6.4 per cent decrease from July 2019. Sales of condominiums were up 4.1 per cent from August 2018 with 203 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 15.5 per cent from August 2018 with 351 sold.

"August could be considered a status quo month for real estate in greater Victoria with entry-level homes selling quickly when priced appropriately, and higher-end properties moving at a slower pace," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. "As expected, we've seen relatively stable pricing, with an uptick in sales - particularly single family homes.  Unfortunately, summer has been accompanied with a slowing of new inventory coming onto the market, which suggests it is a good time for prospective sellers to consult with their REALTOR® about selling in the fall market."

There were 2,838 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of August 2019, a decrease of 3.8 per cent compared to the month of July but a 12.7 per cent increase from the 2,519 active listings for sale at the end of August 2018.  

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in August 2018 was $888,100. The benchmark value for the same home in August 2019 decreased by 4.6 per cent to $847,300, slightly less than July's value of $858,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in August 2018 was $503,600, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in August 2019 increased by 2.9 per cent to $518,100, lower than July's value of $523,400.



Thursday, July 04, 2019

A lukewarm spring comes to an end for the 
Victoria real estate market

A total of 740 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this June, 4.5 per cent more than the 708 properties sold in June 2018 but a 12.7 per cent decrease from May 2019. Sales of condominiums were down 6.1 per cent from June 2018 with 216 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 10.4 per cent from June 2018 with 394 sold.

"June has trended lower than May for the past few years and tends to signal the end of the active spring market," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. "The summer months of July and August generally see less activity than the spring, as people's attention shifts to vacation and away from real estate. This year, we have seen slightly more sales compared to June of last year. We have also seen one hundred fewer new listings enter the market this year, which continues to make a challenging market for buyers who are hoping for more options."

There were 3,040 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of June 2019, an increase of less than one per cent compared to the month of May and a 17.1 per cent increase from the 2,595 active listings for sale at the end of June 2018.

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in June 2018 was $898,500. The benchmark value for the same home in June 2019 decreased by 4.3 per cent to $859,600, slightly less than May's value of $860,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in June 2018 was $509,000, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in June 2019 increased by 2.97 per cent to $524,100, higher than May's value of $519,300.

"It is possible that some buyers are waiting for the federal government's new first-time home buyer incentive to roll out this September," adds President Woolley. "The program is intended to assist first time buyers with their down payment. It's hard to estimate how many local buyers may take advantage of the incentive, but because of the low threshold for maximum purchase price, the program may only help those in our area who seek to buy condos. This could mean a slight uplift in lower priced properties in the fall, if more buyers are enabled to enter the market. If you are interested in exploring options and strategies for either buying or selling, it would be a good time to connect with a local REALTOR®, who has the expertise necessary to navigate today's market conditions, neighbourhoods and property types."

The graph Below shows market activity over the past year for single family homes in Greater Victoria

Wednesday, May 08, 2019

Victoria real estate market stalemate continues
A total of 696 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this April, 10 per cent fewer than the 774 properties sold in April 2018 but an 8.8 per cent increase from March 2019. Sales of condominiums were down 9.8 per cent from April 2018 with 203 units sold but were up from March 2019 by 3.6 per cent. Sales of single family homes were down 12 per cent from April 2018 with 369 sold.


"Spring has been a non-traditional real estate market thus far," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. "Consumer purchasing power continues to be negatively impacted by the B20 mortgage stress test, causing many buyers to step back while they save more money for a down payment."

There were 2,751 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of April 2019, an increase of 13 per cent compared to the month of March and a 37.4 per cent increase from the 2,002 active listings for sale at the end of April 2018.  

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in April 2018 was $874,800. The benchmark value for the same home in April 2019 decreased by 3.4 per cent to $845,100, higher than March's value of $843,600. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in April 2018 was $506,900, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in April 2019 increased by 1 per cent to $511,700, higher than March's value of $506,500.

