As we move away from winter and towards early spring, the Vancouver real estate market is entering a short but important window. The next 30 to 60 days will quietly shape the rest of the year, especially for anyone thinking about buying or selling in 2026.
Here is what we are watching closely right now across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
1. A Noticeable Increase in New Listings
We are already seeing the first wave of early spring listings. February and March are when sellers begin testing the market before inventory rises more fully later in spring. More listings mean more choice for buyers and more competition for sellers. Timing still matters, but pricing and preparation matter more.
2. The First Real Pricing Decisions of the Year
This is the moment when sellers decide whether to price for today’s market or for last year’s headlines. Homes that are positioned correctly from day one are selling. Homes that are priced aspirationally are sitting and then adjusting downward. The market is rewarding realism, not optimism.
3. Buyer Confidence and Interest Rates
The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark rate unchanged in late January, providing short-term stability for buyers and sellers. This is the second consecutive rate hold, reinforcing that we are in a period of pause rather than rapid change.
The next rate announcement is scheduled for March 18 and it will be one of the first meaningful directional signals for borrowing costs in 2026. Buyers are not waiting for perfect rates. They are waiting for clarity about direction. Each Bank of Canada update acts as a confidence signal and showing activity responds quickly, especially in condos and entry-level homes.
4. More Scrutiny on Strata Documents
For condos and townhomes, this is becoming one of the defining issues of 2026. Buyers are reading strata documents more carefully, asking better questions and walking away more often when concerns appear. Sellers who prepare documents early and understand what is inside them are gaining a real advantage.
5. A Quiet Divide Between Prepared and Hopeful Sellers
This is the most important trend we are seeing. Prepared sellers are achieving strong results even in a cautious market. Hopeful sellers are chasing the market through price reductions and missed momentum. The difference is strategy, not luck.
If you are thinking about a move this year, even loosely, the next 30 to 60 days will give you a lot of clarity. The market is sending clear signals to those who are watching closely.
If you would like help interpreting what this means for your specific property or plans, I am always happy to talk it through.
Market Update
New year, same housing market in Metro Vancouver
Last year’s market trends continued in January as home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* were 28.5 percent 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 percent decrease from the 1,552 sales recorded in January 2025. This was 30.9 percent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,602).
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 percent decrease compared to the 5,566 properties listed in January 2025. This was 19.4 percent 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 percent increase compared to January 2025 (11,494). This is 38 percent above the 10-year seasonal average (9,153).
Real Estate Q&A
What We're Being Asked Most Right Now
Q1. Should I wait until spring to list?
A: Not always. Early spring sellers often face less competition and more serious buyers. Waiting only helps if you are using the time to prepare properly. If not, you may be entering a more crowded market.
Q2. What is the biggest mistake sellers are making right now?
A. Overpricing at launch. The first two weeks on market matter more than ever, and buyers are quick to move on when pricing feels off.
Q3. What should I do if I am just thinking about a move, not ready yet?
A. Start with information. A short, no-pressure conversation now often saves months of stress later.
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