The number that matters isn’t your sale price.
Most headlines right now focus on one thing: prices are softer and it’s a difficult time to sell.
But for homeowners who were already planning to move up, this market can be one of the most advantageous windows we’ve seen in years.
Because when you sell and buy in the same market, the number that matters most is not your sale price. It is the gap between your current home and the next one.
Why This Works
In a strong market:
Sell condo fro $900,000
Buy house for $1,600,000
GAP: $700,000
In a softer market:
Sell condo for $850,000
Buy House for $1,450,000
Gap: $600,000
You sold for $50,000 less, but the home you wanted dropped by $150,000. The move-up became $100,000 more attainable.
In Vancouver, where price differences between property types are large, even small percentage changes can dramatically shrink that gap.
What Else Has Changed in Your Favor
Today’s buyers have advantages that were almost impossible to secure during peak conditions:
More inventory and choice
Time to think before making decisions
Negotiating power
Fewer bidding wars
Conditional offers being accepted again
Access to homes that previously felt out of reach
For many families, this is the first time in years they can shop thoughtfully instead of competitively.
Signs You Might Be a Move-Up Candidate
This strategy works best if:
Your home no longer fits your needs
You have built equity
You plan to stay long term
You were previously priced out of upgrading
Your finances support a larger purchase
The move is lifestyle-driven, not speculative
The Key Principle
If you sell low and buy lower, you win on the spread.
Waiting for prices to rise again often brings back intense competition, fewer choices, and higher absolute prices for the homes people actually want.
If upgrading has been on your mind, this market may offer a rare opportunity to make a strategic move rather than a reactive one.
If a move up has been on your radar, this may be a valuable time to explore your options. We are always happy to provide clear, pressure-free guidance so you can decide what makes sense for you and your family
Market Update
New normal for Metro Vancouver’s housing market continues
Metro Vancouver home sales registered on the MLS® in February continued the recent trend of slower-than-average sales, seeing a ten percent 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 percent decrease from the 1,827 sales recorded in February 2025. This was 28.7 percent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,310).
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 percent decrease compared to the 5,057 properties listed in February 2025. This was 7.1 percent 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 percent increase compared to February 2025 (12,744). This is 37 percent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,886).
Real Estate Q&A
What We're Being Asked Most Right Now
Q1. Can I buy first and sell later?
A: In some cases, yes, but it depends on financing, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Many homeowners prefer to sell first so they know exactly what they can afford, while others may use bridge financing or conditional offers. The right approach depends on your financial position and comfort level.
Q2. What if prices keep falling after I buy?
A. Short-term fluctuations are always possible, but most move up buyers are making long-term lifestyle decisions, not short term investments. Historically, time in the market has mattered far more than perfect timing. If the new home meets your needs for many years, small market shifts along the way become much less significant.
Q3. Are there certain types of homes seeing the biggest price adjustments right now?
A. Larger, higher-priced properties and homes needing significant updates tend to experience the most downward pressure in softer markets. Well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable neighbourhoods often remain surprisingly resilient. For move-up buyers, this can create opportunities to access property types that previously felt out of reach.
Let’s Work Together
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