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With over 20 years in consulting and a master's in business, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial housing supply is to affordability—especially here in Greater Vancouver. The latest data highlights a fragile improvement in affordability across Canada, but new home construction, particularly for ownership, is slowing. We now need between 417,000 and 469,000 housing starts each year to return to pre-pandemic affordability by 2036. Despite a recent shift toward more rental developments, ownership-oriented construction has weakened, and that’s a concern. Even as slower population growth has temporarily eased affordability pressures, construction has fallen behind demand—a trend that could leave us facing an even deeper supply gap when demand picks up again. It’s clear: maintaining affordability means keeping ownership housing construction on track today, so we’re not caught short tomorrow.

Drawing on over 20 years in consulting and a master's in business, I keep a close watch on the evolving landscape of the Greater Vancouver housing market. Recent national trends point to a recovery phase for Canadian real estate, with sales improving and prices showing early signs of stabilization after a period of notable declines. Looking ahead to 2026, national sales are projected to dip by about 4% to approximately 453,000 homes, and average reference prices may ease by roughly 2% to $794,000—suggesting an adjustment before more robust growth expected in 2027. That year, sales are forecasted to climb 7% to nearly 484,000 units, while benchmark prices could edge up just under 1% to $801,000. It's important to note that this recovery is not uniform: Ontario and British Columbia are expected to trail other regions, with Toronto and Vancouver’s condo markets remaining under pressure due to ongoing supply. For buyers, this period appears less like a market boom and more like a transition from correction to gradual recovery, potentially offering strategic opportunities as the landscape shifts.

Canada's housing affordability continues to be a complex story, with recent data showing an affordability reading of approximately 41% in Q2 2026. This marks the 11th consecutive quarter of improvement—thanks to lower home prices, easing borrowing costs, and rising incomes. Yet, even after an improvement of around 13 percentage points from the recent peak, the reality is that home ownership remains out of reach for many, as housing still consumes nearly two-fifths of the average household’s income. It's important to note that this measure relies on average disposable income—which can paint a rosier picture than many households actually experience, since it doesn’t reflect the median income. An economist pointed out that the improvements stem from earlier interest rate cuts, a roughly 20% drop in national prices since 2022, and stronger personal incomes. However, with income growth now slowing and rate relief limited, the path forward seems to rest more on further price adjustments. Drawing on my 20+ years in consulting and a business master’s, I see the numbers, but I never lose sight of the very real pressures faced by households navigating the Greater Vancouver market.

Drawing from over 20 years in consulting and a master's in business, I have always valued a precise, data-driven perspective on Greater Vancouver's housing shifts. Recent signals suggest Canada’s housing market is moving towards recovery: resales have begun to pick up, inventory is steadying, and price declines are softening. However, the numbers tell a measured story. For 2026, the bank projects home resales to dip by about 4% to 453,200, with benchmark prices edging down nearly 2% to $794,200. Looking to 2027, resales are expected to rise roughly 7% to 483,600, and benchmark values to inch up less than 1% to $800,700. This points to a recovery, but not the kind of surge some might anticipate. One underlying factor is pent-up demand—over 400,000 Canadian households may have delayed buying since 2019. The path ahead hinges on improved affordability, consistent growth, and renewed buyer confidence. Yet, with rates likely at their lowest and ongoing trade tensions, steady vigilance remains essential for anyone navigating these market dynamics.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours survivors and raises awareness about their experiences.
It's a symbol of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Wearing orange shirts on this day symbolizes respect for survivors and raises awareness about residential schools.
May this day inspire a future where every voice is heard, and every spirit is healed.
Together, we can create a tomorrow filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Drawing on over two decades of consulting experience and a strong academic background in business, I keep a close eye on the dynamics shaping BC's housing market. At the latest count, BC's standing inventory has reached 6,700 homes, with 5,500 of those being condos. This figure spans not just condos, but also townhomes and some multiplex units across the province. While Burnaby currently leads with 1,210 unsold homes, followed by Vancouver at 1,020, Surrey at 798, and Coquitlam at 620, the distribution extends well beyond these urban centres: Richmond holds 396, Kelowna 372, Langley Township 276, New Westminster 224, and Delta 211. Even smaller markets like Langford, Esquimalt, the City of North Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack collectively contribute to a diverse provincial landscape, with these cities alone summing to 5,840 units. Interestingly, while much of the discussion has centered on presales for studios and one-bedrooms, broader data on home sizes and average prices across BC suggests the story is more complex. Careful analysis helps reveal these patterns, which is vital for making informed decisions in this ever-shifting market.