Special thanks to real estate agent Susan Mallinson for contributing information relevant to this article. 

Sayward, BC—tucked between lush rainforest and the rugged Johnstone Strait—offers one of Vancouver Island’s most distinctive real estate markets. While many Island communities have seen rapid growth and quick sales, Sayward remains a market defined by patience, long listing times, and changing post-pandemic expectations.

Current Market Overview: 21 Listings Across the Village and Valley

As of late 2025, there are 21 active properties for sale in Sayward, spanning everything from small village lots to expansive valley acreages and commercial sites.

Property breakdown:

• 2 vacant lots in the village

• 6 condos

• 5 single-family homes in the village

• 1 mobile home

• 1 tri-plex

• 3 homes on acreage in the valley

• 1 large raw acreage

• Commercial listings: Home & Campground at Kelsey Bay and Sayward Valley Resort

Price range: From $59,000 to $3.9 million.

“Sayward living is not for everyone,” says longtime local real estate professional, Susan Mallinson. “Only during the COVID years did homes sell fast—and that’s when prices spiked.”

Homes That Take Years to Sell

Unlike the fast-paced markets of Campbell River or Courtenay, properties in Sayward often take two to three years to sell.

Typical village homes now list in the mid-$400,000 range, with a few exceeding $500,000, though many have been on the market for months or even years. During the pandemic, those same homes sold for about $100,000 more—a reflection of the once red-hot Vancouver Island housing market that has since cooled.

Why Many Sellers Are Still Overpriced

Many sellers in Sayward are struggling to adjust to today’s realities.

“It’s hard to convince sellers that those days are over,” says Mallinson. “Buyers aren’t paying peak prices anymore.”

Overpricing has led to fewer showings and longer listings. When offers do come in—often below asking—some sellers feel insulted or refuse to negotiate.

Complicating matters, many Sayward homes need major updates. Deferred maintenance, older systems, or unfinished renovations can discourage buyers who aren’t willing to invest additional time and money.

The Rural Reality: Why Buyers Hesitate

Selling a home in Sayward is very different from selling one in Campbell River or the Comox Valley. The area’s isolation is both its charm and its biggest obstacle.

Common reasons buyers hesitate include:

• Long commute to Campbell River and no cell service along the highway

• Winter driving conditions that limit accessibility

• Few local amenities and hour-long school bus rides for children

• Limited youth activities or sports programs

While Sayward appeals to those seeking space and tranquility, the lack of urban conveniences often tips the balance for many would-be buyers.

Rising Rates and Financial Pressure

The sharp rise in interest rates since the pandemic continues to pressure both buyers and sellers. Homeowners who locked in at 2% interest are now facing renewals at 5–6%, effectively doubling their monthly payments.

First-time buyers face their own hurdles:

“They might pay $3,000 in rent,” says Mallinson, “but they can’t get a mortgage without the 5% down payment. The upfront cost is the hardest part.”

The result is a domino effect—buyers can’t purchase until their own homes sell, creating a stagnant cycle across rural Vancouver Island.

Government Policy: Falling Short on Affordability

Despite the national focus on housing affordability, rural BC communities like Sayward see little relief.

“Wages haven’t kept up with inflation,” Mallinson explains. “Costs keep climbing, and government programs don’t go far enough.”

While the Property Transfer Tax exemption helps first-time buyers, it only applies below certain price points—excluding most Vancouver Island real estate.

Even once-affordable towns like Port Hardy and Port McNeill have seen prices soar five to six times higher since before COVID, reflecting the Island’s transformation into a global lifestyle and tourism destination.

Tips for Sellers: Maintenance = Market Value

If you want top dollar in a slow market, the formula is simple: maintain, repair, and update.

“Buyers don’t want to inherit someone else’s deferred maintenance,” says Mallinson. “Well-kept properties always earn better offers.”

Fresh paint, clean landscaping, updated fixtures, and basic repairs can dramatically improve your home’s appeal—even in slower markets like Sayward.

The Outlook: Patience Pays in Sayward

Sayward’s real estate market is not for those seeking quick results. Each transaction unfolds differently, shaped by lifestyle factors, price sensitivity, and property condition.

Still, there’s opportunity for both buyers and sellers:

• Buyers can find unique properties at lower price points than elsewhere on Vancouver Island.

• Sellers who price competitively and present their homes well can still find success—eventually.

As Mallinson sums up:

“Every home tells a different story. You just have to give Sayward time.”

Sayward Real Estate Quick Facts

• 21 active listings (village & valley combined)

• Price range: $59,000 – $3.9M

• Average listing time: 2–3 years

• Prices peaked during COVID, now stabilizing

• Maintenance and realistic pricing are key to selling

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is now offering FireSmart Homeowner Rebates of up to $3,000 for properties located within the Village of Sayward.

