Halifax Real Estate Blog/Multi Unit Stats

Halifax Real Estate Market Report Multi Unit Buildings(4 units or less) based on MLS® data.

Today I figured I would look at something a little different.  I have many clients who have and are actively looking for multi unit buildings as another way to enhance cash flow.  There are things you need to look for when thinking of purchasing a multi unit rental.  Firstly you have to make sure that the building generates income, a lot of multi units on the market today just won’t carry themselves and they are better served as an owner occupied so someone will help with the mortgage.  I always advise my clients to look at the net income(rent minus heating, maintenance, and other expenses associated with the property).  A general rule of thumb is if the net income is 10% of the purchase price it is definitely a building worth taking a closer look at.  Secondly, what a lot of my clients look for and I recommend is electric heat and separate electrical meters.  This way the heating and electricity of the units can be passed off onto the tenant.  Obviously there are many other factors to look at but these are the main ones to keep in mind.

Lets take a look at the numbers over the years.

From Aug 20,2006 – Aug 20,2008 for area 1-40 which encompass all of HRM for multi unit buildings, 4 units or less.

number of sales – 330

average sale price – $274,920

number of days on market – 72 days

From Aug 20,2004 – Aug 20,2006 for area 1-40 which encompass all of HRM for multi unit buildings, 4 units or less.

number of sales – 282

average sale price – $247,671

number of days on market - 66 days

Looking at these numbers we can see that the same trend continues throughout the Halifax Real Estate Market.  Average price continues to rise, an 11% increase. Number of sales are up  17% from the same period 2 years ago which goes against the trend in residential unit sales.  Average days on market are up slightly.

What does all this mean?  Well if you are in the market for rental units it may now be the best time as I don’t see the market going down anytime soon.  Also the rental vacancy rate in Halifax is very low so there are a lot of prospective tenants out there.  Rents continue to rise.  If you would like more info on rental units or would like a market analysis done specific to your area, let me know.

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert


Halifax Real Estate Blog/Dartmouth Market Update

August 13, 2008  |  Buyers, Dartmouth, Sellers  |  1 Comment

Dartmouth Real Estate market report for July 2008 based on MLS® data

Dartmouth Real Estate market report July 2008 for areas 10-17 which encompass all of Dartmouth.  Single family detached and semi-detached including new construction.


Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Dartmouth Market Report July 2008
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2008 217133 212317 98% 59 days 152
Averages: 217133 212317 98 % 59 days 152

Market Report July 2007 for areas 10-17 which encompasses all of Dartmouth.  Single family detached and semi-detached including new construction.


Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Dartmouth Market Report July 2007
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2007 210373 206544 98% 81 days 113
Averages: 210373 206544 98 % 81 days 113

Total Active Listings – 685

The Dartmouth market continues to be one of the hottest areas in Metro.  The number of sales are up by a whopping 34.5% one of the only areas to see an increase like this.  The average sale price is also up modestly at 2.8% which is lower than the rest of HRM.  The average days on market dropped significantly by 21 days.

I see the Dartmouth market as one of the best investments in metro right now.  Prices are still affordable and you are close to Downtown Halifax.  I would recommend you take a serious look at this area if you are buying in the near future.  With Dartmouth Crossing going strong and Russell Lake West expanding at the rate it is, I can only see Dartmouth as a market that is going to increase in years to come.

Next week I am going to look at something a little different.  Multi-unit buildings of 4 units or less and how the prices have changed through the years.

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert


Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Peninsula Market Update

August 7, 2008  |  Buyers, Halifax, Halifax Condos, Sellers  |  1 Comment

Halifax Peninsula Market Update July 2008.

Market update for Halifax Peninsula; areas 1-4 which encompasses South End, North End, West End and Central for July 2008;  single family detached and semi detached homes, including new construction.


Halifax Real Estate Blog/Peninsula Market Update 2008
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2008 358234 347925 97% 57 days 44
Averages: 358234 347925 97 % 57 days 44


Market update for Halifax Peninsula areas 1-4 which encompasses South End, North End, West End and Central for July 2007;  single family detached and semi detached homes, including new construction.


Halifax Real Estate Blog/Peninsula Market Update 2007
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2007 317395 314512 99% 60 days 55
Averages: 317395 314512 99 % 60 days 55

Number of Active Listings – 128

The numbers show a similiar trend that is taking place throughtout the Market, number of sales are down but the average price continues to rise.  Sales are down by 11 units compared to last year but the average price is up 9%.  Days on market are actually down by 3 days.

The Peninisula is still one of the markets most desirable areas.  Condos continue to be built and infill is happening everywhere.  The hot market that I see right now is the North End.  Gentrification is taking place there as old homes are getting updated and new condo projects seem to popping up everyday.  It is very hard to find anything in the North End now for under 200K.  The west end is another area that has been taking off in recent years.   As the south end prices continue to rise people still want to live close to Downtown so they are looking a little farther out.  Personally I think Fairview is a area of Halifax that will explode int the next few years.  Next week I will be looking at the Dartmouth Real Estate Market to see whats happeing there.  If you are looking to buy or sell contact me at 488-0012, I would be happy to assist you!

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert



Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Halifax Condos Market Update

July 28, 2008  |  Buyers, Halifax, Halifax Condos, Sellers  |  No Comments

Halifax Condo MLS® Market Report July 28/2008

Halifax Condo Report for Areas 1 – 40 which encompasses all of HRM for 2008 including new construction


Halifax Real Estate Blog – Condo Report 2008
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2008 220769 214505 97% 95 days 65
JUN-2008 207291 202183 98% 117 days 73
MAY-2008 220137 214078 97% 111 days 88
APR-2008 211476 205712 97% 132 days 103
MAR-2008 201322 195383 97% 98 days 64
FEB-2008 203251 198449 98% 107 days 55
JAN-2008 209658 204978 98% 132 days 50
Averages: 211210 205617 97 % 114 days 498

Halifax Real Estate Condo Report for Areas 1 – 40 which encompasses all of HRM for 2007 including new construction


Halifax Real Estate Blog – Condo Report 2007
Month Average List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List Duration Number Of Sales
JUL-2007 211521 208664 99% 145 days 58
JUN-2007 216900 210916 97% 93 days 88
MAY-2007 207318 203087 98% 124 days 114
APR-2007 199875 195295 98% 155 days 86
MAR-2007 205128 200753 98% 192 days 86
FEB-2007 212375 207162 98% 182 days 62
JAN-2007 216707 211558 98% 124 days 65
Averages: 209433 204777 98 % 143 days 559

Total Active Halifax Condos – 497

The Condo market has slowed down with regards to number of sales year over year.  There are a lot of new builds coming on board now and in the future.  The market is currently in a little downturn with regards to number of buyers although average price continues to rise, just slightly year over year.  The average days on market are up by 23 days which is a result of all the new builds.

A couple of new builds that I think a potential Condo buyer should be looking at are;  Armoury Square, Armoury VillaFalkland Street Condos and Spice.  The Falkland Street condos have already increased prices by 10 – 15K on select units.  A good investment for sure!  Be sure to check back regularly for more market updates and news.  If you are looking to buy or sell Halifax Real Estate be sure to contact me.

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert