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

VANCOUVER, BC – May 4, 2026 – Home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* remain relatively flat compared to April last year, but a divergence is emerging between market segments.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,110 in April 2026, a 2.5 per cent decrease from the 2,163 sales recorded in April 2025. This was 22.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,735).

“Last month we noted that a divergence was emerging between sales trends in the detached and multi-family segments, which continued in April,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics.

“Sales of detached homes have been gaining year-overyear, while sales in the multi-family segment have declined, and this pattern is consistent across most areas. The fact this pattern is so broad-based reduces the likelihood what we’re seeing is just a blip in the data since the momentum isn’t isolated to small pockets of the market.”

There were 6,684 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in April 2026. This represents a 2.4 per cent decrease compared to the 6,850 properties listed in April 2025. This was 15.5 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,785). The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,236, a 0.2 per cent increase compared to April 2025 (16,207). This is 37.9 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (11,773).

Spring in Vancouver is truly something special. Each year, over 40,000 cherry blossom trees transform the city into a soft canopy of pink and white, creating one of the most anticipated—and fleeting—seasons of the year.

Whether you're a long-time local or new to the city, cherry blossom season is the perfect time to reconnect with Vancouver in a meaningful way.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

🌸 Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
March 27 – April 12

Celebrate spring with some of the city’s most iconic events:

• Blossoms After Dark (March 27–29)
  Evening strolls under glowing cherry blossoms with live performances and food trucks

• The Big Picnic (March 28–29)
  A classic Vancouver moment—blankets, blossoms, and live entertainment

• Blossom Block Party (April 4)
  Music, dancing, and vibrant spring energy downtown

• Sakura Days Japan Fair (April 11–12)
  Cultural experiences, food, tea ceremonies, and performances

BEST PLACES TO SEE BLOSSOMS

🌸 Where to Go

• Stanley Park
  Iconic views with ocean and mountain backdrops

• Queen Elizabeth Park
  Elevated scenery and longer-lasting blooms

• VanDusen Botanical Garden
  Peaceful, curated gardens with diverse cherry trees

• Nitobe Memorial Garden
  A quiet, reflective Japanese garden experience

SIMPLE WAYS TO ENJOY

🌸 Keep It Simple

Sometimes the best moments are the easiest:

• Picnic at Vanier Park or David Lam Park

• Stroll through Kitsilano, West End, or Arbutus Ridge+

• Bike the blossoms around the city

• Early morning photography walks

• Explore seasonal cafés and treats

🌸 A Season That Doesn’t Last

Cherry blossom season only lasts a few weeks, making it a perfect reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Peak bloom typically falls between late March and early April—so don’t miss it.

Thinking About a Move This Spring?

Spring isn’t just for blossoms—it’s also one of the most active times in Vancouver’s real estate market.

If you’re considering buying or selling, or just want to understand your home’s value, I’m always here to help.

Here are 5 things we do to position your home for a successful sale.

We Study Homes That Didn’t Sell

We Identify the Ideal Buyer

We Analyze the Competition

We Collaborate on Pricing Strategy

We Leverage Our Agent Network

Thinking About Selling?

Let’s talk about the strategy behind getting your home sold. Contact us today!

604-657-7936 | andrew@andrewhasman.com

Re/max Andrew and Jill Hasman

In the 2026 BC Provincial Budget, the provincial government announced updates to the Property Tax Deferment Program, a long-standing program that allows many seniors and eligible homeowners to postpone paying their annual property taxes.

For years, this program has helped thousands of British Columbians remain in their homes even as property taxes and living costs have increased.

The changes introduced in 2026 primarily affect how interest is applied to deferred taxes, which could impact the long-term cost of using the program.

What Is the Property Tax Deferment Program?

The BC Property Tax Deferment Program allows eligible homeowners to delay paying their annual property taxes until they sell their home, transfer ownership, or repay the balance voluntarily.

Instead of paying the taxes themselves each year, the Province of British Columbia pays the property tax on behalf of the homeowner.

The deferred taxes are then repaid later, usually when the home is sold, with interest added over time.

To secure the repayment, the province places a lien on the property title for the amount owed.

For many homeowners, especially retirees on fixed incomes, the program can provide financial flexibility while allowing them to remain in their homes.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is available to several groups of homeowners in BC, including:

• Homeowners aged 55 or older

• Surviving spouses of homeowners

• Persons with disabilities

• Families with children under 18
  

Applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Owning and living in the home as their principal residence

• Having sufficient equity in the property

• Being up to date on property tax payments before applying
  
  

Key Change Starting in 2026

Beginning with the 2026 property tax year, the government has changed how interest is calculated on deferred taxes.

