The question was asked “Who will make up these three hundred people and does this mean that every year we will add three hundred people to the Coast?”

The answer is no, over the long term the stats show that on average 300 people will move to the Coast. If we look back over the market cycles and the population trends we will see a mirror effect of prices verses population. The old adage of supply and demand comes into effect.  Toward the end of the Sellers market we can see the population growth peaked out at a little over 4.1 %. In 2005 the population growth peaked at 2.8% and then settled to around a 2% increase for 2006 / 2007. Since the population increase has declined Real Estate Sales & prices have gone with it. In 2010 BC Stats shows that our population settled at around a 1% increase.

Most of the growth in our area’s population will be in the over 65 plus age group. Of the 5,950 people forecasted to move to the Sunshine Coast by 2031, 5,614 people will be over 65 plus age group and 336 people will be less than 65. As Ryan Berlin Director for Urban Futures states “The best predictor of future demographic change is what the population looks like today and the Sunshine Coast which has an older population that is less has inclined to move than younger people”

In my opinion, the only way to attract younger people to the Sunshine Coast is to improve the ferry system. That will take our political leaders working together to challenge BC Ferry’s to implement a passenger ferry service between Langdale and Horseshoe Bay to match up with the Bus service.  The lower mainland is the employment and education epicentre for the province and it’s right on our door step. We have seen many a commuter return to the city, the commuter who does hang on is the one waiting for retirement. A passenger only ferry would supplement the present service and get people home on time.

- Kenan Mackenzie

If you are thinking of selling in 2012 you need to answer these questions first “what will I do when I Sell?” and “Will you be buying back into the market?”

If you are buying back into the market this is a great time to sell. In our current Buyer’s market you may find that there is more than one choice for you. So if you Sell low, you Buy low. If you have other needs for the money ask yourself the question “will I make up the difference if I sold today versus waiting for the market to go up?” If the property is strictly an investment and if you have no other use for the money maybe you want to  wait a few years.

If you are thinking of buying, do not be caught waiting for the bottom only to be left behind. It seems as people we wait for everyone else to start buying to confirm our decision that the time is right. History tells us that as long as the Sunshine Coast is desirable it will be a great investment. We have record low interest rates with banks and mortgage companies competing for your business and willing to deal on rates & terms with you. If you are a first time buyer call your bank or mortgage broker and get a pre-approval for your mortgage with your rate locked in. They will also tell you the amount you can afford, so do this prior to looking at homes and you will save yourself any disappointment. Also, remember the Home Buyer’s Plan that allows you to use your RRSP funds up to $25,000. for a first time home buyer and for a home that you intend to occupy. For the investor you never need to worry about being left with paper.

- Kenan MacKenzie

In 2011 we had what was often called a “swing year” as the market saw sellers trying to hold their ground and buyers sitting on the sidelines, increasing inventory and declining sales pushed prices down. We saw detached sales decline by 10 % to finish the year with 451 sales and 1187 listings compared to 505 sales and 1269 listings in 2010. At the height of the market or what many see as the peak of our “sellers’ market” in 2007 there were 727 detached sales on the Sunshine Coast. The only area of the market that saw an increase in sales this year was the condo/apartments sector with an increase of 20% in sales over the previous year.

Other market statistics for the Sunshine Coast in 2011 include, land 75 sales and 407 listings, attached homes 41 sales and 92 listings, condos/apartments 53 sales and 181 listings.

During 2012 we anticipate sales increases across all areas of the market with buyers and investors taking advantage of the low interest rates and favorable market conditions. Market conditions should remain in favour of the buyers throughout 2012 with the total number of listings on the Coast remaining high.

So is Real Estate on the Sunshine Coast a good investment? According to the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver pricing index the 10 year change was a 123%. In other words if you bought a home as an investment back in 2001 it has according to the index increased in value by 123 % and every month it would have paid you a dividend in the form of rent.

As long as people want to move to the Sunshine Coast property here will continue to be a great investment. Ryan Berlin, Director of Urban Futures, predicts the population of the Sunshine Coast will increase by 20 % by the year 2031. This would mean that the Sunshine Coast population will increase by an average of 300 people a year.

- Kenan

367 Hough Rd from Kenan MacKenzie on Vimeo.

Cypress from Kenan MacKenzie on Vimeo.

495 Spyglass from Kenan MacKenzie on Vimeo.