At the end of September, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley stabilized at 331, which is about where we have been for the last few months, but that is significantly up from 197 in September of 2023.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in September was $787k, down from September 2023 which was $812k.

With the increased inventory, the sell/list ratio was 45% (138 listed, 63 sold) in September, which is lower than August which was 57%.

In general, homes are selling close to the list price, with the market’s sale prices averaging 97.66% of the list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average "days on the market" was 58 in September 2024, up from 54 in August—which is expected with increased inventory.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

OCTOBER 1, 2024

SPRING MARKET ARRIVES IN THE FALL

NANAIMO, BC – The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 637 unit sales and 4,465 active listings (all property types) board-wide on the MLS® System in September 2024, up 16 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively. In the single-family category (excluding acreage and waterfront), 320 homes sold in September, up 22 per cent from one year ago and down four per cent from August. Sales of condo apartments last month came in at 69, decreasing by 19 per cent year over year and one per cent from August. In the row/townhouse category, 93 units changed hands in September, up 31 per cent from one year ago and 35 per cent from August.

Active listings of single-family homes were 1,586 in September, up from the 1,173 posted one year ago. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 410 last month, up from 305 in September 2023. There were 335 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 239 the previous year.

With active listings at their highest level in five years, slowing inflation, and recent rate cuts, it’s an excellent time to buy. This advice holds particularly true for condo apartments and row/townhouses; the single-family market has been somewhat stagnant lately.

“The market we typically see in the spring never transpired, but the increased sales activity in September has the feel of spring,” says VIREB CEO Jason Yochim. “However, there are price reductions occurring throughout our area. Sellers are compromising to attract buyers, and overpriced properties are lingering for several months.”

The British Columbia Real Estate Association reports that inflation is slowing faster than expected, so another interest-rate reduction is likely on the horizon. Further, as reported last month, the Vancouver Island economy is performing remarkably well, with solid job growth, particularly in Victoria.

“We feel optimistic about the next few months, but buyers and sellers need to be on the same page,” adds Yochim. “Everyone wants to buy at the bottom of the market, but by the time we realize it’s here, it’s frequently too late.”

Moving on to prices, the board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $777,600 in September 2024, slightly higher than one year ago and down one per cent from August. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $403,600 last month, down two per cent from the previous September and a small uptick from August. The benchmark price of a townhouse in September was $545,400, down one per cent from one year ago and slightly higher than in August.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $694,700 last month, up three per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price dropped by $500 to $828,600. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $773,900, a two per cent decrease from September 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose slightly to $810,800, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by one per cent to $902,500. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $501,100, down three per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home rose by four per cent to $451,100.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

At the end of August, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley stabilized at 316, which is about where we have been for the last few months, but that is significantly up from 183 in August of 2023.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in August was $803k, close to July’s at $802k.

With the increased inventory, the sell/list ratio was 57% (101 listed, 58 sold) in August, which is much lower than a year ago, when it was 95% in August 2023.

In general, homes are selling close to the list price, with the market’s sale prices averaging 97.51% of the list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average "days on the market" was 54 in August 2024, up from 45 in July—there are no real surprises with the increase in inventory.

When realtors mention terms like 'two months of inventory' or 'six months of inventory,' they're talking about how long it would take to sell all the current homes on the market if no new homes were listed. This is based on the average number of homes sold each month.

For example, in August, we had 318 single-family homes available and sold 58 houses. This means we have about six months of inventory, which is higher than in recent markets, which will impact pricing and days on the market. Lower interest rates and increased consumer confidence will likely bring back a more balanced market; however, this change is usually measured in months, not weeks.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS TRENDING TOWARDS BUYERS’ MARKET

NANAIMO, BC – The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 662 unit sales board-wide and 4,520 active listings (all property types) on the MLS® System in August 2024. In the single-family category (excluding acreage and waterfront), 333 homes sold in August, up three per cent from one year ago and down eight per cent from July. Sales of condo apartments last month came in at 70, decreasing by 18 per cent year over year and 20 per cent from July. In the row/townhouse category, 69 units changed hands in August, down eight per cent from one year ago and 30 per cent from July.

Active listings of single-family homes were 1,564 in August, up from the 1,072 posted one year ago. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 437 last month, up from 308 in August 2023. There were 364 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 254 the previous year.

