Nanaimo and Vancouver Island News and updates

Blog

By adminderek -

Slower Than Average Spring Housing Market Continues

Sales of single-family homes in May board-wide dropped by 12 per cent but rose by 11 per cent from April. Last month, 459 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 412 the previous month and 519 in May 2018. Sales of apartments dipped by seven per cent year over year while townhouse sales increased by 19 per cent. The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that on a seasonally adjusted basis, sales in the VIREB area are close to 2014 levels, and current market conditions are expected to continue into the fall.

By adminderek -

Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass

As the weather warms up and we start to venture outdoors, around the neighbourhoods far and wide are the sounds of lawn mowers being dusted off and roaring to life. The unmistakable smell of a freshly cut lawn means spring at last but as time becomes more and more precious the argument of artificial grass versus a live lawn is an interesting debate.

By adminderek -

Easter Activities in Nanaimo 2019

Easter Long Weekend is fast approaching and we have compiled a list of some family fun activities happening in and around Nanaimo for you to partake in. Events are indoor and outdoor with activities sure to delight young and old. Peruse our list and check out the links for all the specific details. So read on and start planning!

By adminderek -

Guideline B-20 Continues to Dampen Housing Sales

Guideline B-20 Stress test continues to impact housing sales in BC but Vancouver Island is a bit more sheltered. The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, which stretches from North of the Malahat on Vancouver Island, reported sales of single-family homes in February dropped by 28% year over year but were up 10% from January.

By adminderek -

Prices still rise but Mortgage Stress Test slowing Housing Sales

Despite lower demand year-over-year benchmark prices of single-family homes continue to rise board-wide, up around nine per cent from January 2018. Price increases in individual markets ranged from five per cent in Nanaimo to 17 per cent in Port Alberni. Although Vancouver Island has felt the effects of the mortgage stress test. Also referred as Guideline B-20. The toll on single-family housing sales throughout the province in January dropped by 28 per cent from one year ago, albeit they did rise by 23 per cent from December 2018. General demand is lower while potential Buyers adjust however there still is very little supply in active price points keeping the markets somewhat balanced.

By adminderek -

December 2017 Market Update

Sales of single-family homes in November on Vancouver Island declined by 28 per cent from one year ago and were 21 per cent lower than in October. Last month, 305 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 384 in October and 426 one year ago. Modest inventory increases are helping The Vancouver Island Real Estate market transition from one favouring sellers to a balanced or near-balanced market. Active listings of single-family homes have dropped each month since hitting this year’s high of 1,418, which occurred in July.

By adminderek -

November 2018 Market Update

The erosion of affordability in larger markets is pushing more buyers away. However the purchasing power caused by the mortgage stress test and rising interest rates continue to be a concern though, continuing strong performance in the economy combined with favourable demographics is expected to push home sales above their 10-year average in 2019.