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.
Metro Vancouver Sees New Opportunities as Home Sales Adjust
Home sales in Metro Vancouver totaled 1,107 in January 2026, down 28.7% from a year earlier and nearly 31% below the 10-year average. New listings fell 7.3% to 5,157, but inventory rose nearly 10% to 12,628 homes. The benchmark price was $1.1 million, down 5.7% year-over-year. Sales declines were seen across apartments, detached, and attached homes. Elevated inventory and economic uncertainty are expected to keep prices stable with tepid sales throughout 2026.
South Delta Real Estate Shows Room for Future Growth
Home sales in Metro Vancouver in January 2026 were 28.5% lower than the previous year and 30.9% below the 10-year seasonal average, continuing a trend of sluggish market activity. Listings increased by 9.9% from January 2025 and are 38% above the 10-year average. Benchmark prices for single-detached houses, townhouses, and condos in Ladner and Tsawwassen declined year-over-year, with decreases ranging from 2% to 8%.
Is Rental Relief Coming to Vancouver?
Vancouver rental supply is forecast to expand as policy reforms prioritize purpose-built rental construction.
Faster approvals are expected to gradually ease vacancy pressures over the next two years.
Preservation of existing rental stock will help protect more affordable units from market loss.
Improved financing conditions support renewed momentum in mid-rise and rental development.
Increased supply is expected to slow rent growth and improve renter stability by 2026.
LOWER MAINLAND 2026 PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS
The 2026 property assessments for about 1,140,000 properties in British Columbia's Lower Mainland reflect market values as of July 1, 2025. Most homeowners can expect assessed value decreases between -10% to 0%, with regional variations. Total assessments in the Lower Mainland dropped from $2.01 trillion to $1.92 trillion, including $24 billion from new developments. Property owners can review assessments online and appeal by February 2 if needed. Assessment changes do not directly determine property taxes.
Will Vancouver Housing Starts Increase in 2026?
Vancouver housing starts are projected to increase modestly in 2026.
Multi-unit projects will remain the main driver of urban growth.
Smaller-scale residential developments will dominate construction.
Seasonal peaks are forecasted in spring and summer 2026.
Economic and trade factors may temper Vancouver’s housing momentum.
Repeat of the 2010s: B.C. home prices at risk of 27% jump by 2032 due to delayed construction
British Columbia's housing market faces a potential boom-and-bust cycle similar to post-2008 due to record-high unsold inventory, weak construction, and stalled pre-sales. Over 7,000 completed homes remain unsold, mostly condos. Rising development costs and financing challenges hinder new projects. Without increased supply and policy changes—like expanding GST exemptions and easing foreign buyer restrictions—home prices could surge nearly 27% by 2032, worsening affordability.
Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Homes Now More Affordable
Home prices in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley have fallen to pre-pandemic levels due to slowed sales and increased listings. Benchmark prices dropped for the 10th consecutive month, with single-family homes, townhomes, and condos all declining year-over-year. Sales activity remains weak, with significant decreases in transactions and elevated inventory levels. Market conditions are shifting toward a more balanced or buyer-favouring environment amid ongoing affordability pressures and economic uncertainty.