Latest Sims Real Estate Group Listing Videos & Blog Posts on Vancouver Island, BC.

Vancouver Island is a treasure. It is just a short drive from the heart of the big city of Vancouver, but it is still remote enough to feel like a getaway. You will find a wide selection of home styles here, numerous price ranges, and perhaps the most diverse real estate market in the region. The question you need to ask is whether or not a waterfront home here is the best option for your immediate needs.

Waterfront Home in Nanaimo, BC

The advantages of waterfront home ownership on Vancouver Island are numerous.

• You can choose the type of home right for your needs. You will find smaller, cottage style homes overlooking the water. On the other hand, you can find expansive estates here. These range widely in price, but nearly guarantee an option for most people.
• New and old are mixed. Vancouver Island has seen a significant amount of development and redevelopment in the last few years. Nevertheless, if the thought of owning a 100-year-old home with charm and character seems like a better fit for you, that's an option here as well.
• Access to waterways ranges widely. Since the area is quite hilly, many of the homes are actually up on hilltops and overlooking the various bays and inlets. You will find homes with marinas and countless areas of beachfront available to you as well.

The key to finding your dream Vancouver Island waterfront home is working with a local expert. The reason for this is simple. These are some of the most valuable of all real estate here and, with that comes a high level of demand for these homes. You will love having access to homes as soon as they hit the market even in the more trendy and up and coming areas of the region.

Vancouver Island offers the right combination of features and amenities for just about anyone. You'll love living right along the waterfront, too.

When buying luxury real estate on Vancouver Island, there is a great deal to keep in mind. You'll find numerous smaller communities and larger cities to select to call home. For those interested in a larger city and more urban lifestyle, Victoria is the ideal choice. It is within minutes of the wilderness and the water, but offers every amenity desired for those who are looking for big city life. Take into consideration a few key reasons to buy here.

Victoria Is Diverse

Home in Beach Drive, Victoria BC

One of the main reasons so much luxury real estate is present in Victoria is because it provides the best of both worlds: the modern housing, commercial sectors, and good schools coupled with nature's best. You can live and flourish here if you are an outdoor adventurer or if you are looking for a modern loft overlooking the water to call home. It's easy to find the space that fits your specific needs.

Another key value that Victoria offers is a wide range of residential real estate options. You will find townhouse communities here. You can find the ideal smaller home for a retirement home. You will also find real estate that's just being developed. These homes, some of which are custom properties, offer a range of amenities and features including pools, spacious layouts, modern upgrades, and even home theaters. If you want to have access to the downtown area, consider the condos here.

Housing options in Victoria can give you access to waterfront beaches. You can also purchase a loft or town home in a walkable community where you can spend time at local cafes and small shops. On the other hand, there are some of the best single family residential homes here to enjoy as well.

What is the right type of real estate for you? Victoria offers something that first everyone's needs while providing local shopping, restaurants, good schools, and natural amenities.

When it comes to buying real estate on Vancouver Island, there are many reasons to do so. You'll find luxury homes with ample lots. You'll enjoy being within a matter of minutes to the big city and the wilderness. You'll enjoy the schools and the overall quality of life. But, how will you spend your weekends here? Take a look at some of the amenities that Vancouver Island has to offer those who call it home.

The Outdoors and Wilderness

From Cowichan Valley to the Southwest Coast, there is plenty to do outdoors. You can spend your weekends hiking and sailing, some of the most common things to do here. You can also spend some time rock climbing near the coast or enjoying a wide range of water sports. For some people, there is nothing better than spending some time at the Vancouver Island wineries. These offer a fantastic opportunity to sample and socialize.

Additional Things to Expect in Vancouver Island

Some people buy real estate on Vancouver Island so they can be near the commercialised area of the city. That's fairly easy to do since the heart of the city offers a wide range of amenities. You can relax at Ancient Cedars Spa or the Arthur Vickers Gallery. You can visit the Eagle Aerie Gallery or spend your day at Salt Spring Island Saturday Market. There is no doubt something full of opportunity is available to you here.

Shop at local artisan shops. Go golfing or for a hike into the woods. Spend your afternoons on the boat enjoying the sun. You can spend some time enjoying the more luxurious shopping areas and restaurants here. Or, you could simply relax. With large lots and incredible opportunities to see it all, Vancouver Island offers something for just about anyone who is looking for a special place to buy a home. Vancouver Island real estate gives you access to it all.

