A slight uptick in sales and inventory, but Victoria market still requires commitment to homes

November 1, 2022  A total of 480 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this October, 35.6 per cent fewer than the 745 properties sold in October 2021 but a 17.1 per cent increase from September 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 39 per cent from October 2021 with 152 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 32.2 per cent from October 2021 with 230 sold.

"Inventory has remained stable this month and for the first time since May 2022, we see a slight increase in the month over month sales," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "We noted last month that the number of sales for September did not necessarily reflect the on-the-ground activity in the marketplace. October sales have shown what the industry has been experiencing, an increase in activity, more sales and well-priced homes receiving plenty of attention — some receiving multiple offers. If you are considering selling a property, the continually evolving market conditions this month reinforce the need for up-to-date analysis of how to price your home during this type of market. With many micro-markets within the Greater Victoria area conversations with your local REALTOR® on how the housing market is performing in your specific area will be crucial to your success."

There were 2,192 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of October 2022, a decrease of 4.7 per cent compared to the previous month of September but a 111.6 per cent increase from the 1,036 active listings for sale at the end of October 2021.

"With new mayors and councillors heading to work in several of our municipalities, we hope to see strong commitments to positive ways to manage the current and future housing needs of our communities high on council agendas," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "The future cost of housing is at stake. The pressure on pricing and in the market overall will not resolve until we see material improvements in the number and types of properties available in the Greater Victoria area. Rentals, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and beyond are all needed to help ensure that we do not face another cycle of rapid price increases due to lack of inventory in the future. We hope that all municipalities will be looking at gentle density improvements that will ensure more homes for more people in their community planning."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in October 2021 was $1,216,900. The benchmark value for the same home in October 2022 increased by 10.2 per cent to $1,341,400 but was down 1.7 per cent from September's value of $1,364,200. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in October 2021 was $524,500, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in October 2022 increased by 14.9 per cent to $602,700, down by 2.4 per cent from the September value of $617,400.

About the Victoria Real Estate Board — Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board 1,595 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.

View our press release and summary here.
View our complete statistical package here.

Victoria's summer real estate market conditions push into September

October 3, 2022  A total of 410 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this September, 46.1 per cent fewer than the 761 properties sold in September 2021 and a 14.2 per cent decrease from August 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 58.8 per cent from September 2021 with 126 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 33.2 per cent from September 2021 with 221 sold.

"September heralds the start of the fall season, which traditionally brings a more active market than what we see in the summer months. October is generally the peak of the fall and winter market," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "This year sales have dropped month over month since May and we saw a reluctant September with some of the lowest sales numbers for that month in decades. While the rate of decrease has slowed due in part to concerns about rising interest rates and inflation, this level of activity may not necessarily reflect the actual demand that exists in the marketplace. While overall activity is below historical norms, well-priced properties are still receiving plenty of attention. Multiple offers on these homes are still quite common, which may not be reflected in the overall statistics, but is noticeable if you are actively buying and selling."

There were 2,300 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of September 2022, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to the previous month of August and a 104.6 per cent increase from the 1,124 active listings for sale at the end of September 2021.

"The good news is that we have seen more inventory come to market, which when combined with slower sales activity, has resulted in more balanced market conditions," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "In the current environment, properties that are well-priced and well-maintained continue to sell briskly. If you are thinking of making a move, a conversation with your favourite REALTOR® for an up-to-date analysis of how the housing market is performing in your area will be crucial to your success. Another consideration is to take the time to vote in your municipal elections October 15 for candidates who reflect your preferences for housing in our communities. Much of our future housing supply and the way Greater Victoria will manage housing needs will be determined by decisions made at the municipal level."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in September 2021 was $1,201,100. The benchmark value for the same home in September 2022 increased by 13.6 per cent to $1,364,200 but was down 2 per cent from August's value of $1,391,700. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in September 2021 was $519,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in September 2022 increased by 18.9 per cent to $617,400, down by 0.7 per cent from the August value of $621,900.

About the Victoria Real Estate Board - Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,595 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.

View our press release and summary here.
View our complete statistical package here.

Shift in Victoria Real Estate market brings more time for buyers and sellers

August 2, 2022  A total of 510 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 38.9 per cent fewer than the 835 properties sold in July 2021 and a 16.7 per cent decrease from June 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 39.4 per cent from July 2021 with 172 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 35.9 per cent from July 2021 with 254 sold.

"We'd previously indicated a shift in the local housing market," said 2022 VREB President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "This continued be the case in July as sales dipped, and we saw fewer listings come to the market, with more of the existing inventory remaining for sale. This slowdown means a calmer and more friendly environment with time for decision-making, which benefits sellers and buyers and will be a relief to many."

There were 2,162 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of July 2022, an increase of 5 per cent compared to the previous month of June and a 70.2 per cent increase from the 1,270 active listings for sale at the end of July 2021.

"As a result of the higher interest rates and inflation occurring right now, we see fluctuations in price and availability," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "Values will rise and fall over time, and historically local real estate values slowly increase over time, which means despite month-to-month variations, if you are buying a home, you have a sound, long-term investment. We need to remember that people don't buy and sell on a month-to-month basis and that in the larger scheme of things, housing is more than numbers. A property is a place where people live their daily lives, raise their families, etc. It is more than a commodity, and for many it is the most important purchase they make in their lifetime. The government's recent focus has been on demand-side mechanisms and other market modifiers such as a mandatory three-day cooling off period to start in 2023. A better long-term approach to housing affordability for our future is to address housing supply constraints which will be central to the next round of upward pressure on home prices. Consult with your REALTOR® to keep informed regarding current values and market conditions if you are in the market to buy or sell."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in July 2021 was $1,204,900. The benchmark value for the same home in July 2022 increased by 19 per cent to $1,433,800 but was down 2.1 per cent from June's value of $1,464,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in July 2021 was $502,600, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in July 2022 increased by 27.3 per cent to $639,600, down by 0.5 per cent from the June value of $643,100.