VIREB CEO Jason Yochim notes that VIREB’s housing market was flat during spring and summer, but REALTORS® are optimistic about the fall market.

“Active listings are at their highest level in nearly five years,” says Yochim. “Combined with recent rate cuts, an anticipated rate cut, and pricing that’s responsive to the current market, it’s an excellent time for buyers to make a move.”

“We all want to buy at the bottom of the market,” adds Yochim. “However, by the time we realize it’s here, it’s frequently too late.”

Adding to the favourable picture is a Vancouver Island economy performing remarkably well, with solid job growth, particularly in Victoria, according to the British Columbia Real Estate Association.

“Around 30,000 jobs came on line in the Victoria area this year, many of them in IT and the public sector,” says Yochim. “We anticipate that the lower home prices in our area compared to the South Island might appeal to some of those potential home buyers, especially for telecommuters.”

Moving on to prices, the board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $785,400 in August 2024, up two per cent from one year ago and a slight uptick from July. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $403,400 last month, down one per cent from the previous August and three per cent from July. The benchmark price of a townhouse in August was $544,100, down one per cent from one year ago and up one per cent from July.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $691,700 last month, up one per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by three per cent to $832,800. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $782,800, a one per cent decrease from August 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by two per cent to reach $819,900, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by two per cent to $916,000. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $519,900, up two per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home rose by three per cent to $441,700.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

At the end of June, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley increased slightly to 330 active homes compared to 321 active ones in July 2024.

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in July was $802K, an small increase increase from $789K in July 2024.

The sell/list ratio rose to 46.5% in July (134 listed/65 sold), up from 36.55% in July 2024.

In general, homes are selling close to the list price, with the market’s sale prices averaging 97.38% of the list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average "days on the market" was 45 in July 2024, consistent over the last few months but likely to increase with increased inventory.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

At the end of June, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley increased significantly to 321 active homes compared to 224 active ones in June 2023.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in June was $789k, a decrease from two months ago in April 2024, which was $827k.

With the increased inventory, the sell/list ratio dropped to a low of 36.55% (145 listed/53 sold) in June, compared to 58.78% (148 listed/87 sold) in June 2023.

In general, homes are selling close to the list price, with the market’s sale prices averaging 97.67% of the list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average "days on the market" was 42 in June 2024, consistent over the last few months but likely to increase with increased inventory.

When realtors mention terms like 'two months of inventory' or 'six months of inventory,' they're talking about how long it would take to sell all the current homes on the market if no new homes were listed. This is based on the average number of homes sold each month.

For example, in June, we had 321 single-family homes available and sold 53 houses. This means we have about six months of inventory, which is higher than recent markets and will impact pricing and days on the market. Lower interest rates and increased consumer confidence will likely bring back a more balanced market.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

MEDIA RELEASE - July 2, 2024

WAITING IS THE THEME OF VIREB’S SUMMER HOUSING MARKET

NANAIMO, BC – The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 737 unit sales board-wide (all property types) on the MLS® System in June 2024. In the single-family category (excluding acreage and waterfront), 359 homes sold in June, down 15 per cent from one year ago and 12 per cent from May. Sales of condo apartments last month came in at 82, decreasing by 24 per cent year over year and by 11 per cent from May. In the row/townhouse category, 91 units changed hands in June, down eight per cent from one year ago and 16 per cent from May.

Active listings of single-family homes were 1,566 in June, an increase from the 1,105 posted one year ago. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 440 last month, up from 319 in June 2023. There were 364 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 274 the previous year.

Jason Yochim, VIREB Chief Executive Officer, says the market is behaving differently than during a typical summer, and the expected boost from the recent interest rate cut hasn’t materialized.

“Buyers and sellers seem to be holding back and waiting for some sort of indication that it’s a good time to make a move,” says Yochim. “REALTORS® are conducting open houses and showings, but it’s decidedly more sluggish than we usually see at this time of year.”

Yochim notes that well-priced, high-quality properties continue to garner multiple offers, but REALTORS® are seeing more offers significantly below the asking price.

“Inventory has risen considerably, and it’s been five years since active listings in the VIREB area were at this level, so buyers have more choice and more time to wait,” adds Yochim. “The same holds true for sellers, so there seems to be a waiting game going on.”

