A total of 654 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this October, 60.7 per cent more than the 407 properties sold in October 2023 and a 14.5 per cent increase from September 2024. Sales of condominiums were up 32.6 per cent from October 2023 with 187 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased by 76.2 per cent from October 2023 with 340 sold.   “Sales did increase notably over last year, but it’s important to include some context,” said 2024 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair-Elect Dirk VanderWal. “October 2023 saw the fewest sales in that month since 2008, which distorts a year-over-year comparison; in fact, last month’s sales count was almost exactly on the ten-year average for the month. With that context, although we’ve certainly seen a notable increase in sales month over month, this does signal a return to a more average market for this time of year. The number of homes available on the market has remained relatively consistent, which has also created the benefit of a more balanced market for buyers and sellers, even with the increase in sales numbers.”   There were 3,161 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of October 2024, a decrease of 6 per cent compared to the previous month of September and a 14.7 per cent increase from the 2,756 active listings for sale at the end of October 2023.   “I think it’s safe to say that many consumers have been watching the Bank of Canada rate announcements, and that could be influencing their decision making,” adds Chair-Elect VanderWal. “Recent rate drops likely encouraged a few more buyers and sellers to enter the market, and we may see that trend continue in November, the month which traditionally begins our market's winter lull. Even though sales were higher last month, we are still experiencing a comfortable environment for buyers and sellers to negotiate. There are fewer multiple offers and more time for the decision-making process. It is hard to predict what the winter market will bring, so it’s a great idea to consult with your favourite local REALTOR® to discuss the current market.”   The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in October 2023 was $1,310,100. The benchmark value for the same home in October 2024 decreased by 0.8 per cent to $1,300,200, up from September’s value of $1,279,700. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in October 2023 was $578,800 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in October 2024 decreased by 5.4 per cent to $547,800, down from the September value of $553,400.

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Government Incentives First-Time Home Buyers in BC Should Know It’s no secret that affordability has been one of Canadians’ top concerns in recent years when looking to purchase their first home. Fortunately, both the provincial and federal governments have developed and revised several incentives and programs specifically to help first-time homebuyers get a foot in the market and settle down in British Columbia. Let’s review the current incentives available to first-time home buyers in 2024-2025. 1. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) The Home Buyers’ Plan allows first-time home buyers to pull from their RRSP savings tax-free for their down payment. Up to $60,000 can be withdrawn tax-free (as of April 16, 2024 – an increase from $35,000!) per person purchasing the house, which means that you and a partner can potentially use up to $120,000 from your RRSPs towards your down payment.  A couple things to keep in mind: You don’t need to withdraw the full amount to take advantage of the Home Buyers’ Plan, meaning you can leave some savings in your RRSP for retirement while still contributing to your down payment To keep withdrawals tax-free, they must be repaid into your RRSP within 15 years.

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In British Columbia, land can be subdivided in various ways. When it comes to strata-titled properties, one of the primary distinctions lies between regular strata corporations and bare land strata corporations.   Understanding the nuances between the two types of stratas is crucial when purchasing property in BC. This knowledge affects ownership rights, responsibilities, and how common property is managed.   1. What Do All Strata Developments Have in Common?   In all strata developments: Strata Lots - Individuals own separate units within the strata development, known as strata lots. Common Property - Owners jointly own and use the common property, which may include components such as infrastructure, amenities, and other shared assets.   2. What is a Regular Strata Corporation?   A regular strata corporation involves subdividing one more more buildings into: Privately Owned Units - Individual strata lots, such as apartments, townhouses, etc., and Common Property - Shared components within the strata development, such as roadways, parking facilities, entryways, hallways, mechanical and electrical systems, roofs, windows, doors, and exterior walls.   3. What is a Bare Land Strata Corporation?   A bare land strata corporation is characterized by the subdivision of land, not buildings, into separate parts:   Privately Owned Land Parcels - Individual strata lots on which owners may build homes or other structures, and Common Property - Shared infrastructure like roads, utilities and recreational spaces.   Key Point: The presence of buildings is irrelevant; it's the subdivision of land, rather than buildings, that differentiates a bare land strata from a regular strata.   4. How Can I Tell if This is a Regular or Bare Land Strata?   To determine the type of strata corporation, you’ll need to: Obtain a copy of the strata plan. This document is filed with the Land Title Office. Check the heading of the strata plan: If it states "Bare Land Strata Plan", it's a bare land strata. Otherwise, it's likely a regular strata.   5. What are the Main Differences Between a Regular and Bare Land Strata?   The main differences lie in the responsibilities owners have regarding repair and maintenance:   a) Regular Strata Corporations: Common Property Responsibilities: Many components within the strata corporation are common property. This often includes roadways, walkways, entryways, hallways, parking and storage facilities, amenities like pools or gyms, mechanical and electrical systems, building envelope components such as roofs, windows, doors, exterior walls, and exterior landscaping. Owner Responsibilities: Owners are typically responsible for the interior of their units.   b) Bare Land Strata Corporations: Common Property Responsibilities: Common property is usually more limited and typically includes components like roadways and walkways, landscaping outside individual strata lot parcels, and mechanical and electrical infrastructure up to the boundary of each individual bare land strata lot. Owner Responsibilities: Owners are typically responsible for repairing, maintaining, and insuring everything within their strata lot parcel of land. This includes any structures built on the lot (such as houses) and all their components, including mechanical and electrical systems, building envelope components (roofs, walls, windows, doors, etc.), and any landscaping on the individual lot.   In short, regular strata owners tend to have more shared maintenance responsibilities, while bare land strata owners take on much more of the maintenance and insurance themselves.   Info provided by: Condo Clear info@condoclear.ca

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