Victoria Market Watch

Bounce Back in May

MAY 2012 REAL ESTATE MARKET IS PICKING UP IN GREATER VICTORIA

June 1, 2012

The trend for the last several
months has continued in May.  After a
slight drop in sales and prices we see the opposite.  It is easy to draw a straight line through
the middle of it all over the last several months.

VICTORIA, BC-Consumers are showing
confidence in the Greater Victoria real estate market, evidenced by a spike of
71 residential sales in May 2012 over the previous month. "During the last
two or three months, we’ve seen many potential buyers out looking," says
Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "During May,
they made their decisions. This shows there is good selection on the market, as
well as good value."

The average price for single family
homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $622,387, a jump over April’s
average of $609,376. Excluding previous months’ sales of over $4 million, the
median has returned to $534,250.

"Last month we told you that
homebuyers were researching their purchases by working with home inspectors,
mortgage professionals and REALTORS®," Crabb says. "Now they are
moving forward, which is often reflected in a spring market, even though it’s
not feeling very spring-like."

Total MLS® sales for May 2012 were
659, with 636 of those residential, compared to 572 and 544 respectively for
the same period in 2011, and 586 and 565 last month. We ended May 2012 with
5,015 active listings.

 

 

Summary
Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary

Average Selling Price Graphs

Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

 

Good For Sellers and Buyers?

FLAT, BALANCED REAL ESTATE IN

 GREATER VICTORIA

May 1, 2012

VICTORIA, BC - Pricing and sales numbers for most categories are essentially the same as in March 2012, spelling out a balanced real estate market for Greater Victoria. "That's good news for both buyers and sellers," says Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "The one category with increased sales is condominiums with 19% increase. New developments came on-stream in View Royal and Langford, resulting in a higher sales volume."

The average price for single family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $609,376, down from $640,553 in March which was slightly elevated by two sales over $4 million. The median price, however, rose to $560,000.

"Homebuyers have time to research their purchases without pressure by working with home inspectors, mortgage professionals and REALTORS®," Crabb says.

Total MLS® sales for April 2012 were 586, with 565 of those residential, compared to 574 and 540 respectively for the same period in 2011. Overall, current sales are on trend with the average 10-15 year cycle. Active listings were 4,638 for April 2012.

Cameron Muir, Chief Economist of the British Columbia Real Estate Association, expects modest growth in the economy, combined with a strong Canadian dollar will keep the Bank of Canada from raising its trend-setting interest rate until 2013.

STATS QUICK REFERENCE

 

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

 

February An Interesting Mix

February 2012 Victoria Real Estate Market Reflects Consumer Confidence

March 1, 2012

 

VICTORIA, BC-The story continues from last month when the Victoria Real Estate Board reported a relatively stable market when compared to the same time in 2011, but REALTORS® report they are optimistic that new provincial HST transition rules and a New Home First-time Buyers Bonus will stimulate sales of new properties.

February’s sale volume was virtually identical to that of February 2011, but the average price softened by 5% for single family homes over February 2011. The average sales price for a single family home in Greater Victoria was $579,985, with a six-month average of $594,027, showing a corresponding decrease of 4.7% over February 2011.

"REALTORS® are reporting increased showings, especially since the Provincial budget announcements," says Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "Our Members tell me the HST transition rules, increased HST rebates and New Home First-time Buyers Bonus are stimulating traffic for both new houses and condos.

"I think the BC budget also instilled consumer confidence. Potential buyers can see that our economy is stable and mortgage rates are incredibly low", Crabb says. "Not only are prices remaining stable, there are enough listings to allow buyers to perform their due diligence without making rash decisions. We encourage buyers to work with REALTORS® to ensure they are educated about current market conditions and recently announced government incentives."

With 3,977 active listings at the end of February, Crabb notes increased supply levels and sales are expected in keeping with the normal historical trend of spring activity.

Total non-waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 258, up 4 sales over February 2011
Total waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 7, down 3 sales over February 2011
Single Family Dwellings sold over $1 million: 14 (1 over $2 million)

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

Victoria Market Shows Engergy

February 1, 2012

VICTORIA, BC-While the average price for a single family home in Greater Victoria softened slightly (3.62%) in January 2012 when compared to January 2011, sales over the same period have increased by 9.4%.

"These numbers definitely match what we have been hearing from our Members," says Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "Showings have increased, sales are slowly increasing and there is a sense of optimism among area REALTORS®.

"Buyers are still price sensitive and very aware of the market values of homes. Sellers need to be aware that average prices trending up or down may not apply to their market area. They should consult with REALTORS® regarding prices in their own neighbourhood communities."

The number of active listings continues to decrease from a high of 5,094 in July 2011, creating more balance in the market. When supply exceeds demand, buyers can afford to be choosier and wait for the right house, at the right price.

"That said, buyers seem to be tired of all the doom and gloom stories about the global economy," Crabb adds. "Interest rates are good and they are keeping our Members busy with showings."

