Podcasts about vancouver real estate

Canada's housing market continues to defy the narrative of a nationwide downturn. While British Columbia and Ontario have experienced meaningful price declines since the market peak in 2022, the rest of the country has largely moved in the opposite direction. Home prices have risen across every other province, with New Brunswick leading the way at more than 40% growth. The data serves as a reminder that there is no singular Canadian housing market—only a collection of regional markets moving at very different speeds.Recent national housing data paints a picture of cautious stabilization. Sales activity has improved from the sluggish pace seen earlier in the year, inventory levels have returned closer to long-term averages, and average sale prices have posted modest gains. Yet beneath the surface, transaction volumes remain well below the extraordinary levels recorded during the pandemic-era boom. Prices may be holding in many regions, but activity remains subdued, suggesting buyers and sellers are still adjusting to a higher-rate environment.At the same time, Canada's homeownership rate continues to trend lower, particularly among younger generations. Census data shows substantial declines in ownership among Canadians in their late twenties and early thirties, raising important questions about the country's long-term housing trajectory. While affordability is often cited as the primary culprit, the composition of new housing supply may be playing an equally important role. Detached homes and family-oriented ownership products are becoming increasingly scarce, while condominium construction continues to dominate many urban markets. The result is a housing system that increasingly encourages renting over ownership.The implications extend far beyond housing itself. Homeowners in Canada are significantly wealthier than renters on average, and the gap widens over time. As ownership rates decline, concerns surrounding wealth inequality, social mobility, and economic opportunity continue to grow. If the majority of future housing stock is designed primarily for rental occupancy, Canada may find itself facing broader economic and demographic challenges in the years ahead.Meanwhile, Vancouver is preparing for one of the most significant zoning shifts in recent memory. The City's proposed Village Plan would effectively pre-zone approximately 13,000 properties across 17 neighbourhood hubs, allowing buildings up to six storeys without the lengthy rezoning process that has historically slowed development. Supporters view the initiative as a meaningful step toward increasing housing supply and creating more walkable communities. Critics question whether neighbourhood infrastructure, parking, and community character can absorb such rapid change.Yet the largest question may not be whether these projects can be approved, but whether they can be built. A closer examination of development economics reveals that many proposed projects operate on remarkably thin margins. Rising land costs, elevated construction expenses, financing challenges, and softening demand have left little room for error. Even under optimistic assumptions, many developments appear only marginally viable.That reality was underscored by an unprecedented decision from the Urban Development Institute, which cancelled its 2026 Awards of Excellence. The organization cited worsening development conditions and a growing cost-of-delivery crisis that is making new housing increasingly difficult to build throughout British Columbia. The cancellation serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the pressures facing an industry that is simultaneously being asked to deliver more housing while confronting some of the most challenging economics in decades.Construction activity reflects a similar tension. Housing starts remain historically elevated thanks to a surge in purpose-built rental construction, but recent data suggests momentum may be slowing. British Columbia posted a significant decline in starts, while performance varied considerably between municipalities. The risk is that today's projects represent the final wave of developments approved under more favourable conditions, with future supply potentially constrained by worsening project economics.Beyond housing, global events are beginning to influence the outlook for inflation and interest rates. As tensions in the Middle East appear to ease, oil prices have retreated sharply, helping lower inflation expectations and bond yields. For borrowers, this represents a welcome development, as lower bond yields typically support lower fixed mortgage rates. However, central banks remain cautious. Stronger economic data in the United States and a resilient labour market have increased expectations that interest rates could remain elevated longer than previously anticipated.At the household level, financial stress continues to build. Consumer insolvencies are rising across Canada, with particularly sharp increases in British Columbia and Ontario. Bankruptcy filings have accelerated as declining home prices reduce homeowners' ability to refinance debt or access home equity. Yet paradoxically, Canadian household net worth continues to reach record highs. The result is a growing disconnect between balance-sheet wealth and day-to-day affordability.That contradiction may ultimately define the current economic cycle. On paper, Canadians remain extraordinarily wealthy. In practice, many households are feeling increasing financial pressure from higher borrowing costs, elevated living expenses, and slower economic growth. The gap between what the data says and what Canadians experience in everyday life continues to widen, creating one of the most important economic stories facing the country today._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Canada's real estate market may finally be approaching a turning point—but not in the way many expected. After four years of falling sales, declining prices, stalled development, and investor retreat, subtle signs of stabilization are beginning to emerge. Yet beneath the surface, the market remains deeply divided between sectors showing resilience and others still under immense pressure. The focus now turns to the forces quietly reshaping housing in Vancouver and across Canada—and what they reveal about the next phase of the cycle.One of the most fascinating developments is where capital is now flowing. For years, office towers symbolized the strength of downtown business districts. But Vancouver's changing economic landscape is rewriting that narrative. A 13-storey office building in the heart of downtown is being converted into a boutique hotel, signaling a major shift in investor priorities. While other cities have transformed struggling office space into residential housing, Vancouver's comparatively resilient office market is taking a different route. With tourism surging, hotel occupancy rates leading the nation, and global events on the horizon, developers are increasingly betting on hospitality over traditional office demand. It is a subtle but meaningful signal of where confidence in Vancouver's long-term economy still exists.At the same time, the Bank of Canada finds itself balancing a fragile economy against renewed inflation risk. After five consecutive rate holds, policymakers are increasingly confronting an uncomfortable possibility: rate hikes may not be over. Escalating geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices, and concerns about inflation spilling into broader consumer costs have shifted the conversation dramatically. Markets that once anticipated cuts are now cautiously pricing in potential increases later this year. For housing, this creates an unusual dynamic—variable-rate borrowers receive short-term stability, while fixed-rate mortgages remain exposed to rising bond yields and inflation concerns.Meanwhile, Vancouver's rental market continues its reset. Rents have now declined for nearly three consecutive years, with one-bedroom and family-sized units experiencing some of the sharpest drops. Investors who once viewed condominiums as reliable income-producing assets are increasingly pulling back, while developers who pivoted from end-user ownership projects toward rentals are beginning to face new economic realities. The irony is difficult to ignore: record levels of rental construction arriving at the same time population growth slows and affordability challenges persist. The likely outcome? A near-term softening in rental economics followed by an eventual tightening of housing supply as projects inevitably slow.Labour market data adds another layer of complexity. Canada unexpectedly posted a strong employment report, significantly outperforming forecasts and showing meaningful gains in full-time work, particularly in construction. Yet beneath the headline strength, important cracks remain. Employment growth for the year remains subdued, wage gains are slowing, and unemployment still sits at elevated levels. In short, the economy is showing resilience without yet signaling robust expansion.Perhaps nowhere is the tension within the market more visible than in the growing wave of developer insolvencies. A major Burnaby townhouse project has entered creditor proceedings despite already being under construction, a trend that would have been nearly unthinkable during the boom years. Rising financing costs, weaker pre-sale demand, and mounting construction expenses are exposing vulnerabilities across the development landscape. Each stalled project represents more than a financial setback; it also removes future housing supply from the pipeline, quietly planting the seeds for tomorrow's shortages.Yet amid the uncertainty, early signals of stabilization are beginning to surface. Sales activity is improving, median prices have climbed steadily for months, and average prices are quietly trending upward. After more than a year of persistent declines, the market may finally be transitioning into a phase of cautious equilibrium.The defining question now is whether this stability represents a temporary pause, or the early stages of the next chapter in Canada's housing story. For now, the data suggests the era of relentless declines may finally be giving way to something far more nuanced: a market learning how to find its footing again._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Canada's housing market may finally be showing early signs of stabilization — but is this the beginning of a long-awaited recovery, or merely a pause before another downturn? In this week's episode of The Vancouver Life Podcast, we unpack the latest housing data, economic signals, and market shifts that could reshape real estate in Vancouver and across Canada.After more than three years of declining prices, sluggish sales, and buyers remaining firmly on the sidelines, several indicators are beginning to point toward something different. Listings are easing, prices are flattening, buyer sentiment is quietly improving, and institutional investors are once again making bold bets on housing. While uncertainty remains, the data is beginning to tell a more nuanced story than the headlines suggest.One of the most notable developments comes from Berkshire Hathaway, the investment giant built by Warren Buffett and now led by Greg Abel, which has made a stunning $6.8 billion all-cash acquisition of U.S. homebuilder Taylor Morrison. While the story is south of the border, the implications may reach far beyond the United States. Berkshire is famous for making long-term investments during periods of uncertainty — not when optimism is already priced in. The move raises an important question: does one of the world's smartest capital allocators believe housing weakness is temporary and that long-term demand fundamentals remain intact?There is another major shift poised to transform real estate: artificial intelligence in mortgage lending. TD Bank has introduced agentic AI into mortgage and HELOC underwriting, reducing application review times from approximately 15 hours to under three minutes. The implications are substantial. Faster approvals could reduce financing friction, speed up transactions, and ultimately change how buyers experience one of the largest purchases of their lives. While human oversight remains in place, this episode explores how AI is rapidly moving from novelty to necessity in housing finance.Closer to home, Metro Vancouver's presale condo market is sending what may be one of the strongest warning signals in years. In a stunning statistic, zero concrete high-rise presale projects launched in Q1 2026 — an almost complete freeze in one of the region's most important housing categories. Developers are struggling to secure financing as investor demand weakens, affordability deteriorates, and nearly 4,000 completed condos remain unsold. Yet paradoxically, today's slowdown could plant the seeds for tomorrow's supply shortage, potentially creating renewed upward pressure on pricing by 2028 and beyond.The latest market statistics for Metro Vancouver and reveals a market caught between weakness and resilience. Sales remain historically low — with May 2026 ranking effectively as the weakest May on record outside of the COVID lockdown period — yet prices are no longer falling meaningfully. Benchmark pricing rose modestly again in May, marking the second increase in three months, while median prices have climbed for five consecutive months and now sit just 2.5% below all-time highs.At the same time, inventory levels are beginning to ease, new listings have declined year-over-year for three straight months, and expectations for further Bank of Canada tightening have softened considerably. Markets are now pricing in an overwhelming likelihood of a rate hold, adding another layer of potential stability.The overarching question explored throughout the episode is simple, yet critically important: Are we witnessing the early formation of a housing market bottom — or simply a temporary stabilization before another leg lower?For buyers, sellers, developers, and investors alike, this episode offers a data-driven look at the signals that matter most — and what they could mean for the future of Canadian real estate._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Forget 2008. Real estate research analyst Wendy Waters sits down with Adam & Matt to argue that today's Vancouver real estate market has far more in common with the late 1990s, a long, quiet stretch where prices barely moved, governments rebalanced their books, and global uncertainty hung over every decision. From flight-to-quality buyers to the wave of young Canadians still living at home, the conversation reframes what listeners should actually expect from the next several years. Is the era of housing as a wealth generator finally winding down? Why does this downturn refuse to follow the usual cycle playbook? And could this slump actually be setting up something healthier on the other side? Don't miss this one.

