Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The Metro Vancouver housing market continues to adjust as we move into early 2026. Inventory levels have shifted, prices have softened slightly year-over-year, and the balance of power between buyers and sellers varies depending on property type.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing this year, here’s a breakdown of what the latest numbers mean for you.
See Full Stats
Detached Homes
- Sales: 430 homes sold
- Active Listings: 5,033
- Benchmark Price: $1,835,900
- Average Days on Market: 49 days
- Year-over-Year Price Change: -8.8%
Townhomes
- Sales: 295 homes sold
- Active Listings: 1,700
- Benchmark Price: $1,046,100
- Average Days on Market: 33 days
- Year-over-Year Price Change: -5.6%
Condos
- Sales: 825 units sold
- Active Listings: 5,817
- Benchmark Price: $708,200
- Average Days on Market: 40 days
- Year-over-Year Price Change: -6.8%
Sales-to-Active Ratios
The sales-to-active listings ratio helps determine whether the market favors buyers or sellers.
| Property Type | Sales-to-Active Ratio | Market Type |
|---|---|---|
| Detached | 8.5% | Buyer’s Market |
| Condos | 14.2% | Balanced Market |
| Townhomes | 17.4% | Balanced / Slight Seller Strength |
According to the market chart in the report, detached homes are currently in buyer’s market territory, while condos and townhomes sit closer to balanced market conditions.
What this means:
- Buyers have more negotiating power in the detached market.
- Condos and townhomes still see steady demand, keeping prices relatively stable.
Month-over-Month & Year-over-Year Trends
Looking at the broader trends:
Inventory
- Detached listings increased slightly year-over-year.
- Condo inventory dropped slightly compared to last year but remains high overall.
- Townhome listings increased significantly (+13.5%).
More listings typically give buyers more choice and reduce pressure on prices.
Sales Activity
Sales are down compared to last year in most categories:
- Detached sales: -9.7%
- Condo sales: -15.2%
- Townhome sales: +1.4%
Townhomes are the only category seeing slightly stronger sales compared to 2025.
Prices
Benchmark prices across all property types are slightly lower than last year:
- Detached: -8.8%
- Condos: -6.8%
- Townhomes: -5.6
The long-term price chart in the report (page 5) still shows strong growth over the past two decades, despite the recent short-term adjustment.
Neighbourhood Highlights
Several Metro Vancouver communities saw notable price movements this year:
Price increases
- Whistler: +12.2%
- Squamish: +11.0%
Moderate price adjustments
- Coquitlam: -10.6%
- Burnaby North: -11.3%
- Vancouver West: -13.8%
Luxury markets such as Vancouver West and West Vancouver saw some of the biggest year-over-year adjustments, reflecting changing buyer demand and increased inventory.
What This Means for You
This market provides opportunities that buyers haven’t seen in several years.
Benefits for buyers:
- More listings and choice
- Less competition in some segments
- Greater ability to negotiate price and conditions
Detached homes especially are presenting opportunities for buyers who previously found themselves priced out of the market.
Even with softer prices, well-priced homes are still selling.
Key strategies for sellers:
- Price your home competitively from day one
- Ensure strong marketing and presentation
- Be prepared for slightly longer selling timelines
Homes that are priced correctly are still attracting serious buyers.
For investors, this market offers several potential advantages:
- Condo prices have adjusted downward, improving entry points
- Rental demand across Metro Vancouver remains strong
- Long-term appreciation trends remain positive despite short-term fluctuations
Investors focusing on transit-oriented neighbourhoods or growing suburbs may find strong long-term opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Metro Vancouver’s real estate market in early 2026 is shifting toward a more balanced environment. While prices have cooled slightly compared to last year, long-term demand for housing in the region remains strong.
Whether you’re buying your first home, planning to sell, or exploring investment opportunities, understanding these trends can help you make confident decisions.
Contact details
Sayed Najibi
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Phone: 604-649-6520
Website: www.sngroup.ca
