Conclusion of a strong spring Victoria real estate market

July 4, 2023  A total of 705 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this June, 15.2 per cent more than the 612 properties sold in June 2022 and a 9 per cent decrease from May 2023. Sales of condominiums were up 19.8 per cent from June 2022 with 242 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 6.6 per cent from June 2022 with 322 sold.

"As we consider the first half of the year, we see a return to a more traditional sales trend which follows the seasons," said Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "During and shortly after the pandemic, we couldn't rely on our usual comparisons to explain the market. This year we have seen a return to a seasonal pattern, where the sales are slower through the winter and may peak in the spring. This seasonal trend is generally followed by a summer market which remains stable but is not as highly active."

There were 2,342 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of June 2023, an increase of 7 per cent compared to the previous month of May and a 13.7 per cent increase from the 2,059 active listings for sale at the end of June 2022.

"We have seen a small increase in inventory over the month of June," adds Sol. "This inventory is very welcome, as we are still low on available listings for sale compared to historical counts. If inventory continues to rise, we may see prices stabilize further - another reminder of how important it is to add supply to the marketplace where possible. Well-priced properties are still selling rapidly while benchmark pricing remains reasonably level. In terms of pace and stability this is good news for sellers and buyers and hopefully heralds a summer of positive real estate transactions. To ensure that your transaction goes smoothly, engage a local REALTOR® to assist. Your Realtor knows the up-to-the-minute information for Victoria and how to navigate the market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in June 2022 was $1,408,500. The benchmark value for the same home in June 2023 decreased by 7 per cent to $1,310,100, which is up from May's value of $1,297,600. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in June 2022 was $615,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in June 2023 decreased by 9 per cent to $573,800, which is up from the May value of $569,300.

Spring market begins to grow just in time for summer

June 1, 2023  A total of 775 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this May, 1.8 per cent more than the 761 properties sold in May 2022 and a 21.7 per cent increase from April 2023. Sales of condominiums were down 0.8 per cent from May 2022 with 248 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased 8.7 per cent from May 2022 with 399 sold.

"The month of May marks the highest number of sales we've seen since April of last year," said Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "While we haven't seen the number of total sales we would expect in a spring market, the month of May marks the fourth consecutive month with sales higher than the month previous. With momentum building, there's an indication of consumer optimism in the market heading into June. However, if the ongoing lack of homes for sale persists and inventory is not added, we risk a return to an overheated market with pressure on pricing."

There were 2,189 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of May 2023, an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to the previous month of April and a 23.3 per cent increase from the 1,776 active listings for sale at the end of May 2022.

"The return of consumer confidence we indicated last month appears to be staying strong," adds Sol. "The slight uptick in inventory means there is more selection, though of course on well-priced properties buyers need to come prepared to move at pace with the help of their REALTOR® to ensure they are well positioned in the current market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in May 2022 was $1,424,000. The benchmark value for the same home in May 2023 decreased by 8.9 per cent to $1,297,600, which is up from April's value of $1,295,800. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in May 2022 was $619,500, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in May 2023 decreased by 8.1 per cent to $569,300, which is up from the April value of $564,000.

Not enough growth in inventory numbers means spring market sales slow

May 1, 2023  A total of 637 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this April, 22.7 per cent fewer than the 824 properties sold in April 2022 but an 8 per cent increase from March 2023. Sales of condominiums were down 21.8 per cent from April 2022 with 205 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 19.4 per cent from April 2022 with 325 sold.

"Sales numbers for this April are more moderate than the higher levels we've seen in recent years," said Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "We are in a familiar market pattern, where the majority of sales for the year occur in the spring. While we've seen an increase in sales over the previous month, we're not expecting a return to record setting activity. Our inventory levels continue to be very low and new properties are slow to come onto market. More inventory is needed to balance the supply against spring demand. The good news is that prices have stabilized for now. If listings do not pick up over this season, there is a risk that the price stabilization could turn and we could see prices increase."

There were 2,043 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of April 2023, an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to the previous month of March and a 49.7 per cent increase from the 1,365 active listings for sale at the end of April 2022.