**Start Your Realty Ninja Website** Free Trial: https://www.realtyninja.com/tomBook a call w/Tom for Toronto: https://calendly.com/TomStoreyBook a call w/Steve for Greater Vancouver: https://calendly.com/stevekarrasch** Book your home inspection right now with Carson Dunlop ** https://carsondunlop.com/*** Need Home or Property Insurance? *** Use SQUARE ONE: Tenants, Landlords and Home Owners Save $20 with Square One Insurance using this link: https://www.squareone.ca/thetomstoreyshow?offer_code=TTSSFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetomstoreyshow/- - - Vancouver is Canada's most expensive real estate market. But that doesn't mean it's not a whole lot more affordable now than just a while ago. In this episode of the Tom Storey Show, Steve Karrasch and Tom Storey catch up with Matt Scalena of the Vancouver Real Estate Podcast to discuss what's happening in Vancouver's market in Q2 of 2026. Connect with Matt: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vancouverrealestatepodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CQP0FPJqYHl4URuGIdQJq?si=a8e4c494529e42c7- - -AUDIO PODCAST LINKS:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wEEPUUhaC8g2CsIwJetbdApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../the-tom.../id1627632474Amazon: https://music.amazon.ca/.../the-tom-storey-show-with...?TOM STOREYTom's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomStorey/videosThe Storey Team, Royal LePage Signature: https://storeyteam.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoreyteam/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/thestoreyteamSTEVE KARRASCHSteve's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarraschRealProperties/videosKarrasch Real Properties, Macdonald Realty: https://www.krproperties.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karrasch_real_properties/FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/KarraschRealProperties/Need VIDEO GEAR? Shop Steve's Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/45cIBbUThe opinions expressed herein are solely that of Steve Karrasch PREC and Tom Storey, not Macdonald Realty, Royal LePage Signature, TREB or the FVREB and should not be misconstrued as advice or the basis of an agency relationship whatsoever. Nor should any of this content be considered or used as financial advice. Please consult your professional advisor prior to taking action on any decisions relating to the matters discussed in these videos. This communication is not intended to cause or induce breach of an existing agency agreement.

Canada's economy may appear stable on the surface, but beneath the headlines, a far more concerning story is unfolding — one built on record debt, rising financial pressure, and a housing market increasingly dependent on conditions staying just right. In this episode of The Vancouver Life Podcast, we unpack one of the biggest economic questions facing Canadians today: what happens when a country becomes so indebted that more income goes toward repayments than future growth?At the center of this conversation is a staggering statistic: Canadian household debt has reached an all-time high of $3.24 trillion — effectively equal to the country's annual economic output. Mortgage debt alone now sits at a record $2.42 trillion, growing faster than consumer debt and increasingly dominating household balance sheets. The result? Canadians are becoming increasingly “house rich and cash poor,” with less disposable income, reduced spending flexibility, and growing dependence on low interest rates to maintain financial stability.But debt rarely becomes a problem in isolation.Inflation remains an ongoing challenge, rising to 2.8% in April and pushing against the upper limits of the Bank of Canada's comfort zone. While headline inflation was driven largely by energy costs — with gas prices surging nearly 29% year-over-year — the implications for housing are significant. Bond yields continue climbing, fixed mortgage rates are facing upward pressure, and markets are increasingly pricing in the possibility of future rate hikes. Although core inflation appears contained for now, uncertainty surrounding global conflict and energy markets could quickly change the outlook.As financial strain builds, insolvencies continue to rise. Canada recorded more than 13,400 insolvency filings in March, the highest level since 2009, with liabilities growing dramatically year-over-year. For lenders and policymakers alike, this trend serves as an early warning sign of households reaching their financial limits.Yet amid these pressures, there are early signs of stabilization within housing itself.Affordability — when measured by mortgage payments relative to income — has improved meaningfully over the past year, returning closer to ranges seen between 2016 and 2022. Real estate sentiment is also showing signs of life, with outlook indexes improving and detached home prices nationally inching slightly higher month-over-month. Condos continue to soften, but some segments of the market may be approaching firmer footing. Importantly, this is not yet evidence of a bottom — but perhaps the earliest signs that conditions are becoming less challenging than they were just months ago.Meanwhile, Canada's development pipeline tells a very different story.Housing starts unexpectedly surged in April, led almost entirely by purpose-built rental projects, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of all new starts — a record share. Yet this surge comes at a curious moment: population growth has turned negative, rental rates have been declining for years, and many developers are now forced to build projects under rental assumptions far weaker than when those projects were conceived. At the same time, new homeowner-focused developments are slowing dramatically, with ownership housing starts falling to levels not seen since 2009.The pre-sale market paints an even more sobering picture. Across Canada, newly completed but unsold inventory — often called “shadow inventory” — has climbed to record highs. In Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, only three projects totaling 35 units launched in April, with May expected to be even quieter. Historically, spring markets would bring hundreds, if not thousands, of new units to market. Today, developers are increasingly choosing to wait rather than risk launching into uncertain demand.The broader takeaway from this episode is clear: Canada's housing market is no longer being shaped by prices alone. Debt burdens, inflation risks, insolvencies, affordability, shrinking consumer resilience, and constrained future supply are all colliding at once. The question now is whether today's pressures represent the painful reset before stability — or simply the beginning of a much larger economic reckoning._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

