The Victoria Real Estate Board has been made aware of increased confusion over the interpretation of the new BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus.

Board Staff are in regular contact with the Ministry of Finance to ensure have current updates.

To clarify:

(1) The bonus of a maximum $10,000 is not linked to the buyer’s taxable income unless the individual/couple’s net income from line 236 of their tax return is over $150,000 annually. At that stage the bonus gradually reduces until the annual income reaches $200,000.

(2) The bonus will be issued as a cheque by the BC Ministry of Finance.

(3) The purchaser will have to apply for the bonus on a form to be available in a few weeks from the provincial government. The application will be processed, and then a cheque will be issued.

(4) The amount of the bonus is to be calculated as follows:

“The bonus is equal to 5% of the purchase price of the home (or in the case of owner-built homes, 5% of the land and construction costs subject to HST) to a maximum $10,000.” (Source: BC Ministry of Finance, The BC First-Time New Home Buyers’ Bonus fact sheet)

For further information, see the BC Ministry of Finance website for their Fact Sheet and “Q&A” documents.

VICTORIA, BC-The story continues from last month when the Victoria Real Estate Board reported a relatively stable market when compared to the same time in 2011, but REALTORS® report they are optimistic that new provincial HST transition rules and a New Home First-time Buyers Bonus will stimulate sales of new properties.

February’s sale volume was virtually identical to that of February 2011, but the average price softened by 5% for single family homes over February 2011. The average sales price for a single family home in Greater Victoria was $579,985, with a six-month average of $594,027, showing a corresponding decrease of 4.7% over February 2011.

"REALTORS® are reporting increased showings, especially since the Provincial budget announcements," says Carol Crabb, President of the Victoria Real Estate Board. "Our Members tell me the HST transition rules, increased HST rebates and New Home First-time Buyers Bonus are stimulating traffic for both new houses and condos.

"I think the BC budget also instilled consumer confidence. Potential buyers can see that our economy is stable and mortgage rates are incredibly low", Crabb says. "Not only are prices remaining stable, there are enough listings to allow buyers to perform their due diligence without making rash decisions. We encourage buyers to work with REALTORS® to ensure they are educated about current market conditions and recently announced government incentives."

With 3,977 active listings at the end of February, Crabb notes increased supply levels and sales are expected in keeping with the normal historical trend of spring activity.

Total non-waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 258, up 4 sales over February 2011
Total waterfront Single Family Dwellings sold: 7, down 3 sales over February 2011
Single Family Dwellings sold over $1 million: 14 (1 over $2 million)

Summary Report and Graphs links:

Monthly Sales Summary
Average Selling Price Graphs
Active Listings, New Listings and Sales Graphs