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Oahu Market Update: Home prices remain resilient
It was just over two years ago — August 2021 — when the median sales price of an Oahu home topped $1 million for the first time.
Despite an economy-crippling pandemic and multiple mortgage rate hikes over the past 24 months, the median sales price (MSP) slipped under $1 million only three times — and barely so. Oahu’s highest monthly median sales price on record occured in May 2022 when single-family MSP hit $1,153,500. Eight months later, it fell to a two-year low of $970,000 in January 2023. Still, by July, the MSP of a single-family home was $1,110,000.
Home prices are the most recognized market indicator. Experiencing such market stability in an average two-year period would indicate well-balanced conditions beneficial for both buyers and sellers. But the multiple economic challenges brought about by COVID precipitated significantly reduced inventories, which intensified competition among buyers. The Federal Reserve’s numerous rate increases boosted mortgage interest rates, exacerbating challenges for home buyers.
While some buyers have switched gears, by downsizing their end game, narrowing their sights to condos and townhomes, others have been priced out of the market altogether — possibly unnecessarily so.
According to Freddie Mac, buyers who shop around for the best mortgage package can save money, possibly enough to partially offset the effects of higher interest rates [more]
LAUNIU: Ward Village’s newest project
Launiu is the newest residential tower coming to Ward Village. Located on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Ward Avenue, the project will be located on one of the last first row parcels within Kakaako’s master-planned community.
After seeing the presentation firsthand, this is going to be a stunning building! Inspired by the coconut frond, Launiu’s style is influenced by the lush coconut groves along Diamond Head’s Gold Coast and is reminiscent of the simple, Hawaiian elegance and luxury of the Halekulani Hotel.
Launiu will consist of 490 residences including 94 units on the podium floors 2-6. The amenity deck will be on the 7th floor and will include panoramic ocean views from Diamond Head to the west. Studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences are available. The Diamond Head facing residences will feature outdoor lanais, while the sunset-facing residences will have Juliet balconies.
As a preferred broker of Howard Hughes, I am able to schedule private presentations for my clients now. The presentations will include renderings of the building, amenities, floor plans, and simulated views not yet available to the public. If you’d like to get an early look, please contact me. You will have the opportunity to purchase before this project is announced to the general public.
File your Oahu homeowner exemption by September 30
If you own and live in your home, you are eligible to apply for a homeowner exemption to save on your real property taxes. Starting with the upcoming 2024-2025 tax year, this home exemption increases from $100,000 to $120,000 for homeowners under the age of 65. This means that $120,000 is deducted from the assessed value of your property so you are taxed on the lower balance. For homeowners 65 years and older on or before June 30, 2023, the home exemption is $160,000 (up from $140,000).
I remind my clients to file for the homeowner exemption when they purchase their new home on Oahu, however there are many homeowners who have not filed for this tax saving benefit. If you haven’t taken advantage of this exemption, you have until September 30 to file online or via this form.
If you have already claimed your exemption, you don’t need to do so each year, unless you move. The exemption amounts will automatically increase when you reach the eligible age.
For more details, click here to go to the City & County of Honolulu Real Property Assessment Division.
Emergency preparedness starts with you
The wildfires on Maui was a harsh reminder that everyone should be prepared for a natural disaster. We are still in the hurricane season which began June 1 and runs through November 30. Taking the time to gather supplies and having a plan for your family in place is critical.
BUILD AT LEAST A 2-WEEK SUPPLY KIT
| Water (1 gal. per person/day) | Sturdy Shoes |
| Food (non-perishable) | Personal Hygiene Items |
| First Aid Kit | Glasses/Eye Care |
| Medical Equipment | Toilet Paper |
| Medications | Pet Supplies |
| NOAA Alert Radio | Fire Extinguisher |
| Extra Batteries | Identification |
| Flashlight | Cash |
| Can Opener | Important Documents |
| Tools | Comfort/Entertainment |
| Warm Clothes |
PLAN AHEAD
- Determine an accessible meeting place in case you have to leave your home or work, so you can reunite your family
- Check with your local emergency management office to:
- Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications
- Identify your local emergency alert system (EAS) radio stations
- Know your evacuation and alternate transportation routes
COMMUNICATION
- Write down important emergency contact information
- Texts are more likely to go through than calls
- Have an extra cell phone charger and batteries
- An out-of-area contact can serve as a relay point for family communication
July 2023 Market Update
In July 2023, the real estate landscape on Oahu experienced some noteworthy shifts. Let’s dive into the key highlights to keep you updated about the current trends of this dynamic market.