"Though we are seeing multiple offers in our market, these situations are dependent on a number of factors including price, competition, area, condition of home, etc.," adds Sol. "This means sellers should seek clarity on what to expect during their transaction as this spring market continues to evolve. Overall, consumer confidence in the market has returned. Accurately priced homes are selling quickly and close to list price. Your REALTOR® can help you understand the pulse of the market should you be contemplating buying or selling this spring."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in April 2022 was $1,424,900. The benchmark value for the same home in April 2023 decreased by 11.3 per cent to $1,264,200, which is up from March's value of $1,236,200. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in April 2022 was $630,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in April 2023 decreased by 10.3 per cent to $565,000, which is up from the March value of $560,300.

Winter real estate market wraps with improved consumer confidence and more stable pricing

March 1, 2023  A total of 460 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this February, 35.9 per cent fewer than the 718 properties sold in February 2022 but a 65.5 per cent increase from January 2023. Sales of condominiums were down 39.7 per cent from February 2022 with 161 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 28.8 per cent from February 2022 with 220 sold.

"Last month we talked about the optimism building in the local market that our REALTORS® saw, and now we can see it in the market statistics," said Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "We can confirm the return of buyer confidence by the increase in sales through the late winter. The market is seeing some positive growth as we move into springtime, which is traditionally the busiest market for home sales. Inventory levels are starting to increase, a welcome trend when compared to the record lows of last year. We're also seeing a stabilization at some price points and properties that are priced in accordance with current market conditions are selling at a good pace."

There were 1,809 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of February 2023, an increase of 4 per cent compared to the previous month of January and a 113.1 per cent increase from the 849 active listings for sale at the end of February 2022.

"The market today is different than we have seen in recent years," adds Sol. "There's plenty of demand from buyers, and we are still low in inventory, but there are opportunities in a less pressurized environment for consumers to get into a new home. Most buyers will find they have more time to view homes, make decisions and do their due diligence in this somewhat more relaxed market. Of course, we are heading into a new season which is typically very active. The statistics in this report reflect what happened last month. Prudent buyers and sellers will seek the knowledge of their Realtor to determine the up-to-the-minute conditions and how to best navigate the market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in February 2022 was $1,321,400. The benchmark value for the same home in February 2023 decreased by 5.6 per cent to $1,247,200, down from January's value of $1,251,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in February 2022 was $580,900, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in February 2023 decreased by 2.2 per cent to $568,200, down from the January value of $578,300.

Winter real estate market wraps with improved consumer confidence and more stable pricing

March 1, 2023  A total of 460 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this February, 35.9 per cent fewer than the 718 properties sold in February 2022 but a 65.5 per cent increase from January 2023. Sales of condominiums were down 39.7 per cent from February 2022 with 161 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 28.8 per cent from February 2022 with 220 sold.

"Last month we talked about the optimism building in the local market that our REALTORS® saw, and now we can see it in the market statistics," said Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "We can confirm the return of buyer confidence by the increase in sales through the late winter. The market is seeing some positive headwinds as we move into springtime, which is traditionally the busiest market for home sales. Inventory levels are starting to increase, a welcome trend when compared to the record lows of last year. We're also seeing a stabilization at some price points and properties that are priced in accordance with current market conditions are selling at a good pace."

There were 1,809 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of February 2023, an increase of 4 per cent compared to the previous month of January and a 113.1 per cent increase from the 849 active listings for sale at the end of February 2022.

"The market today is different than we have seen in recent years," adds Sol. "There's plenty of demand from buyers, and we are still low in inventory, but there are opportunities in a less pressurized environment for consumers to get into a new home. Most buyers will find they have more time to view homes, make decisions and do their due diligence in this somewhat more relaxed market. Of course, we are heading into a new season which is typically very active. The statistics in this report reflect what happened last month. Prudent buyers and sellers will seek the knowledge of their Realtor to determine the up-to-the-minute conditions and how to best navigate the market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in February 2022 was $1,321,400. The benchmark value for the same home in February 2023 decreased by 5.6 per cent to $1,247,200, down from January's value of $1,251,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in February 2022 was $580,900, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in February 2023 decreased by 2.2 per cent to $568,200, down from the January value of $578,300.

A slow start to the year may not foretell the future for the Victoria housing market

February 1, 2023  A total of 278 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this January, 41.4 per cent fewer than the 474 properties sold in January 2022 and a 13.1 per cent decrease from December 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 46.3 per cent from January 2022 with 101 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 33 per cent from January 2022 with 120 sold.