This week's Canadian real estate story is no longer just about home prices — it's about financial pressure, shifting behaviour, and whether sophisticated investors are quietly positioning for the next cycle. National home prices are now down more than 25% from peak levels — the largest decline in Canadian history — yet affordability still feels out of reach for many Canadians. Why? Because falling prices alone don't solve weakening finances. This episode explores the growing cracks in Canada's financial foundation. Credit card net loss rates have climbed to their highest level in a decade, consumer insolvencies are approaching levels last seen during the 2009 financial crisis, and British Columbia just recorded its highest number of insolvencies ever for the month of March. Searches for “bankruptcy” have also hit all-time highs, underscoring mounting financial stress across the country. The pressure extends far beyond households. In Vancouver, prominent developer Westbank's Joyce 2 rental tower has entered receivership despite being substantially complete and leasing units. Once considered nearly risk-free, purpose-built rental housing is now showing signs of distress as projects financed during the low-rate era collide with today's much higher borrowing costs and weaker economics. With more than $109 million reportedly owed and financing costs surging, the story highlights just how difficult development has become — even for institutional-quality projects in prime locations. Meanwhile, Canada's labour market is softening. The country lost 18,000 jobs in April, unemployment climbed to 6.9%, and full-time employment is experiencing one of its sharpest declines since the pandemic. Combined with rising debt loads, many Canadians are finding it increasingly difficult to qualify for — or feel comfortable taking on — homeownership. Younger Canadians are adapting accordingly. More adults aged 25 to 39 are living at home than ever before, while homeownership rates among Millennials lag behind previous generations. In cities like Vancouver, the traditional starter home has effectively disappeared, pushing many would-be buyers to rent longer instead. And renting is becoming increasingly attractive. Vancouver is seeing some of the largest rent declines in Canada, with average asking rents trending lower year-over-year. For many, renting now offers greater flexibility and lower monthly costs than buying into an uncertain market. Yet amid the pessimism, one development stands out: Montreal-based Jesta Group has launched a $500 million plan to acquire more than 1,000 condo units in Toronto. Institutional investors rarely buy aggressively when sentiment is strong — they buy when fear is elevated, inventory is high, and developers are under pressure. The move suggests some major players may see today's weakness as tomorrow's opportunity. The big question: are we nearing the beginning of recovery — or simply entering the next phase of Canada's housing reset? _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Canada's housing market is undergoing a profound shift — one that increasingly reflects the broader vulnerabilities developing within the Canadian economy itself. What was once viewed as a seemingly unstoppable engine of national growth is now revealing the risks of a country that has become deeply dependent on real estate activity to drive wealth creation, economic stability, and consumer confidence.Through the first four months of 2026, home sales across the Lower Mainland are down 10% compared to last year, despite 2025 already being the slowest market this century. Prices have now fallen to nearly five-year lows, inventory remains elevated, and foreclosure activity continues climbing at an increasingly concerning pace. Yet beneath the headline market statistics lies a much larger story — one about productivity, capital allocation, wealth inequality, and the growing fragility of Canada's economic model.At the same time, investment into productive sectors such as machinery, equipment, innovation, and business development has steadily weakened. Canadian workers now receive dramatically less capital investment than their American counterparts, while productivity growth continues to stagnate. The result is an economy increasingly reliant on debt expansion and rising asset values rather than true economic output.The consequences of that imbalance are becoming more visible. Wealth inequality continues widening as higher-income households with greater exposure to financial markets benefit from rising stock portfolios, while middle-class Canadians — whose wealth is often concentrated in housing — face softer home values, higher debt burdens, and worsening affordability challenges. The top 20% of Canadians now control nearly two-thirds of the nation's wealth, highlighting a growing divide between those benefiting from capital appreciation and those being left behind.Nowhere is the strain more evident than in the pre-sale housing market. New project launches have collapsed far below historical norms, major towers have largely disappeared from the pipeline, and developers are increasingly unable or unwilling to bring large-scale projects to market amid weak demand, financing pressure, and uncertain economic conditions. Low-rise wood-frame projects and townhomes are among the few developments still attempting to move forward.Outside of real estate, additional warning signs are emerging throughout the broader economy. Business closures are accelerating nationwide, with tens of thousands of companies shutting down in a single month. While new businesses continue to open, the growing instability signals weakening confidence, softer employment conditions, and mounting pressure on both commercial and residential real estate demand moving forward.The broader message is clear: Canada's challenge is no longer simply about home prices. It is about productivity, economic diversification, and whether the country can rebalance itself away from an overreliance on housing-driven growth. Temporary policy measures, buyer incentives, and debt expansion may provide short-term relief, but they do little to address the structural issues beneath the surface. Long-term stability will require faster housing delivery, streamlined development processes, stronger business investment, and a renewed focus on productive economic growth rather than asset inflation alone._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

In a market defined by uncertainty, this episode captures a pivotal moment for Canadian real estate—where economic pressure, policy intervention, and shifting demand are colliding in real time.At the center of the conversation is a clear and somewhat unsettling trend: stress is beginning to surface in the housing system. Mortgage arrears have now risen for three consecutive months, reaching levels not seen in years, while consumer insolvencies in British Columbia have doubled from post-pandemic lows and are now sitting at historic highs. While still modest in absolute terms, the rate of change is what demands attention—signaling that financial strain is building beneath the surface as households face higher borrowing costs and tighter budgets.Layered on top of this is a critical message from the Bank of Canada: stability in interest rates should not be mistaken for relief. The central bank is navigating a narrow path, warning that rates could move in either direction depending on inflation pressures and global economic risks. More importantly, it has acknowledged a fundamental shift—housing is no longer a driver of economic growth, but a drag on it. This marks a significant departure from the narrative that has defined the past decade.The underlying causes extend beyond interest rates alone. Slowing population growth, weakened investor demand, and declining affordability are all converging at once. Nowhere is this more evident than in the oversupply of small, investor-oriented condos in major markets—units that once thrived in a low-rate environment but are now struggling to attract both investors and end users. In response, governments are beginning to step in. The latest Spring Economic Update introduces a series of initiatives aimed at improving housing affordability and supply—from reducing regulatory barriers and expanding mortgage insurance options for multi-unit housing, to accelerating billions in low-cost construction financing. While promising in theory, the effectiveness of these measures remains an open question, particularly as rental markets begin to soften under the weight of record supply.Taken together, the episode paints a picture of a housing market in transition—moving away from the speculative, demand-driven surge of the past decade toward a more constrained, policy-influenced future. For buyers, investors, and developers alike, the message is nuanced but decisive: this is no longer a market that will be shaped by interest rates alone.It is a market being redefined by fundamentals.NEW HOMES COMING TO MARKET:EDWYNhttps://www.lightwellhomes.ca/edwynCOLDICUTThttps://7609coldicutt.com/ _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Has Vancouver real estate finally found its floor or are more declines still ahead? RBC's Assistant Chief Economist Robert Hogue sits down with Adam & Matt this week to break down the latest data from across Canada and zero in on what's really driving the sluggish Vancouver market. From the widening gap between major cities to mortgage renewal stress and a looming supply crunch, this conversation cuts through the noise with clear-eyed analysis. How close is Vancouver actually to turning the corner? Is the Bank of Canada really done cutting rates this cycle? And what does Robert see for the market heading into 2027 and beyond? Don't miss this one!

Canada's housing market is once again at a critical inflection point—where early signs of stabilization are colliding head-on with mounting economic pressure and unprecedented government intervention. In this episode, the spotlight turns to a pivotal question: is the recent uptick in home prices the beginning of a recovery, or simply a temporary pause before deeper challenges emerge?For the first time in 12 months, Vancouver home prices have ticked higher. On the surface, this signals a potential shift in momentum. But beneath that headline lies a far more complex story. Inventory levels remain elevated—sitting nearly 40% above long-term averages—while sales activity continues to trail historical norms. The result is a market that appears to be stabilizing on the surface, yet remains fundamentally imbalanced.At the same time, governments are stepping in with increasing urgency. In what can only be described as a coordinated effort to revive the pre-construction sector, a fourth major stimulus measure has been introduced in as many weeks. The latest initiative—an $8.8 billion infrastructure investment—effectively shifts development costs away from builders and onto taxpayers, reducing upfront costs and potentially lowering new home prices by as much as 20%. Combined with recent tax rebates, these measures could put substantial savings back into buyers' pockets. Yet the broader implication is clear: such aggressive intervention typically signals a market under strain, not one operating from a position of strength.Meanwhile, financial stress is quietly building within the system. Mortgage arrears have climbed to their highest level in nearly a decade, with multiple consecutive months of increases—a trend not seen since the early days of the pandemic. As a record number of mortgages reset in 2026 at higher rates, the risk of further strain is rising. This is already beginning to surface in the form of increasing foreclosure activity, which has accelerated sharply in recent months.Yet despite these headwinds, pockets of resilience remain. Sales activity has shown modest improvement month-over-month, and the sales-to-active listings ratio has edged higher, suggesting that demand, while subdued, has not disappeared entirely. Even broader economic data offers mixed signals, with GDP growth exceeding expectations in early 2026 despite weakening employment trends.Taken together, the current landscape reveals a market caught between opposing forces. On one side, government stimulus, improving affordability, and modest demand are attempting to stabilize conditions. On the other, rising inventory, increasing financial distress, and inflation-driven rate risks continue to weigh heavily on the outlook.The central question now is not whether the market is changing—it clearly is—but in which direction it will ultimately break. Whether this recent price increase marks the beginning of a new cycle or simply a temporary reprieve will depend on how these competing forces resolve in the months ahead.For now, one thing is certain: the next phase of Canada's housing market will be shaped not by a single trend, but by the tension between policy support and economic reality—and that balance has rarely been more uncertain._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

March is behind us and the alarming Vancouver real estate headlines are making the rounds again. Prices are falling, inventory is at record highs & sales volumes have plummeted. And every single one of these headlines is true. But are they entirely accurate? Adam & Matt sit down this week to unpack the top 5 narratives shaping how buyers are approaching Vancouver real estate, digging past the screaming headlines to tell a very different story of this spring market. What is the data actually saying beneath the headline price and inventory numbers? Should buyers be worried that sales volumes are more than 30% below the 10-year average? And with uncertainty dominating the news cycle, is that actually what's driving buyer behaviour in Vancouver? Don't miss this one.

A war in the Middle East is fueling inflation, rattling bond markets, and pushing fixed rates higher at a pace few saw coming. Kyle Green, founder of Green Mortgage Team and one of Canada's top brokers, sits down with Adam & Matt to break down what rising rates and a weakening Canadian job market mean for borrowers, why some homeowners should consider breaking their mortgage early before rates climb further, and whether Vancouver real estate can weather the storm. Are Vancouver homeowners already behind the curve on their mortgage strategy? With inflation rising and jobs softening, which way does the Bank of Canada turn? And in a market full of uncertainty, what does the smartest move look like for Vancouver homeowners, investors, and buyers right now? A timely conversation.