The board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $787,300 in June 2024, up three per cent from one year ago and one per cent from May. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $411,200 last month, up one per cent from the previous June and down slightly from May. The benchmark price of a townhouse in June was $542,400, down two per cent from one year ago and a slight decrease from May.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $704,600 last month, up six per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by six per cent to $842,800. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $791,100, a two per cent increase from June 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by three per cent to reach $823,000, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by one per cent to $896,800. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $514,300, a small uptick from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home rose by three per cent to $437,800.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

At the end of May, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley was up slightly to 283 active homes compared to 267 active homes in April 2024.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in May was $799k, a slight decrease from April 2024, which was $827k.

With the increased inventory the sell/list ratio increased to 57.64% (144 listed/83 sold) in May, compared to the 38.75% (160 listed/62 sold) in April 2024.

In general, homes are selling close to list price, with the market’s sale prices averaging 98.15% of list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average ‘days on the market’ was 42 in May, up slightly from 35 days in April 2024.

On Wednesday June 5, 2024, the Bank of Canada lowered its lending rate by 25 basis points from 5 per cent to 4.75 per cent. Hopes are that this will stimulate more real estate activity in the second half of the year.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

June 3, 2024

LARGE INVENTORY INCREASE IN MAY WHILE SALES CONTINUE TO LAG

NANAIMO, BC – The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 824 unit sales boardwide (all property types) on the MLS® System in May 2024. In the single-family category (excluding acreage and waterfront), 409 homes sold in May, down 14 per cent from one year ago and up nine per cent from April. Sales of condo apartments last month came in at 92, increasing by 11 per cent year over year and up 23 per cent from April. In the row/townhouse category, 108 units changed hands in May, up 17 per cent from one year ago and 30 per cent from April.

Active listings of single-family homes were 1,433 in May, an increase from the 979 posted one year ago. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 398 last month, up from 318 in May 2023. There were 375 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 252 the previous year.

VIREB Chief Executive Officer Jason Yochim says that the typically busy spring market is slow to launch this year.

“Last month, we were optimistic that the spring market had finally arrived,” says Yochim. “However, while sales did pick up somewhat in May, we’re still not where we usually are heading into summer.”

Yochim notes there are likely several reasons fuelling VIREB’s lagging sales, including investor concerns surrounding higher capital gains taxes and consumer worries regarding long-term affordability. Some buyers are also waiting for interest-rate cuts.

“On a positive note, VIREB’s inventory of single-family homes rose by 46 per cent in May, while active listings of all property types are up by 33 per cent board-wide,” says Yochim. “The VIREB market is now in balanced territory, which is great news for buyers and sellers.”

The board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $781,100 in May 2024, up four per cent from one year ago and a slight uptick from April. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $413,000 last month, up three per cent from the previous May and two per cent from April. The benchmark price of a townhouse in May was $544,200, up one per cent from one year ago and one per cent higher than in April.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $712,800 last month, up nine per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by six per cent to $833,600. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $779,300, a two per cent increase from May 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by four per cent to reach $815,900, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by two per cent to $896,400. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $517,000, up three per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home dropped by one per cent to $424,600.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note:  Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

At the end of February, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley was up slightly at 183 active homes compared to 161 active homes in January.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in February was $805k, an increase from January, which was $773k.

Our inventory sell/list ratio rose to 53.68% (95 listed/51 sold) in February, an increase from the 32.86% (70 listed/23 sold) in January.

Homes are no longer selling over list price – the market saw sale prices averaging 97.4% of list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average ‘days on the market’ was 55 in February, slightly up from 44 days in January.

We are witnessing more realistic pricing of homes as sellers try to match up with buyers’ expectations and reduced buying power.

With our increased mortgage rates, and despite our low inventory, we have transitioned fully from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. Sellers are strongly advised to get ahead of the market and keep their pencils sharp on their house prices to be relevant.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

MEDIA RELEASE

MARCH 1, 2024

FEBRUARY SEES SIGNIFICANT SALES INCREASE

NANAIMO, BC – Last month, 254 single-family homes sold in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area, up 15 per cent from one year ago and 67 per cent from January 2023. Sales of condo apartments in February came in at 68, increasing by 11 per cent year over year and up 45 per cent from January. In the row/townhouse category, 59 units changed hands last month, an increase of 18 per cent from one year ago and up 48 per cent from the previous month.

