Blog

Author: sammehrbod-com

  • Falling home prices drive record 10th straight quarter of affordability gains

    For the 10th straight quarter, we’ve seen housing affordability improve—this time thanks to falling home prices counteracting rising mortgage rates. At this milestone, average payments now sit at 51.1% of median income. Yet, Vancouver continues to stand out as the least affordable market in Canada—a reality that those of us working and investing here know all too well. As someone who specializes in Vancouver’s high-value and investment spaces, I’m always watching how these shifts affect long-term value, renovation potential, and portfolio growth. The path forward for further affordability gains? It hinges on income growth and keeping price increases in check. For buyers, investors, and developers navigating these conditions, a strategic approach—grounded in analytics and a real understanding of property fundamentals—remains essential.

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  • Vancouver Housing Market Adjusts, Creating Future Opportunities

    Vancouver housing starts fell 42% in July compared to last year, with 1,810 starts, mainly due to a 44% drop in multi-unit homes. Single-detached starts also declined 13%. Toronto saw a 10% decrease, while Montreal's starts rose 3%, driven by multi-unit construction. Nationally, the annualized housing start rate dropped 5% from June, with multi-unit starts down 6% and single-detached nearly unchanged.

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  • BC Housing Market Shows Regional Split

    Interesting trends continue to unfold across BC’s housing market. Early-Q3 saw about 6,600 residential sales provincewide—down roughly 7% from last year—with a total sales volume of $6.1 billion and the average price easing to around $930,000. But these headline numbers don’t tell the whole story. What stands out is the growing regional divide: while the Lower Mainland faces ongoing challenges, the Interior is seeing a notable rebound. For example, Okanagan prices are up approximately 8%, South Peace River prices have jumped about 10% (with sales volume there up 26%), and Kamloops and Kootenay are also making gains. Seasonally adjusted data shows sales activity rising month-over-month in most regions, pointing to a broader stabilization, even as economists note that most remaining weakness is centered in the Lower Mainland.

    For those navigating Greater Vancouver’s market—whether you’re an investor, developer, or looking for a high-value home—these regional nuances matter. My approach has always been to go beyond the headlines, using data and construction expertise to evaluate long-term value and potential. Through Early-Q3 2026, BC’s dollar volume is down about 7% (to $38 billion) and unit sales are down 6% (to 40,400), but the forecast still expects provincewide growth into 2027. As the landscape shifts, strategic analysis and a deeper lens on each neighborhood become even more crucial.

  • Why I’d Be Excited To Buy In Vancouver Right Now

    Right now, Vancouver’s real estate landscape is presenting a unique window for strategic buyers. Sales activity is picking up, and I’m noticing that more buyers are stepping back into the market with renewed confidence—but we’re not yet seeing the fierce competition that defined the city’s hottest cycles. For those who value options and timing, this is a rare sweet spot: you can explore properties across Greater Vancouver, especially the West Side and North Shore, without rushing decisions or bidding wars. Royal LePage projects a 3.5% year-over-year price drop for Q4 2026, which may open up additional flexibility for buyers looking to secure long-term value or renovation upside. For anyone considering a move, investment, or development in Vancouver, these market dynamics are worth a closer look—especially if you’re interested in evaluating not just the property, but its potential. In times of transition, the right expertise and a data-driven lens can make all the difference.

  • Vancouver Starts Seen Sliding Through 2028

    Metro Vancouver Starts Outlook
    2026: 26K-27K
    2027: 21.9K-25.1K
    2028: 20.5K-22K
    The outlook pointed to a multi-year supply reset, with condo construction at historic lows and no recovery in housing starts expected before 2028.
    The resale market was forecast to turn before construction, with Vancouver sales at 28K-28.8K in 2026 and a partial recovery to 29.8K-32.2K in 2027.
    Vancouver Price And Rental Outlook
    2026 avg. price: ~$1.16M baseline
    Alternative: ~$1.15M
    Rental supply arrived, but vacancy tightened toward the mid-3% range
    Slower population growth, economic uncertainty, elevated mortgage rates and weak income growth were expected to restrain demand, even as affordability slowly improved in Vancouver.

  • Vancouver Home Buyers Enjoy More Choices in Market

    July brought a notable shift in Metro Vancouver’s real estate landscape: home sales pulled back by 9.8%, with apartments seeing a sharper 17.8% dip. New listings fell 11.5% and active inventory was down 4%. The benchmark price eased to $1,088,800—about a 1% decrease. For those evaluating investment or development opportunities, these numbers underscore an evolving market that requires a nuanced approach. My background in construction and project management allows me to assess not just the headline figures, but the underlying potential in each property—whether it’s untapped development upside or renovation value. In a changing market, data-driven insight and a strategic eye can reveal opportunities others might overlook.

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  • Vancouver Homebuyers Enjoy More Choices as Sales Ease

    July saw Greater Vancouver home sales dip 9.8% year-over-year, totaling 2,061 transactions—18.6% below the 10-year seasonal average. The benchmark price landed at $1,088,800, down 6.2% from last year, while new listings dropped by 11.5% and inventory fell 4%. Despite that, available inventory still sits 26.8% above average, which reflects shifting buyer and seller dynamics across our region.

    As someone who views each property through both an investment and development lens, I always pay close attention to these numbers. They’re more than just data points—they help reveal underlying opportunities and risks, especially when inventory shifts and prices adjust. Whether you’re evaluating renovation potential, long-term value, or simply watching the market for your next move, understanding these trends is key to making informed decisions in Greater Vancouver’s ever-changing landscape.

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  • Vancouver Housing Market Poised for Future Growth Opportunities

    Home building in Metro Vancouver is projected to decline through 2028, with condominium construction reaching historic lows due to slower population growth, economic uncertainty, high mortgage rates, and weak income growth. Housing starts are expected to fall, while resale sales recover sooner and prices remain stable. Rental completions are rising, but vacancy rates may tighten slightly.

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  • RCMP Musical Ride

    The RCMP Musical Ride takes place from 2026-08-29 to 2026-08-30 at Thunderbird Show Park, 72 Avenue, Langley Township, BC, Canada. The event features up to 32 RCMP officers and their horses performing precision horsemanship and cavalry drills set to music in the grass Grand Prix arena. Before the performance, attendees can enjoy a family-friendly afternoon with food vendors, pony rides, face painting, bouncy castles, and more activities. Tickets are available through the event website, with general admission and a Cavalry Club hospitality upgrade offered.

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  • Canada First-Time Buyer Rules Differ

    In Canada, previous ownership does not automatically decide first-time buyer status. Eligibility can hinge on ownership, occupancy, title interest, or a recent separation.
    Many federal programs look at whether you lived in a home you owned during the current year and previous four calendar years.
    Insured mortgage rules ask a different question: buyers may qualify if they never purchased, have not occupied an owned home recently, or separated.
    Provincial rules can be stricter. In Ontario, a lifetime ownership test generally blocks the land transfer tax refund, even when federal definitions reopen eligibility.
    Before assuming you qualify or miss out, ask which first-time buyer definition applies. The right answer can affect valuable Canadian homebuying benefits.