April 2026

April 2026
 

Monthly Newsletter

7 April 2026

REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT

The average sale price for a single family home in the Cowichan Valley (not including acreage or waterfront) saw a little jump over average sale price in March of last year as did the number of units we saw listed. Sales saw a slight drop over sales reported in the same time period, down 8.38% overall in the last 12 months.  Our current active listings here in the Cowichan Valley are 691 for all types of residential real estate.

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 636 sales in March, for all property types in their Board area, up 1% from a year ago.  Single family home sales were up 2% in the VIREB area while Condo sales declined 15% and Townhome sales dropped 3 % from 1 year ago. Active single family home & townhome listings were up over listings reported in March 2025 while condo listings were down slightly.  VIREB CEO Jason Yochim observed "sales were slightly lower than this time last year but picked up noticeably from February" as we normally expect as we head into better weather and a spring market.  He added that "despite some hesitation among buyers, Vancouver Island's housing market continues to show stability compared to other regions in the Province".

 


Vancouver Island Real Estate Board's board-wide benchmark price was $780,500 thru March 2026, essentially unchanged from a year ago.  Our Cowichan Valley benchmark thru March was recorded at $765,200, down 2% from March of last year.. For a closer look at our stats for all types of real estate here in the Cowichan Valley, over the last 12 months to date: 


SINGLE FAMILY

Sales -8.83%, Average Sale Price +3.64% & New Listings -8.42%


CONDOS

Sales +3.06%, Average Sale Price -3.50% & New Listings +3.26%


TOWNHOMES

Sales -3.36%, Average Sale Price +0.24% & New Listings +5.92%


LAND

Sales -31.58%, Average Sale Price +21.45% & New Listings -23.46% 


Learn more about market conditions on Vancouver Island & across BC here:

👉https://vireb.com/market-report

 and watch BCREA's March Update👇

BCREA Housing Market Update (March 2026)

When Credit Has Taken a Hit, There May Still Be a Path Forward


Life does not always go according to plan. Job changes, separation, illness, rising expenses, or carrying too much debt can all put pressure on finances. For some homeowners and future buyers, that can lead to bruised credit or even a consumer proposal or bankruptcy.

The good news is that this does not have to be the end of the story.

For people who already own a home, or hope to buy one in the future, credit challenges can affect current mortgage options and future plans. That is where the right advice and a clear strategy can make a real difference.

Our role is to provide mortgage-focused guidance for homeowners and future buyers who want to improve their financial position, qualify for a mortgage, or explore ways to strengthen their options over time. In some cases, that may include looking at whether debts can be consolidated into a mortgage to improve overall cash flow and simplify monthly payments.

 

In many cases, the first step is understanding where things stand today, what is realistic, and what steps may help improve mortgage qualification or existing financing. That could include reviewing credit, looking at debt levels, discussing timelines after a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, and identifying what lenders may want to see when the time is right.

 

Every situation is different. For some, the next step may be building a plan toward future homeownership. For others, it may be improving an existing financial situation through better mortgage structure or debt consolidation where appropriate.

 

A bruised credit profile does not always mean the door is closed. It often means the timing, structure, and lender choice become more important. With the right guidance, many clients are able to improve their position, rebuild confidence, and work toward homeownership or better mortgage options again.

The most important thing is to know that you may still have options. There is often more that can be done than people realize. 

The takeaway:

 

If you already own a home or hope to buy one in the future, but bruised credit, debt, or a past consumer proposal has left you unsure where you stand, it may be worth having a conversation. A clear mortgage-focused plan today can help create better opportunities tomorrow. 

 Call Us: we're here to help

250-588-1919

Next Bank of Canada Rate Announcement: April 29, 2026

Rates & Information Courtesy of the Roch Star Mortgage Team at Dominion Lending

Janette Roch

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 10, 11, 12

Various times

Vancouver Island Outdoor Show

 

Vancouver Island's larges annual outdoors showcase, come check out great outdoor products, gear brands and talk to experts. Get more info at 

www.vioutdoorshow.com

Cowichan Exhibition
 

​7380 Trans Canada Hwy

 Duncan

Drop off Fri, April 10

12:00pm - 4:00pm

Shop Sat, Apr 11

10:00am-1:00pm

Chemainus Theater Festival Plant Sale

Donate your healthy labeled donations on Friday or stop by for new spring color on Saturday

Chemainus Theater

9737 Chemainus Road

Chemainus

Sat, April 18

11:00am-4:00pm

Fun Filled Shopping at Fanny's Farmhouse

 

Shopping, treats & more plus Studio Fusion Dancers bake sale raising funds for Nationals in Niagara Falls!

10375 Watts Road

Honeymoon Bay

 

Highlights from March 2026

Agent Awards 2026


Ally, Jenney, Chris, Stephen & little Hudson attend the Pemberton Holmes Agent Awards luncheon at The Oak Bay Beach Hotel where Ally received an award for her Top 10% Agent performance thru 2025!🏆

 

 And, Hudson was welcomed as the newest Pemberton Holmes member🥰🥰

FEATURED PROPERTIES

6245 Highwood Dr

Duncan

Like New, No GST!  3,200 sq.ft 4bdrm + Den, 3 bath stunning home with suite in ":The Properties".

1026023

129 Johel Rd

Lake Cowichan

Nothing to do but move in & enjoy this beautifully updated 4 bdrm, 2 bath family home!

1029715

10011 Youbou Rd

Youbou

Must be seen - this beautiful family home with suite blends country charm with modern features!

1029909

58 Pine St

Nanaimo

Investor Alert - Income Property in Central Nanaimo! Main living up & 4 studio style rentals down!

1030696

107 Acacia St

Parksville

Bright & spacious 3 bdrm, 2 bath rancher on a sunny corner lot in a quiet, friendly neighbourhood.

1025546

2-6172 Alington Rd

 

Duncan

Spacious 1,949sq.ft. 2 bdrm + den, 2 bath townhome with flexible floor plan at "Sherman Grove" 

1026553
SEE MORE LISTINGS
 

THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE? 

LET'S CHAT!

ALLY EARLE * PREC

Team Leader, Associate Broker & Real Estate Professional

*denotes Personal Real Estate Corporation

JEN ALEXANDER

Team Member

Real Estate Professional


JENNEY MASSEY

Team Member

Real Estate Professional


Reach out Today!  Let us help make your Real Estate Goals a reality!

250-710-3181

 
 
Fb IgYtCustom

Get In Touch

Phone: 250-710-3181

EMAIL

Office Info

Proudly serving the Cowichan Valley 

Stay Connected