June 1, 2010
Spring Sales Soften in May
Choices Increase for Buyers
The number of homes and other properties sold throughout the Victoria area softened in May while the choices for buyers increased with a further rise in the number of properties available for sale.
A total of 695 homes and other properties sold in May through the Victoria Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), down from the 756 sales in April. There were 879 sales in May of last year. Prices were mixed depending on the property type.
Victoria Real Estate Board President Randi Masters noted that some softening in the number of sales was expected due to anticipated increases in interest rates and pressure on affordability as a result of rising prices. “So far this year sales are running nearly 14 per cent ahead of the first five months of last year but it’s important to note that the first few months of this year were very strong compared to the same period a year ago when the effects of the recession were still being strongly felt.”
Masters added that further increases in the number of properties available for sale should temper upward price pressures as buyers enjoy a wider selection of properties from which to choose. “As of the end of May, there were 4,521 properties available for sale – up from 4,229 at the end of April. The available inventory is now 19 per cent higher than the 3,789 properties for sale at the end of May a year ago,” she added.
Overall prices for single family homes rose last month while prices for condominiums and townhomes moderated. The average price for single-family homes sold in Greater Victoria last month was $646,483 up from $624,149 in April. The median price rose to $594,500. The six-month average was $635,477.
There were 24 sales of over $1 million including one sale in Oak Bay of over $3.5 million. The overall average price for condominiums was $324,005 last month, down from $340,105 in April. The average for the last six months was $327,064. The median price for condominiums in May declined to $290,050. The average price of all townhomes sold last month was $430,713 down from $449,556 in April. The median price declined to $418,000. The six month average was $453,798.
MLS® sales last month included 394 single family homes, 202 condominiums, 63 townhomes and 12 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®.
