There's lakefront, ocean front, ocean view, vacation cottages, condos, large estates and everything in between.
Search Canada's MLS listings for Salt Spring real estate currently offered for sale.
With somewhere in the neighbourhood of fifty real estate agents available to help you in your search, finding the right person might seem daunting. As with any professional group, some have more experience than others, some have more island insight or networking connections, some have more passion for their work or time to devote to your needs.
Choosing the busiest agent with a full client load might seem like a good idea because they're clearly well established. But they may also be overstretched with all those clients, whereas a more low-profile agent just starting out may have more time to work with you and an especially strong drive to impress new clients.
Salt Spring has an ample selection of talented home builders to choose from. In keeping with the varied and discerning tastes of islanders, local building contractors offer a wide range of specialties, including straw bale and rammed earth homes, post-and-beam joinery, timber frame construction and green building practices.
With every real estate transaction, there are fees that pop up toward the end of the process. Not all of them apply in every situation, but if you're purchasing Saltspring real estate, expect at least some of the following expenses...
Legal fees
Usually a few thousand dollars
Land transfer tax
Buyers are responsible for paying a percentage of the purchase price. In British Columbia, the tax amount is 1% of the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance of the purchase price. First time home buyers may qualify for an exemption from this tax.
Property tax
If the seller has prepaid their property tax for the entire year and you take possession sometime during that year, you'll be expected to reimburse the seller the portion of the tax that is applicable for the remainder of the year.
Appraisal fees
Your lender may require a property appraisal in order for you to secure a mortgage for the purchase.
Property inspection
Usually a few hundred dollars and worth every penny to help ensure you are buying a property without major issues, or at least you are aware of them before deciding to purchase.
Survey certificate
Sometimes required by the lender
HST
Applies to purchases of brand new homes in BC, though is sometimes included in the sales price.
Moving costs
Our move from out of province cost us over $5000. Ferry fares for large vehicles (moving trucks) can be excessive and your belongings may have to sail over on a special freight sailing.
Read more about moving to Saltspring Island
Special considerations for British Columbia real estate purchases
Harbour House Hotel
121 Upper Ganges Rd
Hotel and restaurant with an ocean view. Located just outside of Ganges village, within easy walking distance. Excellent food, with an extensive greenhouse on site where much of the produce served in restaurant meals is grown.
Hastings House
160 Upper Ganges Rd
Small, stately Tudor-style country manor set amongst gardens and cottages, with a fine-dining restaurant and spa on the property.