September Vancouver Real Estate Market
A Realtor's Perspective With Krystian Thomas
Since my last update, there has been less talk of “uncertainty.” And while we are likely to remain in a buyer’s market for the remainder of 2025, the Bank of Canada’s 0.25% rate cut was a welcome break that could boost sales activity as we approach the holiday season.
However, we’re not out of the woods yet. The rate drop reflects economic weakness and the government is moving cautiously to balance risk. Inventory remains high, investors have faced onerous new regulations, and demand is still reduced compared to previous years. Developers are sitting on inventory and in response, COPE Councillor Sean Orr intends to increase the empty homes tax and end exemptions for unsold new units.
In conclusion, the Vancouver real estate market has grown more optimistic in 2025. Many new buyers are looking to get their foot in the door and life events may prompt sellers to make a change closer to family, for work, or health reasons. Sales are happening and we continue to adapt our strategies, building resilience and optimism into Q4 of 2025.
Vancouver Real Estate Market Status
In previous months, both new listings and total inventory sat above average, making it possible a downward pressure on prices would continue, however, with the price adjustments sellers are making, and August's increase in sales activity, the market remains balanced* and sales are increasing over those of 2024 and early 2025.
*Experts describe Sales-to-Active Listings Rations that fall in the 12-20% as an indication of market balance, with under 12% lowering prices and over 20% causing price increases.
- New Listings: 4,225 homes listed (↑ 2.8% YoY), slightly above the 10-year seasonal average.
- Total Inventory: 16,242 homes for sale (↑ 17.6% YoY), well above the long-term average.
- Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 12.4% overall (Detached 9.3%, Attached 15.8%, Apartments 14%.
Vancouver Home Prices
This month's home prices sit 3.8% lower than August 2024 and 1.3% lower than July 2025.
- Composite Benchmark*: $1,150,400 (↓ 3.8% YoY, ↓ 1.3% MoM).
- Detached Homes: $1,950,300 (↓ 4.8% YoY, ↓ 1.2% MoM).
- Apartments: $734,400 (↓ 4.4% YoY, ↓ 1.3% MoM).
- Townhomes: $1,079,600 (↓ 3.5% YoY, ↓ 1.8% MoM).
Vancouver Real Estate Sales Activity:
This greater alignment between seller and buyer expectations has led to an overall increase in sales activity, particularly for higher price-point buyers and in Detached and Townhome sales.
- Detached Homes: 575 sales (↑ 13% YoY).
- Apartments: 956 sales (↓ 5.5% YoY).
- Townhomes: 409 sales (↑ 10.5% YoY).
