A total of 671 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this November, 12% more than the 599 properties sold in November last year.
"We suggested last month that some buyers may accelerate their purchase timeline to buy a new home in anticipation of the mortgage stress test on uninsured buyers - those with a down payment of 20% or more - that will come into effect on January 1," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Ara Balabanian. "Judging by the sales we saw in November and what I have heard from our REALTOR® members, some buyers have indeed accelerated their purchasing plans to avoid the stress test. This may change the numbers we see in the early months of 2018, as some buyers who had planned to buy next year have bought a bit earlier."
There were 1,764 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of November 2017, a decrease of 7.4% compared to the month of October and 2.8% fewer than the 1,815 active listings for sale at the end of November 2016.
The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in November 2016 was $748,500. The benchmark value for the same home in November 2017 has increased by 10.2% to $824,600, which is slightly higher than October's value of $821,900.
"So was this November a record breaker?" asks President Balabanian. "While not a record, it is the highest November sales count we've tracked since 1996. It is also rare that we see November numbers beat October numbers. The fact that we've had an unusual month does not necessarily mean that this is the start of a new trend, it is, however, a good example of how outside forces can impact a housing market. It's likely there will be more government-led change in the new year and we'll report on the effects of those changes on the market. Our hope is that the different levels of government coordinate their efforts to avoid a negative compounding effect on the market."
About the Victoria Real Estate Board - Founded in 1921, the Victoria Real Estate Board is a key player in the development of standards and innovative programs to enhance the professionalism of Realtors. The Victoria Real Estate Board represents 1,375 local Realtors. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, connect with your local Realtor for detailed information on the Victoria and area housing market.
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