Residential real estate demand across the Kootenays remains strong heading into the seasonally busy spring months despite a persistent lack of inventory in the region and throughout the province.
There were 339 new listings recorded by the Kootenay MLS in February 2022 and 657 active listings overall in the Kootenay region.
Year-to-date, there were 425 listings sold in the Kootenay region, 15.6 per cent lower than sales during the same months last year and average prices have increased by 14.7 per cent from $425,612 in the first two months of 2021 to $488,547 in the first two months of 2022.
“The persistent lack of new listings coming onto market is far from adequate to meet the demand of buyer’s locally and those coming from other markets,” said Association of Interior Realtors President Kim Heizmann. “We are seeing the mismatch of inventory versus demand taking a toll on buyers as they show signs of fatigue in having to compete in a seller’s market where lack of supply is putting upward pressure on pricing, and further on affordability.
“Instead of looking for quick fixes to dampen housing demand, government policies should focus on measures that could bring more housing to the market, as outlined in BCREA’s recent white paper – A Better Way Home.
“Providing more options for buyers can help soften competitive market conditions and provide much needed inventory after months of supply drought.”
In the Kootenay, there were a total of 241 residential unit sales recorded in February, with the average price increasing by 11.5 per cent from $430,270 during the same time last year to $479,772 in February 2022.
According to board director Bruce Seitz, “In the last few months, in our market where average prices have historically remained consistent in their trajectory, we have witnessed some price volatility.
“While inventory still hovers around record lows, a seasonal increase in unit sales, and a decrease in average prices for the second month in a row, is indicative of our region’s high affordability quotient,” says Seitz, adding that “unlike other regions in the province, average home prices in the Kootenay’s haven’t skyrocketed.”