In an environment where uncertainty increasingly shapes economic behavior, the forces influencing Canada's housing market have rarely been more complex—or more consequential. In this episode, attention turns to the global and domestic economic pressures now driving real estate decisions across the country through a conversation with Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group.With more than three decades of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets, Porter has long been a prominent voice in Canadian economic commentary. As author of the widely followed “Talking Points” and co-writer of BMO's flagship publication Focus, his analysis frequently shapes how investors, businesses, and policymakers interpret shifts in the broader economy. The discussion provides insight into the current economic landscape and what it may mean for homeowners, buyers, and investors navigating one of the most uncertain housing environments in recent memory.The conversation begins with the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices above the $90–$100 range in recent trading sessions, raising concerns about a renewed inflationary cycle. Porter examines whether current market conditions are drifting toward the stagflation scenario previously modeled by BMO analysts. Oil shocks historically ripple through inflation, bond yields, and mortgage markets, and the potential implications for both fixed and variable mortgage rates are explored in detail.Attention then turns to what was once described as the “mortgage renewal cliff,” a period that will see the largest volume of mortgages renewing in Canadian history throughout 2026. While Canada's financial system appears structurally resilient, questions remain about the financial health of households themselves. Rising balances on lines of credit and credit cards, combined with a declining savings rate, suggest that many Canadians may already be reallocating income toward higher housing costs and everyday expenses. Porter shares his perspective on household balance sheets and whether these pressures could translate into broader economic risks.Beyond short-term financial strain, the discussion explores a deeper structural issue within the Canadian economy: its heavy reliance on housing and population growth as primary drivers of expansion. As productivity growth lags and demographic momentum begins to slow, questions emerge about the long-term sustainability of housing demand relative to incomes. Porter outlines what genuine economic tailwinds might look like over the next decade—from expanded trade and energy exports to renewed investment in manufacturing and productivity-enhancing sectors—and why those developments could be critical for Canada's long-term growth trajectory.Taken together, the conversation offers a high-level examination of the economic forces shaping Canadian real estate at a pivotal moment. With geopolitical tensions, financial pressures, and structural economic shifts unfolding simultaneously, housing sits squarely at the intersection of global economics and personal financial decision-making.Understanding those forces may ultimately determine whether market participants are reacting to events—or anticipating the next phase of Canada's housing cycle._________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The spring market many buyers and sellers have been waiting for may not be coming - at least not in the way Vancouver has historically thought of it. GVR Chief Economist Andrew Lis sits down with Adam & Matt this week to unpack why 2026 is shaping up to look remarkably like 2025 & why what feels like a slow market today may simply be the new normal. From the near-collapse of investor demand and a historic vacancy rate spike to a shadow inventory of unsold condos, a slowdown in immigration, and a demographic shift decades in the making, Andrew maps the structural forces quietly reshaping this market. How long before inventory gets chewed through and prices stabilize? Has the investment thesis in Vancouver fundamentally broken down? And is the red-hot market this city grew up expecting actually gone for good? This conversation will change how you think of our market!

The Vancouver housing market has always been shaped by powerful forces — interest rates, government policy, global economics, and human psychology. But in early 2026, those forces appear to be colliding all at once, creating one of the most uncertain real estate environments the city has faced in decades.In this episode, we unpack the latest data revealing how dramatically the market has shifted. Sales in February fell another 10% year over year, following the lowest annual sales volumes in a quarter century. At the same time, home prices have now declined for 11 consecutive months — marking the second-longest price downturn in the region's modern history. For homeowners, investors, and prospective buyers alike, the central question is becoming unavoidable: how much further can the market adjust?Part of the answer lies in the broader economic backdrop. The market that once surged during the stimulus-driven boom of 2021 — fueled by ultra-low interest rates and unprecedented liquidity — is now navigating a dramatically different landscape. Today's environment is defined by global conflict, trade tensions, job insecurity, rapid technological disruption from artificial intelligence, and ongoing legal and political developments around land claims. The result is a level of uncertainty that has effectively frozen large segments of the housing market.At the same time, government policy is once again stepping into the spotlight. With transactions slowing and tax revenues under pressure, policymakers are beginning to introduce measures designed to stimulate activity. One of the most notable is the federal government's proposed housing affordability legislation, Bill C-4. If finalized, the measure would eliminate the federal GST on qualifying new homes for first-time buyers, potentially saving purchasers up to $50,000. While supporters argue this could meaningfully improve affordability, critics question whether demand-side incentives will meaningfully address supply shortages or simply inflate prices once again.Mortgage stress is also beginning to appear in the data. Canada's mortgage arrears rate has climbed to a five-and-a-half-year high, while British Columbia's arrears rate has reached its highest level in nearly a decade. Although the numbers remain low historically, the trend is notable — particularly as 2026 represents the largest mortgage renewal year in Canadian history. With millions of borrowers transitioning from ultra-low pandemic-era rates to significantly higher borrowing costs, economists are watching closely to see whether arrears continue to rise.Interest rate expectations remain relatively stable for now. Bond yields have recently moved higher following geopolitical tensions, pushing fixed mortgage rates upward as well. The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold rates steady through most of 2026, leaving borrowers with little - further -  relief in the near term.And yet, not all signals point to collapse. Days on market have recently shortened, suggesting some buyers are beginning to re-enter the market as prices soften. Meanwhile, the sales-to-active listings ratio has moved out of deep buyer-market territory — a reminder that Vancouver's market rarely stays in extreme conditions for long.The coming months will determine whether this downturn becomes the longest in Vancouver's modern housing history — or whether the marke _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Think you know the Vancouver real estate market? In this special all-trivia episode, Adam and Matt go head-to-head on the data defining Metro Vancouver in 2026, and the numbers will genuinely surprise you. From surprising sales trends by property type, to a jaw-dropping 10-year return stat that will make you rethink where wealth has actually been created in this region, to an inventory shift that could signal a turning point, this episode packs real insight into a fast-moving, play-along format whether you are looking to sell, buy, or just follow the market. Which property type is bucking the trend right now? Which market has quietly outperformed everywhere else over the last decade? And what does a dramatic drop in one key segment's inventory mean for buyers and sellers this spring? Don't miss this one!

Puerto Vallarta: Vancouver Real Estate Marketer Caught in Cartel Crossfire Guest: Bob Rennie, founder of Rennie, a Vancouver based real estate marketing firm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Affordability in Vancouver has improved by roughly 37% from its 2023 peak. Monthly mortgage payments on an average home have fallen by about $1,500, dropping from roughly $5,600 to $4,100. That's a material shift, bringing affordability back to early-2022 levels. Historically, when affordability sat here, transaction volumes were meaningfully higher. While payments remain well above pre-pandemic norms, the direction of travel matters—and for buyers watching the market closely, this is the most constructive affordability backdrop in years.But beneath that surface improvement, cracks are forming. Developers—arguably the most forward-looking participants in housing—are pulling back sharply. Land sales, an early indicator of future housing supply, have collapsed well below historical norms. When developers stop buying land, it's rarely about today's headlines; it's a judgment call on whether prices, financing, and demand will justify risk years down the road. The implication is uncomfortable: fewer projects today guarantees tighter supply later, particularly as population growth and confidence eventually normalize.Employment data adds another layer of complexity. Canada's labor market is cooling, but not in the way past downturns looked. Job losses are emerging in traditional sectors, yet unemployment hasn't spiked because the workforce itself is shrinking—driven by retirements and slower population growth. That structural shift matters. Slower labor growth caps wage growth, which in turn limits housing demand over the long run. At the same time, uneven job creation across provinces may quietly redirect housing and rental demand to where employment is strongest.On the rental front, the story is finally turning for tenants. Asking rents have fallen for more than a year and recently hit multi-year lows, with Vancouver among the steepest declines. Yet even here, the rate of decline is slowing—hinting that rental markets may be approaching stabilization.Governments, facing slowing activity, are stepping in with incentives. Programs like Nova Scotia's ultra-low down payment initiative underscore a key theme of the episode: these policies are less a sign of strength than a response to economic fragility. They don't solve affordability at its root; they increase leverage in an already indebted system.Add rising home insurance costs—driven by aging housing stock and extreme weather—and the cost pressures on ownership and rental housing continue to build, even as headline prices soften.The takeaway is clear: today's market is defined by contradictions. Affordability is improving, but demand remains hesitant. Supply is being quietly choked off. Costs are shifting rather than disappearing. And interest rates, once the dominant force, may now be the least volatile variable.This episode isn't about calling a top or a bottom. It's about understanding where the next pressure points are forming—and why the decisions being made today may shape Canada's housing landscape for the next decade. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

