The COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive effect on the housing market in the Eastern Townships — very few homes are available on the market because they have all sold. Realtors need new listings, so some have resorted to knocking on doors to ask home owners to sell.

Not only are house prices increasing they are sitting on the market for fewer days because of all the out of town interest. This can be great for the economy and the sellers, but also a disadvantage for the local buyers.

“It’s amazing the real estate right now, but for sellers,” said Trevor Brunton, real estate agent for Century 21.

In 2020 there were 190 welcome tax transactions in comparison to 144 in 2019. Welcome tax is applied to every transfer of property within the municipality. The amount is dependent on the price of the property and is an extra source of revenue for towns.

During the pandemic, the Townships have seen an overwhelming amount of city visitors. Brunton believes that some people are realizing they would rather live in the countryside where there is more space, and some say better relaxation.

“Now that this virus has come out, it made people realize that a lot of people can work from home,” said Brunton.

Here is Trevor Brunton speaking with CIDI: