The holiday lull is over, and as we settle into 2026, many parts of British Columbia’s housing market continue to show characteristics of a buyer’s market — but what does that really mean for you as a homeowner? Let’s break it down in a way that’s practical, insightful, and rooted in real data.

Detached Home Activity Has Slowed

Across multiple BC regions, detached home sales have been below long-term averages in recent months. For example:

• In Metro Vancouver, detached home sales were down more than 20% year-over-year at certain points in late 2025, even as inventory remained elevated. (Source: local board housing reports)

• Similar patterns were seen in Fraser Valley markets, where buyers have more time to evaluate options compared with a few years ago.

Why this matters:
Lower sales relative to listings typically mean that buyers have more choice and less pressure to compete with multiple offers.

Inventory Levels Are Healthier

Many local markets in BC have seen elevated levels of inventory compared with tight market conditions of recent years:

• In some areas of Greater Vancouver, the active detached inventory increased 15–30% year-over-year in late 2025 (MLS® data).

• Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island markets have also experienced similar inventory builds.

What this means:
More homes on the market usually gives buyers more flexibility — which can lead to:

• Longer viewing periods

• Fewer bidding wars

• More negotiating power on price and terms

Price Movement Has Been Modest

While prices in many areas remain historically high compared to pre-pandemic levels, 2025 saw more moderate price movement:

• Many detached benchmark prices in BC softened slightly or remained stable compared with 2024 — signaling a more balanced market rather than a rapid price climb.

• For example, in North Delta and parts of Surrey, some price indices showed slight declines in late 2025 before year-end reporting.

What this tells us:
Homes are not depreciating significantly — but they’re also not experiencing the steep, double-digit gains that characterized past cycles. Buyers benefit from realistic pricing, while sellers need accurate valuation strategies.

Interest Rates & Affordability Still in Play

Although the Bank of Canada has held rates steady through late 2025 and early 2026, borrowing costs remain a key factor in buyer decision-making:

• Variable and fixed mortgage rates are still above historical lows.

• Mortgage stress tests remain in place, meaning buyers must qualify at higher rates than many are currently borrowing at.

Effect on buyers:
Some buyers are priced out of more expensive segments, leading them to explore:

• Townhomes and condos instead of detached

• Smaller communities outside urban cores

• Properties with rental suites to help cash flow

Effect on sellers:
Buyers with financing challenges may face limits on their purchasing price, leading to:

• Fewer offers above asking

• More conditional offers

• Longer negotiation periods

What This Really Means for Homeowners

For Sellers

✔ Pricing matters more than ever — listings that are priced accurately for today’s conditions are the ones that generate activity.
✔ Preparation and presentation continue to matter — staging, photography, and timing can make a difference in a balanced market.
✔ Expect more conditions — buyers are often asking for financing, inspection, or sale-of-existing-home subjects that were less common in ultra-hot markets.

For Buyers

✔ Greater negotiating power — buyers can often ask for more favorable terms on price, repairs, or completion dates.
✔ More time to decide — without the pressure of competitive bidding wars, buyers can take time with inspections and due diligence.
✔ Opportunity to upgrade intelligently — with more choice, upgrading to a neighbourhood or home style that previously felt out of reach becomes more realistic.

Bottom Line

Today’s buyer’s market in BC isn’t about rock-bottom prices — it’s about balance.
Buyers have more choices and leverage than they did in overheated markets, while sellers who understand how to position their properties strategically are still able to attract strong interest.

Whether you’re thinking of selling in the months ahead or you’re a buyer watching the market for the right opportunity, the current conditions reward smart strategy, thoughtful planning, and timing — more so than urgency or guesswork.

If you’d like help understanding how these conditions apply to your neighbourhood or property type, I’d be happy to review your options anytime.

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