January delivered a sobering wake-up call for Greater Vancouver real estate. Sales volumes collapsed 29% year over year—on top of 2025 already being the weakest sales year in a quarter century. That makes this not just a slow start to the year, but one of the most severe demand contractions the market has faced in decades. Against that backdrop, this episode dives into the newly released February data to answer the question on everyone's mind: how close are we to the bottom—and could 2026 actually be worse than 2025?The discussion begins with a critical stabilizing metric: mortgage arrears. Despite mounting pressure elsewhere, Canada's arrears rate remains flat at 0.25%, with just over 12,000 mortgages delinquent out of nearly five million. By global standards, this is extraordinarily low—especially compared to the U.S., where arrears sit more than six times higher. Historically, Canada has never experienced sustained spikes in this metric, suggesting that while prices are falling, systemic mortgage distress has not yet materialized.From there, attention shifts to a growing concern for long-term growth: British Columbia's rising perception as “uninvestable.” Recent legal developments surrounding the Prince Rupert Port Authority underscore a broader risk narrative—projects approved at every level can still face years of legal uncertainty. As foreign capital grows more cautious, the downstream consequences become clear: fewer housing starts, tighter supply down the road, and higher costs borne by everyday Canadians.The episode then tackles a powerful and timely issue—seller psychology. In one of the most competitive markets in over a decade, many sellers are attempting to cut commissions in an effort to preserve net proceeds. The irony is stark. With inventory at multi-year highs, days on market stretching to seven-year peaks, and price cuts routinely reaching $100,000–$150,000, execution matters more than ever. In a 9% sales-to-active ratio environment—the lowest in 13 years—pricing mistakes aren't corrected, they're punished. The takeaway is clear: this is the kind of market where experience, exposure, and strategy matter most.Zooming out, Toronto provides a cautionary parallel. GTA prices are now down 27% from their 2022 peak, sales are at post-financial-crisis lows, and inventory has surged to record January levels. Vancouver's February data shows similar stress. Sales fell to just 1,104 transactions—down 38% month over month and 29% year over year—ranking among the weakest months in two decades. Inventory now sits 38% above long-term averages, while prices continue their steady descent. The benchmark HPI has dropped for ten consecutive months, pulling values back to late-2021 levels.The episode closes with a crucial reminder: housing downturns don't stay contained within housing. Falling prices ripple outward—reducing government revenues, slowing construction, tightening credit, and ultimately weighing on employment and consumer spending. Some price correction is healthy. Prolonged, disorderly declines are not. The risk ahead isn't that the market is adjusting—but that we underestimate how deeply housing is embedded in Canada's entire economic system.This episode offers a clear, data-driven look at where we stand, why the bottom isn't in yet, and why the next phase of this cycle will demand far more discipline. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The Canadian real estate market is currently trapped in a fascinating, if not harrowing, contradiction. On one hand, we are witnessing a 35-year high in completed but unsold inventory, with 19,000 units sitting vacant as of last month—a staggering 52% above the long-term average. On the other, the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) is sounding the alarm on a 27% price surge by 2032. To the casual observer, this looks like a market in collapse; to the seasoned analyst, it looks like a massive supply-side vacuum in the making. The reality is that developers have effectively "penciled down," with virtually zero new projects slated for completion in 2029 or 2030. We are currently gorging on a surplus of "tiny condos" that the modern Canadian family cannot—or will not—occupy, while the pipeline for functional, family-sized housing has run dry.This paralysis is being compounded by a Bank of Canada (BoC) that has opted for a "wait and see" approach, holding rates at 2.25% for the second consecutive meeting. The Governor's pivot toward "uncertainty" suggests that growth concerns are finally outweighing inflation fears. However, this lack of forward guidance is a double-edged sword. When a central bank claims the climate is "too uncertain," it is a tacit admission that they no longer trust their own data models. This caution is reflected in the mortgage market: while 43% of new borrowers are still gambling on variable rates, the smart money is beginning to eye five-year fixed products. With projections suggesting the overnight rate could climb another 100 basis points to 3.25% by 2031, the era of "cheap money" is not coming back, making "locking in" a prudent defensive maneuver for the household balance sheet.The human cost of this economic friction is becoming impossible to ignore. In 2025, Canada saw a record 120,016 people emigrate—the fourth consecutive year of growth in departures. Most alarming is that 54% of those leaving are aged 25 to 49. This is not just a "brain drain"; it is an "equity drain." When your core tax base and household-forming demographic flee for more affordable jurisdictions, it signals a systemic failure in the Canadian dream. This exodus is mirrored by a collapse in homeownership rates across every age group under 75. For the first time in modern history, young Canadians are being forced into long-term tenancy, not by choice, but by a market that has prioritized 500-square-foot investment vehicles over livable family homes.Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, the labor market may be the catalyst for the next shift. With 21% of businesses planning staff cuts—the highest level since 2016—and EI recipients up 16% year-over-year, the pressure on the BoC to cut rates may become irresistible. Yet, retail sales paradoxically hit all-time highs last month, driven by spending on "self-care" items like clothing and jewelry rather than building materials. This suggests a consumer base that has given up on the "big" dreams of renovation and ownership, choosing instead to spend their dwindling disposable income on immediate gratification. We are in a volatile transition period where sentiment is negative, but the underlying data suggests that once today's inventory is absorbed, we will wake up to a market with no new supply to meet the next cycle of demand. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The Canadian real estate landscape in early 2026 has officially entered a period of historic structural decoupling. As we analyze the data from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to Vancouver, the "demise of the pre-sale condo" is no longer a hyperbolic headline—it is a statistical reality. In the GTA, new condo sales have plummeted a staggering 95% from their 2021 peak, reaching a quarterly volume not seen since the third quarter of 1990. This 35-year low has triggered a wave of "capital flight" from traditional development; a record 28 active projects were cancelled in 2025 alone, representing over 7,200 units that will never hit the skyline.This inventory vacuum creates a "supply cliff" that market participants must brace for. While current completions remain high due to the lag in construction cycles—nearly matching the 2024 record—starts have cratered by 88% over the last three years. By 2029, the industry is projecting a "zero-delivery" year for new condos. However, as the pre-sale model falters, a new titan is emerging: purpose-built rentals. Driven by federal tax incentives and a desperate need for stable housing stock, rental starts hit a multi-decade high in 2025. Yet, there is a paradox in the West; Vancouver is simultaneously grappling with a 30-year high vacancy rate of 3.7%, proving that even in a supply-starved nation, price and demand have a ceiling.The macro-economic backdrop further complicates the recovery. Canada's GDP shrank by 0.3% in late 2025, the sharpest non-pandemic decline in nearly a decade. While headline inflation has seen a "ghost" uptick to 2.4%—largely due to year-over-year tax distortions—core inflation is actually cooling. This puts the Bank of Canada in a delicate holding pattern. As they head into the January 28th meeting, the consensus is a rate hold at 2.25%. For investors, the era of "easy gains" through pre-sale appreciation is over; the new game is "gentle density."North Vancouver's recent adoption of Zoning Amendment Bylaw 9137 is the "first-mover" opportunity of 2026. By legalizing multiplexes across nearly 4,900 lots, the city has fired the starting gun for small-scale developers to convert single-family lots into three-to-six unit "AAA" assets.  _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The real estate landscape heading into 2026 may be the most uncertain we've seen in decades. Rising unemployment, declining population growth, global trade tensions, expanding land claims, the risk of renewed rate hikes, falling prices, and record levels of completed but unsold inventory have created a fog over Canadian housing—especially in British Columbia. This episode sets out to unpack the economic forces now shaping the year ahead and offer clear-eyed predictions for what lies ahead in 2026. It's a rare moment where even seasoned market observers admit that forecasting feels unusually difficult. That's precisely why this conversation matters—and why we invite viewers to leave their own predictions, so we can revisit them in a year and see who truly had a crystal ball. National sales slipped 2.7% month-over-month, with 2025 closing down 1.9% overall, while Greater Vancouver posted its weakest sales volume year in 25 years. Active inventory fell for a fourth consecutive month, now sitting 10% below the long-term average and roughly half of what it was in 2015. Prices edged down again, with Canada's HPI falling 4% in 2025 and BC's average home price dropping below $1 million for the first time in years. Provincial dollar volume fell more than 8%, unit sales declined, and affordability remains strained. Overlay this with rising unemployment—now at 6.8%, experiencing the second-largest monthly spike since 2020—and a labor market increasingly concentrated in essential services while private-sector industries contract. Youth unemployment has surged past 13%, underscoring a generation facing diminished economic momentum. Add to that the growing presence of land claims across BC, including new frameworks for “Land Back” initiatives, and the result is a market shadowed by questions around long-term confidence and property rights.At the same time, a global shift in capital allocation is underway. In the United States, equities have overtaken real estate as the dominant driver of household wealth for only the second time since the 1980s. Canada remains more heavily concentrated in property—real estate still represents nearly 42% of household assets—but that imbalance raises important questions about diversification, productivity, and long-term resilience. Against this backdrop, the episode moves into bold 2026 forecasts: Will Canada technically enter a recession? Where will population growth land? How high will unemployment rise before stabilizing? Will inflation remain contained? Where will the Bank of Canada take rates—and what will that mean for fixed and variable mortgages? How far will mortgage arrears climb? What new government policies could reshape the housing landscape? And finally, what does all this mean for sales volumes, inventory, absorption rates, rental prices, luxury transactions, and home values across detached homes, townhomes, and condos? This is a year defined by crosscurrents—economic contraction colliding with structural housing shortages, policy ambition clashing with affordability realities. 2026 may not deliver clarity, but it will deliver consequence. And for those watching closely, it may also deliver opportunity—if you understand the cycle you're standing in. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Vancouver enters 2026 at a rare crossroads. Home prices have slipped to a three-year low, annual sales volumes have fallen to levels not seen in a quarter century, and yet Canadians brought a record number of homes to market in 2025. The disconnect between supply and demand is no longer theoretical—it's visible across prices, borrowing behaviour, and broader economic indicators.Beneath the surface, household balance sheets are doing more of the heavy lifting. While transaction activity remains subdued, borrowing against housing has accelerated. Recent national data shows home equity line of credit (HELOC) balances climbing to nearly $180 billion, the highest level in six years, after a decade-long pullback. Credit itself isn't inherently problematic—many homeowners use it productively to renovate or reinvest—but the concern today is why borrowing is rising while sales slow. When leverage grows to cover higher living costs or to refinance other debt, risk accumulates quietly. The current pattern bears uncomfortable similarities to 2017, when investor-led borrowing rose amid soft resale activity and a wave of new supply.Commercial real estate tells a parallel story of recalibration. Downtown Vancouver office vacancy rose to 12.8% by the end of 2025—the highest level in over twenty years—driven largely by oversupply from recent project deliveries and a continued “flight to quality.” Older Class B and C buildings now sit near 18% vacancy, while top-tier space remains comparatively resilient. Construction has slowed sharply, signalling that the market is adjusting, not collapsing. Even so, Vancouver remains one of Canada's most structurally resilient office markets, with vacancy still below Toronto and Ottawa.Early warning signs are also emerging in household stress metrics. Mortgage arrears in Canada reached a five-year high late last year. British Columbia remains below the national average, but at its highest level in six years. With more than one million mortgages set to renew in 2026—many at higher payments—this pressure is unlikely to ease quickly.A comparison with Toronto underscores Vancouver's uniqueness. GTA sales also fell to a 25-year low, but inventory there has surged to record highs and prices are now down roughly 27% from the 2022 peak. Vancouver's correction has been more measured—but persistent.Locally, December data reinforces the theme. Sales volumes remain well below historical norms, inventory is at a 12-year high for this time of year, and days on market have stretched to levels last seen in 2019. Prices continue to drift lower: the benchmark index is down for the ninth consecutive month, returning values to early-2023 levels, with detached, townhomes, and condos all sharing similar declines.Looking back, 2025 closed with the fewest home sales since 2000—yet also the highest number of listings on record. That imbalance sets the table for 2026: a market with abundant choice for buyers and intensified competition for sellers. What happens next will hinge on confidence—both in household finances and in the broader economic outlook. Next week, we'll outline what this means for sales, supply, and pricing as the year unfolds. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