The rebates help homeowners complete wildfire mitigation work within 30 metres of their home, based on recommendations from a FireSmart Home Assessment. Research shows that up to 90% of homes damaged or destroyed in wildfires ignite from wind-blown embers, which can travel several kilometres from the main fire.

“In 2023, embers from the West Kelowna wildfire blew 2.5 kilometres across Okanagan Lake, sparking multiple new fires on the opposite shore,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “This shows how far embers can travel and how vulnerable any community can be. The FireSmart Homeowner Rebate gives residents a real opportunity to take proactive steps to protect their homes.”

Eligible activities within the 30-metre zone may include cleaning gutters, removing flammable vegetation, and upgrading to fire-resistant siding, windows, or roofing materials.

The program is first-come, first-served and funded through the Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) FireSmart Community and Funding Supports grant. Rebates cover 50% of eligible costs—for instance, a $1,000 project qualifies for a $500 rebate, while $6,000 or more in eligible work qualifies for the maximum $3,000 rebate.

More information is available here.

We are pleased to introduce the jobs tab on GoSayward.com.

Employers and Non-Profits: Post your position on GoSayward.com at no charge by contacting us.

Job Seekers and Volunteers: Bookmark this page and check back often for updates.

Sayward Jobs

On July 25, 2025, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek voter consent for Bylaw No. 607, which proposed borrowing up to $57.1 million for the redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex.

The two-month approval window closed on September 22, with 1,813 electors—approximately 5.5% of eligible voters—submitting forms in opposition. Under AAP rules, approval is granted if fewer than 10% of the 33,012 eligible voters in Campbell River and Area D register dissent.

At its October 22 meeting, the SRD Board of Directors reviewed the results and acknowledged the high level of community engagement. Participation in this phase of the REC-REATE Project surpassed that of Phase One, with feedback reflecting a wide spectrum of public perspectives.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit response forms,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll take the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”

The REC-REATE Project is a long-term initiative to revitalize the aging recreation complex, building on nearly a decade of planning and public input. The goal is to create a modern, inclusive facility that promotes accessibility, health, wellness, and sport for all.

Following the adoption of the borrowing bylaw, the Board has opted to take additional time to thoughtfully assess the feedback gathered through the AAP. This deliberate approach aims to ensure the redevelopment delivers lasting value while addressing both current and future community needs.

A group of elected officials from Vancouver Island is calling on both provincial and federal governments to intervene and address the escalating challenges facing the coastal forestry sector.

A Sector in Decline

Forestry operations along British Columbia’s coast are in steep decline. The industry is grappling with a combination of high production costs, dwindling demand for traditional forest products, inadequate infrastructure (especially in transportation), labour shortages, and complex regulatory hurdles. These pressures are taking a toll on mills, small forestry businesses, and the communities that rely on timber for economic survival.

A major concern is the erosion of competitiveness compared to forestry operations in other regions. Rising transportation expenses, slow permitting processes, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations—without adequate support—are making coastal forestry less sustainable. The consequences have been stark: mill closures, job losses, and shrinking municipal tax bases, which in turn strain local services.

What the Coalition Is Proposing

Island representatives are urging governments to implement a coordinated support plan, which includes:

• Infrastructure investment: Funding for roads, ports, and rail to lower transport costs and improve market access.
• Innovation incentives: Support for value-added wood manufacturing to reduce reliance on raw log exports.
• Regulatory reform: Streamlining approval processes while maintaining environmental protections.
• Labour development: Training and retention programs to address workforce shortages, especially in remote areas.
• Indigenous partnerships: Strengthening collaboration in forest management and economic development, with respect for Indigenous rights and expertise.
• Trade support: Exploring new markets and reducing export barriers for forest products.

Why Urgency Matters

Forestry remains a cornerstone of economic stability for many Island communities, particularly in remote and forest-rich areas. With shifting global demand and intensifying competition, leaders warn that without swift intervention, the region risks long-term economic damage.

They also emphasize that a weakened forestry sector threatens responsible forest stewardship. Financially strained operators may be forced to cut corners or forego sustainable practices—jeopardizing both environmental health and future viability.

A visitor to Sayward found themselves in a tricky situation when their drone became stranded—30 metres high in a tree perched on a cliff near the Sayward wharf. What followed was five hours of determination, inventive thinking, and the remarkable generosity of the Sayward community.

From an electrician who showed up with a bucket truck, to the unforgettable arrival of Adam—a skilled tree faller who rappelled down the cliff with Mission Impossible flair—the people of Sayward came together in the most extraordinary way.

What started as a moment of stress and disappointment transformed into one of relief, deep gratitude, and a renewed belief in the power of kindness and ingenuity. Immense thanks to Adam & Melissa, Megan, Mike, Hans, Frank & Faith, and the wider Sayward community—you reminded us what true neighbourliness looks like.

Video Credit Grey Whale Tales and Trails