METRO VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE SALES: APRIL 2026
The headlines may read “Metro Vancouver Sales Slow”… but the reality is more nuanced. Overall, our March 2026 numbers show a market that’s still under-performing historical levels, while the sub-market numbers show a growing divergence, perhaps signalling a new direction for Vancouver real estate.
There were 2,032 sales in March 2026, down about 3% from last year. And while that’s not a dramatic drop, when zooming out on the data, we see sales sitting nearly 32% below the 10-year average. So while things feel relatively stable month-to-month, we’re still operating in a slower-than-normal market overall.
A SHIFT IN YOUR REAL ESTATE MARKET
After years of condos and town-homes carrying the market, detached homes may be quietly regaining momentum — likely driven by improved borrowing conditions and more negotiation room at higher price points.- Detached homes: Sales are up 8.3% year-over-year.
- Apartments: Sales are down 7.8%.
- Town-homes: Sales are down 5.5%.
CURRENT REAL ESTATE INVENTORY
- New listings are down 10% year-over-year.
- Total active listings are sitting at 14,774.
- That’s 38% above the 10-year average.
METRO VANCOUVER CURRENT STATS
The benchmark price across Metro Vancouver is now $1,104,300, down about 6.8% year-over-year, but essentially flat month-to-month. And that “flat” trend is important. Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. The sales-to-active listings ratio sits at 14.2%, which explains why prices aren’t falling sharply, but also aren’t rising.
- Detached: 11%
- Attached: 17.2%
- Apartments: 15.7%
METRO VANCOUVER: CURRENT MARKET TRENDS
- Buyers still have options.
- Sellers still have competition.
- Inventory levels have stabilized.
- Prices are holding steady.
MARKET FORCES EXPLAINED
1. Borrowing CostsWhile rates eased through 2025, we’re now seeing upward pressure on bond yields, which directly impacts fixed mortgage rates.
That matters — especially in a market like Vancouver where affordability is already tight.
2. Global Uncertainty
Earlier concerns around trade tensions have eased somewhat, but now geopolitical issues — particularly conflict in the Middle East — are influencing financial markets.
That uncertainty tends to slow buyer decision-making, especially heading into what’s normally the busiest spring season.
CURRENT MARKET TAKEAWAYS
Favourable For Buyers:
- Inventory is high.
- Prices have adjusted from peak levels.
- Competition is manageable.
- Consideration: Rates may not continue to drop, so affordability could tighten from the financing side rather than pricing.
Strategy For Sellers:
- This market rewards strategy.
- Less competition than last year.
- Consideration: Buyers remain cautious and selective, well-priced homes are moving while the rest are counting days on the market.
YOUR REALTOR'S TAKE
The trends that we're seeing today are a continuation of the shift that began at the end of 2024. Slower sales and high inventory have led to prices adjusting and sales proceeding at slower pace than in the previous decade. If it feels like we've spent the past year speaking about the market balancing, finding a new pace etc. it's because that's been our reality.
And now in April 2026 it seems reasonable to acknowledge that this is our new normal. What the market was doing 3, 5 and 10 years ago has far less relevance than what we've seen happening in the past 12 months. I pride myself in offering my clients advice my clients of our current reality and to confidently forecast the next few months - because at the end of the day, the choices before us and how we proceed is what matters.
With that in mind, let's continue to monitor the detached homes data, watching for a pattern of strengthening sales, while the demand for condos and town-homes remain softer.