As we head into 2026, population is no longer just another economic talking point — it has become one of the single most powerful forces reshaping Canadian real estate & the economy. For the first time in modern history, Canada's population is shrinking, and the effects are immediate and profound. Ontario and British Columbia — the country's largest and most expensive markets — are now posting negative annual population growth for the first time ever. After years of record inflows, the pendulum has swung sharply in the opposite direction. Non-permanent residents are leaving in record numbers, permanent residents are quietly exiting the country at near-historic highs, and government targets suggest this outflow may continue for the next two years. The last time Canada experienced a demographic shock, it was driven by rapid population acceleration — and it rewrote housing dynamics overnight. Now we are watching the same type of historic shift, only in reverse, and the consequences are every bit as significant.Those consequences are already showing up in the housing market. Canada is delivering the largest volume of purpose-built rental construction in history at the exact moment demand is softening. Rental inventory is surging, vacancy rates are climbing, incentives are returning, and the national market is clearly moving toward cheaper, more competitive rents. That may temporarily make renting feel like the smarter financial move, but history is unequivocal: the long-term wealth gap between renters and owners remains enormous, and demographic shifts don't change that reality. Nowhere is this more evident than in Toronto, where the condo market has all but stalled — sales have collapsed from record highs to generational lows, new project launches have effectively halted, and completed but unsold units are stacking up at levels never recorded before. It is the clearest example of what happens when the wrong kind of supply finally outruns broad market demand in an economy built on perpetual growth assumptions. Currently, dwellings under construction is running at 500% more than the population growth rate when the historical average is 50%.And yet, the broader economy still sends mixed signals. Mortgage growth has recently ticked up, supported largely by first-time buyers stepping in where investors and move-up purchasers have stepped back. Retail spending shows households remain cautious. Sentiment readings are improving - considerably in the business sector but insolvencies in places like B.C. are quietly hitting new records. At the same time, household net worth is sitting at all-time highs, driven by financial markets that reward those already positioned at the top. 20% of Canadians own 70% of Canadian Assets! Affordability, meanwhile, has “improved” — but only relative to a crisis peak. Even after seven quarters of easing, ownership costs are still near the worst levels Canada has ever seen, and with rates likely holding into 2026, further progress may need to come from unpopular but necessary price declines rather than overall policy relief. In this weeks podcast, we break down this critical demographic turning point — what a shrinking population truly means for housing demand, pricing power, rental markets, developers, mortgage holders, and anyone trying to make a disciplined real estate decision in the year ahead. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

After a year that defied expectations, Vancouver real estate's 2025 reality check reveals uncomfortable truths about market psychology and price compression. Adam & Matt sit down for an end of the year conversation to dissect the deepest volume slowdown in decades, stubborn inventory levels well above historical norms, and a luxury-led price correction reshaping everything below it. From West Side single family homes losing hundreds of thousands to Whistler condos surging 10%, this wide-ranging market review cuts through the noise to reveal which neighborhoods stayed resilient and which crumbled under the pressure. Is 2026 the year buyer confidence finally returns? What's driving the dramatic divergence between Kitsilano and South Burnaby? And with inventory at record highs, are we finally circling bottom or just beginning the descent? Don't miss this one! 

Vancouver home prices have fallen for the 8th consecutive month, hitting their lowest level in 33 months. The December data confirms what many have felt for weeks: the market is cooling faster than most anticipated. Sales are slowing, inventory remains elevated, and both developers and institutional investors are feeling the strain. In this week's report, we break down what's driving this latest leg down — from stalled projects and falling rents to REIT dividend cuts, mortgage renewal pressure, and what to expect from the Bank of Canada next week.Let's start with development. One of Vancouver's biggest stories comes from Landa Global Properties, whose two-tower West End project was approved seven years ago but still hasn't broken ground. Originally slated for 129 market rental units and $75 million in community amenity contributions — about $169,000 per home — the proposal has since been reworked to include 51 social housing units, fewer market rentals, and no Passive House certification, in an effort to make the project financially viable. Despite its prime location, the developer says rising costs, high interest rates, and market softness have made the numbers impossible to pencil. It's a stark example of what's happening city-wide: pro-formas no longer work, lenders are pulling back, and the result will be fewer new homes hitting the market in the years ahead.The arrears rate, however, remains surprisingly stable. At 0.24%, it's unchanged month-over-month — meaning 99.76% of mortgages are still being paid on time. Ontario saw a small uptick to 0.25%, but B.C. held steady at 0.21%. Despite six months into the “renewal wall,” Canadians are holding up better than expected. The real stress test arrives in 2026, when nearly one-third of all mortgages will reset at higher rates. Still, arrears remain 32% below their 30-year average, suggesting that for now, borrowers are managing the pressure.An intriguing shift is showing up in the banking data: for the first time in 35 years, the total number of active mortgages is falling — down nearly 2% year-over-year. Normally that number rises 2–5% annually. Some of the decline may stem from mortgage payoffs during the pandemic's liquidity boom, a slowdown in purchases, and the movement of lending to credit unions (which aren't included in the national data). It's another sign that both buyers and lenders are becoming increasingly cautious.Turning to the data, Toronto's prices are down 25% from the 2022 peak, and Vancouver's aren't far behind. December sales in Greater Vancouver fell 22% month-over-month to 1,844 units — the slowest pace in 25 years — and remain 21% below the 10-year average. Inventory dropped 12% from November but still sits 36% above the decade norm. The sales-to-active ratio fell to 13% (9% for detached, 14% for townhomes, 15% for condos).Prices followed suit. The HPI benchmark slipped another 0.3% to $1,123,700 — down 5.5% from  March's annual high — bringing values back to February 2023 levels. Median and average prices also declined, to $950,000 and $1.24 million respectively. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Vancouver home prices just dropped for the seventh straight month,  and the November stats paint a clear picture: momentum is fading, listings remain high, and the winter slowdown is now colliding with a wave of economic and policy turbulence. In this week's episode, we break down everything from the federal budget fallout to land title uncertainty in B.C., and what all of it means for prices heading into 2026.Let's start with Ottawa. The latest federal budget was pitched as a housing plan, but for many Canadians dreaming of ownership, it landed more like a broken promise. Funding for the Build Canada Homes program was cut nearly in half, the MURB tax incentive was quietly shelved, and the much-hyped “development charge relief” was watered down. Instead, the lion's share of new spending targets rentals and supportive housing — not ownership. Worse, the government has committed to running the largest deficit in Canadian history over the next five years. With Ottawa already paying $55 billion annually just in interest, that figure could easily double if rates stay higher for longer. For context, in the 1990s, when interest payments hit 33% of total revenue, the government faced a full-blown fiscal crisis. Today we're at 10%, but trending up — and if that number hits 20% or more, markets, rating agencies, and mortgage rates will all start reacting. The key takeaway: Canada isn't in crisis yet, but it's walking a thinner line than most realize.Meanwhile, jobs data surprised to the upside, with 67,000 positions added in October — nearly all of them part-time. Private sector hiring picked up for the first time in months, but construction jobs fell again, particularly in B.C., where the slowdown in new builds is clearly visible. In Metro Vancouver, employment dipped 0.3%, and the unemployment rate edged up to 6.3%. Economists now expect the Bank of Canada to hold rates steady into the new year. It's a signal of cautious stability — the economy isn't collapsing, but it's far from thriving.And then there's the land claim shock. A recent B.C. Supreme Court ruling recognized Aboriginal title for the Cowichan Tribes over a section of southeast Richmond — an area including roughly 150 private parcels — and struck down parts of the law that made land titles “indefeasible.” The decision, now on appeal, effectively allows two forms of ownership to co-exist on the same land — something that no lender or insurer can practically underwrite. And finally, the November housing stats. Sales rose 21% month-over-month to 2,257 — the second-strongest month of 2025 — but still sit 14% below last year and 14.5% under the 10-year average. Inventory, at 15,797 active listings, is up 13% year-over-year and sits 36% above the decade norm. The sales-to-active ratio now rests at 14%. Detached homes sit at 11%, townhomes at 19%, and condos at 16%. The HPI benchmark price dropped again, down 0.8% month-over-month and 5.1% from the March peak to $1,132,500 — the lowest level since March 2023.By the end of this episode, you'll understand where prices are heading next, how the budget's deficit math could affect mortgage rates, and why land titles — not just listings — are suddenly the biggest wildcard in B.C. real estate.Foreclosures Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feD5v2ByQQc&t=5s   _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