"Prices have remained reasonably flat across the region and are expected to stay that way," adds President Woolley. "Presently, REALTORS® are busy showing homes and bringing new listings to the market, but with few new options to view, we are still seeing multiple offer situations when that right property does become available. Given the current dynamic and evolving market conditions, it's a good time to chat with your Realtor about a personal plan for buying or selling a property."



Monday, April 01, 2019

Victoria real estate market still adjusting to 
federal government changes
A total of 640 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this March, 7 per cent fewer than the 688 properties sold in March 2018 but a 52 per cent increase from February 2019. Sales of condominiums were down 7.1 per cent from March 2018 with 196 units sold but were up from February 2019 by 51.9 per cent. Sales of single family homes were down 4.5 per cent from March 2018 with 322 sold.


"We continue to see a somewhat static local real estate market through March," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. "Like in February, REALTORS® have been busy showing properties and discussing strategy with buyers and sellers, while the sales numbers themselves continue to be relatively flat when compared with last year. These market conditions are not a surprise. Consumers continue to adjust to the B20 mortgage qualification rules and the long-term, low inventory of homes. The good news is we have seen a month-over-month increase of active listings on the market - though we remain well under the ten-year average of 3,403."

There were 2,435 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of March 2019, an increase of 14.3 per cent compared to the month of February and a 37.9 per cent increase from the 1,766 active listings for sale at the end of March 2018.  

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in March 2018 was $867,900. The benchmark value for the same home in March 2019 decreased by 2.8 per cent to $843,600, lower than February's value of $845,900. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in March 2018 was $501,500, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in March 2019 increased by 1.0 per cent to $506,500, slightly higher than February's value of $502,800.

"The mortgage stress test continues to put further pressure on lower-priced properties by reducing the borrowing power of many prospective buyers and pushing a lot of buyers into an already compressed price bracket with limited inventory," adds President Woolley. "This means that even though sales are slower than the peak in 2016, many buyers can expect to encounter multiple offer situations as competition increases at lower price points. The federal government recently announced a CMHC shared-equity mortgage program, which aims to reduce first time home buyer payments. However, this program applies only to properties $480,000 or less, and will put even more pressure on lower priced homes and condominiums. These current market dynamics make it increasingly important for our region to continue to find ways to create more affordable housing options to avoid price pressure on the lower-priced properties."

The graph below shows market activity for Single Family Homes for the past year



Tuesday, March 12, 2019

SOLD New Listing 1069 Chesterfield Rd
3 bedroom, 2 bath, inlaw suite $739,900 SOLD
Living Room 
 Kitchen 
Dining Room
 Master bedroom 
 Back
 Side 
 Upper floor plan 
  Lower Floor Plan
Substantially updated 70's home with newer floors, kitchen, windows, furnace & roof. Great 3 bedroom floor plan. Large living room with Natural fireplace and patio doors to huge deck. Formal dining room off kitchen with large window. Passage door to another deck facing the back yard! Lower level has in-law bachelor suite that needs updating. Nice size corner lot with fenced back yard. To set up viewing, call Lorne Tuplin - RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

SOLD    REDUCED!     SOLD
1065 VIOLET AVE
$1,212,000
 Living Room
 Dining Room
Kitchen 
 Kitchen
Kitchen Nook
 Family Room
 Patio
Back of Home 
Absolutely stunning home, boasting an expansive open kitchen/family room space with impressive vaulted ceilings, as well as a formal living room and dining area. The double French doors in the family room open to a gardener’s paradise providing a seamless indoor / outdoor transition to the South facing landscaped backyard with extensive flagstone patio. It’s the perfect place to entertain friends and family or just hang out while you relax beside the tranquil pond and listen to the waterfall. Recent renovations include new paint, sinks, counter tops, backsplash, en suite vanity top, refinished hardwood floors & more. Rare floor plan with 4 bedrooms up PLUS large main floor bedroom or office. Beautiful and Bright, move-in condition in a perfect location! Situated on a very quiet cul-de-sac, and adjacent to dedicated parkland, French immersion elementary school a short walk away. To arrange viewing call Lorne Tuplin - RE/MAX Camosun 250-217-4600

