It’s clear to anyone following the Canadian real estate market lately that home prices are starting to drop. We are likely returning to the Balanced Market we experience prior to the start of the pandemic. But does that mean that Kamloops Real Estate is actually becoming more affordable?
On a monthly basis – the answer is not yet
In the long term – it is becoming more affordable
The Trade-Off
LOWER PURCHASE PRICES
HIGHER INTEREST RATES
High interest rates – aimed at lowering inflation – are one of the main drivers for a slow down in home sales across the country and a subsequent decrease in sale prices.
interest rates – aimed at lowering inflation – are one of the main drivers for a slow down in home sales across the country and a subsequent decrease in sale prices.
Despite lower housing prices, the increased interest rates since the peak of the market have resulted in higher monthly mortgages. Homeowners may not be seeing a decrease in monthly mortgage costs yet, even if they buy at a lower price. Let’s look at an example below of a hypothetical property sold at the peak vs. in today’s market. You’ll notice the overall monthly payments are strikingly similar, but there is good news for buyers today and on the horizon.
So Is It The Right Time To Make A Purchase?
In my opinion, it’s always best to purchase property when prices are lower, even if interest rates are higher at the time. The lower purchase price will help save money on your downpayment, land transfer tax and closing costs.
Even if the interest payments are higher at the time of your purchase, they may lower again by the time of your renewal or over time if you choose a variable mortgage. In the long run, you’ll be at an overall advantage to have purchase at a lower price point and having saved significant costs at the time of purchase.
I Want To Sell – But I Missed Out On Top Dollar
Even though the Kamloops housing market is no longer experiencing peak sale prices and heated multiple offer situations, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should put off selling a property. Sales might have slowed down in some price brackets, but in others they’ve shown stability (low-moderately priced properties such as mobiles, condos, townhouses and smaller single family homes).
It’s also important for homeowners who are thinking of selling to look at their own property’s history, versus looking at it from the peak down. Very few properties sell in a peak market, so you may be better placed to sell your home in a Balanced Market.
What’s key to remember is:
When did you purchase your home and how much did you pay for it?
Was the return on your investment good over that time?
Let’s say you purchased a home 5 yrs ago for $400,000 and it is currently worth $700,000. At the peak of the market, a comparable home might have sold for $850,000. Rather than focusing on the potential loss, it’s key to remember that your initial investment returned $300,000 over 5 years (11% ROI). Not only is this a very healthy return, but your home also kept up with the market and you are likely in a good position to upsize, downsize or move laterally to a new home.