Previous system

Before 2026, deferred taxes accumulated simple interest, typically set at a rate up to 2% below the prime lending rate. This meant the cost of deferring taxes remained relatively modest over time.

New system

Starting in 2026:

• Deferred property taxes will accrue compound interest

• The interest rate will be Prime + 2%

Because the interest is compounded, the total amount owed could grow faster for homeowners who defer taxes over a long period.

Important Detail: Existing Deferments Are Not Affected

Homeowners who already deferred property taxes before 2026 will remain under the previous interest rules.

The new interest structure applies only to taxes deferred from the 2026 tax year onward.

This distinction is important for homeowners who have been using the program for several years.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

The property tax deferment program has long been an important financial tool for seniors who are often described as “house rich but cash poor.”

Many long-time homeowners in markets like Vancouver and the Lower Mainland may have significant home equity but limited retirement income.

By deferring property taxes, they have been able to:

• Reduce annual living expenses

• Stay in their homes longer

• Avoid drawing down retirement savings
  

However, the shift to compound interest at a higher rate means the long-term cost of using the program may increase.

For homeowners considering the program in the future, it may be worthwhile to:

• Review the long-term impact of compounding interest

• Consider whether partial tax payments make sense

• Speak with a financial advisor when planning retirement housing costs

The Bottom Line

The BC Property Tax Deferment Program remains an important option for many homeowners.

However, the 2026 changes to the interest structure could make the program more expensive over time, particularly for homeowners who defer taxes for many years.

As housing costs and property values continue to evolve in British Columbia, policy changes like this can play an important role in how homeowners plan for the future.

VANCOUVER, BC – March 3, 2026 – Metro Vancouver* home sales registered on the MLS® in February continued the recent trend of slower-than-average sales, seeing a ten per cent decline over the same period last year.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,648 in February 2026, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 1,827 sales recorded in February 2025. This was 28.7 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,310).

“With each passing data point, the pace of sales running well-below long-term averages are no longer a surprise – it’s become the new norm,” said Andrew Lis, GVR chief economist and vice-president data analytics.

“A surprising finding this February, however, is that home sellers appear less eager to list their homes relative to last year with new listings down about seven percent, mostly driven by fewer listings in the apartment segment.”

There were 4,734 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in February 2026. This represents a 6.4 per cent decrease compared to the 5,057 properties listed in February 2025. This was 7.1 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,421).

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 13,545, a 6.3 per cent increase compared to February 2025 (12,744). This is 37 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,886). Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for February 2026 is 12.6 per cent. By property type, the ratio is nine per cent for detached homes, 16.6 per cent for attached, and 14.1 per cent for apartments.

What Is “The Missing Middle” in Vancouver and Why It Matters in 2026

A Complete Guide to Medium-Density Housing, Market Trends, and Why This Shift Could Reshape Vancouver Real Estate

Vancouver’s housing crisis remains one of Canada’s most urgent urban challenges. With home prices and rental costs continuing to outpace incomes in 2026, many residents — from first-time buyers to families and local workers — are finding fewer housing choices that fit their needs and budgets.

Enter the “Missing Middle” — a planning concept gaining traction as a practical solution to provide more diverse housing options across Vancouver’s established neighbourhoods.

What Is the Missing Middle? A Simple Definition

Missing Middle housing refers to medium-density residential building types that fall between traditional single-family detached homes and high-rise apartment towers. These include:

• Duplexes 

• Triplexes and fourplexes

• Townhomes and rowhouses

• Backyard cottages and laneway housing

• Low-rise courtyard apartments

These housing forms were common in Vancouver’s early urban fabric but largely vanished due to decades of zoning that favoured single-family homes on large lots or concentrated density in towers.

The term was popularized by architect Daniel Parolek in 2010 to describe this gap in housing types, which is exactly what many middle-income households need. Missing Middle is not a buzzword; it’s a market segment with real implications for affordability, community diversity, and urban sustainability.

Why Is It Missing? A Brief Zoning History

After World War II, cities across North America, including Vancouver, shifted toward zoning that separated land uses and prioritized single-family homes. These policies:

• Excluded duplexes and multi-unit homes from most residential areas

• Encouraged detached homes with yards and car-oriented design

• Concentrated higher density into limited areas (often near transit or downtown)

As a result, mid-scale housing options disappeared from many desirable neighbourhoods. Today, that legacy constrains supply and pushes up prices — especially in established parts of Vancouver where most people want to live, work, and raise families.

