oes Gone ve ath Sant LAER rs HEED, nee is et ey rn a Gut Survey prediction hints at good year Cariboo region looks strong THE FUTURE looks opti- mistic for the British Columbia real estate market. A recent independent survey of 500 homes indi- cates that as many as 17% of B.C. residents are contem- plating buying or selling property during 1996. In the poll, commis- sioned by Re/Max and con- ‘ducted by CV Marketing Research, 9% of the British Columbians polled say they “intend to purchase or sell a home in 1996. Ancther 8% . expect they might buy or sell during the next 12 months. Since the -sampling cov- ers all major regions in the province, the response mar- gin suggests some B.C. mar- kets may be more active than others, It appears that people in the Cariboo region (18-23% of those poiled) are more likely to be purchasing or selling a home in 1996, while people in the Kootenay region (5% of those polled) are less likely to be moving. Re/Max Western Canada president. Robert H. Chevot says that although it may seem like a small percentage of the population is planning real estate ventures, renewed consumer optimism could translate into a stronger real estate market year for 1996. “Considering the positive results of the poll, an ade- quate supply of buyers together with a sufficient inventory of propertics should allow for a healthy and balanced market in British Columbia during the coming ycar,” Cherot said. Cherot notes that current Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) projections —sup- port these findings and sug- gest the B.C. market wiil continue to be bolstered by -migration from Asia and other Canadian provinces. “For the next 12 months, migration to Vancouver from - within Canada and Asia alone is predicted at between 40,060 to 50,000 people,” he said. House starts drop in ‘95 METROPOLITAN VANCOUVER | had less new construction,” said CMHC market analysts Don Renaud. “Since migration 14,992 housing starts in’ 1995 which was a decrease of 27% from 1994 when 20,473 units were started, according to Canada Morigage. and ‘Housing Corporation (CMHC). Single famijy starts were down by 29%, compared to the previous year, while multi- “ple starts were down by 26%. =“ “Less migration, particularly froni other ‘provinces, has reduced the demand for new ‘housing and has been a major contributor to from other parts of Canada is not expected to improve in 1996, housing starts. are expected to remain at about the same level as in 1995,” he added. CMHC, Canada’s Federal Housing Agency, publishes local, regional and national reports on the housing industry. Housing starts are regarded as a leading indicator to assess the strength or decline of our economic growth. Developed and marketed by Deer Ridge Project Limited. 1¢ “Tounhome Community in pbtbotiford featuring Single Detached Unite Pelea Enterprises Ltd, would like to iatrsduce you to Westeyde Parke Estates' 36703 Blueridge Drive Abbotsford, B.C. SALES OFFICE & FURNISHED DISPLAY UNIT ON SITE Prices starting at $243,900 3.9. 1. Included Westsyde Park Estates sphere tuil yforiee and-ndint Heels" a Oljuce 852-3240 Take Mi. Lehman Rd. exit ‘ North to Old Yale, right to Bluejay, Jef to Biueridge Drive . left to the top of the hill. Zeextngs Barbara FS6-9OS7 o * Raby 920-2303 There was a tisic wehen significant residential decisions ; were isuch easier to make. Today, however, exquisite townhomes in West Vancouver are exceedingly bard to find, A guided tour of this spectacular display home and a few moments lost in the depths of its immeasurable ocean view will, dare we say it, convince you cll oper aeetin that the very best things in life ure not free Tershomes fram 690,000 Apartment residences from $499,000 Open daily, except Friday, tpm to spn. Or call Cheryle Mosier at 922-7373. 3112 Deer Ridge Drive, West Vancourer. o pornt venture of Burracd Unteriational and faternmational Land Corporation Ltd fowubuede & Mputtoment hevedoues Courtesy to agents.