The changes in mortgage qualification rules have reduced
buyer’s purchasing power and the proof is in the numbers. Event though there are
20 per cent more active listings than this time last year, there are 25 per
cent fewer homes sold compared to June last year. We also have a lot more
competition for any homes listed at a lower price ranges and for condominiums because
there are a third less homes listed under $750,000 this year over last due to
rising real estate prices, and there has not been enough condominiums to meet demand.
On the higher end of the market, there are at least 50 per
cent more $1.5 million plus houses listed. The new and potential taxes from the
provincial government are putting pressure on some high value home owners to sell.
The provincial taxes include the Foreign Buyer Property Transfer Tax, the increased School Tax and the potential Speculation Tax.
The VREB (Victoria Real Estate Board) President Kyle Kerr
summed up the current market well. "You may find more flexibility if you
are shopping for a multi-million-dollar estate in certain areas,” he said.
However, “you may be in for a competition if you're shopping for a lower priced
home or condominium.”
The MLS® (Multiple Listing Service®) HPI (Home Price Index)
benchmark value for all types of condominiums (one, two or three bedroom) in Westshore
increased by 20.90 per cent over last year from $327,200 to $395.700. It’s
interesting to compare this to the MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium
in the Victoria Core area which increased by 15.7 per cent over last year from
$426,900 to $493,900. Comparative prices from last year to this are going up
faster in the Westshore area as families and professionals shift their
attention away from the less affordable Victoria core and towards vibrant communities
like Langford.
Let us know if you’re interested in looking at a condominium
at Triple Crown Communities. Residence 1 is now sold, but details about
Residence 2 will are coming soon. Sign up for our newsletter The Winner’s Circle to ensure you’re one of the first informed.
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