Slowest January in 8 years, report says

Printed



February 27, 2023





by

Robyn Sidersky

Virginia dwelling gross sales have been off to a gradual begin in 2023, with a 30% decline in January from a 12 months in the past, or 2,454 fewer gross sales, in accordance with information launched in February by Virginia Realtors. 

Throughout the state, 5,609 houses have been bought, marking the slowest January that Virginia has seen in eight years. Fewer gross sales have additionally resulted in fewer gross sales quantity. In comparison with a 12 months in the past, there was $1 billion much less, or a 28.5% decline for a complete of $2.4 billion. 

The slowdown is being felt most within the state’s largest housing markets — Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Richmond, stated Ryan Worth, chief economist with Virginia Realtors. Worth added that the slowdown remains to be “fairly uniform” across the state, in comparison with what it was a 12 months in the past. 

The sharpest drops have been within the Shenandoah Valley market, components of Central Virginia, the Lynchburg area and the Williamsburg space, in accordance with the report.

It’s nonetheless a vendor’s market, he famous, however not as intense because it was a couple of months in the past, and the market is shifting to favor consumers. 

Gross sales ranges are down, with fewer contracts general in January and houses are staying in the marketplace longer, in accordance with Virginia Realtors. 

The statewide median gross sales worth was $350,000, up 3.7% from a 12 months in the past, and a rise of $12,500. Final month, 45.6% of the houses bought have been priced between $200,001 to $400,000, down from 45.9% final 12 months. One out of each 5 houses have been within the larger worth factors of $400,001 to $600,000, and about 15% bought for lower than $200,000. Almost 8% of houses bought in January have been greater than $800,000. 

Properties are staying in the marketplace longer, a mean of 39 days, which is a couple of week longer than in January 2022. Pending gross sales are additionally down. However stock is up about 22% from a 12 months in the past and has been growing for 4 straight months. It’s nonetheless low in comparison with historic averages, although.

Worth stated stock is constrained, however bettering, and there are extra listings, not essentially new ones. Properties are taking longer to promote, permitting stock to construct up. Patrons pissed off by the dearth of stock will begin to see extra choices. 

Nonetheless, he famous that it’s nonetheless difficult for first-time consumers due to the dearth of stock and pricing developments.

It’s not all unhealthy information, although. 

“We’re gearing up for the spring season, which generally is likely one of the busier occasions of the 12 months for the housing market,” Worth stated.