3 ways to make money in the current slow real estate market in Vancouver.

The Vancouver real estate market has been experiencing a slowdown in recent years due to high interest rates. However, smart investors are taking advantage of these conditions to make strategic investments and maximize their returns. In this article, we’ll explore three ways that smart investors are taking advantage of the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions due to high interest rates.

  1. Buying pre-sale properties

One way smart investors can take advantage of the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions due to high interest rates is by purchasing pre-sale properties. Developers are often willing to offer pre-sale properties at a discounted rate during slow market conditions, which can provide an opportunity for investors to secure a property at a lower price.

By purchasing a pre-sale property, investors are also hopping for a lower interest rate in future. This can be particularly advantageous during a slow market when interest rates are high, making it difficult to qualify for a mortgage or afford a mortgage payment.

Investors should be aware of the risks associated with pre-sale properties, including potential delays in construction or changes in the real estate market. Thorough research and due diligence are essential before making a pre-sale property investment.

  1. Upsizing

Another strategy smart investors are using in the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions. By purchasing a larger property and selling their smaller one, investors can take advantage of the equity built in the current property as well as lower prices on the bigger property.

For example, you own a townhouse and would like to upgrade to a house. On average detached properties in Vancouver have seen a bigger depreciation as opposed to townhomes. If you were thinking of upsizing already then upsizing in the slow market can be a great opportunity to do so.

Investors should carefully consider the costs associated with upsizing, such as higher property taxes, property transfer taxes, maintenance costs, and potential renovation expenses. Thorough research and due diligence are essential before making an upsizing investment.

  1. Rental properties for long-term investment

Finally, smart investors are taking advantage of the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions due to high interest rates by investing in rental properties for long-term investment. High interest rates can make it difficult for some people to qualify for a mortgage, leading to increased demand for rental properties.

By purchasing a rental property in a slow market, investors can take advantage of lower property prices and potentially higher rental income. Over time, as interest rates decrease and property values increase, investors can realize significant profits from their rental property investment.

Investors should be aware of the risks associated with rental properties, including maintenance costs, tenant turnover, and potential vacancies. Hiring a property manager to handle day-to-day management tasks can help to mitigate some of these risks.

In conclusion, the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions due to high interest rates are providing opportunities for smart investors to make strategic investments and maximize their returns. By purchasing pre-sale properties, upsizing their properties, or investing in rental properties for long-term investment, investors can build long-term wealth. However, as with any investment, thorough research and due diligence are essential to avoid potential pitfalls. Working with a knowledgeable investment advisor can help to ensure that investors make informed decisions and maximize their returns in the slow Vancouver real estate market conditions.

What you NEED to know about Vancouver’s real estate market in February 2023

 

Over the past year, interest rates have surged significantly, and the average 5-year variable rate is now around 6.45%. In comparison, just a year ago, the rate was at 1.6%. The increase in interest rates has led to a considerable increase in monthly mortgage payments, where on a $400,000 mortgage, the payment has increased from $1,617 to around $2,667. As a result, the real estate market has been slowed down considerably.

In January 2023, the real estate market witnessed 55.3% fewer transactions compared to January 2022. The market was so slow that it was 42.9% slower than the ten-year average for January, which is typically a slow month for real estate transactions. The increase in interest rates has led to a considerable rise in monthly mortgage payments, making it challenging for buyers to afford new properties.

Despite the market slowdown, prices have not dropped as much as anticipated. Detached houses have seen a 9.1% decrease from January 2022, while apartments have only decreased by 1.1% since last year. More surprisingly, apartments have gone up by 1% in the last month, and there are differing opinions on what may have caused this phenomenon.

Rentals.ca reports that Vancouver remains the most expensive city in Canada for rent. The average cost of a one-bedroom unit is $2596 per month, and a two-bedroom unit rents for an average of $3562. Given these high rental prices, it is unsurprising that many people prefer to invest in the real estate market, despite the high interest rates.

Looking ahead, the Bank of Canada may be ready to pause further interest rate increases. If this happens, and the interest rate stabilizes, we might see a lot of activity in the real estate market in the spring. As a result, if you have been considering purchasing a property, this could be a good time to make a move.

In conclusion, the rise in interest rates has had a significant impact on the real estate market, slowing it down considerably. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether this trend will continue, and the market may pick up in the coming months. As a result, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the market and make informed decisions before making any significant purchases.

Real estate market update for October 2022

Let’s talk about the new September market statistics and what we can learn from them. 

The market is much slower than usual at the moment. There are fewer sales across the board. About a 35% drop in over all transactions as compared to 10 year average. This is a fairly significant slow down. 

Think about how much more real estate has been built over the last 10 years. Right now there are fewer sales even though the total number of real estate units is constantly increasing. 

How significant this impact is depends on the type of real estate we look at and the price point. 

