MEDIA RELEASE
Local Residential Market Sales Trending Upwards Heading into Spring
KELOWNA, B.C. – April 6 th, 2023. Residential real estate market moving in a positive direction for spring as sales activity picks up after a slow start at the beginning of the year, reports the Association of Interior REALTORS® (the Association).
A total of 1,207 residential unit sales were recorded across the Association region in March representing a 37.2% decrease in sales compared to the same month last year, yet up compared to February’s 831 unit sales.
“The upwards movement in sales activity compared to the previous month is showing signs that market activity is on its way to recovering from the previous month’s slump, while still maintaining healthy market activity,” says the Association of Interior REALTORS® President Lyndi Cruickshank, adding that “a more balanced market allows both parties to confidently move forward with their real estate aspirations.”
New residential listings saw an increase over the previous month’s 1,579 with 2,442 new listings recorded, despite a 15.7% decrease within the region compared to March 2022. Overall inventory saw a healthy 61.1% uptick with 5,903 units currently on the market at the close of March. The highest percentage increase in active listings was recorded in the South Okanagan with a total increase of 81% compared to the same month last year.
“This is the highest volume of new listings we’ve had for some time now, indicating that we are heading in a positive direction,” notes Cruickshank, adding “while we’re not out of the woods yet, this will help provide more options to buyers and sellers.”
“The spring months usually witness a surge in market activity, and REALTORS® will certainly be instrumental in providing adequate information and support during this period. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, it’s always a good idea to work with a real estate professional who can assist you in navigating current market conditions,” says Cruickshank.
The benchmark price for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, South Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions all saw decreases in year-over-year comparisons, with the highest percentage decrease for single-family homes in the Central Okanagan region coming in at $1,001,500. The townhome and condominium categories all saw decreases across the various sub-areas in the benchmark price with the exception of townhomes in the North Okanagan, which saw a 9.2% increase compared to March 2022.
Given the high stakes on such a significant financial transaction, home sellers and buyers can benefit from the knowledge and skills of a practiced REALTOR®. Contact your local REALTOR® to find out more about the real estate market and how they can help you achieve your real estate goals
The Association of Interior REALTORS® is a member-based professional organization serving approximately 2,600 REALTORS® who live and work in communities across the interior of British Columbia including the Okanagan Valley, Kamloops and Kootenay regions, as well as the South Peace River region.
The Association of Interior REALTORS® was formed on January 1, 2021 through the amalgamation of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board and the South Okanagan Real Estate Board. The Association has since also amalgamated with the Kamloops & District Real Estate Association and the Kootenay Association of REALTORS®
For more information, please contact:
Association statistical information: Email media@interiorrealtors.com
Province-wide statistical information:
BCREA Chief Economist, Brendon Ogmundson, bogmundson@bcrea.bc.ca
About HPI
The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) is the most advanced and accurate tool to gauge home price levels and trends by using benchmark pricing rather than median or average. It consists of software tools configured to provide time-related indices on residential markets of participating real estate boards in Canada.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA (REALTOR®/Realt