"If you're looking at the statistics, this January was one of the slowest we've seen on record," says 2023 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Graden Sol. "However, we did see a mid-month surge in activity as buyers seemed to regain confidence after the rapid interest rate increases of last year. It may be that consumers are moving past the market shock of the rate increases and economic uncertainty and that our market is regaining its equilibrium. What the data doesn't show is the optimism that many of our REALTOR® members are noting from their buyers and sellers, who remain active viewing homes and making offers. Interest rates, continued low inventory and the greater economic situation in our area will determine what our early spring market will look like."

There were 1,739 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of January 2022, an increase of 3 per cent compared to the previous month of December and a 133.7 per cent increase from the 744 active listings for sale at the end of January 2021.

"Despite the slower start to the market in January, and our constrained inventory levels, some consumers still found themselves in multiple offer situations, particularly on the types of properties that represent the crucial missing middle segment of our market. The Victoria City Council voting to move forward with their missing middle housing program is a great step in the right direction when we are considering how low inventory has impacted the attainability of housing in the CRD," adds Sol. "But this is one step in a marathon of work to be done to increase housing opportunities to meet our community's short- and long-term needs. Each municipality must keep their focus on adding gentle density where they can so that we do not face another swift increase in values when our market demand increases again."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in January 2022 was $1,296,600. The benchmark value for the same home in January 2023 decreased by 3.5 per cent to $1,251,100, down from December's value of $1,283,600. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in January 2022 was $561,300, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in January 2023 increased by 3 per cent to $578,300, up from the December value of $574,300.

The 2022 Victoria Real Estate Market Year in Review

January 3, 2023  A total of 320 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this December, 26.9 per cent fewer than the 438 properties sold in December 2021 and a 16.7 per cent decrease from November 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 38.2 per cent from December 2021 with 94 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 24.6 per cent from December 2021 with 156 sold.

A grand total of 6,804 properties sold over the course of 2022, 32.3 per cent fewer than the 10,052 that sold in 2021. 2022 sales came closest to 2014's sales year when 6,698 properties were sold.

"We began the year with record low inventory, and with higher than average sales," says 2022 Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "And then the market changed on a dime. Interest rate increases through the remainder of 2022 signalled the end of low-cost borrowing and pushed buyers to the sidelines. Each time interest rates went up, market activity slowed. As we head into 2023, we continue to see the cost of moving and borrowing money undermine demand. Slower sale activity has resulted in inventory levels rebounding from historic lows, which means there are more opportunities for buyers in our market this year than in recent years."

There were 1,688 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of December 2022, a decrease of 20 per cent compared to the previous month of November but a 158.9 per cent increase from the 652 active listings for sale at the end of December 2021.

"The new year begins with the federal government's ban on foreign buyers," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "This is a disappointing politically motivated action in the theme of government trying to slow demand, rather than addressing the more lengthy and less politically popular process of building more housing supply. The cost of housing is unlikely to be affected by this ban because we know from the government's own data that foreign buyers represent only a handful of transactions in our region in recent years. At the provincial government level, legislation began today for the cooling-off period, now referred to as the Home Buyer Recission Period. The Victoria market has already cooled off, which leaves this legislation at least a year out of date and toothless in terms of public protection, as standard condition terms are often longer than the three-day legislated term. Victoria REALTORS® support policies that provide housing that British Columbians can afford, and we are pleased to see some of our municipalities considering innovative builds that can help with this. Will 2023 be the year that the housing supply chain will be front and center on all levels of government agendas? If we fail to encourage new development now, we will have another supply shortfall in an upcoming market cycle which will lead to pressure on pricing. New government rules further complicate real estate transactions - so if you are buying or selling in 2023 - be sure to call your favourite Realtor for guidance."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in December 2021 was $1,262,600. The benchmark value for the same home in December 2022 increased by 1.7 per cent to $1,283,600, down from November's value of $1,307,100. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in December 2021 was $544,100, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in December 2022 increased by 5.6 per cent to $574,300, down from the November value of $587,800.

Victoria Real Estate Board Market Report for November 2022

December 1, 2022  A total of 384 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this November, 41.2 per cent fewer than the 653 properties sold in November 2021 and 20 per cent fewer than in October 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 42.4 per cent from November 2021 with 136 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 34.1 per cent from November 2021 with 182 sold.

"November saw a significant decrease from last year in the number of home sales recorded, but this was expected as the market continues to settle after the record setting pace of 2021," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "With a small month over month decrease in price, the autumn market has returned to its traditional rhythm as we approach the holiday season. Inventory levels dipped slightly but remain well above this time last year, which is providing buyers with more options."

