David’s Real Estate Blog
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I share the market insights, strategies, and local knowledge you need to make your next move with confidence.
David’s Real Estate Blog
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I share the market insights, strategies, and local knowledge you need to make your next move with confidence.
Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers (2026)
A home inspection is a crucial step in buying a home, covering exterior grounds, foundation, interior, heating/cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems. Additional inspections like radon, mold, termite, septic, chimney, lead paint, pool, well, and soil may be needed. Inspections identify issues before closing, potentially saving costly repairs. Inspectors provide factual reports but don’t estimate repair costs or check hidden areas.
Most Canadian Markets Seen Rising
A brokerage forecast said 10 of 12 major Canadian markets would post Late-Q4 2026 price gains, while Toronto and Vancouver were expected to keep falling.
Nationally, the aggregate home price was projected at ~$815.3K in Late-Q4 2026, ↑1% yearly from ~$807.2K, signaling a fragile recovery.
Quebec City was forecast to lead, with aggregate prices ↑12% yearly to ~$508K in Late-Q4 2026, driven by tight supply and steady demand.
Other expected gainers included Greater Montreal ↑5% to ~$672.7K, Ottawa ↑2% to ~$786.6K, Calgary ↑1.5% to ~$691.9K, plus several Prairie and Atlantic markets.
Early-Q1 2026 stayed weak: national aggregate prices ↓2% yearly but ↑0.7% from Late-Q4 2025, amid economic challenges, geopolitical uncertainty, cautious buyers, and tight prime-market inventory.
Toronto was forecast to ↓4.5% to ~$1.04M by Late-Q4 2026, while Vancouver was expected to ↓3.5%, highlighting an uneven Canadian housing rebound.
Bank Holds Key Rates at 2.25%
Bank of Canada held rates at 2.25% as expected, citing weaker growth, soft labor market, and rising inflation risks globally.
Middle East conflict pushed oil and gas prices higher, tightening financial conditions, increasing volatility, and complicating policy outlook amid uncertainty.
After aggressive cuts from 2024 to 2025, Bank signals data dependence; next decision expected April 2026 as markets watch closely.
Top Canadian REIT ETFs for 2026
Canadian REIT ETFs offer diversified real estate exposure without direct property management, trading like stocks with monthly income payouts. Popular ETFs include those tracking broad Canadian REIT indexes or using active management, with yields around 4.8–5.7% and MERs near 0.6%. Benefits include diversification, capital efficiency, and income, while drawbacks involve higher fees, concentration risk, and sensitivity to interest rates. Suitable for long-term or income-focused investors.
Welcome to the HEATHERFIELD, Nestled in Vancouver’s Douglas Park. This Beautiful and Bright 2 Large Bedrooms + 1 Bath
Welcome to the HEATHERFIELD, Nestled in Vancouver's Douglas Park. This Beautiful and Bright 2 Large Bedrooms + 1 Bath SE corner suite with an IDEAL floor plan. Located in a perfect Douglas Park location. Get cozy around the wood burning fireplace or enjoy a coffee on the sunny south facing outdoor balcony. This home features updated bathroom, new laminate flooring, freshly painted throughout and all new appliances. Unbeatable location, walking distance to Edith Cavell Elementary School, shops & restaurants along Cambie, Heather Park & quick access to VGH.
Real Estate Investing’s Enduring Appeal in Canada
Canada Real Estate Still Shines
Despite volatile interest rates and shifting rules, Canadian real estate investing stayed central to wealth-building across portfolios.
Persistent supply-demand imbalance supports long-term appreciation; immigration-driven demand continues as construction constraints limit new supply in metros.
Commercial shifts broaden opportunity: industrial gained from e-commerce; offices recalibrated for hybrid work, prompting capital reallocation.
Financing and taxes support returns: accessible mortgages, CMHC liquidity, principal residence exemptions, capital gains rules, CCA, and REIT options.
Looking ahead, returns may moderate; success emphasizes quality, management expertise, environmental factors, technology adaptation, and demographic shifts.
I’m seeing Canadian real estate remain a core long-term investment, supported by structural demand, financing and tax advantages, and diversification benefits. Even as conditions change, the focus is shifting towar
B.C. gov’t forces through West Vancouver zoning change, approves neighbourhood plan
The B.C. government has overridden West Vancouver's council deadlock to approve the Ambleside Centre Local Area Plan, allowing increased building heights and more housing. The city missed housing targets and deadlines for three provincial directives. The province acted on Ambleside as the plan was complete, while the other two directives remain in draft. Enhanced reporting is now required, and the province will work with the city on remaining issues.