Micro Market Minute: Cumberland Village

Heritage character, trail-life energy, and steady demand.

Cumberland continues to stand out as one of the Comox Valley’s most distinctive micro markets, an authentic village where newly built modern houses, renovated heritage houses, outdoor access, and community identity combine to create a unique feel and style.  Cumberland’s population grew 18.5% in 5 years (per the last census in 2021) continuing a trend that began at the turn of this century.

Thus far in 2025, the Cumberland property market has recorded 40 single-family detached (SFD) sales on MLS with a median price of $879,500. While activity has normalized from the 2021–2022 peaks, demand remains consistently strong for renovated character homes and efficient infill builds.  A newer modular pad development on the outskirts has seen slower market absorption rates compared to fee-simple properties.

Market Snapshot (Jan 1, 2022 to 2025 YTD at Nov 1) - MLS SALES ONLY

Year	SFD Sales	Median Price	Average Days to Sell
2022	62	$869,500	16.5 days
2023	65	$789,000	35 days
2024	59	$817,900	32 days
2025	40	$879,500	22 days

• Active Listings: Tight inventory continues to support price stability with only 6 active MLS listings at present, asking price range from $595,000 to $1,075,900.

• Market Tone: Balanced to slightly firm for well-presented homes; slower absorption for larger projects or incomplete renovations.

  
  

What’s Driving House Price in Cumberland?

1. Walkability & Character - Historic streets near Dunsmuir Avenue, with restored pre-war homes and mature trees, continue to outperform the market average. Buyers pay a premium for proximity to cafés, shops, and schools within the walkable village grid.

2. Suite & Laneway Potential - Homes with existing suites or zoning potential for secondary dwellings remain attractive to buyers navigating higher borrowing costs. A new Cumberland Official Community Plan may seek to alter the number of short-term rental suites in Cumberland.

3. Trail Access & Lifestyle Appeal - Immediate access to world-class biking and hiking trails enhances both marketability and rental potential - a tangible lifestyle utility factor.

4. Renovation Quality - Authentic restorations with modern mechanical upgrades (plumbing, envelope, energy efficiency) trade at a meaningful premium over cosmetic refreshes.

Valuation Perspective

At Jackson & Associates Ltd., we interpret Cumberland through both its physical and community context:

• Micro-location matters:  Even within the village, block-level variation can swing value.

• Condition and compliance:  Suite legality, heritage status, and zoning all influence supportable value.

• Lifestyle weighting:  Proximity to trails, retail, and schools has measurable pricing impact.

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As appraisers, we see Cumberland as a market where authenticity + livability = value resilience.

Outlook

Heading into winter 2025/26, expect:

• Continued buyer selectivity but solid absorption for renovated character homes.

• Stable pricing supported by constrained supply and lifestyle draw.

• Ongoing strength in the $800K–$900K band for detached homes in walkable core areas.

  
  

Jackson & Associates Ltd.Trusted Valuation & Advisory Since 1973🌐 comoxvalleyappraisers.com