Whitehorse Daily Star

Single-detached homes sold for average of $434,400 last spring

A total of 184 properties were sold in Whitehorse in the second quarter of the year.

By Stephanie Waddell on November 3, 2017

A total of 184 properties were sold in Whitehorse in the second quarter of the year.

The Yukon Bureau of Statistics has released the most recent real estate stats. They show that sales in Whitehorse between April and June totaled $65.5 million for the 184 properties.

That means while the total number of sales is up nine from 175 during the same period last year, the value of the sales was less. It clocked in at $65.5 million in the second quarter of this year, compared to $72.5 million during the same period last year.

Single-detached homes remained the most popular purchase, with 84 homes sold at an average price of $434,400.

While that was the same number of single-detached homes sold in the second quarter of 2016, the average price rose from $423,300.

Condos were also a popular purchase, with 54 sold for an average price of $304,700. That compared to 50 that changed hands for an average price of $313,300 in the second quarter of 2016.

Meanwhile, a total of 21 duplexes (representing one half of a side-by-side house) sold for an average of $344,500, up from 14 transferred at an average of $318,200 during the same period last year.

Both residential lots and mobile homes saw the same number of sales at eight each, with the average price being $131,700 for lots and $258,600 for mobile homes.

That compares to the second quarter of 2016 figures showing three residential lots sold at an average price of $107,200 and 14 mobile homes sold for an average price of $251,700.

Looking at non-residential properties, four commercial sites were sold for an average $279,800 and five industrial properties changed hands for an average of $216,900.

That’s a big change from the same period in 2016, when seven commercial sites sold for an average of $1.7 million while three industrial properties sold for an average of $362,300.

In looking at the single-detached homes sold during the second quarter of the year, the Copper Ridge was the most popular neighbourhood for purchases, with 24 sales.

That was followed by Whistle Bend at 23; Riverdale at 11; eight in Porter Creek; five downtown, five in Granger, five through other urban neighbourhoods; and three in country residential neighbourhoods.

Throughout the territory, the Bureau of Statistics noted: “There were $79.2 million in real estate transactions in Yukon in the second quarter of 2017 consisting of $65.5 million in Whitehorse and $13.7 million for the rest of the Yukon.”

Comments (9)

Up 0 Down 0

ProScience Greenie on Nov 9, 2017 at 4:07 pm

I've never had a big issue with many of the good people working regular govie jobs Hugh and often stated that.

As far as getting that govie job goes it is not as simple today (have a sharp pencil and good work ethics) as it once was. I won't go into detail but when one looks at many of the hires there's something rotten happening behind the scene in the various HR departments.

Up 4 Down 6

Hugh Mungus on Nov 9, 2017 at 1:27 pm

@ ProScience Greenie

You might want to do a little research on the YG gravy train you believe is a thing. While some managers and all the directors and ADMs are making some pretty sweet bank you'll find that front line workers and skilled trades are not. In a lot of cases you could make better money in the private sector as the dolts at YEU/PSAC have not been able to negotiate a collective agreement wage increase that has kept place with the rising cost of living in probably 15 years. What keeps many in the public sector is the pension and benefits and you too could get a public sector work if you sharpened your pencil. But be careful what you wish for.....the grass isn't always greener.

Up 14 Down 1

Larry from Yukon on Nov 6, 2017 at 3:53 pm

To Another Yukoner - If you think all merchants operate that way, why don't you show us all how it "should" be done. Or maybe grab hold of one of those gov't contracts (govy teat) for yourself, if you really believe they are so great and easy. What's stopping you? Go for it.
The fact is retailing up here is a tough road to follow and many don't make it. It's no gravy train, for sure.

Up 13 Down 5

woodcutter on Nov 6, 2017 at 3:53 pm

PSG is taking cheap shots at those that have sold their soul for a full time paycheck. Home values are dictated, currently, by the robust economy, hi development costs and competitive forces, If a person is relying on their wages to keep up with house prices, they are seriously living in a dream land. There is no bubble in the Yukon housing market, even when the economy is sluggish the housing value and rents remain stable, with only slight fluctuations.

Up 14 Down 6

ProScience Greenie on Nov 6, 2017 at 11:58 am

Fair enough Roy. Lots of good people - friends, family, neighbors - work for our gov but it is basically the only real full time industry we have up here with decent pay, benefits and no worry of layoff or downsizing. That makes it a sweet thing.

The vast majority of Yukoners, including many gov workers, would greatly benefit if the CoW artificially inflated housing bubble was busted up. Follow the money on that and it leads to more than a few Soapy Smith types in suits and ties, gov and non-gov, right, left, green and centre profiteering on the backs of regular folks.

Exactly how it works Another Yukoner.

Up 25 Down 11

Another Yukoner on Nov 5, 2017 at 10:53 am

PSG, another way to afford a home is to be a merchant and mark your products up 300%. Alternatively you could own any kind of construction company in Yukon and latch yourself onto the govy teat of never ending contracts while all the while complaining about ‘the government’ and how hard done by you are.

Up 17 Down 8

Roy on Nov 5, 2017 at 8:09 am

...I *have* a "sweet full time govie job" and I still can't afford my own house. So... maybe try adjusting your viewpoint, PSG? We're not all ADM, DM or Ministers.

Up 31 Down 4

June Jackson on Nov 4, 2017 at 5:05 pm

Everyone can have a roof and as many kids as they want..just go on welfare. It's kind of like going to work for the government, only you don't have to do anything for the money..

Up 35 Down 6

ProScience Greenie on Nov 4, 2017 at 9:28 am

Wages sure haven't gone up to match the over the top housing prices. Then there is the rising cost of food and everything else. Also a 5% carbon sin tax on its way. Not good unless a person can latch onto a sweet full time govie job.

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