Condo Prices “Can’t Not Increase” in 2017 – But BC Election Will Effect Real Estate Market

Condo Prices “Can’t Not Increase” in 2017 – But BC Election Will Effect Real Estate Market

Demand for condos so high and supply so limited, prices will keep rising, even under election-related market uncertainty, argues leading local agent

As house prices have slid over the fall and winter, condo sales have stayed the course and prices will continue to rise in 2017, predicts by the professionals.

We see continued price appreciation in condos this year – they can’t appreciate at the pace that they’re selling. But at the same time, you’re not going to double your money in 12 months. Whereas houses will see more of a balanced market, buyers will have time to decide, there will be inspections on houses, and it will take more than a weekend to sell your house. In comparison to the last year or so, it will be a pretty boring year.

While the rest of Canada’s economic activity will be limited, especially in Ontario and Quebec, the West will continue to do well… We have a sense of economic activity in British Columbia that gives positivity to the real estate market. The Canadian dollar will remain low, which will continue to draw in foreign money, despite the 15 per cent foreign buyer tax – that tax shocked the market but hasn’t stopped it.

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First-time buyer zero-interest loan program potentially make the B.C.’s real estate market hot again

First-time buyer zero-interest loan program potentially make the B.C.’s real estate market hot again

British Columbia’s new assistance program for first-time home buyers has the potential to bolster a segment of the property market that has stayed strong in the midst of sliding sales, according to one market observer.

“The net impact (of the program), it does draw more people into the market, into the condo and town home market,” said Bryan Yu, senior economist with Central 1 Credit Union.

However, while sales have dropped off in the market for pricier single-family homes, Yu said the more affordable condominium and town home segments of the market have remained more active.

And that additional demand could push “upside pressure on pricing,” Yu said, because the multi-family housing sector is still struggling with a lack of supply to meet demand.

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