Residential sales across the region of Revelstoke to Peachland totaled 652 in September, down from August’s 725 sales, yet 11% higher than this time last year reports the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board (OMREB).
On par with markets across the province, new listings took a slight dip from last month’s 1,246 with only
1,046 new inventory reported this month. The supply of homes for sale, or overall active listings,
remains at a healthy 4,150; barely less than this time last year.
“The local real estate market is following typical seasonal changes, suggesting normal market conditions
are very much in play despite the downturn earlier this year,” says OMREB President Michael Loewen.
Comparing this September’s average price to last year by housing category shows single-family
residences averaging $552,189, nudging 3% higher than the same time last year, with the average price
for condominiums 11% higher. Average pricing for townhouses saw a 2.5% increase over September
2018.
“With Kelowna’s robust population of renters it will be interesting to see what, if any, is the potential
uptake of the new first-time homebuyer incentive that was recently introduced,” says Loewen, adding
that “It’s unlikely that many people will want to share equity – in the biggest purchase of their lives –
with the government.”
The average number of days to sell a home nudged over August’s 79 days to 83 days, yet down 8% over
last year’s average days on market. It’s important to note that OMREB reports an average of days on
market and that the indicator will vary depending on home type and sub-region.
Given the high stakes on such a significant financial transaction, both homebuyers and sellers can
benefit from the knowledge and skills of a practiced REALTOR®.
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