Vancouver Market Update – March 2012

by Sebastian on March 7, 2012

Vancouver Real Estate Market Update for March 2012

Vancouver listing and sales statistics for the month of February  reflected balance between both buyers and sellers headed into the busy spring season of 2012. In general, both listing and sales numbers are lower than ten year averages going back to 2002. Even though the current market is demonstrating a less frenetic pace than what we’ve seen in previous years, this February 2012 Vancouver Property Sales rebounded off the New Year lull and were up (+63.25%) to 813 from January (498). However 2012’s slower start is still being felt on the Vancouver West Side where sales were up (+69.35%) to 547 from the previous month, although those numbers are down (-24.34%) from this time last year. It will be interesting to see if we make up the momentum over the next few months.

Sales in Vancouver East Vancouver are showing a similar (though slightly muted trend) with a modest 266 sales for February. This number is down (-16.61%) from February 2011 yet up from the previous month (+52.00%). Benchmark prices remain at-par in East Vancouver month-to-month: +0.59% for detached ($832,400) and down (-0.79%) for attached ($512,500) properties. Character homes and high quality 2 bedroom condos in particular continue to move fast in desirable East Vancouver neighbourhoods such as Riley Park and Mount Pleasant.

Typical for this time of year, New Listings were up in East Vancouver (548). In Vancouver West listing numbers actually cooled, down (-9.01%) from January to 1253.  However detached benchmark prices in  Vancouver West  continue to hold steady, up (+0.61% to $2,217,900) from last month. The benchmark price for attached homes in Vancouver West is nearly at par (-0.1% at $682,200) month-to-month. The apartment market mirrored inverse trends in Vancouver West and Vancouver East, falling (-0.44%) on the West Side and rising (+2.48%) in East Van.

The Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board’s Official Line:

“With a sales-to-active-listings ratio of over 18 per cent, we see fairly balanced conditions in our marketplace as we move into the traditionally busier spring season,” Rosario Setticasi, REBGV president said. “Region-wide we’ve seen relative stability in home prices over the last six months, but it’s important to do your homework and consult your REALTOR® because pricing can vary considerably depending on the neighbourhood and property type,” Setticasi said.

What's Happening in Your Market...Now

What's Happening in Your Market...Now

More Info on Vancouver Real Estate

For more information on Vancouver real estate market go here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, or just have questions, contact me here or send me a quick email.

Copyright © 2012 by  Sebastian Albrecht, Vancouver Realtor with Royal LePage Westside ”Vancouver Market Update – March 2012”

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B.C. First Time New Home Buyer Bonus Explained

by Sebastian on February 21, 2012

The Liberal government of BC just presented their budget today in Victoria. Amongst a number of changes, there was one that stood out for the real estate industry. In particular, it was a new tax credit for first-time home buyers of new homes.

Note that this only applies to NEW homes. Also, it only applies to first-time home buyers. That means if you are buying an older home or have owned a home in the past, this does not apply to you. Also, I should note that this is not official yet. It must be voted on in the legislature before it takes affect.

If approved, new home-buyers will qualify for a one-time refundable personal income tax credit of up to $10,000. It will be in effect from February 21, 2012 to March 31, 2013.

You will qualify as a first-time new home buyer if:

  • You purchase or build an eligible new home in BC;
  • You have never previously owner a primary residence;
  • You file a 2011 BC resident personal income tax return;
  • You are eligible for the BC HST New Housing Rebate;
  • You intend to live in the home as your primary residence.

The bonus is equal to 5% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $10,000. If you make over $150,000/yr the bonus gets reduced by $0.20 per dollar of income. At $200,000 of income you would get no bonus. For couples, it is reduced by $0.10 per dollar of income so that at $250,000 there would be no bonus.

You should consult an accountant for tax advice specific to your situation.

You can view the government fact sheet on the bonus here.

More Info on Vancouver Real Estate

For more information on Vancouver real estate market go here.

If you are thinking of buying or selling, or just have questions, contact me here or send me a quick email.

Copyright © 2012 by  Sebastian Albrecht, Vancouver Realtor with Royal LePage Westside ”B.C. First Time New Home Buyer Bonus Explained”

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Finding the right firm to build my Vancouver Laneway House

February 13, 2012

The last time I wrote about my laneway house, I was still contemplating the options. There is no shortage of companies out there that are wanting to get into the laneway housing game. I did extensive online research, emailed and called about a dozen companies and whittled it down to four contenders. After interviewing them, [...]

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Vancouver Market Update – February 2012

February 8, 2012

Starting the Year off with an East Vancouver Bang…

Vancouver listing and sales statistics for the month of January have started market activity for 2012 at a slower pace than last year. Vancouver Property Sales were down (-3.49%) to 498 from December (516). On the Vancouver West Side, there were 323 sales in January, down [...]

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What is a Vancouver Laneway House?

February 6, 2012

These are second homes on a lot that traditionally was only allowed to have a single family structure (RS-1 zoned land). The term “laneway” is in reference to the location on the property where the structure must be built. These new dwellings must be at the back of the lot and on the lane (where [...]

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New Listing 405-205 E 10th Ave (The Hub) $429,000

February 2, 2012

405-205 E. 10th Ave (The Hub)
Overview
They simply don’t make 1 bedrooms like this anymore.
You can actually breathe in the 750 square feet of space as well as the 9 ft ceilings. Big floor to ceiling, west facing windows light the entire suite year round.
Details
The living space is truly a rare find with a generously sized [...]

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New Listing – 1473 E. King Edward Ave (King Edward Village) $559,000

January 24, 2012

1473 E. King Edward Ave (King Edward Village)

Overview
This quiet town home offers 2 bedrooms and a den in 1106 sq ft of thoughtfully laid out living space. Bedrooms are on separate floors with their own en-suite bathrooms, isolating day-to-day noise and enhancing peaceful living. A back door allows direct access to your TWO underground [...]

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Vancouver Market Update – January 2012

January 21, 2012

Everyone Was Busy Eating Turkey…
Vancouver Real Estate listing and sales statistics for the month of December experienced a typical holiday season lull last month. Active listings during the Christmas season reflected the usual holiday break for many busy families and professionals.
Vancouver Property Sales were down (-33.16%) to 516 from November (772). [...]

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Vancouver Market Update November 2011

December 13, 2011

November Listings Continue to Cool in Vancouver Real Estate Market

Vancouver Real Estate Stats

November listing and sales statistics for the Vancouver Real Estate Market continued to cool. The number of homes for sale has continued to decrease as we approach the 2011 Holiday Season.
Total sales in Vancouver for November 2011 were up (+5.61%) from October [...]

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Vancouver’s Main Street Divides Million Dollar Homes

December 12, 2011

Vancouver Map Illustrates East and West Divide
I found this map absolutely fascinating, and hope that you find value in it as well. It fully illustrates the divide in property value in the City of Vancouver…which is clearly demarcated along the line of Main Street which runs north-south at the approximate geographic center of the city.
To [...]

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