Metro Vancouver Real Estate Market Insights: Stats Centre Reports - October 2025

Jersey Li
Oct 15
5 min read

Metro Vancouver Real Estate Market Insights: Your Comprehensive Real Estate Update with Jersey Li ☀️

Stats Centre Reports - October 2025

It's always sunny with me ☀️ This is your REALTOR®, Jersey Li 😄!

📉 Sales Are Up, But Prices Keep Slipping — Don’t Be Fooled by the Headlines

Your Metro Vancouver Real Estate Market Insights are here! The headlines might make it sound like the Metro Vancouver market is “warming up,” but let’s take a closer look — because the story beneath the surface is very different.

Yes, the number of transactions has increased slightly in September 2025, but it’s come at a cost. Prices continue to fall. If you compare September’s prices to August or July, the decline is clear and consistent.

So, is this really a market recovery? No. What we’re seeing is more activity because sellers are finally lowering prices enough to meet buyers where they are. It’s not a rebound — it’s a reality adjustment.

Think of this market as a U-shaped curve: we’re still on the left side of that “U.” Prices haven’t bottomed out yet, and while rate cuts may be helping confidence slightly, the fundamentals — like the economy, unemployment, U.S. trade policy, and immigration uncertainty — are still unresolved.

This fall market continues to favour strategic buyers, not emotional ones.

🔮 Jersey’s Market Prediction

With another rate cut from the Bank of Canada and a modest rise in transactions, it’s tempting to think we’ve turned the corner. But I believe this “warming up” is superficial — it’s driven by lower prices, not stronger demand.

The sales-to-active listings ratio sits at 11.3% overall, meaning we’re still leaning into buyer’s market territory (especially detached homes at 8.5%). And while borrowing costs have improved, that’s not enough to offset continued downward pressure on prices.

As long as economic and policy uncertainty persists — from U.S. tariffs to shifting immigration rules — we’ll see more volatility than recovery. Real estate remains a long-term game, and this phase is about adjustment, not acceleration.

On a brighter note, Canada’s potential benefit from U.S. H-1B visa policy changes could eventually draw a new wave of highly skilled, well-educated immigrants. If implemented effectively, this could strengthen demand in the mid-to-upper housing segment over the next few years.

Watch the Market Report Now

Jersey’s Advice for Sellers

🏷️ Earlier is better than later

If you’re planning to sell in the next two years, earlier is better than later. Waiting for the market to “bounce back” could mean watching your property’s value slide even further.

Now is the time to price sharply and be first to adjust, not last. The listings that sell right now are those that align with buyer expectations. Holding out for yesterday’s price will only leave your listing sitting — and in this environment, time works against you.

If you’re not in a rush and your property is cash-flow positive or occupied by a good tenant, consider holding long-term. The current market rewards patience more than speculation.

Jersey’s Advice for Buyers

🧠 This is your market — but success depends on clarity and timing.

If you’re buying for investment, this is not the moment. Prices are still trending down, and rental yields, while stable, don’t justify speculative purchases. Focus on preserving liquidity and watching the trend for the true bottom before re-entering.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, now is your time to explore. There’s room to negotiate and plenty of options on the market. Use this window to bargain hard, secure favourable terms, and find a home that truly fits your lifestyle — not just your price range.

If you’re an upgrader, remember this rule: sell first, then buy. Selling is far more challenging right now, and closing your sale first ensures you know your budget and reduces stress when making your next purchase.

Patience, strategy, and strong negotiation skills are your greatest assets in this cycle..

Sales Stats

📊 September 2025 Market Stats

Inventory remains near record highs — offering buyers variety, leverage, and time to make calculated moves.

September’s data shows a market that looks more active — but only because prices have continued to fall. Metro Vancouver recorded 1,875 sales in September 2025, a modest 1.2% increase compared to September 2024, yet still 20.1% below the 10-year seasonal average. The benchmark price for all residential properties dropped to $1,142,100, down 3.2% year-over-year and 0.7% month-over-month, confirming that increased activity is coming at the expense of pricing power. Detached homes sold for a benchmark price of $1,933,100, a 4.4% decline from last year, with 552 sales — a small improvement in volume but not in value. Apartments followed a similar pattern, with 954 sales and a benchmark price of $728,800, marking a 4.4% annual decrease. Townhomes saw 356 sales, down slightly from 2024, with prices sitting at $1,069,800, a 2.7% decline year-over-year. Overall inventory reached 17,079 active listings, 14.4% higher than last year and over 36% above the long-term average. The sales-to-active listings ratio now stands at 11.3%, firmly within buyer’s market territory and signalling continued downward pressure on home prices heading into fall.

👉 Click here to obtain the full market breakdown.

Rental Market Trends

🏙️ September 2025

Metro Vancouver’s rental market continues to balance out. As sales remain sluggish, many owners are opting to rent instead of sell, especially in areas like Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Brentwood. This has boosted supply and stabilized prices across most cities.Average rents for one-bedroom units currently hover around:

Vancouver: ~$2,510/month
Burnaby: ~$2,480/month
Coquitlam/New Westminster: ~$2,300–$2,350/month

Tenants are gaining subtle leverage, with landlords more open to negotiation or flexible terms. For investors and homeowners, this remains a period for long-term planning, not short-term speculation.

📊 For the full rental breakdown, click here.

Final Takeaways

🔑 Sales are rising because prices are falling

September’s market looks busier on paper, but the truth is that sales are rising because prices are falling. The market isn’t heating up — it’s adjusting downward.

Sellers:

Be strategic and realistic. If you must sell, act sooner rather than later — the longer you wait, the more leverage you lose. If you can hold long term, ride this out until conditions improve.

Buyers:

This remains your market, but it rewards patience. Avoid buying purely for investment; focus on personal-use opportunities, value, and long-term stability. Upgraders, protect your finances by selling first.

The fundamentals haven’t changed — real estate remains cyclical. The key is to navigate with a clear strategy, not emotion.