 

Total non-waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 187, up 9.4% over January 2011
Total waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 4, down 43% over January 2011
Single Family Dwellings sold over $1 million: 9 (none over $2 million)

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

 

A Look At The End Of The Year Market

Last Half of 2011 Sees Stabilized Real Estate Market

January 3, 2012

While the real estate market started out sluggish in 2011, by mid-summer unit sales had stabilized. In December, annual sales for single family homes, townhomes and manufactured homes had increased, while condominium sales decreased by 15% compared to December 2010.

"This may be the result of an increased number of lower priced single-family homes that became available," says Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board.

Crabb cites that housing prices have softened since December 2010, when the average single family home sold for $647,063, while in 2011 average prices fluctuated and now rest at $592,582.

"This is still quite high compared to the average of $534,411 during the first quarter of 2009. My feeling is that 2010 closed with a very strong market and in 2011, we saw average sales hit the 2010 high only in August," says Crabb. "During the last quarter of 2011, it has been virtually unchanged month over month."

"While we were trending towards a buyers’ market, based on both the prices and number of properties for sale, the decline in the number of active listings in December 2011 continues to reflect a balanced market," she says.

December 2011 saw 2,901 residential and 879 non-residential active listings (total 3780), from a peak of over 4,178 residential and 916 non-residential listings (5,094) in July 2011. This is the first time the number of active listings has been fewer than 4,000 since February 2011.

December marked fewer real estate sales in Greater Victoria, with a total of 339 homes and other properties selling through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from 482 sales in November. There were 349 sales in December 2010. Crabb notes that sales typically decline each December, reflective of the holiday season.

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $592,582, up slightly from $592,034 in November. The median price also increased to $535,750 while the six-month average declined to $607,221. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $312,066, down from $320,558 in November. The median price for condominiums in December also decreased to $270,000 while the average for the last six months declined marginally to $321,177. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $387,719 compared to $380,675 in November. The median price increased to $375,000 from 360,000, while the six month average declined to $416,361.

There were six sales of single-family homes marginally over $1 million, with one in View Royal and five in Saanich East. The highest volume of sales in December 2011 was in Saanich East.

MLS® sales last month included 183 single family homes, 89 condominiums, 37 townhomes and 11 manufactured homes, totaling 320 residential sales.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

Market Much Unchanged

Stable in November

December 1, 2011

Real estate sales activity remained steady throughout Greater Victoria last month with a total of 482 homes and other properties selling through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), virtually unchanged from 483 sales in October. There were 479 sales in November of last year. Overall prices, meantime, remained mixed, depending on price measure and property type.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, said the continued stability in sales is indicative of a balanced and healthy market, "We were pleased to see that sales last month were higher than in November of last year and showed little change from October. Looking forward, we anticipate continued stability as we move into 2012." Fimrite noted that there was some variability in prices last month, depending on property type, "It’s important to look at price changes over several months to determine what trends are developing as there will always be month-to-month fluctuations in prices depending on what properties sell in a given month." He added that that there were 11 single family home sales of over $1 million in November including one for over $6 million in Oak Bay.

Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale eased last month to 4,329 compared to 4,687 at the end of October. "Inventory levels remained 16 per cent higher than a year ago but have fallen back from a peak of over 5,000 seen earlier this year."

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $592,034, down slightly from $595,836 in October. The median price also declined to $530,000 while the six-month average declined to $613,259. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $320,558, up from $307,329 in October. The median price for condominiums in November also increased to $296,000 while the average for the last six months declined slightly to $321,941. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $380,675 compared to $428,040 in October. The median price declined to $360,000 while the six month average declined to $425,095.

MLS® sales last month included 293 single family homes, 104 condominiums, 48 townhomes and 10 manufactured homes.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

 

Fall Market Picks Up Slightly

With all the doom in gloom in the papers regarding world economies, the local market appears stable with a slight increase in activity.  A positive reading for the Victoria market.

November 1, 2011

Real estate sales activity showed a modest increase throughout Greater Victoria last month with a total of 483 homes and other properties selling through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from 458 sales in September. There were 467 sales in October of last year. Overall prices, meantime, remained mixed, depending on price measure and property type.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, said the increase in sales activity is good news and reflects ongoing stability in the market, "It is encouraging to note that sales last month were higher than in the previous month and compared to October of last year." Fimrite added that there will always be month-to-month fluctuations in prices and that average prices are particularly susceptible to change depending on whether more higher priced or lower priced properties sell in a particular month. "There was some general softening in most price measures last month but it is interesting to note that while the overall average price for single family homes declined last month, the median price actually rose by almost $5,000," noted Fimrite. He added that that there were 14 single family home sales of over $1 million in September including one on the Gulf Islands.

Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale eased last month though inventory levels remained 16 per cent higher than a year ago. "The number of properties available for sale declined last month to 4,687 compared to 4,940 at the end of September."

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $595,836, down from $622,393 in September. However, the median price increased to $539,750 while the six-month average decreased slightly to $619,828. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $307,329, down from $332,490 in September. The median price for condominiums in October declined only slightly to $277,000 while the average for the last six months declined to $323,039. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $428,040 compared to $436,039 in September. The median price declined to $374,500 while the six month average declined to $438,167.