There were 2,111 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of November 2022, a decrease of 3.7 per cent compared to the previous month of October but a 138 per cent increase from the 887 active listings for sale at the end of November 2021.

"Premier Eby's rapid introduction of changes to the Strata Property Act which remove rental restrictions and age restrictions other than 55 and older from strata developments is raising questions within strata communities. It remains to be seen what effect this may have on the strata market," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "It is an open question whether these changes will bring any additional rental stock to the market - with BC's complex Residential Tenancy Act not all homeowners of vacant strata homes have a desire to become landlords and current interest rates are less attractive to investors who may want to purchase strata rental properties. It is also possible that these measures will contribute further to eroding housing affordability as older stratas with rental restrictions were generally valued lower than their rentable counterparts."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in November 2021 was $1,249,400. The benchmark value for the same home in November 2022 increased by 4.6 per cent to $1,307,100 but was down 2.6 per cent from October's value of $1,341,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in November 2021 was $536,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in November 2022 increased by 9.6 per cent to $587,800, down by 2.5 per cent from the October value of $602,700.

A slight uptick in sales and inventory, but Victoria market still requires commitment to homes

November 1, 2022  A total of 480 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this October, 35.6 per cent fewer than the 745 properties sold in October 2021 but a 17.1 per cent increase from September 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 39 per cent from October 2021 with 152 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 32.2 per cent from October 2021 with 230 sold.

"Inventory has remained stable this month and for the first time since May 2022, we see a slight increase in the month over month sales," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "We noted last month that the number of sales for September did not necessarily reflect the on-the-ground activity in the marketplace. October sales have shown what the industry has been experiencing, an increase in activity, more sales and well-priced homes receiving plenty of attention — some receiving multiple offers. If you are considering selling a property, the continually evolving market conditions this month reinforce the need for up-to-date analysis of how to price your home during this type of market. With many micro-markets within the Greater Victoria area conversations with your local REALTOR® on how the housing market is performing in your specific area will be crucial to your success."

There were 2,192 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of October 2022, a decrease of 4.7 per cent compared to the previous month of September but a 111.6 per cent increase from the 1,036 active listings for sale at the end of October 2021.

"With new mayors and councillors heading to work in several of our municipalities, we hope to see strong commitments to positive ways to manage the current and future housing needs of our communities high on council agendas," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "The future cost of housing is at stake. The pressure on pricing and in the market overall will not resolve until we see material improvements in the number and types of properties available in the Greater Victoria area. Rentals, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes and beyond are all needed to help ensure that we do not face another cycle of rapid price increases due to lack of inventory in the future. We hope that all municipalities will be looking at gentle density improvements that will ensure more homes for more people in their community planning."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in October 2021 was $1,216,900. The benchmark value for the same home in October 2022 increased by 10.2 per cent to $1,341,400 but was down 1.7 per cent from September's value of $1,364,200. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in October 2021 was $524,500, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in October 2022 increased by 14.9 per cent to $602,700, down by 2.4 per cent from the September value of $617,400.

Victoria's summer real estate market conditions push into September

October 3, 2022  A total of 410 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this September, 46.1 per cent fewer than the 761 properties sold in September 2021 and a 14.2 per cent decrease from August 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 58.8 per cent from September 2021 with 126 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 33.2 per cent from September 2021 with 221 sold.

"September heralds the start of the fall season, which traditionally brings a more active market than what we see in the summer months. October is generally the peak of the fall and winter market," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "This year sales have dropped month over month since May and we saw a reluctant September with some of the lowest sales numbers for that month in decades. While the rate of decrease has slowed due in part to concerns about rising interest rates and inflation, this level of activity may not necessarily reflect the actual demand that exists in the marketplace. While overall activity is below historical norms, well-priced properties are still receiving plenty of attention. Multiple offers on these homes are still quite common, which may not be reflected in the overall statistics, but is noticeable if you are actively buying and selling."

There were 2,300 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of September 2022, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to the previous month of August and a 104.6 per cent increase from the 1,124 active listings for sale at the end of September 2021.

