VANCOUVER, BC – September 2, 2026 – Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* declined 4.6 per cent compared to August last year, marking the end of a summer season that underperformed the summer of 2025.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,869 in August 2026, a 4.6 per cent decrease from the 1,959 sales recorded in August 2025. This was 20.7 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,356).

“The soft August sales data suggest the modest downward revisions we recently made to our 2026 forecast were a timely and prudent decision,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics.

“The market’s performance matched our expectations for the first four months of 2026, but since May, sales have lagged our January forecast, and we expect that trend to persist to the end of the year.”

There were 4,100 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2026, representing a three per cent decrease compared to the 4,225 properties listed in August 2025. This was 1.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (4,152) for new listings.

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 15,798, a 2.7 per cent decrease compared to August 2025 (16,242). This is 26.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,522). Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for August 2026 is 12.3 per cent.

By property type, the ratio is 9.6 per cent for detached homes, 15.1 per cent for attached, and 13.7 per cent for apartments. Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

“Previously, we’ve noted that inventory levels have receded from their 2025 heights. This gradual decline, paired with slower-than-usual sales, has caused prices to drift downwards across all market segments, with the composite price index now down approximately six per cent year over year,” Lis said.

“Ample selection, softening prices, and stable mortgage rates are considered favorable buying conditions, but they haven't been enough to bring many buyers off the sidelines. While the renewed trade tensions with the USA are an unwelcome distraction for the market, we still believe the main drivers of this soft market are the slowdown in immigration to our region, reduced investor demand, and mortgage rates that aren’t low enough to incentivize robust buying activity.”

VANCOUVER, BC – August 4, 2026 –Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* fell nearly ten per cent relative to July last year, erasing the ten percent gain seen in June that kicked off the summer.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,061 in July 2026, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 2,286 sales recorded in July 2025. This was 18.6 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,532).

“Last month, we reported broad gains in home sales across all home types, raising the question of whether demand would continue to build into the summer. Instead, July sales were down nearly ten per cent, led by an 18 per cent drop in apartment sales, confirming to market watchers that the June momentum was not sustained,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice president data analytics.

“Over the past few years, the sales activity story has often been one step forward, one step back, and the June and July data are a prime example of this pattern.” There were 4,991 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in July 2026.

This represents a 11.5 per cent decrease compared to the 5,642 properties listed in July 2025. This figure matches the 10 year seasonal average (4,992). The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,476, a 4 per cent decrease compared to July 2025 (17,168). This is 26.8 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (12,992).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for July 2026 is 13 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.5 per cent for detached homes, 15.8 per cent for attached, and 14 per cent for apartments.

If you own an older home in Metro Vancouver, there's one hidden issue that can catch homeowners off guard when it's time to sell—a buried oil tank.

Many homes built before natural gas became the primary heating source relied on underground oil tanks to store heating fuel. While countless homeowners have since converted to newer systems, not every tank was removed.

In some cases, these tanks remain buried beneath the property, unnoticed for decades.

What Is a Buried Oil Tank?

Before natural gas became widely available, heating oil was the standard for many Vancouver homes. Fuel was stored in large steel tanks buried underground, typically in the front or back yard.

When homeowners switched heating systems, some tanks were professionally removed, while others were abandoned in place.

As a result, many homeowners may not even realize an old tank still exists on their property.

Why Does It Matter?

A buried oil tank isn't necessarily a problem simply because it's there.

However, older steel tanks can corrode over time, increasing the risk of leaks that may contaminate the surrounding soil. If contamination is discovered, cleanup costs can be significant and may delay or complicate the sale of a home.

Buyers, lenders, and insurance providers often ask whether a property has—or previously had—a buried oil tank, making it an important consideration during the selling process.

How Can You Find Out?

If your home was built several decades ago, it's worth investigating your property's history.

You may want to:

✔ Review previous property records

✔ Ask whether the home originally used oil heat

✔ Check for documentation showing the tank was removed

✔ Arrange a professional oil tank scan if you're unsure

Taking these steps before listing your home can help identify potential issues early and provide valuable peace of mind.

Planning Ahead Can Save Time and Money

One of the biggest advantages of discovering a buried oil tank before your home goes on the market is having time to evaluate your options.

By addressing questions early, you can avoid last-minute surprises during negotiations, build buyer confidence, and help keep your transaction moving forward smoothly.

Preparation is often one of the most valuable investments a homeowner can make before selling.

The Bottom Line

Buried oil tanks are easy to forget—but they can become an important part of a real estate transaction.

Understanding your home's history and addressing potential concerns before listing can make the selling process far less stressful and help protect the value of your investment.

If you're thinking about selling an older Vancouver home and aren't sure whether a buried oil tank could be an issue, we'd be happy to discuss your property's history and help you determine the next steps.

Thinking About Selling?

Every home has a story—and understanding yours before it goes on the market can make all the difference.

Whether you own a character home, an investment property, or a long-time family residence, we're here to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Contact Andrew Hasman & Associates for expert advice and a personalized home selling strategy.

Community Spotlight: Honda Celebration of Light

Summer in Vancouver isn't complete without the Honda Celebration of Light!

On July 31, English Bay will once again light up with one of the world's largest offshore fireworks competitions. It's a spectacular evening featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and an incredible waterfront atmosphere enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

If you're planning to attend:

• 🎆 Arrive early to secure a viewing spot.

• 🚆 Consider taking public transit, as parking is extremely limited.

• 🧺 Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening with family and friends.

It's one of Vancouver's signature summer events—and a great reminder of why so many people love calling this city home.

VANCOUVER, BC – July 3, 2026 – Demand for all home types in Metro Vancouver* increased to start the summer, with home sales up nearly ten per cent year-over-year in June.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,390 in June 2026, a 9.6 per cent increase from the 2,181 sales recorded in June 2025. This was 12.4 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,728).

“June saw a pattern of broad gains in home sales across all home types relative to the same time last year, which has been a rare occurrence in recent years,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics. “June’s data could be an early sign of a shift in the market. In recent years, sales trends have usually been mixed across home types, which is typical of a sideways trending market. But with all housing types posting gains in June, the data indicate demand may be returning to the market more broadly.”

There were 5,938 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in June 2026. This represents a six per cent decrease compared to the 6,315 properties listed in June 2025. This was 5.9 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,609).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 17,017, a 3.1 per cent decrease compared to June 2025 (17,561). This is 30.2 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (13,070).

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for June 2026 is 14.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12 per cent for detached homes, 17.8 per cent for attached, and 15.5 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months