Victoria Real Estate Market Summary – Fall 2010

In the fall of 2010 we find that the real estate market in Victoria is feeling the effects of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) brought in as of July 1st, as well as resurfacing uncertainty about the state of the economic recovery.

Resale (existing) homes are exempt from HST, but costs that are subject to HST include:

• realtor fees or commissions;
• closing costs;
• appraisals,and
• inspections.

HST is applicable to:

• new homes;
• substantial renovations, and
• building lot purchases.

Buyers need to know that in the case of a primary residence, there is an HST rebate program applicable to new homes costing up to $350,000, which declines to 0% at $450,000.  For more detailed information about the HST rebate program please read our Victoria BC Real Estate Newsletter Fall 2010.

These taxation changes have weakened what was a substantially recovering market, and combined with renewed economic fears globally it’s not surprising to find that both average and median sale prices have decreased from the highs of earlier this year.

The slowdown is not limited to the Victoria real estate market, or even BC and Ontario, who have both recently instituted the HST, but reflected across Canada.

Sale prices have slumped across the board for all types of housing and all price categories in the Victoria real estate market relative to the previous quarter, but are stable relative to the third quarter of 2009.  Reduced inventories have resulted in a balanced market, overall.

Geoff McLean

Geoff is an established real estate professional whose years of experience have earned him numerous awards and accolades. He has been one of the top RE/MAX Realtors in the Victoria (BC) area since 1990, a Victoria Real Estate Board MLS Gold Award winner for more than 36 years, and has won many other awards over the years. What do these awards mean to you? They mean that Geoff works hard and that he produces consistently. He is well connected in the industry and in the community. Connect with Geoff via email geoff@mcleanrealestategroup.ca

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