"The good news is that we have seen more inventory come to market, which when combined with slower sales activity, has resulted in more balanced market conditions," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "In the current environment, properties that are well-priced and well-maintained continue to sell briskly. If you are thinking of making a move, a conversation with your favourite REALTOR® for an up-to-date analysis of how the housing market is performing in your area will be crucial to your success. Another consideration is to take the time to vote in your municipal elections October 15 for candidates who reflect your preferences for housing in our communities. Much of our future housing supply and the way Greater Victoria will manage housing needs will be determined by decisions made at the municipal level."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in September 2021 was $1,201,100. The benchmark value for the same home in September 2022 increased by 13.6 per cent to $1,364,200 but was down 2 per cent from August's value of $1,391,700. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in September 2021 was $519,200, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in September 2022 increased by 18.9 per cent to $617,400, down by 0.7 per cent from the August value of $621,900.

Less pressure on buyers in August in the Victoria real estate market

September 1, 2022  A total of 478 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this August, 42.5 per cent fewer than the 831 properties sold in August 2021 and a 6.3 per cent decrease from July 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 57.1 per cent from August 2021 with 148 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 30.3 per cent from August 2021 with 249 sold.

"August is typically one of the slower months for real estate in the Greater Victoria area and this year was no exception," says Victoria Real Estate Board President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "After two years of market conditions that favoured home sellers, sales have diminished in the past few months and inventory levels have been slowly increasing."

There were 2,137 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of August 2022, a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to the previous month of July but a 90.8 per cent increase from the 1,120 active listings for sale at the end of August 2021.

"One of the metrics we watch when we look at the market is the sales to active listings ratio - this is the percentage of available listings that have sold over the course of the month, which helps indicate the balance of supply and demand," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "A high percentage means more of the available listings have sold, which shows a high buyer demand and that's generally a favourable market for sellers. The lower the percentage, the more properties available. In general, we look at the 15 to 20 per cent range as a balanced market. Right now, the ratio is 28.14 per cent, while at this time in 2021 we were at 94.91 per cent. We continue to trend towards a more balanced market. As conditions change, connect with your trusted REALTOR® to understand how your selling and buying plans fit into the current market."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in August 2021 was $1,201,400. The benchmark value for the same home in August 2022 increased by 15.8 per cent to $1,391,700 but was down 2.9 per cent from July's value of $1,433,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in August 2021 was $509,000, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in August 2022 increased by 22.2 per cent to $621,900, down by 2.8 per cent from the July value of $639,900.

Shift in Victoria Real Estate market brings more time for buyers and sellers

August 2, 2022  A total of 510 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this July, 38.9 per cent fewer than the 835 properties sold in July 2021 and a 16.7 per cent decrease from June 2022. Sales of condominiums were down 39.4 per cent from July 2021 with 172 units sold. Sales of single family homes decreased 35.9 per cent from July 2021 with 254 sold.

"We'd previously indicated a shift in the local housing market," said 2022 VREB President Karen Dinnie-Smyth. "This continued be the case in July as sales dipped, and we saw fewer listings come to the market, with more of the existing inventory remaining for sale. This slowdown means a calmer and more friendly environment with time for decision-making, which benefits sellers and buyers and will be a relief to many."

There were 2,162 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of July 2022, an increase of 5 per cent compared to the previous month of June and a 70.2 per cent increase from the 1,270 active listings for sale at the end of July 2021.

"As a result of the higher interest rates and inflation occurring right now, we see fluctuations in price and availability," adds President Dinnie-Smyth. "Values will rise and fall over time, and historically local real estate values slowly increase over time, which means despite month-to-month variations, if you are buying a home, you have a sound, long-term investment. We need to remember that people don't buy and sell on a month-to-month basis and that in the larger scheme of things, housing is more than numbers. A property is a place where people live their daily lives, raise their families, etc. It is more than a commodity, and for many it is the most important purchase they make in their lifetime. The government's recent focus has been on demand-side mechanisms and other market modifiers such as a mandatory three-day cooling off period to start in 2023. A better long-term approach to housing affordability for our future is to address housing supply constraints which will be central to the next round of upward pressure on home prices. Consult with your REALTOR® to keep informed regarding current values and market conditions if you are in the market to buy or sell."

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in July 2021 was $1,204,900. The benchmark value for the same home in July 2022 increased by 19 per cent to $1,433,800 but was down 2.1 per cent from June's value of $1,464,400. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in July 2021 was $502,600, while the benchmark value for the same condominium in July 2022 increased by 27.3 per cent to $639,600, down by 0.5 per cent from the June value of $643,100.