For example detached houses have a sales to active listings ratio of about 12%.  Meaning 12 out of every 100 houses available were sold in September. As far as apartments go the situation is a quite a bit different a sales to active listings ratio is about 21%. Which is almost double of that of the detached properties. 

I think the evidence of this in my everyday work. 1 bedroom and studio units are still selling well. The demand and the prices did come down a bit but there is still a health amount of buyer activity for those starter homes. From personal experience I find the there aren’t as many speculative investors in the market right now. However buyers looking for a place to live are still active in this 1 bedroom and studio units category.   

If you are looking to sell your 1 bedroom or a studio unit are likely to receive a healthy amount of interest. 

The same can not be said for detached properties. Especially luxury market. From my experience the demand is not there and those properties take much longer to sell.

As far the prices are concern there is a drop. The board is reporting about a 2% price drop from August. I think that’s about in-line with my experience. 

The primary cause of this market slow down and the price decrease are of course higher interest rates. Bank of Canada did once again raise their benchmark interest rate in September which definitely slows down the market. 

Buyers aren’t able to borrow as much money as the stress test rate at the moment is ridiculously high. All of this creates quite a bit uncertainty for the future.

If you’re a seller my advice to be patient. And be realistic with your prices. 

If you’re a buyer be ready. Have all of your down payment and pre-approval ready. Good opportunities to pop-up on the market. But they also disappear just as quickly. You want to put yourself in a position to take advantage of such opportunities. 

I hope you will find this video helpful. Feel free to share this video with anyone who you think will find it useful. 

If you’re in the market you might be interested in my monthly real estate newsletter. Here is a link: Real Estate Insider Newsletter

Thanks for reading.

Link to Real Estate Board of Great Vancouver statistics.

Burnaby BC detached housing market update for August 2018

MLS Home Price Index

MLS Home Price Index for the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $1,269,200 | -3.9% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: $1,501,200 | -5.8% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: $1,621,000 | -5.6% (change since August 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $1,384,823 | -0.4% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: $1,749,432 | +1.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: $1,765,238 | -2.2% (change since August 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 96.1% | +0.1% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 94.4% | -1.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 90.3% | -2.9% (change since August 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 67 | -5.6% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 218 | -7.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 254 | -6.3% (change since August 2017)


New Listings

All New Listings of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 11 | -47.6% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 53 | -30.3% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 47 | -35.6% (change since August 2017)


Total Sales

Sales of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 7 | +75.0% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 22 | -31.3% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 12 | -58.6% (change since August 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio of the detached houses in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 0.104 | +85.7% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 0.101 | -25.7% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 0.047 | -56.1% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby 1 bedroom and studio condos market update for August 2018

Home Price Index

Home Price Index for condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $782,800 | +6.8% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: $650,900 | +15.0% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: $717,800 | +10.9% (change since August 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $531,500 | +12.5% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: $470,105 | -0.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: $491,673 | +6.3% (change since August 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 93.8% | -5.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 98.1% | -6.7% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 98.0% | -5.9% (change since August 2017)


Average Price Per Square Foot

Average Price per Square Foot for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $824 | +11.8% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: $723 | +2.3% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: $821 | +12.3% (change since August 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 6 | -62.5% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 35 | +52.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 77 | +75.0% (change since August 2017)


New Listings

New Listings for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 2 | -77.8% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 24 | -11.1% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 39 | -17.0% (change since August 2017)


Sales

Total Sales for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 2 | -50.0% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 20 | -33.3% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 26 | -36.6% (change since August 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in August 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 0.333 | +33.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby North: 0.571 | -56.2% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby South: 0.338 | -63.7% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver BC housings market update for August 2018

MLS Home Price Index

MLS Home Price Index of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: $1,529,200 | -2.3% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: $3,278,500 | -10.3% (change since August 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: $1,595,193 | -0.4% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: $3,377,478 | -22.0% (change since August 2017)

 


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 94.9% | -2.6% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: 89.0% | -6.9% (change since August 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 849 | +4.0% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: 821 | -2.0% (change since August 2017)


New Listings

New Listings of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 172 | -17.7% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: 165 | -15.8% (change since August 2017)


Total Sales

Sales of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 58 | -49.6% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: 59 | +13.5% (change since August 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio of detached houses in Vancouver BC in August 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 0.068 | -51.8% (change since August 2017)

Vancouver West: 0.072 | +16.1% (change since August 2017)

1 bedroom and studio units real estate market update for August 2018 in downtown Vancouver

Home Price Index

Home Price Index for condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: $1,186,300 | +17.4% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: $700,100 | +0.6% (change since August 2017)

West End: $667,100 | +2.5% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: $912,700 | +6.8% (change since August 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: $759,750 | +5.2% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: $683,508 | +4.9% (change since August 2017)