Despite rising interest rates and economic challenges, Oahu’s housing market’s value remains strong. Buyers are resolute in their desire to own property on Oahu whether they are upsizing, downsizing, or building generational wealth.
Median sales prices remain in rock-stable territory year-over-year, with single-family homes dipping slightly — 1.6% to $1,090,000 and condos holding steady at $500,000.
On the upside, 53% of single-family home sales closed at the full asking price or higher. In the condo market, 47% of total sales received the full asking price or higher. These numbers were slightly higher last year.
Overall closed sales on Oahu were fewer last month compared to July 2022. Single-family home sales dropped 28.2% to 224 closings last month compared to a year ago. Condo sales were also down 18.5%.
Interestingly, new listings were also down in both categories at similar rates that sales volume was down. New single-family home listings were down 28.8%. New condo listings were down 15.4%.
Neighborhood Market Standouts
Despite the slight dip in median prices in July, Oahu sales prices haven’t changed significantly over the past year — and in some neighborhoods, the prices are up. The following highlights single-family and condo neighborhoods where the MSP is higher than a year ago.
Single Family Median Sales Price
| June 2023 | June 2022 | |
| Kapahulu-Diamond Head | $1,700,000 | $1,365,000 |
| North Shore | $1,610,000 | $1,400,000 |
| Waialae – Kahala | $2,205,000 | $2,050,000 |
| Windward Coast | $1,130,000 | $1,050,000 |
Condos Median Sales Price
| June 2023 | June 2022 | |
| Hawaii Kai | $840,000 | $816,000 |
| Makaha – Nanakuli | $264,500 | $235,000 |
| Mililani | $570,000 | $520,000 |
| Moanalua – Salt Lake | $474,000 | $440,000 |
| Waialae-Kahala | $659,000 | $532,500 |
For an up-to-date market analysis of your property, contact me for a current valuation of your home.
Holiday Food Drive Copy
Did you know that the Hawaii Food Bank has been serving 50% more residents since the pandemic started in 2020? One in 6 of our ‘ohana struggle with food insecurity, with 1 in 4 of them being our keiki. With food supply running low at this time, we are collecting donations to help keiki, kupuna, and families in our community. If you would like to contribute, please let me know. I will pick up non-perishable donations on Oahu by Oct. 23 and will see to it that the Hawaii Food Bank shelves are stocked with your donations before the holidays. THANK YOU!
TOP 5 MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
CANNED PROTEINS like tuna, chicken and other lean meats
CANNED MEALS like soup, stew, chili and pasta
CANNED FRUITS & VEGETABLES as well as fruits in a jar or cup
BAGS OF RICE in 5 – 10 lb bags
MONETARY DONATIONS – just $10 provides food for 25 meals.
Sweet Home for this Sweet Family
CONGRATULATIONS to this sweet family who purchased their new home in Kahala! They moved here from the East Coast because their jobs enabled them to work remotely. So, why not work and live in Paradise? I helped them explore the various neighborhoods and get familiar with the island and their new lifestyle. We put in offers during the height of the home buying season when interest rates were under 3Fast forward two years later, we found the home with ✅ lots of space, ✅ lots of light, ✅ a swimming pool, and ✅located in a wonderful walking neighborhood. And, they enjoyed a sweet 10% off the asking price! YESSSS!
Thank you for your trust in having me guide you on your journey in finding your Home Sweet Home! I’m so happy and excited for you as you create memories for a lifetime🥰
Oahu Market Update: Home prices vibrant, despite rising interest rates
It’s true that the latest statistics compared to last year show a decline in activity. It was May 2022 when the Federal Reserve announced its plan to raise the federal funds rate to curb inflation. That was the impetus in the slowing of the market which is what the Fed intended. Yet, despite interest rate hikes and negative influences nationally, the local real estate market has remained vibrant.
This May 2023 resulted in the highest number of single-family home sales over the last eight months. Additionally, single-family home sales closed at 99% of the original list price reflecting the continued strong demand for homes on Oahu. Inventory of new single-family home listings are down 30% from last May while new condo listings are down 15%. Read on for more details and what you can expect.
Kuilei Place: New 43-story development moves forward
Just a few days ago, the Honolulu City Council unanimously approved permit fees exemptions for a high-rise condominium project that will add 1,005 new housing units on Kapiolani Boulevard in Moiliili. Of these units, approximately 60% will be affordable housing with the remaining 40% priced at market rates. Developed by the Kobayashi Group, sales will begin this year for 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units with construction planned in the last quarter of 2023. Completion of the project is slated for 2026. Please reach out if interested or have any questions. Read more.
