Consumer interest in homeownership in Victoria unwavering over course of pandemic

Consumer interest in homeownership in Victoria unwavering over course of pandemic

“Another month has passed where we have seen surprisingly high sales numbers – which included quite a few higher end properties,” says Victoria Real Estate Board President Sandi-Jo Ayers. “I don’t think that anyone who was trying to predict market outcomes in our area over the course of the pandemic expected that the pent up demand from dampened sales in April and May would result in this level of market activity.”

Glynis' Market Report: May Edition

Glynis' Market Report: May Edition

The premier of B.C. announced a four-phase reopening of B.C. on Tuesday following a surreal period of self isolation as we all worked to control the pandemic. Understandably, the COVID19 virus has had an impact on Greater Victoria’s real estate sales this April. While some sellers chose to postpone listing their homes, buyers opted to stay home, heeding the government advice, and limiting viewings unless moving was critical.

Victoria Spring market far from the usual as real estate continues to react to pandemic

Victoria Spring market far from the usual as real estate continues to react to pandemic

A total of 287 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this April, 58.8 per cent fewer than the 696 properties sold in April 2019 and 52.8 per cent fewer than the previous month of March 2020. Sales of condominiums were down 64 per cent from April 2019 with 73 units sold. Sales of single family homes were down 55.8 per cent from April 2019 with 163 sold.

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

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.

Victoria Real Estate Market wraps up a relatively flat year for home sales

Victoria Real Estate Market wraps up a relatively flat year for home sales

"Overall, our market throughout 2019 can be characterized as still active, slow to grow and low in supply," says 2019 Victoria Real Estate Board President Cheryl Woolley. "Last year we saw many prospective buyers sit on the sidelines waiting for inventory to be added. As a result of this unmet demand, there was and continues to be a push from consumers to create townhomes and condos at accessible price points.”

Victoria Real Estate Market Impacted by Low Inventory, Consistent Demand

Victoria Real Estate Market Impacted by Low Inventory, Consistent Demand

A total of 619 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this October, 3.5 per cent more than the 598 properties sold in October 2018 and a 0.5 per cent increase from September 2019. Sales of condominiums were down 1.1 per cent from October 2018 with 178 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 10 per cent from October 2018 with 318 sold.

Victoria Real Estate Market shows increased interest in condos and townhomes

Victoria Real Estate Market shows increased interest in condos and townhomes

A total of 616 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this September, 15.6 per cent more than the 533 properties sold in September 2018 but a 6.8 per cent decrease from August 2019. Sales of condominiums were up 48.3 per cent from September 2018 with 221 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 1.1 per cent from September 2018 with 282 sold.

Victoria real estate summer sales and inventory levels follow historic patterns

Victoria real estate summer sales and inventory levels follow historic patterns

A steady Greater Victoria area real estate market continues into summer A total of 706 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 8.4 per cent more than the 651 properties sold in July 2018 but a 4.6 per cent decrease from June 2019. Sales of condominiums were up 14.4 per cent from July 2018 with 215 units sold.