Active listings of single-family homes were 915 in February, down from 937 the previous year. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 298 last month, up from 253 one year ago. There were 328 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 251 in February 2023.

“Board-wide, sales rose significantly from last February, while month over month, increases were in the high double digits,” says Jason Yochim, VIREB Chief Executive Officer. “REALTORS® are reporting that although many buyers are waiting for spring, pent-up demand is high.”

While much media attention has been on interest rates and a hoped-for reduction from the Bank of Canada, some financial institutions are offering excellent rates.

“In fact, five-year fixed rates are between five and seven per cent, and for current clients, some banks are offering rates of less than five per cent for longer terms,” adds Yochim. “We encourage people to speak to a mortgage professional to determine their best option.”

The board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $753,500 in February 2024, up six per cent from one year ago and a one per cent increase from January.

In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $387,400 last month, up one per cent from the previous February and two per cent from January. The benchmark price of a townhouse in February was $546,500, up two per cent from one year ago and a slight decrease from January.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $661,600 last month, up nine per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by six per cent to $829,500. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $749,900, a five per cent increase from February 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by six per cent to reach $787,000, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by three per cent to $845,700. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $528,400, up nine per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home dropped by four per cent to $392,100.

Regardless of market conditions, connecting with a local REALTOR® can help smooth the way to a successful real estate transaction. They have access to tools and custom analytics for developing a winning strategy, whether you’re buying or selling a home.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

At the end of January, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley was up slightly at 161 active homes compared to 145 active homes in December 2023.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in January was $773k, a very slight increase from December 2023, which was $772k.

With the increased inventory the sell/list ratio dropped to 32.86% (70 listed/23 sold) in January, compared to the 66.67% (39 listed/26 sold) in December 2023.

Homes are no longer selling over list price – the market saw sale prices averaging 98.42% of list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average ‘days on the market’ was 44 in January, just down from 45 days in December 2023.

We are witnessing more realistic pricing of homes as sellers try to match up with buyers’ expectations and reduced buying power.

With our increased mortgage rates, and despite our low inventory, we have transitioned fully from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. Sellers are strongly advised to get ahead of the market and keep their pencils sharp on their house prices to be relevant.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

MEDIA RELEASE - February 1, 2024

NORMAL JANUARY KICKS OFF 2024 WITH OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK

NANAIMO, BC – Last month, 152 single-family homes sold in the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) area, down six per cent from one year ago and up slightly from December 2023. Sales of condo apartments in January came in at 47, increasing by 12 per cent year over year and up 21 per cent from December. In the row/townhouse category, 40 units changed hands last month, an increase of 14 per cent from one year ago and up three per cent from the previous month.

Active listings of single-family homes were 807 in January, down from 861 one year ago. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 258 last month, up from 239 one year ago. There were 282 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 239 one year ago.

“We had a fairly normal January, with unit sales of 354 compared to 340 last year,” says Ian Mackay, 2024 Chair. “REALTORS® are reporting that plenty of listings are hitting the system, and we’re sensing a lot of optimism regarding the spring market.”

However, interest rates and the mortgage stress test (Guideline B-20) continue to deter some buyers, as does the pervasive low inventory in the VIREB area, which limits the selection of affordable homes.

Mackay, who works primarily in Parksville-Qualicum, notes that properties listed in a moderate range, are selling remarkably quickly.

The board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $749,000 in January 2024, up six per cent from one year ago and down one per cent from December. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $380,600 last month, a slight decrease from the previous January and down one per cent from December. The benchmark price of a townhouse in January was $546,600, up two per cent from one year ago and a slight increase from December.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $650,500 last month, up seven per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose seven per cent to $816,300. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $746,600, a three per cent increase from January 2023. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by six per cent to reach $783,100, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by six per cent to $856,700. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $517,600, down five per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home dropped slightly to $403,000. However, prices decreased from December 2023 in nearly every zone.

Regardless of market conditions, connecting with a local REALTOR® can help smooth the way to a successful real estate transaction. They have access to tools and custom analytics for developing a winning strategy, whether you’re buying or selling a home.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.

At the end of December, our real estate inventory for single-family dwellings in the Cowichan Valley was down slightly at 145 active homes compared to 183 active homes in November.