West End: $569,472 | -0.5% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: $729,947 | -3.3% (change since August 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: 94.5% | -6.0% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: 97.3% | -5.5% (change since August 2017)

West End: 95.9% | -7.1% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: 97.8% | 0.0% (change since August 2017)


Average Price Per Square Foot

Average Price Per Square Foot of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: $1,200 | -0.1% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: $1,115 | +1.6% (change since August 2017)

West End: $907 | -6.5% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: $1,204 | +5.1% (change since August 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: 16 | 0.0% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: 118 | +81.5% (change since August 2017)

West End: 46 | +9.5% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: 47 | +67.9% (change since August 2017)


New Listings

New Listings of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: 16 | 0.0% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: 118 | +81.5% (change since August 2017)

West End: 46 | +9.5% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: 47 | +67.9% (change since August 2017)


Total Sales

Sales of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: 4 | -63.6% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: 41 | -37.9% (change since August 2017)

West End: 18 | -43.8% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: 19 | -20.8% (change since August 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio of one bedroom and studio condo units in downtown Vancouver in August 2018 (see graph below)

Coal Harbour: 0.250 | -63.7% (change since August 2017)

Downtown VW: 0.347 | -65.8% (change since August 2017)

West End: 0.391 | -48.7% (change since August 2017)

Yaletown: 0.404 | -52.9% (change since August 2017)

Burnaby BC 1 Bedroom and Studio Condo Units Market Update – April 2018

Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $477,972 | +11.3% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: $515,380 | +22.4% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: $506,238 | +16.4% (change since April 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 100.8% | -4.6% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 104.5% | +3.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 101.5% | -1.3% (change since April 2017)

 


Average Listing to Contract Days

Average Listings to Contract Days for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 12 | +33.3% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 9 | -43.8% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 23 | +76.9% (change since April 2017)


Average Price Per Square Foot

Average Price Per Square Foot for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $840 | +27.1% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: $782 | +24.1% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: $802 | +18.3% (change since April 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 4 | -60.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 26 | -21.2% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 38 | +18.8% (change since April 2017)


New Listings

New Listings of one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 4 | -33.3% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 34 | -5.6% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 41 | +5.1% (change since April 2017)


Sales

Total Sales of one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 6 | +20.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 25 | -21.9% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 21 | -46.2% (change since April 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio for one bedroom and studio condo units in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 1.500 | +200.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 0.962 | -0.8% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 0.553 | -53.2% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby Detached Housing Market Real Estate Update – April 2018

MLS Home Price Index

MLS Home Price Index for the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $1,331,300 | +11.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: $1,595,800 | +4.5% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: $1,675,800 | +2.7% (change since April 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: $1,564,000 | +1.7% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: $1,701,965 | +0.4% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: $1,721,767 | -2.6% (change since April 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 94.5% | -2.7% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 97.3% | -0.7% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 96.8% | -0.4% (change since April 2017)


Average Listing to Contract Days

Average Number of Days on the Market of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 36 | -18.2% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 21 | -22.2% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 25 | -39.0% (change since April 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 71 | +51.1% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 224 | +28.7% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 240 | +11.6% (change since April 2017)


New Listings

New Listings of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 29 | +16.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 106 | +32.5% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 103 | +25.6% (change since April 2017)


Total Sales

Sales of the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 10 | -52.4% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 26 | -50.0% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 18 | -41.9% (change since April 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio for the detached houses in Burnaby in April 2018 (see graph below)

Burnaby East: 0.141 | -68.5% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby North: 0.116 | -61.2% (change since April 2017)

Burnaby South: 0.075 | -47.9% (change since April 2017)

 

Vancouver Detached Housing Real Estate Market Update – April 2018

Vancouver Detached Housing Real Estate Market Update – April 2018

MLS Home Price Index

MLS Home Price Index of detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: $1,544,100 | +4.7% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: $3,404,200 | -2.6% (change since April 2017)


Average Sales Price

Average Sales Price of detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: $1,711,359 | +5.5% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: $3,544,210 | -3.9% (change since April 2017)


Average Percent of Original Price

Average Percent of Original Asking Price of detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 96.8% | -2.8% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 92.0% | -3.2% (change since April 2017)


Average Listing to Contract Days

Average Listing to Contract Days of detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 32 | 0.0% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 50 | -2.0% (change since April 2017)


Total Inventory

Total Inventory of detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 833 | +6.9% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 880 | +34.4% (change since April 2017)


New Listings

New Listings for detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 335 | +15.1% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 294 | +22.0% (change since April 2017)


Total Sales

Total Sales for detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 104 | -26.2% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 71 | -35.5% (change since April 2017)


Sales to Actives Ratio

Sales to Active Listings Ratio for detached houses in Vancouver BC in April 2018 (see graph below)

Vancouver East: 0.125 | -30.9% (change since April 2017)

Vancouver West: 0.081 | -51.8% (change since April 2017)