The Two Gaps the Missing Middle Addresses

1. The Physical Gap

There is a shortage of housing forms that sit between large detached homes and tall towers. These missing options would:

• Provide more units on existing residential land

• Deliver homes with more design variety and flexibility

• Support multi-generation living and infill development
  
  

This physical gap means that many households must either pay for oversized detached homes or live in distant suburbs or high-rise buildings, with fewer choices in between.

2. The Demographic Gap

The Missing Middle isn’t just about buildings — it’s about people:

• Teachers and nurses priced out of single-family markets

• Young professionals seeking space but unable to afford big homes

• Seniors wanting to age in their community

• Families needing more room than a condo but less cost than a house

Without mid-scale housing, these key community members are increasingly pushed out, reducing diversity and weakening neighbourhood vitality.

Vancouver’s 2026 Housing Market Snapshot (Why Middle Housing Matters Now)

In early 2026, Vancouver’s housing market remains relatively soft compared to historical norms — a context where Missing Middle housing can play an important role. Recent MLS data shows:

Sales and Inventory Trends (January 2026)

• Residential sales in Metro Vancouver: 1,107 units — down ~28.7% from January 2025 and ~31% below the 10-year seasonal average.

• New listings: 5,157 properties, slightly lower than last year but well above long-term norms.

• Active listings: 12,628, a 9.9% increase from last year and 38% above the 10-year average.

• Benchmark price (all residential types): ~$1,101,900, modestly lower year-over-year.

Home Type Breakdown (January 2026)

These figures show a market with higher inventory and slower sales, especially compared to the frenzied markets of the past decade. A slower market and more cautious buyers create an ideal window for broader housing choices beyond the typical detached house or tower condo.

How Vancouver Is Implementing Missing Middle Housing

In response to zoning limitations and affordability challenges, Vancouver has enacted major policy changes:

Multiplex Zoning Across Residential Areas

Under recent zoning reforms connected to the Vancouver Plan and provincial legislation, most R1 residential lots are now in a single inclusive zone that allows:

• Multiplexes — duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes — on standard lots

• Up to six to eight units per lot in some cases

• Reduced barriers for infill housing types across neighbourhoods

These changes aim to expand housing choice citywide, not just near transit or in high-density areas.

Streamlined Approvals and Reduced Regulation

City planners have also reworked development rules to:

• Simplify permit processes

• Reduce wait times

• Remove outdated requirements for medium-scale projects

This makes Missing Middle housing more feasible for both builders and homeowners.

Key Benefits of Missing Middle Housing

Boosts Housing Supply

More units in mid-scale forms help increase supply, which eases price pressure and gives buyers and renters more options.

Improves Affordability & Flexibility

Multiplex and townhome units distribute land costs across multiple homes, often resulting in more affordable options than single houses.

Supports Walkable, Sustainable Cities

These housing types typically fit into existing neighbourhoods close to transit, shops, and schools — promoting walkability and reducing car dependency.

Strengthens Communities

Compared with tall towers or distant development, medium-density housing often fosters stronger neighbourhood interaction and stability.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite positive movement, several challenges remain:

• Community Resistance: Some residents worry about neighbourhood character changes or infrastructure strain.

• Profitability for Builders: Medium-density projects are often less profitable than high-rise developments, which affects what gets built.

• Equity and Preservation: Without strong renter protections, redevelopment can displace existing residents if not carefully managed.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors in 2026

For Buyers:

• Greater variety of housing types to consider

• Improved chances at affordable options in desirable neighbourhoods

• Possibility of negotiating more favorable terms in a slower market

For Sellers & Homeowners:

• Corner lots and larger lots with multiplex potential may see higher interest

• Holding property for future development upside could be strategic

• Opportunity to convert existing lots into income-generating properties
  

For Investors:

• Medium-density housing provides diversification beyond towers and condos

• Balancing rental income with community demand for long-term residents
  
  

Vancouver Neighbourhoods Where Missing Middle Could Make a Big Impact

Areas with strong demand but limited supply are prime candidates for Missing Middle housing:

• Kitsilano

• Mount Pleasant

• Dunbar

• Kerrisdale

These communities blend proximity to amenities with residential character — and are ideal places for thoughtful medium-density infill.

Conclusion: A Middle Path Worth Pursuing in 2026

As Vancouver enters 2026 with softer sales and elevated inventory, there’s a major opportunity to reshape how housing gets created and who gets to live in this city. The Missing Middle isn’t a cure-all, but it is a practical and scalable solution to provide more choices, improve affordability, and build sustainable neighbourhoods.

As policy continues to evolve and market conditions shift, Missing Middle housing offers a balanced approach that helps make Vancouver more livable for families, professionals, and long-time residents alike.

