Here is the latest monthly review issued by the Victoria Real Estate Board. It has been a slow summer, especially August, but I've already noticed an improvement in viewings and deals since September started.
Property Sales and Prices Soften in August
Sales of homes and other properties in the Greater Victoria area followed the expected trend and softened last month as many people enjoyed vacation time. Prices also moderated slightly. A total of 517 homes and other properties sold in August through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) compared to the 616 sales in July. There were 846 sales in August of last year. Victoria Real Estate Board President, Tony Joe, notes that today’s buyers now have more properties from which to choose than at any time since 1996. “The number of properties available for sale is now at the highest level in over 12 years, increasing in August to 4,657. That represents a 39 per cent increase compared to August of last year.” Joe notes that prices moderated last month with nearly 46 per cent of single family homes selling for under $500,000. “The average price of single family homes in Greater Victoria last month was $549,914, down from over $578,000 in July; the six-month average was $592,582 though the median price in August was considerably lower at $512,000.” Joe added that it’s important to note that in August of last year, the median price was virtually the same at $515,000 and this is testament to the ongoing strength of the local market. Eleven single family homes sold for over $1 million in August, including two sales on the Gulf Islands. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $413,994, down from nearly $455,000 in July; the six month average was $435,309. The median price in August was $382,000. Joe noted that the overall average price for condominiums at $302,200 last month was virtually unchanged from July. The average for the last six months was $319,825. The median price for condominiums in August was $280,000. MLS® sales last month included 269 single family homes, 160 condominiums, 53 townhomes and eight manufactured homes.
While the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends when applied over a period of time, i.e. six months or longer. The Victoria Real Estate Board cautions that an average price does not indicate the actual value of any particular property. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a REALTOR®.