About the Victoria Real Estate Board - Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,590 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.

View our press release and summary here.
View our complete statistical package here

Pace of the Greater Victoria real estate market steady into spring

June 1, 2022  A total of 761 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this May, 27.5 per cent fewer than the 1,049 properties sold in May 2021 and a 7.6 per cent decrease from April 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 23.1 per cent from May 2021 with 250 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 31.7 per cent from May 2021 with 367 sold.

"The real estate market in Greater Victoria is returning to a steadier pace following the strange two years we experienced over the course of the pandemic," said 2022 Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "While inventory is still below historical levels for a spring market, it is now within our pre-pandemic five-year average, which is good news for buyers. The increase in inventory provides buyers with more options, and we are seeing market activity and price points differ within the unique neighbourhoods that make up Greater Victoria. During a changing market like the one we see now, it is more important than ever to have an expert on your side - whether you are buying or selling it's a great time to give your favourite REALTOR® a call."

There were 1,776 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of May 2022, an increase of 30.1 per cent compared to the previous month of April and a 22.5 per cent increase from the 1,450 active listings for sale at the end of May 2021.

"Looking to the future of the market, the Board has reviewed the British Columbia Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) report which the government requisitioned to guide the deployment of their cooling-off plan," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "We are aligned with BCFSA on the importance of consumer protection in real estate and see areas of the BCFSA report which reflect the Victoria Real Estate Board's and the British Columbia Real Estate Association's recommendations - specifically the concept of a five-day pre-offer period. However, the BCFSA report leaves detailed process and procedural questions unanswered. The government will need to do more consultation with industry stakeholders prior to implementation to ensure these changes are without negative consequences to consumers and to the market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value* for a single family home in the Victoria Core in May 2021 was $1,168,800. The benchmark value for the same home in May 2022 increased by 23.8 per cent to $1,446,400, up from April's value of $1,424,900. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in May 2021 was $495,600 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in May 2022 increased by 27.9 per cent to $633,800, up from the April value of $630,200.

*Please note that the MLS® HPI methodology and reporting was updated this month, and that some numbers may have changed when compared to previous reports. For more information, please refer to page four of the press release and summary / Statistics Package for Media.  

About the Victoria Real Estate Board - Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,582 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.

View our press release and summary here.
View our complete statistical package here

Record low inventory prevents Victoria real estate market from cooling-off

March 1, 2022  A total of 718 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this February, 16.8 per cent fewer than the 863 properties sold in February 2021 but a 51.5 per cent increase from January 2021. Sales of condominiums were down 7.9 per cent from February 2021 with 267 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 20.8 per cent from February 2021 with 309 sold.

"It was heartening this month to see some more listings come to market in February," said 2022 Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "However, inventory levels remain at record lows and without a strong government focus on increasing supply, buyers will continue to face escalating prices and difficult market conditions."

There were 849 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of February 2022, an increase of 14.1 per cent compared to the previous month of January but a 35.6 per cent decrease from the 1,318 active listings for sale at the end of February 2021.

"We have asked the government for strong solutions to create supply to bring our market back into balance," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "We need incentives for gentle densification and the removal of municipal barriers to development. What government has chosen to focus on instead is their announcement of a cooling-off period for residential sales this spring. They announced this measure with no industry consultation into how this may impact our housing market. The Victoria Real Estate Board and the British Columbia Real Estate Association have strongly recommended against a cooling-off period. Industry research shows that a cooling-off period will add volatility in both slow and pressurized market conditions. It provides no protection for home sellers and creates more risk and uncertainty for them when selling a home. Experienced and well-funded buyers will have an advantage over first-time buyers because a cooling-off period reduces negotiations to price alone. We have recommended alternative ideas for consumer protection - including the suggestion that a pre-sale offer period be introduced, which transcends market conditions and would better protect buyers and sellers while also mitigating the impact of pre-emptive offers. We hope our suggestions are taken seriously, they are a result of thorough research and consultation of hundreds of our local practitioners. Instead of discussing the British Columbia Real Estate Association's recommendations yesterday, Finance Minister Selina Robinson chose to inform the public that REALTORS® have a vested interest in home prices. For Minister Robinson to suggest that Realtors are keeping prices high is a convenient excuse and a weak attempt to divert attention away from the real issue - supply. Realtors would prefer a balanced market with reasonable prices and plenty of housing supply to meet demand. Our Realtors' only vested interest is in their clients and the more balanced our market is, the better we are able to serve the needs of buyers and sellers."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in February 2021 was $948,500. The benchmark value for the same home in February 2022 increased by 26.1 per cent to $1,196,300, up from January's value of $1,161,500. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in February 2021 was $494,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in February 2022 increased by 22.1 per cent to $603,600, up from the January value of $587,300.

About the Victoria Real Estate Board - Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of REALTORS®. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,522 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.

View our press release and summary here.
View our complete statistical package here.