Real Estate Inventory Duncan & Cowichan Valley

Our average sale price for a single-family dwelling in the Cowichan Valley in December was $772k, a slight decrease from November, which was $788k.

Our inventory sell/list ratio rose to 66.67% (39 listed/26 sold) in December, an increase from the 60.87% (69 listed/42 sold) in November

Homes are no longer selling over list price – the market saw sale prices averaging 97.47% of list price – consistent with results from the last few months.

Our average ‘days on the market’ was 45 in December, slightly down from 48 days in November.

We are witnessing more realistic pricing of homes as sellers try to match up with buyers’ expectations and reduced buying power.

With our increased mortgage rates, and despite our low inventory, we have transitioned fully from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. Sellers are strongly advised to get ahead of the market and keep their pencils sharp on their house prices to be relevant.

Please contact our team with any real estate-related questions; we’re here to provide you with the guidance and advice needed for this type of market.

Download the VIREB Graph Stat

MEDIA RELEASE - January 3, 2024

LACKLUSTRE DECEMBER CLOSES OUT 2023 

NANAIMO, BC – The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 7,297 unit sales in 2023 compared to 11,045 in 2021 and 7,810 in 2022. High interest rates are primarily to blame for the weaker sales, as there was significant demand, but many buyers opted to wait for an anticipated 2024 rate cut.

Last month, there were 151 sales of single-family homes in the VIREB area, down 23 per cent from last December and 36 per cent from November. Sales of condo apartments in December came in at 39, increasing by 11 per cent year over year but down 30 per cent from November. In the row/ townhouse category, 39 units changed hands last month, an increase of 50 per cent from one year ago and down 22 per cent from November 2023.

Active listings of single-family homes dropped to 796 in December from 895 one year ago and 1,040 in November. VIREB’s inventory of condo apartments was 257 last month, up from 248 in December 2022 but down from November’s 285 listings. There were 244 row/townhouses for sale last month compared to 229 one year ago and 282 in November.

“Based on conversations REALTORS® are having with clients, there is certainly demand out there, so we’re expecting a fairly busy spring,” says Kelly O’Dwyer, 2023 Chair. “However, there are policy changes coming in 2024 that could impact the real estate market, such as new rules surrounding short-term rentals that take effect on May 1.”

Another potentially significant policy change that could impact sales is the B.C. government’s decision to expand the speculation tax to Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, Comox, and Cumberland. Residents in those communities must declare for the first time in January 2025 based on how they use their property in 2024.

The board-wide benchmark price (MLS® Home Price Index) of a single-family home was $753,000 in December 2023, up five per cent from one year ago and down one per cent from November. In the apartment category, the benchmark price was $384,500 last month, a year-over-year increase of three per cent and a one per cent decrease from November 2023. The benchmark price of a townhouse last month was $544,200, up two per cent from December 2022 and down two per cent from November.

In Campbell River, the benchmark price of a single-family home was $653,100 last month, up seven per cent from the previous year. The Comox Valley’s year-over-year benchmark price rose seven per cent to $820,600. In the Cowichan Valley, the benchmark price was $763,400, a four per cent increase from December 2022. Nanaimo’s year-over-year benchmark price rose by five per cent to $781,900, while the Parksville-Qualicum area saw its benchmark price increase by two per cent to $845,200. The cost of a benchmark single-family home in Port Alberni was $530,700, up three per cent from the previous year. For the North Island, the benchmark price of a single-family home dropped slightly to $426,300. However, prices of single-family homes, condo apartments, and row/ townhouses dipped from November to December in most zones.

Please note: The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) transitioned to a new MLS® System in July 2020 and now uses a significantly different data model, which has affected our categories and terminology. For the board-supplied graphs, single-family is now referred to as single-family detached, apartment as condo apartment, and townhouse as row/townhouse, which now includes patio homes. However, when reporting HPI numbers, VIREB still refers to single-family, apartment, and townhouse in the media release.

ABOUT VIREB

VIREB represents over 1,100 REALTORS® in nearly 90 member offices on Vancouver Island, from the Malahat in the south to the northern tip.

VIREB cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate the actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas.

Trademarks are owned or controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®) and/or the quality of services they provide (MLS®).

Visit our website for updated information at www.vireb.com.

HPI Note: Areas with insufficient data do not generate statistics and are not included in the HPI graphs.