Thursday, January 10, 2019

SOLD REDUCED TO $769,900 SOLD
1274 Lidgate Court

 Living Room
Formal Dining Room 
Kitchen 
 Kitchen
Kitchen Nook 
 Master Bedroom
Deck

A lovely home with more than enough room for the whole family. You are greeted by a cathedral ceiling in the living room, wood burning fireplace and comfortable dining room. The master bedroom is located at the back of the home and features an en suite bathroom and walk in closet. The large kitchen has plenty of cupboard space and connects to a more casual Den/Nook area to relax. Down stairs is a large rec room, 4th bedroom and bathroom and provides easy in-law suite potential & access to a large 2 car garage. The newer deck is a fantastic space to entertain friends or sit quietly and have a glass of wine. This safe, secure and family friendly neighborhood is perfect, this home is a must see. It is located on a quiet cul-de-sac and is just steps away (down a path) to Strawberry Vale School. Easy access to the Galloping Goose trail, The Hospital and Eagle Creek shops. Don't miss it! To view, call Lorne at RE/MAx cAMSOUN at 250-217-4600

Wednesday, January 02, 2019


Victoria Real Estate Market responds as expected to the 
changing market conditions of 2018

A total of 375 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this December, 18.8 per cent fewer than the 462 properties sold in December 2017 and a 24.7 per cent decrease from November 2018. Sales of condominiums were down 24.3 per cent from 2017 in December with 103 units sold. Sales of single family homes were down 26.6 per cent from December 2017 with 174 sold.

A grand total of 7,150 properties sold over the course of 2018, 20 per cent fewer than the 8,994 sold in 2017. 2018 sales came in very close to the ten-year average of 7,351 properties sold. Condominium sales totaled 2,162 in 2018, compared to 2,783 in 2017. Single family home sales were down from 4,069 in 2017 to 3,187 in 2018.  

"The story arc in real estate this year has been the impact of government influence on a market which was showing signs of leveling out through the latter part of 2017," says outgoing Victoria Real Estate Board President Kyle Kerr. "All levels of government turned their focus to try to make housing more affordable and attainable across the property spectrum. The federal government's change to mortgage lending qualification rules this year meant many consumers lost 20 per cent of their purchasing power, which contributed to slowing down the pace of the market. On a municipal level, we saw many councils activating how they can influence affordable housing by leveraging current land assets, acquiring new land and creating partnerships to bring new affordable units to market - and that's a very exciting thing for our market in the long term. The provincial government has also promised huge investments into new affordable developments. These developments are important to the long-term growth of our community, because the only way to make more affordable housing in our area is to build it."

There were 1,988 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of December 2018, a decrease of 15.2 per cent compared to the month of November but 43.6 per cent more than the 1,384 active listings for sale at the end of December 2017.  

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in December 2017 was $832,000. The benchmark value for the same home in December 2018 increased by 3.2 per cent to $858,600, lower than November's value of $865,200. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in December 2017 was $464,300, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in December 2018 increased by 8.2 per cent to $502,400, slightly more than November's value of $500,500.

"The market in 2019 will continue to be quieter than in previous years, as buyers and sellers adjust to new market conditions and government policies," adds President Kerr. "Inventory is still quite low when you look at a longer range, which will continue to put pressure on pricing. Our overall economy is predicted to slow slightly, and that will likely mean a slower increase in interest rates but also slower growth. The good news is that savvy buyers will have more time to find their new homes, and that sellers will be under less pressure if they are planning to move within our market. Remember in evolving markets like ours, it's important to enlist the services of a REALTOR® to help you navigate what may be your largest transaction ever."