News

August 1, 2008

Summer Sales Soften - Most Prices Show Little Change
Sales of homes and other properties in the Greater Victoria area softened last month though prices for single family homes and townhomes showed little change. The average price for condominiums moderated somewhat. A total of 616 homes and other properties sold in July through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) compared to the 723 sales in June. There were 922 sales in July of last year.

Victoria Real Estate Board President, Tony Joe, notes that today’s balanced market and a larger inventory of properties for sale give buyers more choice and flexibility. "The number of properties available for sale increased modestly from the previous month rising to 4,557. However, that represents a 34% increase compared to July of last year and inventory now stands at the highest level since May, 1998." Joe notes that prices remain stable. "The overall average price of single family homes and townhomes showed little movement last month," said Joe. The average price of single family homes in Greater Victoria last month was $578,177; the six-month average was $596,659 though the median was considerably lower at $529,900. Eighteen single family homes sold for over $1 million, including three sales on the Gulf Islands.

The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $454,918; the six month average was $435,786. The median price was $417,450. Joe noted that the overall average price for condominiums at $302,536 moderated last month, the lowest monthly average since May, 2007. "It’s important to note, however, that the average for the last six months was $324,583 showing little change from the $326,904 six month average at the beginning of the year," added Joe. The median price for condominiums in July was $285,000.

MLS® sales last month included 359 single family homes, 168 condominiums, 52 townhomes and 10 manufactured homes.

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





Opulence Magazine
"Sayward Hill blends seclusion
with community atmosphere"

Opulence Magazine - Oct/Nov 2006
  CREA
2007 Forecast - February 19

"MLS(R) home sales activity forecast to stay strong - Prices to continue to rise"
The Canadian Real Estate Association - Feb 07

REMAX
Housing Outlook 2007
Gallery
Updated Site Photos

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Previous Issues
Spring 2008
Fall/Winter 2007
Summer 2007


Financial Post
"No housing bubble in Canada: Flaherty"
Financial Post, July 17, 2008
sep
canada.com
"Snow-weary Canadians enjoy 'paradise' "
Calgary Herald, May 17, 2008

"Victoria ranked as second-best place to live"
Times Colonist, April 29, 2008

"TD Bank: Don't panic on house prices"
The Province, April 11, 2008

"Housing market expected to stay strong"
Times Colonist, March 11, 2008

"Homes worth $83.7 billion, up $10 billion"
Times Colonist, January 03, 2008
sep
Credit Union Central BC
"Housing Market Gains Extend into 2009"
March 17, 2008
sep
The Canadian Press
"Strong loonie not affecting real estate market in booming B.C."
"Canada and Vancouver provides security, safety - safety of capital as well safety of individual," says Muir. One of BC's best-known real estate investment...

The Canadian Press, October 28 , 2007
sep
CTV.ca
"Real estate market still booming in BC"
But the steroidal loonie won't deter most foreign buyers, except perhaps at the margins, says Cameron Muir, chief economist at the BC Real Estate Board...

CTV.ca - Canada, October 28 , 2007
sep
REMAX
"Slow and steady growth forecast for residential real estate"
October 17 , 2007

"Luxury sales experience serious upward momentum in major Canadian markets, says RE/MAX"
September 5 , 2007
sep
canada.com
"Buckle up for more house price increases, study says"
Times Colonist, October 18, 2007

"B.C.'s house sales will stay strong, real estate group predicts"
Times Colonist, September 27, 2007

"Retirees help push home sales up 14%"
Canwest News Service, September 19, 2007
sep
Saanich News
"Redefining Green"
September 19, 2007
sep
Victoria Times-Colonist
"Victoria's real estate millionares club grows"
Victoria Times-Colonist, September 5, 2007

"Victoria building boom will continue"
Victoria Times-Colonist, July 5, 2007
sep
CMHC
"CMHC Research Results"
May 2007