The market on Salt Spring is Hot! Of course that has to be qualified. Most people from other places expect that in a hot market (sellers market) a property will sell in less than 2 weeks and sometimes in days. Usually that is in a city or suburb. There are several reasons for this. Generally there will be hundreds of potential buyers looking in that area in that price range. They are probably mostly local (within 100 miles). The prices are within a selected range because of the local competition and most areas can develop new, less expensive land on the outskirts of the area relieving price/demand pressure. A big factor is motivated sellers. They want to sell because their financial picture has changed either up or down

Salt Spring Island has no where to expand, new building lots are very few and far between because of strict zoning subdivision bylaws. Most of the buyers are from off island so they can’t run over and view a property instantly.

Buyers are moving here to enjoy the island and climate etc., not for a job or financial reasons so there is no big hurry to buy. You would be very hard pressed to find two similar houses on the same sized lot with the same exposure so setting a value is as much a subjective process as an objective one. How much do you like this house and/or property in dollars? That is market value here. and lastly, sellers are not particularly motivated. They like it here, are not financially strapped and will only sell if they get their price. This means that properties can be on the market for a week or a year.

Buying a home on Salt Spring is like finding a mate. Bad grapes to some is wine to another. Every home has a buyers name on it. Of course the more attractive a property is for both ambience and price the faster it will find its buying mate. There are many ready, willing and able buyers just waiting for the right property to come on the market. If it’s attractive and reasonable

The Baby Boomers are coming. Boomers are between 45 and 60 years old now. They are thinking about retirement. Of all the places in Canada to retire to, south western B.C. is the most attractive climate wise. We, (I am 51), are making plans now. Many are buying properties now to retire to later.

To people from other parts of the world, Canada has a safe, stable political and economic climate. To Americans it is the most similar to what they are used to, and for the most part a bargain.

The southern Gulf Islands are unique in that they have restrictive (protective) zoning with Islands Trust. If you buy in an area of small acreages, it will stay that way. The climate is about the warmest and driest and we are protected from most extremes such as wind and storms from the Pacific Ocean.

Salt Spring is unique among the Gulf Islands in that it has it’s infrastructure in place. It has a hospital, police, fire department, ambulance, and all levels of schools. We have several gas stations, banks, and two large supermarkets, building supplies , etc.

We also have three ferry terminals making access to the city easy. The other islands don’t have, and probably won’t have the population to support these services. We are rural yet civilized with a strong ecological community. That is why Salt Spring Island is the most in demand. That is why I live on .........