Sales of single-family homes in June board-wide dipped by seven per cent year over year and were 11 per cent lower than in May.

Last month, 408 single-family homes sold on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System compared to 458 the previous month and 437 in June 2018. Sales of apartments dropped by 29 per cent year over year while townhouse sales were down by 32 per cent from one year ago.

The mortgage stress test (Guideline B-20) continues to hurt housing sales throughout British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. Although the B.C. economy continues to be highly supportive of housing demand, the negative shock to affordability and purchasing power created by the stress test is making it extremely difficult for some buyers, particularly millennials, to enter the housing market. Even when prospective buyers can afford monthly mortgage payments, they are unable to qualify because Guideline B-20 has eroded their purchasing power by as much as 20 per cent.

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Few things beat indulging in a cool treat on a hot summer day! Let’s face it, who doesn’t have a bit of a sweet tooth? If you and your family are looking to cool off this summer, or if you are just looking to treat yourself, these three easy-to-make desserts are sure to be a hit!

Pop Some Popsicles Into Your Freezer

An absolute classic, popsicles are as easy-to-make as they are delicious to eat! All you need to get started is a popsicle mold and your favorite juice flavors. For a richer taste, try using fruit purées or blended fruits as your base ingredient. A great tip for those who are looking to try something new is to add a bit of yogurt into the mix to give your popsicles a little extra kick!

Mix Up a Fruit Smoothie

A simple go-to that is perfect for busy summer days, fruit smoothies are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthier option. Using your blender, mix together a cup of your favorite fruits and a ½ cup of yogurt for a tasty treat you are sure to love. If you prefer a more slushy-consistency, be sure to add ice to your smoothie mix!

Blend the Perfect Milkshake

A decadent treat that is perfect for treating yourself and your family, milkshakes are simple to make and delicious to eat! Once again using your blender, grab your favorite ice cream flavor and blend it together with milk—a good rule of thumb is to use a ¼ cup of milk per every scoop of ice cream. For fruity ice cream flavors, adding in fruits such as strawberries or bananas can bring a bold new taste to your shake.