Would-be purchasers of real estate always face the tough decision about when to make an offer on a property. Some British Columbia residents might think there is a best time to buy or sell real estate, but the truth is, the market doesn't really work that way. There will always be some uncertainty in housing markets and forecasts are just that -- forecasts. It is true there are times when prices ebb and flow, and if someone finds the perfect property for his or her situation, waiting to make an offer in case the price might fall is not necessarily the wisest idea.
Real estate law: Landlords renting rooms in mansions to students
Vancouver mansions are being rented out to students for what amounts to a paltry pittance. There is nothing in real estate law that says anyone has to charge a certain rate for rentals, and rooms in some of British Columbia's most luxurious homes are being rented to students. But when the upwards of $1,100 for each room is added up, landlords aren't doing too badly. Students, however, aren't complaining.
Bank CEO says real estate market not as bleak as some believe
One of the nation's leading lending institutions says the housing market is not in as rough shape as many people believe it to be. BMO's CEO said the bank has seen continual growth in British Columbia as well as in other provinces, territories and even Stateside, where it's expanding its footprint. When it comes to real estate, the bank has seen healthy growth in people seeking mortgages, despite the naysayers who believe market activity is declining.
Budget paves way to help first time purchasers of real estate
The federal Liberal government hopes its 2019 budget paves the way for more people to be able to afford homeownership. Buying real estate for the first time in British Columbia has been unattainable for many due to the federal government's mortgage stress tests rules. However, the new budget, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will help keep some purchasers' monthly payments lower by advancing them up to 10 per cent of the purchase price of a home. Buyers will need to have at least 5 per cent of the home's price as a downpayment.
Shopping centre sold in multi-million dollar real estate deal
The Tillicum Centre has changed hands for a cool $110 million. The shopping complex -- in Saanich, British Columbia -- is now the latest holding for Crestpoint Real Estate Investments and Anthem Properties. The real estate deal was inked at the beginning of February and further diversifies each company's investment portfolio.
Federal money may be coming to help with real estate purchases
The federal government may step in with some sort of financial help for younger people aiming to own their own homes. In British Columbia as in other provinces, the dream of homeownership is slipping away from many, especially millennials. Escalating prices and federal stress tests have made owning real estate a far-fetched notion for many Canadians. The federal Liberals are on a mission to engage younger voters for a strong election turnout, according to some analysts.
Real estate: British Columbia largest city unaffordable for many
Many young professionals are high-tailing it out of Vancouver. These 20- and 30-somethings are heading for places where real estate is more affordable -- like Kelowna. The high cost of living in the most expensive British Columbia city is getting a little stressful and unaffordable for many, especially for the young. And because real estate is so expensive in Vancouver, renters are often turfed out of their homes through no fault of their own, but because the owners are selling for big bucks.
British Columbia real estate market moves into recession
After a volatile decade or so, the real estate market in British Columbia is expected to remain rather sedate over the next few years. In fact, according the latest figures, the real estate market in the province is experiencing a mild recession. It doesn't look as though that is going to change anytime soon.
First drop in years in real estate prices on West Coast
Property prices have finally dropped in Vancouver -- for the first time in many years. Prices in British Columbia's largest West Coast city have been climbing, until now, since 2013. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver said the numbers do not come as a shock, considering additional inventory and a decrease in sales. Still, Vancouver and the surrounding region is one of the most expensive in the country for real estate, with the average home priced at more than $1 million.
Real estate law: Only 4 areas in British Columbia are affordable
Homeownership is becoming more difficult for many British Columbians. In fact, there are apparently only four areas in British Columbia that are affordable when calculated against total household income. Many residents won't be able to afford to buy a home in the province, especially with the federal real estate law that governs the financial stress test.