MLS® sales last month included 260 single family homes, 145 condominiums, 46 townhomes and 10 manufactured homes.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

 

September's Market

Real Estate Sales Ease in September
Outlook for Balance of 2011 Remains Stable

October 3, 2011

This month’s report follows the trend we have seen over the last several months.  While prices bump up and down from month to month, overall stability remains the order of the day.

Real estate sales activity softened throughout Greater Victoria last month with a total of 458 homes and other properties selling through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from 542 sales in August. Sales last month were, however, 16 per cent higher than the 395 sales in September of last year. Prices, meantime, remained mixed depending on the property type.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, noted that the overall market remains stable despite some easing of sales in September. "There has been some softening in activity over the last year with sales so far this year running about 10 per cent below last year’s levels. However, sales during the last two months have been higher than in August and September of last year and we anticipate stable market conditions for the balance of this year." Fimrite noted that despite economic uncertainty, interest rates remain very attractive and this is positive news for buyers. He added that that there were 17 single family home sales of over $1 million in September including one in Saanich East at over $6 million.

Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale remained virtually unchanged last month with inventory levels currently 14 per cent higher than a year ago. "The number of properties available for sale declined very slightly last month to 4,940 compared to 4,944 at the end of August."

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $622,393, down from $652,841 in August. The median price also declined to $535,000 while the six-month average increased slightly to $622,519. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $332,490, down from $339,057 in August. The average for the last six months increased slightly to $331,209. The median price for condominiums in September also increased to $279,900. The average price of all townhomes sold last month showed little change at $436,039 compared to $437,079 in August. The median price declined to $391,000 while the six month average increased slightly to $447,127.

MLS® sales last month included 244 single family homes, 128 condominiums, 52 townhomes and 12 manufactured homes.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

August More Active

Real Estate Sales Strengthen in August Enhancing Market Stability

September 1, 2011

A similar pattern has developed.  July activity slower, August bounces back.  This has been the story for the last six months suggesting our market is indeed very stable.

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.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

Victoria Prices Slip Slightly

High Inventory And Slow Sales Translate To Slight Price Reductions

August 2, 2011

A total of 523 homes and other properties sold in July through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from 618 sales in June but very close to the 527 sales in July of last year. Overall prices, meantime, declined somewhat across all major property types.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, noted that despite the drop in the number of sales last month compared to June, market activity is now very close to what we saw at this time last year. "In the coming months, we anticipate that market activity will remain relatively stable and similar to what we saw during the summer and early fall months of last year."

Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale continued to increase at the end of last month with inventory levels currently 14 per cent higher than a year ago. "The available choice for buyers increased further last month with 5,094 properties available for sale at the end of July, up slightly from the 5,050 properties available for sale at the end of June." Fimrite added that the increasing inventory means sellers need to be realistic in pricing their homes in order to attract qualified buyers. "A REALTOR’S® expertise can be invaluable in today’s market to help sellers price their homes to best advantage," added Fimrite.

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $581,117, down from $629,292 in June. The median price also declined to $535,000 while the six-month average declined to $615,439. There were 13 single family home sales of over $1 million in July including two on the Gulf Islands. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $315,371, down from $320,172 in June. The average for the last six months declined to $327,762. The median price for condominiums in July also declined to $289,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month declined to $412,178 from $444,768 in June. The median price also declined to $385,000 while the six month average declined to $443,341.

MLS® sales last month included 283 single family homes, 147 condominiums, 47 townhomes and 19 manufactured homes.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs

Market Slightly More Vigorous

Real Estate Sales Rise in June

July 4, 2011

A total of 618 homes and other properties sold in June through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), up from 572 sales in May and very close to the 625 sales in June of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Dennis Fimrite, noted that market activity has returned to comparable levels of a year ago. "Overall sales so far this year are down 21 per cent compared to a year ago. It’s important to note, however, that the first few months of last year were very active compared to this year and we are now seeing a return to similar market conditions of a year ago."

Fimrite added that the number of properties available for sale continued to increase at the end of last month with inventory levels currently seven per cent higher than a year ago. "The available choice for buyers increased further last month with 5,050 properties available for sale at the end of June - the highest monthly level in 15 years." Fimrite add that there were 4,857 properties available for sale at the end of May.

The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $629,292, up from $628,462 in May. The median price also rose to $569,900 while the six-month average declined slightly to $619,568. There were 23 single family home sales of over $1 million in June. The overall average price for condominiums last month was $320,172, down from $328,345 in May. The average for the last six months rose to $329,402. The median price for condominiums in June also rose to $300,000. The average price of all townhomes sold last month declined to $444,768 from $466,845 in May. The median price also declined to $399,000 while the six month average rose to $448,159.

MLS® sales last month included 348 single family homes, 177 condominiums, 62 townhomes and nine manufactured homes.

Summary Report and Graphs

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs