🏡 August 2025 Market Update: How the Market is Shifting Across BCThe kids are back in school (thankfully) and the air is getting a little crisper, which means the real estate market is transitioning into its autumn rhythm.August brought a typical seasonal slowdown compared to the height of summer across Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island, but each market displayed its own unique resilience.
In Greater Vancouver, sales are slowly picking up again, with more buyers coming off the sidelines. Meanwhile, Vancouver Island is proving to be a stable market, also seeing a rise in sales compared to last year.
Over in the Fraser Valley, things have shifted to a buyer's market, giving them more time and leverage to find their perfect home. So, even with the shift in seasons, the underlying demand is holding steady.
GREATER VANCOUVEREasing home prices help lift sales in AugustThe Greater Vancouver real estate market appears to be in a period of slow but steady recovery, with easing prices drawing more buyers back into the market. After a challenging start to the year, sales activity saw a slight increase compared to last August, although it remains below the long-term average for this time of year.A key trend in the market is the renewed interest in more expensive properties. Sales for both detached homes and townhouses saw a notable increase, which suggests that buyers who were previously on the sidelines are beginning to re-enter these segments.While the total number of new listings has remained relatively stable, the overall supply of homes on the market has grown significantly. This increase in options, combined with a downturn in prices, has given buyers a bit more breathing room and negotiation power. The current market condition can be described as balanced, with a downward pressure on pricing across all property types.Access the full statistics package HERE.
FRASER VALLEYDeclining prices and high inventory strengthen buyer’s market
heading into fall
The real estate market in the Fraser Valley has seen a notable shift, moving decisively into a buyer's market during August. This change is the result of a slowdown in sales activity at the same time that the number of homes on the market has remained high. The effect is a market that is no longer in balance, giving buyers the upper hand.As a result, prices have continued to ease, and homes are taking longer to sell. This provides buyers with more time to consider their options and more leverage to negotiate, especially for properties that have been listed for a while.Looking ahead, there are signs that the market could find some stability. Key economic indicators, such as a recent slowdown in inflation and a drop in a key mortgage-rate input, are creating a more favorable environment. These factors have led to speculation that the Bank of Canada may cut interest rates soon, a move that could help stabilize market activity and absorption in the coming months.Access the full statistics package HERE.
VANCOUVER ISLANDMarket Slower than in July but Still Ahead of Last YearThe Vancouver Island real estate market experienced a typical seasonal slowdown in August compared to July, but it still demonstrated its resilience with sales activity up from the same time last year. According to VIREB Chair Olivier Naud, the market is currently in a balanced state with a healthy amount of inventory.There is a noticeable pent-up demand among buyers, but they are also showing some hesitancy. This is attributed to ongoing concerns about tariffs, which Naud says have proven to be more of a psychological deterrent than an actual economic one, with a minimal impact on growth or inflation.On the pricing front, the benchmark price for single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses all saw a slight increase compared to August of the previous year. This suggests that despite the month-to-month cooling, the market is holding its value and proving to be quite stableAccess the full statistics package HERE.
💰 Future OutlookMacroeconomic Factors: Canada's CPI slowed to 1.7% year-over-year in July, and the 5-year Government of Canada (GoC) yield is hovering around 2.75%.Interest Rates: Markets are expecting a potential Bank of Canada (BoC) rate cut on September 17, which could help stabilize the market into the fall, even if prices remain negotiable.🔍 What This Means for You
Buyers can enjoy greater selection and less competition in most markets — a rare opportunity to act strategically.
Sellers, on the other hand, need sharp pricing strategies and expert advice to stand out in a more crowded market.
In Greater Vancouver, sales are slowly picking up again, with more buyers coming off the sidelines. Meanwhile, Vancouver Island is proving to be a stable market, also seeing a rise in sales compared to last year.
Over in the Fraser Valley, things have shifted to a buyer's market, giving them more time and leverage to find their perfect home. So, even with the shift in seasons, the underlying demand is holding steady.
GREATER VANCOUVEREasing home prices help lift sales in AugustThe Greater Vancouver real estate market appears to be in a period of slow but steady recovery, with easing prices drawing more buyers back into the market. After a challenging start to the year, sales activity saw a slight increase compared to last August, although it remains below the long-term average for this time of year.A key trend in the market is the renewed interest in more expensive properties. Sales for both detached homes and townhouses saw a notable increase, which suggests that buyers who were previously on the sidelines are beginning to re-enter these segments.While the total number of new listings has remained relatively stable, the overall supply of homes on the market has grown significantly. This increase in options, combined with a downturn in prices, has given buyers a bit more breathing room and negotiation power. The current market condition can be described as balanced, with a downward pressure on pricing across all property types.Access the full statistics package HERE.
FRASER VALLEYDeclining prices and high inventory strengthen buyer’s market
heading into fall
The real estate market in the Fraser Valley has seen a notable shift, moving decisively into a buyer's market during August. This change is the result of a slowdown in sales activity at the same time that the number of homes on the market has remained high. The effect is a market that is no longer in balance, giving buyers the upper hand.As a result, prices have continued to ease, and homes are taking longer to sell. This provides buyers with more time to consider their options and more leverage to negotiate, especially for properties that have been listed for a while.Looking ahead, there are signs that the market could find some stability. Key economic indicators, such as a recent slowdown in inflation and a drop in a key mortgage-rate input, are creating a more favorable environment. These factors have led to speculation that the Bank of Canada may cut interest rates soon, a move that could help stabilize market activity and absorption in the coming months.Access the full statistics package HERE.
VANCOUVER ISLANDMarket Slower than in July but Still Ahead of Last YearThe Vancouver Island real estate market experienced a typical seasonal slowdown in August compared to July, but it still demonstrated its resilience with sales activity up from the same time last year. According to VIREB Chair Olivier Naud, the market is currently in a balanced state with a healthy amount of inventory.There is a noticeable pent-up demand among buyers, but they are also showing some hesitancy. This is attributed to ongoing concerns about tariffs, which Naud says have proven to be more of a psychological deterrent than an actual economic one, with a minimal impact on growth or inflation.On the pricing front, the benchmark price for single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses all saw a slight increase compared to August of the previous year. This suggests that despite the month-to-month cooling, the market is holding its value and proving to be quite stableAccess the full statistics package HERE.
💰 Future OutlookMacroeconomic Factors: Canada's CPI slowed to 1.7% year-over-year in July, and the 5-year Government of Canada (GoC) yield is hovering around 2.75%.Interest Rates: Markets are expecting a potential Bank of Canada (BoC) rate cut on September 17, which could help stabilize the market into the fall, even if prices remain negotiable.🔍 What This Means for You
Buyers can enjoy greater selection and less competition in most markets — a rare opportunity to act strategically.
Sellers, on the other hand, need sharp pricing strategies and expert advice to stand out in a more crowded market.