Salt Spring Island, July 2023, Market Analysis

July, 2023.

Canada-wide Celebration

Canada Day introduces delectable July…a Canada-wide celebration on the 1st. Happy Birthday!

Lots happening on Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands: artist studios are open, the famous Saturday Market and Tuesday Farmers Market on Salt Spring, Ganges galleries showcasing their amazing artists, ArtSpring events, ArtCraft at Mahon Hall, patios and decks at restaurants and coffee places (al fresco is the gift), wine and cider tastings, hiking trails, swimming in lakes and ocean, kayaking, sailing, live music venues…it’s all here…just waiting for your enjoyment and summer ease.

How’s The Salt Spring Market

The real estate market? It’s the same continuing tune: lack of inventory and stable pricing.

There is a sense that prices will rise. It may take until late August to have clarity on this definite possibility. Lack of supply (combined with strong buyer desire) is the reason. Most owners do not want to be sellers. Further, Canada’s immigration policy is set to welcome 500,000 immigrants a year and the lack of available housing will keep prices higher.

The Islands Trust effectively capped growth on the Gulf Islands when the provincial government created it in 1974. This is apart from real estate trends over time. Basically, it’s a “this much, and no more” item. Another reason for price stability and price increases, though. Questions? Call me. (liread33@gmail.com).

Short & Sweet Days of Summer

Summer is both a sweet and a short season. Already we see shorter days (by seven seconds a day). Time to “take five” as the great Dave Brubeck played. In our on/off, on/off binary world, it’s important to breathe life into our editing function. Yes, we do have a pause button. Yes, we do have the ability to close the screen and simply “be”. Summer is the perfect time to simply rediscover “ease”.

Try sitting beside the sea, calm, high tide, late afternoon light shimmering, reflections softening our thoughts. See? Real summer approaches. Be still and enjoy the peacefulness. Real reality is here. The gift of summer is with you.