According to the latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association, national home sales declined by 1.7% month-over-month in September, ending a string of steady gains that began in the spring. Even so, this was still the strongest September for sales since 2021. On a year-over-year basis, transactions were up 5.2%, while both new listings and total active listings fell 0.8%. That left just 4.4 months of inventory available nationwide — the lowest level since January, and below the long-term average of five months.The Home Price Index dropped 0.1% month-over-month and is now down 3.4% year-over-year. Average prices, meanwhile, rose a modest 0.7% compared to last year. Regionally, B.C. and Ontario are the only provinces still showing price declines, while every other province posted gains. Yukon led the pack with a 13.4% annual price increase.But when you adjust for inflation and measure from the February 2022 peak, the story changes dramatically. Real home prices in Canada are now down roughly 29%. In nominal terms, they're down 18%. Hamilton has taken the biggest hit—down about 40% after inflation—followed by the GTA and then Vancouver, which is sitting around a 20% real decline. On the flip side, Greater Moncton and Saskatoon are actually up roughly 19% nominal, or about 8% in real terms, since that same peak.The widening gap between new listings and completed sales continues to point toward more downward pressure on prices ahead. And even though affordability has “improved” from the record-breaking lows of 2024, it remains completely out of reach for most Canadians. In Vancouver, the monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home still eats up about 87% of the median household income — a figure that's almost comically unsustainable.So where does that leave us heading into the final stretch of 2025? Will collapsing affordability finally force the next rate cut — or will the Bank hold the line, freezing the market even further? We break it all down — from record-level mortgage exposure to the cities where prices have quietly crashed 40%.This episode also marks a huge milestone — Episode 300 of The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast. Since launching on June 22nd, 2020, the team has released a new episode every single Saturday without missing a week. Now with over 7,000 subscribers and 70,000+ monthly views, The Vancouver Life remains one of Canada's most consistent and data-driven real estate channels.To celebrate, we're giving away our exclusive Home Seller's Manual — the guide we use to help clients sell for top dollar. It includes prep strategies, curb-appeal tips, organization hacks, and a 100-point checklist showing which areas matter most. To get your copy make sure you watch the episode and comment TOP DOLLAR.We also unpack Vancouver's sweeping new rezoning — a city-initiated move affecting over 4,000 properties across the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor. Projects that meet the new criteria can skip rezoning entirely, shaving up to 12 months off approval times. It's a bold step toward faster housing — but with costs high and demand soft, will developers take advantage?Episode 300 of The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast — available now and join the discussion about where Canada's housing market is heading next. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Canada's housing market is shifting faster than the headlines suggest—and not in one direction. On paper, “affordability” is improving as prices slip and the overnight rate eases to 2.5%, taking ownership costs back toward late-2021 levels. But the market isn't responding like 2021 because confidence has fractured. Job openings fell 4.2% month-over-month, construction vacancies plunged 14.3% in a single month, and there are now more Canadians on EI (~550k) than there are job postings (~460k). That backdrop makes a million-dollar decision a hard sell. Meanwhile, the presale engine that funds future supply is sputtering: the GTA's August logged just 300 new-home sales—down 42% year-over-year and 81% below the 10-year norm—with Vancouver operating at roughly a third of typical activity. Builders are finishing what's already in the ground, but not launching new projects, setting up a delayed-impact shortage later this decade even as today's prices grind lower.Policy is tightening, too. OSFI's 2026 capital rules will stop investors from “re-using” the same rental income to qualify for multiple mortgages and will push more loans into income-producing buckets that carry higher capital charges. Combined-loan products will be treated as defaulted across the bundle if one piece fails. Translation: leverage gets harder for small investors just as institutions—REITs, pensions, private equity—face fewer practical constraints and can buy at scale. The likely result is a further professionalization of the rental market and a harder path to wealth-building via real estate for the middle class. At the same time, the long-standing premium of new-build over resale is wobbling. In the U.S., resale has flipped to price above new for the first time in decades—a signal of builder discounting, smaller product mixes, and the powerful “rate-lock” effect that traps owners in ultra-low mortgages and starves resale supply. Canada is different (shorter mortgage terms), but presale discounts and “more reasonable” launch pricing are appearing here, too.Macro currents aren't providing much lift. Housing starts fell 16.3% month-over-month to a 246k pace, with rentals (≈102k) almost matching all single-family plus condo starts—unsustainable without firmer demand and cheaper capital. BC's single-family permits have collapsed to ~45-year lows, underscoring just how thin end-user appetite is at current price points. Households remain stretched: the debt-service ratio ticked up to 14.4%, near 15-year highs for interest costs, and yet arrears improved modestly and net worth rose with equity markets—an uneasy equilibrium that doesn't restore confidence. On the ground, October stats still read “slow grind”: sales in Greater Vancouver hovered ~20% below the 10-year average, months of supply kept the market balanced, days-on-market rose for a sixth straight month, and the HPI slipped again—down ~4% from March's high and back to early-2023 levels. Add it up and you get a market in reset: prices easing, presales anaemic, credit tighter for small landlords, and starts rolling over. In this episode, we unpack what that means for buyers eyeing value, sellers recalibrating expectations, and policymakers deciding whether to intervene—or let the reset run its course. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Canada's housing market is being battered from every angle, and the cracks are widening into a full-blown crisis. Population growth, the single biggest driver of housing demand, has nearly stalled. Statistics Canada reported Q2 growth of just 47,000 people — a 0.1% increase and the second-slowest pace since 1946, excluding the pandemic. For a country that has leaned heavily on immigration to fuel housing, GDP, and tax revenues, this 80-year low is seismic. Developers who banked on endless inflows are now sitting on record inventories, while Vancouver and Toronto — the markets most dependent on population surges — are already showing demand erosion and softening rents.At the same time, supply battles are intensifying. Century Group's Tsawwassen redevelopment was slashed from 1,433 homes to just 600 after NIMBY pushback, despite meeting planning requirements. In Burnaby, petitions against densification threaten to stall family housing. This kind of resistance highlights how hard it will be for cities to meet ambitious housing targets.Meanwhile, renters are gaining some leverage. Vancouver rents are falling, down 9.3% year-over-year to $2,825, and rental starts have surged to record highs. Landlords are offering concessions, a sharp reversal from the bidding wars of recent years.Toronto, however, is flashing red. Power-of-sale listings — Ontario's faster foreclosure alternative — have exploded 14-fold since 2021, now averaging 140 a month and hitting a record 1,200 active listings. Distressed sales are growing while resale volumes remain stuck near generational lows.National home prices reveal a market split in two. The benchmark fell 20% from the 2022 peak to $686,800, but this correction is almost entirely in Ontario and B.C. Ontario prices are down 26%, B.C. 12% — yet eight of ten provinces hit new record highs this year, with Newfoundland leading.Zooming in, Vancouver's inventory has soared to 18,100 homes — the highest in 12 years — while the benchmark price fell for the fifth straight month. Toronto's market is drowning in inventory, with prices down $312,000 from peak. Together, these metros are dragging national averages while the rest of Canada continues to climb.This isn't just a cooling cycle — it's a structural reckoning. Population growth is slowing, supply is stalling under community resistance, rents are correcting, and distressed sales are rising. The fundamentals that fuelled Canada's boom — immigration, cheap credit, and confidence — are eroding. The fight for affordability and stability is only just beginning. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Fall 2025 represents a critical inflection point for Vancouver real estate after a brutal first half of the year marked by tariff uncertainty and sluggish sales. This week, British Columbia Real Estate Association Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack whether now is the time we climb out of what he calls "the pit of despair" to return to normal activity levels. From analyzing why Metro Vancouver lags behind rebounding markets like Toronto to exploring the complex relationship between potential Bank of Canada rate cuts and sticky bond yields, this conversation examines the forces shaping the critical fall selling season. What role will the 20,000 units of total inventory play in shaping prices over the coming months? Why isn't fading economic uncertainty translating to increased sales volumes like in other regions around the country? And will September rate cuts provide the stimulus needed or is Vancouver's recovery getting pushed into 2026? Don't miss this essential market outlook for fall 2025!

