NEWS FLASH Victoria real estate market returns to traditional sales numbers, but low inventory persists

A total of 411 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this January, 24.9 per cent more than the 329 properties sold in January 2019 and 2.2 per cent more than in December 2019. Sales of condominiums were up 6.3 per cent from January 2019 with 118 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 31.6 per cent from January 2019 with 200 sold.

"Our new year is already showing a strong distinction from the year previous," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Sandi-Jo Ayers. "We've returned to more traditional January sales numbers - which tend to be over 400 sales. Unfortunately, we have not seen a corresponding increase in listings alongside the demand, so buyers in the low- to mid-price segment of our market may find themselves in competition for desirable properties. Our market is challenging and at times like these the services of your local REALTOR® are invaluable."

There were 1,958 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of January 2020, 6 properties more than the total available at the end of December 2019 and a 4.8 per cent decrease from the 2,057 active listings for sale at the end of January 2019.

"Pressure on our market has been slowly returning," adds Ayers. "With not enough inventory to satisfy demand, people occupying the middle rung of our property ladder have limited options - which means less movement to make room for those hoping to move or to buy their first homes. Eighteen months ago, the provincial and federal governments introduced demand side measures, which we can now see have not been successful in making homes more attainable in our community. Since demand side measures aren't working, the Board hopes that all levels of government will turn their attention to supply. Our municipalities working with developers to cut red tape and reduce costs should help to introduce more housing opportunities and alleviate some pressure."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in January 2019 was $846,900. The benchmark value for the same home in January 2020 increased by 1.4 per cent to $858,500, 0.4 per cent more than December's value of $855,000. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in January 2019 was $500,500, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in January 2020 increased by 4.1 per cent to $521,100, slightly more than the December value of $520,700.

The graphic below shows market price activity for Single Family Homes in Greater Victoria 
over the past year

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As baby boomers continue to retire in ever increasing numbers and  people from Vancouver sell their multi-million dollar homes and relocate here, prices will continue strong. There is no denying the incredibly strong pull to this Island Paradise!  

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Victoria, British Columbia... what's not to like?!! With it's mild climate producing liquid sunshine in the winter in place of snow, it is becoming the destination of choice for Baby Boomers all over the world.

Victoria is a metropolitan City that has many residents of British descent, but is increasingly attracting buyers world wide. Even with the currency change with our closest neighbor, United States, it is little wonder that American citizens are still flocking to Victoria and buying luxury ocean front condominiums, view properties and ocean front estates. With prices on the rise, Victoria is expensive but not when compared with other top tourist destinations. Check out other international tourist destinations then look again at our prices and I think you will agree that there is a lot of room for increase yet!

Golf? You bet! There are many amazing golf courses in the South Island area. These include the ocean front Victoria Golf and Country Club, Olympic View with its waterfall backdrop on one hole and many others... most open all year long.

If you want a get away, check out one of our luxury hotels. Included are the Empress, Laurel Point and Delta Ocean Pointe all overlooking the inner harbour. Fine dining includes Hunter's Steakhouse, Chandlers on Wharf, The Marina in Oak Bay and Pescatore's Fish House, just to name a few. Attractions include the world renown Butchart Gardens, Royal BC Museum, Royal Wax Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and of course whale watching. This is not a boring one horse town, but you can go for a carrige ride through the streets!

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