VANCOUVER, BC – February 3, 2026 – Last year’s market trends continued in January as home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* were 28.5 per cent lower than last year, setting the year off to a quieter start.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,107 in January 2026, a 28.7 per cent decrease from the 1,552 sales recorded in January 2025. This was 30.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,602).

“On their own, the January sales appear alarming, but it’s important to put these figures in the context of the past few years. Last year ended with one of the lowest sales totals in over two decades, and so it’s not surprising that the January sales figures were fourth slowest in over two decades as well,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s chief economist and vice-president, data analytics.

“Market momentum is a slowly evolving force, and in many ways, the January figures represent a market that continues slowly evolving to what may be a new normal.”

There were 5,157 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in January 2026. This represents a 7.3 per cent decrease compared to the 5,566 properties listed in January 2025.

This was 19.4 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,318). The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,628, a 9.9 per cent increase compared to January 2025 (11,494). This is 38 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,153).

VANCOUVER, B.C. – January 5, 2026 – Home sales registered in the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver* finished the year down 10 per cent, marking the lowest annual sales total in over twenty years.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 23,800 in 2025, a 10.4 per cent decrease from the 26,561 sales recorded in 2024, and a 9.3 per cent decrease from the 26,249 sales in 2023. Last year’s sales total was 24.7 per cent below the 10-year annual sales average (31,625).

“This year was one for the history books,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s chief economist and vicepresident, data analytics. “Although the sales total was the lowest in over two decades, Realtors were still busy listing properties. Sellers brought the highest total of listings to market on record since the mid-1990s, eclipsing the previous record high in 2008 by a little over 1,000 listings.”

Properties listed on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver totalled 65,335 in 2025. This represents an 8.2 per cent increase compared to the 60,388 properties listed in 2024. This was 28.4 per cent above the 50,893 properties listed in 2023.

The total number of properties listed last year was 13.1 per cent above the region’s 10-year total annual average of (57,782). Currently, the total number of homes listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,550, a 14.6 per cent increase compared to December 2024 (10,948). This is 34.8 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,308).

VANCOUVER, B.C. – September 3, 2025 – Easing prices brought more Metro Vancouver*homebuyers off the sidelines in August, with home sales on the MLS® up nearly three percent from August last year. The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled1,959 in August 2025, a 2.9 per cent increase from the 1,904 sales recorded in August 2024.This was 19.2 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,424).

“The August sales figures add further confirmation that sales activity across Metro Vancouver appears to be recovering, albeit somewhat slowly, from the challenging first half of the year,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics. “Sales in the detached and attached segments are up over ten per cent from last August, which suggests buyers shopping in more expensive price points are re-entering the market in a meaningful way.”

There were 4,225 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in August 2025. This represents a 2.8 percent increase compared to the 4,109 properties listed in August 2024. This was 1.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,172).

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.

“Prices have eased around two per cent since the start of the year and are down about one per cent month over month in August, signalling that sellers have been willing to lower price expectations,” Lis said. “As sellers’ and buyers’ expectations have become more aligned, transaction volume has picked up. Newly listed properties remain in line with their ten-year seasonal average however, which when paired with increasing sales activity, is likely to diminish the available inventory. This also means the window of plentiful opportunity for buyers may soon begin closing if these trends continue.”

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,150,400. This represents a 3.8 per cent decrease over August 2024 and a 1.3 per cent decrease compared to July 2025.

VANCOUVER, B.C. – August 5, 2025 – Home sales registered on the MLS® across Metro Vancouver in July extended the early signs of recovery that emerged in June, now down just two per cent from July of last year.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,286 in July 2025, a two per cent decrease from the 2,333 sales recorded in July 2024. This was 13.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,656).

“The June data showed early signs of sales activity in the region turning a corner, and these latest figures for July are confirming this emerging trend,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics. “Although the Bank of Canada held the policy rate steady in July, this decision could help bolster sales activity by providing more certainty surrounding borrowing costs at a time where economic uncertainty lingers due to ongoing trade negotiations with the USA.”

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for July 2025 is 13.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 10.2 per cent for detached homes, 16.7 per cent for attached, and 15.9 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.

“With the rate of homes coming to market holding steady in July, the inventory of homes available for sale on the MLS® has stabilized at around 17,000. This level of inventory provides buyers plenty of selection to choose from,” Lis said. “Although sales activity is now recovering, this healthy level of inventory is sufficient to keep home prices trending sideways over the short term as supply and demand remain relatively balanced. However, if the recovery in sales activity accelerates, these favorable conditions for home buyers may begin slowly slipping away, as inventory levels decline, and home sellers gain more bargaining power.”