2026 Vancouver Real Estate Market Outlook: What Buyers and Sellers Should Actually Expect

Happy Chinese New Year - that came fast.

We meant to share this earlier, but maybe that’s fitting. Real estate, like life, rarely moves exactly on schedule.

As we step into 2026, we’ve been taking a step back - not just to look at the numbers, but to understand the feel of the market. Because behind every stat is a decision, and behind every decision is a life change.

And this year, more than anything, the market feels… steady, but selective.

My Personal Goals

Be present with the kids daily, take a warm vacation with the family, manage diabetes without medication and focus on ways of managing through lifestyle, write a book on “increasing family wealth consciousness”, 1 full day off per week, Sunday routine - meditation, planning, family, Thankfulness routine at dinner (the kids really like this one).

My Professional Goal:

Support, lead and expand our team and welcome 7-10 new agents to our brokerage. Welcome other business opportunities.

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A Slower Start - But Not a Stalled Market

The year opened quieter than many expected.

Across Metro Vancouver and Victoria, sales activity in January was down roughly 25–35% compared to the same time last year. That said, not everything is moving in the same direction - certain pockets, like East Vancouver detached homes, have actually seen increased activity.

This is important: There isn’t one market right now - there are many smaller ones, all behaving differently.

Most major institutions are aligned in their outlook: 2026 is likely a recovery year, where activity returns before any meaningful price growth.

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What Defines the 2026 Market

If we had to summarize the year in a few themes, it would be this:

• Pricing is relatively flat, with some upside potential

• Interest rates are expected to remain fairly stable

• Affordability continues to be the biggest challenge

• Buyers are cautious - but ready to act when value is clear

• Sellers can still succeed, but only with the right strategy

This is not a market that rewards “average.” It rewards clarity, positioning, and decisiveness.

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Metro Vancouver: A Market of Micro-Markets

One of the biggest misconceptions right now is treating Metro Vancouver as a single market.

It’s not.

Different neighbourhoods and property types are moving at completely different speeds.

What’s performing well:

• Well-priced entry-level detached and attached homes

• Family-friendly properties, especially 3-bedroom layouts

• Condos that are priced sharply and show well

What’s taking longer:

• Listings priced above market expectations

• Tear-downs or pure land plays without clear upside

• Properties that require too much uncertainty or additional capital

Buyers today are doing the math - and they’re not rushing unless it makes sense.

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Victoria: Stable, But Selective

Victoria continues to feel more balanced overall, but still very product-dependent.

Entry-level homes in good areas remain resilient, while some segments - particularly downtown condos - are still adjusting due to changes in short-term rental regulations.

For buyers, this creates something we haven’t seen in a while:

More choice, and more room to negotiate.

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The Quiet Factor Shaping the Market: Policy & Regulation

While interest rates get most of the attention, policy changes have quietly had just as much impact.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen shifts in:

• Zoning and density (including multiplex and SSMUH changes)

• Rental regulations and timelines

• Short-term rental restrictions

• Development policies and approvals

These changes affect investor confidence, development timelines, and long-term supply - which ultimately influences resale markets as well.

It’s not always visible on the surface, but it’s shaping how people make decisions.

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So… Is 2026 a Good Year to Make a Move?

The honest answer is: it depends on your situation - but there is opportunity on both sides.

For buyers:

This is one of the more balanced environments we’ve seen in years.

There’s more inventory, less pressure, and the ability to take time with due diligence. Negotiation has returned in a meaningful way, which creates real opportunities for those who are prepared.

For sellers:

Homes are still selling - but not by default.

Success today comes down to:

• Strategic pricing

• Strong presentation

• Thoughtful marketing

• Clear positioning within the market

The “list it and they will come” approach is gone.But well-positioned properties are still performing - and in some cases, very well.

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A Quick Story That Reflects This Market

We recently worked with a client in Central Coquitlam whose property came with challenges - the home was in poor condition and not insurable, which limited the buyer pool.

Initial offers came in low.

Instead of reacting, we adjusted the strategy - repositioned the property, targeted builders specifically, and stayed patient.

After 70 days, we secured a sale $75,000 higher than the initial offers.

In this market, patience and positioning matter more than speed.

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Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing we’re seeing clearly in 2026, it’s this:

The market is no longer driven by momentum - it’s driven by decision quality.

Buyers are more thoughtful.

Sellers need to be more strategic.

And outcomes are being shaped by how well each move is planned.

For us, real estate has never just been about transactions.

It’s about the moves, the upgrades, the transitions - and the life that follows.

If you’re thinking about making a move this year, even if you’re still early in the process, we’re always happy to talk through options and help you map out a plan.

No pressure - just clarity.

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Thinking about your next move?

Let’s have a conversation - and figure out what makes sense for you.

Cheers! Toni & The Sing Real Estate Team