One of the main landlords in the nation's west is planning a multi-million-dollar foray into the Sunshine province next year. The founder and CEO of Mainstreet Equity Corp. is planning a move into British Columbia, and his announcement is not only drawing attention in the real estate market but also in the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company's shares are now valued at $65 each -- up from $0.22 each in 2000. The company has 1,400 rental units and $2.1 billion in assets.
Real estate prices rise, but demand may be waning
Demand for single-family homes may be waning in the nation's Pacific province. It's true that real estate sales in British Columbia were significantly up this year from 2019 -- up by more than 43%; however, deals this past September came in at 11,368, which is 2.8% lower. British Columbia Real Estate Association's (BCREA) chief economist believes this drop could mean that pent-up demand is beginning to show signs of waning, even though the job market and sales are still showing strength.
Is signing up for a pre-existing condo a good real estate move?
Property has always been a wise investment. In British Columbia, however, there may be better times to purchase real estate. Some people have gotten on the bandwagon to purchase pre-sale condos, which have gained popularity over the last few years. But in light of the current situation economically, is now a good time to buy a pre-sale condo?
Real estate market continues to make strides amid uncertainty
Even though the unemployment rate has doubled, the housing market continues to rally. Many homeowners in British Columbia, as well as in the rest of the country, were able to keep their homes even though they may have lost their jobs due to unforeseen circumstances. In tandem with that were lower interest rates that allowed some people a foray into the real estate market and gave some prospective buyers more house for their money.
Real estate continues to sizzle throughout the summer
Home prices are continuing to sizzle in the country's most western province. The prices of homes in most of British Columbia have risen year-over-year as of July. Real estate continues rally even though some other sectors of the economy have continued to take a hit.
Online auctions becoming popular to move luxury real estate
The way in which homes are being marketed and sold today is increasingly changing the housing market landscape. Online auctions are being used more frequently to move real estate in British Columbia. In fact, an upscale property in the Okanagan Valley sold last summer for $5 million after a fight between nine online bidders.
Many residents want to limit foreign real estate investments
It seems as though most sunshine coast residents have definitive thoughts on who should be owning property. A recent survey has shown that 78% of British Columbia residents are in favour of implementing policies that restrict foreigners from buying real estate in the province. It is thought that foreign investment is a key factor in driving up property values.
Real estate market in British Columbia showing some positives
May brought encouraging news to the province's housing sector. Analysts say recovery signs in the real estate market in British Columbia were encouraging last month, even though year-over-year numbers remained down. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) said 4,518 residential homes were sold in May, up from April's 3,284. Total sales dollar-wise grew from $2.4 billion to $3.3 billion.
Safeguarding real estate porfolios in uncertain times
Investors are always wary of circumstances that could adversely affect their investments. In times of global worry and economic crisis, real estate investors need to be mindful of safeguarding their portfolios to weather the storm. Business is not as usual in British Columbia in these times and even lenders have revisited their lending policies, which is affecting investors -- especially those with high margin investment methods such as student rentals, flipping, short term rentals and construction.
Real estate prices to drop by double digits, risk agency says
Investors aren't going to like the recent real estate market forecast. When assessing global risk for wealthy investors, British Columbia and the rest of the country was hit hard by yet another global risk agency: that real estate prices will continue to drop by double digits. Numbers are gathered around unemployment rates which will hit 14% -- or the adverse rate -- by the year's end.
