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The Real Reason Condominium and Townhouse Prices Are Rising

What is driving gains in the condominium and townhouse market?

Two factors: affordability and inventory.

Although the average price of homes in BC is lower than last year, a closer look at the data reveals the composite of homes being sold has shifted to smaller free-standing homes, condos, and townhouses. BCREA economist Brendon Ogmundson attributed this shift to a pronounced need for more affordable residential real estate along with short supply.

“(The) supply of homes available for sale has not recovered and is still declining in many markets around the province,” says Ogmandson.
http://www.bcrea.bc.ca/news-and-publications/news-room/news-releases/2017-03-statistical-release

Indeed, home prices in most BC markets are being pushed higher due to severe supply constraints. This is particularly true in the Victoria region, which currently has less than two months of total inventory for sale.

Victoria Real Estate Board President Ara Balabanian stated "This July, we saw a strong focus on the lower priced end of the market, with condos and townhomes and single-family homes listed for under $700,000 in high demand. Many of those properties saw multiple offer situations."
https://www.vreb.org/current-statistics

The lack of supply is also very apparent in Vancouver’s apartment and townhouse market. Jill Oudil, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver said in her recent CBC News interview “detached home listings have increased every month this year, while the number of condominiums for sale has decreased each month since February.”
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/real-estate-board-greater-vancouver-april-1.4095714

What do these trends mean for condominium and townhouse prices here in Victoria?

Our economic fundamentals remain strong, the climate is delightful, inventory is low, and many more people want to live here. We predict a seller’s market and rising prices for quite some time to come.

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