The Real Estate Market in Fall
October arrives with harvest season fully in play, with shorter days, crisper nights, and star-watching as the winter constellation of Orion climbs up the sky. Special events at ArtSpring, gallery openings in Ganges, Parks and Recreation offerings at the indoor pool, and the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend mid-month.
The real estate market is also fully in play with the Fall Market (often called the “second Spring”). People may have viewed opportunities earlier and now have decided to offer. In some cases, new listings pop up as owners who chose to enjoy another summer have now listed for Fall. It’s a buoyant time.
Market Trends and Buyer Hesitation
Low inventory continues. Although the summer season (June, July, August) was quiet in sales across Canada, prices remained stable. The BOC (Bank of Canada) interest rate cuts (three so far) have not generated a corresponding buyer action. Buyers are still hesitant.
If a buyer needs to stay under a million on Salt Spring, the choice is a townhome. A single-family home requires one to consider a purchase in the range of 1.1 to 1.45 million, and this range will most likely require upgrades or renovations. To find a ready-to-go home, one will need to consider a price range between 1.6 and 2.1 million. Waterfront options are higher. If upgrades are needed, oceanfront listings can be found in the 1.7 to 2.3 million range. A ready-to-go waterfront home will most likely fall between 2.5 and 3.8 million. Estate properties are higher.
Post-Pandemic Real Estate Landscape
The rush to leave urban for rural, following the pandemic closures in 2020, created higher prices and low inventory. 2021 was characterized by many “over ask” and unconditional offers. Despite pauses in 2022 and 2023, prices remained stable and inventory low.
Projections call for continuing price stability and low inventory as we look toward 2025 and beyond. As long as the housing shortage persists and immigration grows, the economic reality of low supply leading to high prices will continue. Government efforts to address the housing crisis have not worked so far.
Lifestyle and Ownership Opportunities
Although a Gulf Island purchase might have been recreational several years ago, it is now mainly a lifestyle choice, and people plan to live year-round where they buy. The Islands Trust form of governance (in place since 1974) also keeps inventory low. Growth has been controlled through severe zoning and bylaw restrictions.
It’s interesting that an increase in renovations since 2020 is another reason for price increases. Owners are increasing the value of their properties, whether they sell them or not.
So, here we are, at the very beginning of October. Many consider the early part of Fall one of the loveliest seasons on the great Pacific Northwest Coast. It’s a good time to visit, explore opportunities for a purchase, and discover the many elements that make up the unique Gulf Islands/Salt Spring Island lifestyle: agriculture, arts, alternative health options, respect for and enjoyment of the natural world.
Already here? Be a visitor in your own backyard. Wanting to be here? Let’s explore ownership possibilities. Consider a land purchase and investigate new manufactured home options (recent changes in construction techniques can benefit buyers). What about shared ownership? A lawyer can explain the various ways to benefit from shared ownership with family or friends. Is it for you?
Meantime, October welcomes the harvest bounty of this dynamic time of year. Enjoy!
