VANCOUVER, BC – June 2, 2026 – Led by slow sales in the apartment segment, home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* were down nearly four per cent in May compared to last year.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,150 in May 2026, a 3.5 per cent decrease from the 2,228 sales recorded in May 2025. This was 26.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,930).

“While attached sales held relatively steady and detached sales edged up roughly one per cent in May, apartment sales were down about seven per cent year-over-year, which weighed down the overall sales total,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vicepresident data analytics. “Even then, apartment sales were not down uniformly across all regions – some of the larger areas such as North and East Vancouver saw increases relative to last year.”

There were 6,115 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in May 2026. This represents a 7.6 per cent decrease compared to the 6,620 properties listed in May 2025. This was 1.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (6,036).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,917, a one per cent decrease compared to May 2025 (17,094). This is 34.6 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,567). Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2026 is 13.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.7 per cent for detached homes, 15.4 per cent for attached, and 14.2 per cent for apartments.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when selling their property is putting it on the market before the preparation work is complete.

It's understandable. Once the decision to sell has been made, many owners want to get their home listed as quickly as possible. However, rushing to market without taking care of important details can cost far more than the time and money required to prepare the home properly.

First impressions matter. Buyers often decide how they feel about a property within the first few minutes of arriving. If the exterior looks neglected, many buyers will assume the same level of care extends throughout the home.

A recent example perfectly illustrates this point.

This property was located in a highly desirable neighbourhood and offered everything buyers were looking for. Yet it sat on the market for three months without attracting the level of interest it deserved.

The problem wasn't the home or the location. It was the presentation.

The garden had not been maintained for nearly two years. Dead plants filled the beds, moss and weeds had taken over the lawn, and the walkways had become green and slippery from built-up dirt and moisture. While these issues were relatively minor, they created the impression that the property had been neglected.

The solution was surprisingly simple.

For approximately $500, the garden was professionally cleaned up. Dead plants were removed, the lawn was restored, and the pathways were power washed. The transformation was dramatic.

The home immediately looked more inviting, more cared for, and more valuable. Buyers could finally focus on the property's strengths instead of being distracted by its shortcomings.

The lesson is clear: small investments often deliver some of the highest returns when preparing a home for sale.

Whether it's landscaping, painting, decluttering, deep cleaning, or minor repairs, strategic preparation can significantly improve buyer perception and help maximize your final selling price.

In today's market, buyers are looking for homes that feel move-in ready. The better your property shows, the more likely it is to attract strong interest, multiple viewings, and ultimately a better offer.

Before you list your home, take the time to prepare it properly. A few hundred dollars spent on presentation can often translate into thousands -- and sometimes tens of thousands -- of dollars in additional value.

If you're considering selling your Vancouver home, I'd be happy to provide advice on which improvements are worth making and which ones you can skip. My goal is always to help clients maximize their return while keeping preparation costs under control.

Sometimes the smallest improvements can make the biggest difference.

Thinking About Selling Your Vancouver Home?

Every property is different, and knowing where to invest your time and money before listing can make a significant difference to your final sale price.

With over 30 years of experience selling homes across Vancouver's West Side, Andrew and Jill Hasman helps homeowners identify the improvements that deliver the greatest return while avoiding unnecessary expenses.

If you're considering a move and would like expert advice on how to prepare your home for today's market, contact Andrew and Jill for a complimentary home evaluation and personalized pre-listing consultation.

📞 604.657.7936
📧 andrew@andrewhasman.com

Visit andrewhasman.com to learn more or schedule a consultation today.

Outdoor living spaces have evolved far beyond a simple patio set and barbecue. Today’s homeowners are creating sophisticated outdoor retreats that function as true extensions of the home -- blending comfort, design, and functionality into spaces built for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying everyday life.

From covered patios and pergolas to outdoor kitchens and cozy lounge areas, beautiful outdoor living spaces are becoming one of the most valuable and sought-after features in modern homes.

In Vancouver, where natural beauty and lifestyle go hand in hand, maximizing outdoor space has become an important part of both home enjoyment and real estate value.

Why Outdoor Living Spaces Matter More Than Ever

The way people use their homes has changed dramatically over the past several years. Homeowners now prioritize flexible living spaces that support entertaining, relaxation, wellness, and family gatherings.

Outdoor areas offer the perfect opportunity to expand usable living space while connecting with nature and making the most of Vancouver’s beautiful surroundings.

A thoughtfully designed outdoor area can create:

• A private retreat for relaxation

• An inviting space for entertaining

• A functional extension of the home

• Increased curb appeal

• Added resale value

According to several outdoor design experts, covered patios and outdoor rooms continue to grow in popularity because they provide year-round usability and enhance the overall living experience.

Outdoor Living Trends Homeowners Love

1. Covered Patios and Pergolas

Covered outdoor structures remain one of the biggest trends in outdoor living design. Pergolas, modern roof extensions, and covered seating areas allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces in both sunshine and rain.

Many modern designs now feature:

• Natural wood beams

• Sleek black aluminum frames

• Retractable canopies

• Integrated lighting

• Open-air architectural designs

These features create a luxurious atmosphere while improving comfort and functionality.

2. Outdoor Living Rooms

Outdoor spaces are increasingly being styled like indoor living rooms, complete with:

• Comfortable sectional seating

• Outdoor rugs

• Layered lighting

• Decorative pillows

• Fireplaces and fire tables

The goal is to create an inviting environment where family and guests naturally gather.

3. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Design

Modern homes are embracing large sliding glass doors and open-concept layouts that connect interior and exterior spaces. This design style creates a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living areas.

In Vancouver’s luxury real estate market, this feature is especially attractive to buyers looking for both elegance and lifestyle functionality.

4. Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Areas

Outdoor entertaining continues to be a major priority for homeowners. Covered dining spaces and outdoor kitchens make hosting easier while creating a resort-style experience at home.

Popular additions include:

• Built-in BBQ stations

• Pizza ovens

• Beverage fridges

• Dining pergolas

• Firepit lounges

Outdoor Living and Vancouver Real Estate

In Vancouver, outdoor living space can significantly influence a home’s desirability. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing properties with functional patios, landscaped yards, covered entertaining areas, and outdoor wellness spaces.

Homes that successfully combine indoor comfort with outdoor enjoyment often stand out in the market and create a stronger emotional connection with buyers.

Even smaller outdoor upgrades can make a noticeable impact:

• Updated patio furniture

• Outdoor lighting

• Landscaping improvements

• Covered seating areas

• Privacy features

• Modern decking

These improvements help create a lifestyle-focused presentation that buyers remember.

Final Thoughts

Beautiful outdoor living spaces are no longer considered a bonus -- they’ve become an essential part of modern living.

Whether it’s a peaceful covered patio, a cozy firepit area, or a fully designed outdoor entertaining space, investing in your outdoor environment can dramatically improve both your lifestyle and your home’s value.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or upgrading your home in Vancouver and want to understand which outdoor features add the most value in today’s market, Andrew and Jill Hasman would be happy to help.

Contact Andrew and Jill Hasman today to learn more about Vancouver real estate and the lifestyle features buyers are searching for most.

📍 Vancouver, BC