Image courtesy of Will Brown - Flickr.

Vancouver Island is one of the most sought after areas of the region for real estate. It offers a wide range of options including beautiful views of the mountains and the water. It provides individuals with the ability to enjoy the outdoors while also enjoying a modern lifestyle. If you are looking for luxury real estate on Vancouver Island, the good news is there are numerous options to consider. The bad news is you'll have to choose just one place to buy a home or build one here.

Why Buy Real Estate Here?

Vancouver Island real estate provides a wide range of benefits to buyers. Victoria, the largest city here, offers a modern lifestyle with incredible access to commercial opportunities. However, you will also find more remote properties with ample space and the ability to build a custom home. Whether you want to hike and kayak every day or you just want a beautiful new home to call your home, Vancouver Island offers something perfectly suited for your needs.

Where to Look

If you want to live in an urban center, consider Victoria. It offers a number of home styles including luxury estates and smaller condos. Victoria is a year-round destination. On the other hand, if you want to live and enjoy more relaxed areas with more flexibility in home styles, consider buying on the Campbell River or Port Hardy. The cities of Nanaimo and Courtney are also excellent investment options. You'll find each area offers its own feel with a range of port cities, remote ranches, modern, upscale condos overlooking the water, and spacious estates.

To ensure you find the home that is right for your needs, focus on working with a Vancouver Island real estate agent that knows the area very well. You'll appreciate having access to some of the best amenities in the region while also finding luxury real estate that's priced affordably and customized to your needs.

Perhaps you've visited Vancouver Island in the past and loved everything it had to offer. There's good news for you, then. You no longer have to consider this area a place for just vacationing. You can, and should, consider it an ideal place to call home. The real estate market on Vancouver Island is flourishing and with that comes new opportunities to find a dream home or just the ideal place to raise a family. Do you still need more convincing? Consider these amenities and features that living on Vancouver Island allow you to experience.

Amenities and Features of the Island

Before you buy real estate on Vancouver Island, consider what you can expect here. There are several reasons, South Island, Central Island, and North Island to enjoy, but each offers incredible views of the water and of the hills in the background. If you enjoy wildlife, this is the place to call home. On the other hand, if you want a modern city centre filled with countless artisan shops, cafes, and even your favourite national chains, this area is good for that as well. Wildlife, whale watching, fishing, spas, numerous festivals and events, and much more make up everyday life in Vancouver Island.

Real Estate Opportunities on Vancouver Island

While there is much to do and see here, another important step is getting to know the layout of the real estate market. From cottages tucked into dense wooded lots to condos nestled into the downtown areas of this location, there are numerous options to consider. Still, the single family home in a tree-lined neighbourhood is also present here. Which one of these property options is right for you?

Take a few minutes to get to know the area and all that it can offer to you. When you do, you'll find it is pretty easy to fall in love with everything that Vancouver Island has to offer.

For those considering the investment in real estate on Vancouver Island, there's good news. Things are looking quite promising for the area. The reports from November of 2015 show some significant improvement from the same time in 2014, showing that the market is returning and home values are growing. This is good news for anyone who wants to sell or buy a home on Vancouver Island in the coming months.

By the Numbers

According to a report from VIREB, the sale numbers for November fell slightly from October, but, when compared to a year prior, Vancouver Island real estate sales grew significantly. And, this helps to ensure the market will reach its target goals for the 2015 year. There were 351 single family homes sold in the area in November 2015, compared to just 299 in November of 2014. This is a 17 per cent increase. Also notable and important is that inventory levels are continuing in a downward trend. There is a 17 per cent drop in the number of homes available. This will ultimately help to spur home values in the area.'

Why Is There an Improvement?

Why are things looking good for Vancouver Island real estate? There are numerous reasons to be optimistic about the market here. First, employment levels have improved by 3.1 per cent in the area. Additionally, retail sales have grown by as much as 70 per cent. This is a strong market and that is a good thing for those planning to buy real estate here and watch it appreciate in value.

Are you in the market to purchase real estate on Vancouver Island? Buying real estate here provides for a few key benefits. First, home buyers will find the area's homes are still priced well and affordable. Second, the area's higher sales rates and value increases will help to make their investment a solid one for years to come. Many experts predict 2016 will continue this trend, as well.