As summer winds down and inventory has crested, the Scalena brothers believe the second half of 2025 could provide an historic buying opportunity in Vancouver. Adam and Matt sit down this week to share 8 strategic buyer tips for capitalizing on current market conditions this fall. From using market history to identify undervalued areas to targeting stale listings and poorly marketed properties, this tactical episode cuts through the noise with actionable strategies. The brothers discuss leveraging new construction standing inventory, negotiating on multiple points beyond price, and how using hot market strategies in soft markets can save buyers substantial money. Will the post-Labour Day market bring the activity shift everyone's anticipating? How can buyers find and capitalize on seller motivation? And why should you learn to love properties with no photos? Don't miss this strategy-packed episode for fall 2025 buyers!

While Vancouver basks in August sunshine, its housing market remains stuck in a long December that developers fear may never end. (And yes, the Counting Crows at the PNE were fantastic.) This week, Townline President Daryl Simpson sits down with Adam & Matt to take stock of this moment & dissect whether Vancouver faces a further reckoning or an early recovery after years of policy whiplash and investor exodus. From government extractions to the collapse of mom-and-pop investing, Daryl argues this downturn feels more challenging than anything in his three-decade career. And yet he sees hope in the new federal leadership and institutional capital eyeing Vancouver as Toronto continues to struggle. What will it take to rebuild investor confidence in Vancouver? Should mom & pop investors be following the lead of institutional capital? And just how long do major development players think we will be riddled with record-high levels of supply? Don't miss this unflinching look at Vancouver's moment of truth. 

The Canadian real estate landscape is undergoing a tectonic shift. This week's episode dives deep into the fast-moving changes reshaping how Canadians think about buying, building, and even owning their homes. From pre-sale condo collapses to landmark legal rulings, the real estate rulebook is being rewritten in real time.Toronto's pre-construction condo market has plunged to its lowest sales levels in over 30 years. With 57 months of unsold inventory (5x the long-term average), developers are frozen. This isn't just a housing problem — it's a credit crisis. When developers can't sell, they can't refinance or start new projects, and that slowdown ripples through the economy, triggering job losses, GDP contraction, and shrinking tax revenues. Already, 22,000 construction jobs have been lost across Canada.One bold proposal gaining traction could dramatically lower the cost of new homes — without cutting a single development charge. It's called the Direct-to-Buyer Development Charge System, where instead of developers burying fees into the final home price (then layering taxes and financing costs), buyers would pay DCs directly to the city at closing. The result? On an $800,000 home, buyers could save up to $68,000. It's a rare win-win: cities keep their funding, developers lower their pricing, and buyers skip tax-on-tax penalties. But to work, all three levels of government would need to cooperate — and that's the biggest hurdle.Perhaps the most profound shift this week? The B.C. Supreme Court's decision to grant Aboriginal title over significant land in Richmond, including areas held under private and Crown ownership. For the first time, fee-simple title — the gold standard of ownership — was ruled “defective and invalid” in part. This ruling has massive implications for property law, title insurance, financing, and long-term investor confidence. An 18-month moratorium has been put in place for negotiation — but the uncertainty could put an even deeper freeze on real estate activity across B.C.From failing condo sales and falling land prices to new ownership models and legal ambiguity — the way Canadians perceive real estate is being reshaped at an unprecedented pace. Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or policy maker, this episode unpacks the trends, risks, and opportunities redefining the market.

Ever wonder why some Vancouver properties sit on the market while similar homes sell quickly? Adam & Matt dive into the latest research revealing the eight critical mistakes that are silently killing real estate deals across Metro Vancouver before buyers even consider making offers. From the surprising factor that trumps price and location in buyer decision-making to how many listings oversell on marketing and then underdeliver, this conversation uncovers which deal-killing mistakes you can fix as a seller and what to avoid as a buyer looking for a smooth exit in the future. Which of these eight factors can you control to maximize your sale price? How can savvy buyers spot these red flags and use them to negotiate better deals or avoid costly mistakes? And what's the real psychology behind why buyers reject properties within seconds of arrival? Don't miss these critical insights that could save or cost you thousands in your next Vancouver real estate transaction.

Canada's Housing Market Is Hitting a Breaking Point — and the August 2025 numbers prove it.Vancouver home prices have slipped to their lowest level in over two years. Toronto prices? Wiped back to 2020 levels — erasing nearly all the gains from the pandemic boom. Inventory is piling up, sales are stagnant, and in some cases, sellers are watching hundreds of thousands in value disappear.Meanwhile, the rental market — long thought to be untouchable — is cracking. Landlords are offering months of free rent to lure tenants, vacancy rates are climbing, and incentive-adjusted rents are falling fast. Investors are quietly exiting, major developers are hitting pause, and Canada's construction pipeline is suddenly at risk.It's not just housing feeling the pinch. Job vacancies have plunged to an 8-year low, the labour market is weakening at a worrying pace, and more Canadians are putting off retirement entirely — not by choice, but because the rising cost of living has left them with little or nothing to save. The “Bank of Mom & Dad” is under strain, debt is rising among older Canadians, and an entire generation is staring down the possibility of working well into their 70s.In this episode, we break down:The August 2025 Vancouver housing stats — including the first-ever July sales increase over June in history.Why Toronto's home prices are in full reversal mode.How the rental market is shifting — and why that could mean less housing built in the years ahead.The growing economic pressures that are reshaping how Canadians live, work, and retire.The rise in foreclosures and what it signals for the months ahead.This isn't just another market update — it's a snapshot of a housing and economic system under pressure from all sides. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, investor, or simply trying to understand where Canada's economy is headed, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.Watch to the end, then let us know in the comments: Do you think this is the start of a slow decline — or a sharper correction waiting to happen? _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

In this week's Vancouver real estate update, we dive into the latest data and indicators painting a complex picture of the market. We start with the Housing Affordability Index, a measure of median household income against mortgage payments, taxes, and utilities. According to this index, Canadian homes have never actually been considered affordable—not once in the last 40 years. The most affordable period came in the late 1990s, when the metric dipped to 34%, just shy of the “ideal” target of 33%. Today, affordability sits at 55%. While that's a meaningful improvement from the record high of 63.5% in Q4 2023, it still remains well above the threshold of sustainable home ownership.Interestingly, Canadian affordability is now at the same level it was in 1990—just before a decade-long improvement in affordability followed. Whether or not that trend repeats remains to be seen. RBC's latest forecast doesn't think so. They project affordability will bottom later this year around 52%, then begin worsening again in 2026.On the inflation front, May CPI came in at 1.7%, unchanged from April. This marks the 18th consecutive month within the Bank of Canada's 1–3% target range. Core inflation registered at 2.9%, the upper end of the band but still acceptable. Mortgage interest costs remain a key driver, adding 0.4% to the CPI. It's important to note that most other countries exclude mortgage interest from their inflation basket. Without it, Canada's inflation would have been closer to 1.3%. Rented accommodations contributed 0.3%, but StatsCan's data appears to lag. While they report rents up 4.3% annually, Rentals.ca shows a 3.3% decline in the last year. Turning to interest rate expectations: markets are only pricing in a 30% chance of a rate cut at the July 30th Bank of Canada meeting. And as of now, there is just one more rate cut expected for the remainder of 2025. That outlook has cooled considerably, given earlier projections of more aggressive easing.Now to the July 2025 housing stats. Total home sales in Greater Vancouver hit 2,186 units in June, down 9.5% from last year and a staggering 26% below the 10-year average. It was the second slowest June on record—worse than the Global Financial Crisis and COVID shutdowns. This follows what was already the slowest May on record. The spring market never materialized, and current indicators suggest a muted summer and fall ahead.New listings reached 6,301 in June, up 10% year-over-year but down 5% from May. Inventory sits at 16,852 active listings, down 1% month-over-month but still 19% higher than a year ago and 44% above the 10-year average. At the time of reporting, inventory has climbed to over 18,200 active listings. The Sales-to-Active-Listings ratio remains at 13%—signaling a balanced market—for the 13th straight month. Detached homes are at 10%, townhomes at 17%, and condos at 14%.Prices continue to slide. The Home Price Index (HPI) dropped for the third straight month in 2025, down 0.3% month-over-month to $1,173,100. That puts prices 2.8% lower than one year ago. The median price stayed flat at $985,000, but remains up $70,000 year-to-date. The average price rose $9,000 to $1,275,000, its highest point in 2025, and up $68,000 YTD.The Vancouver housing market remains stable but sluggish and perhaps increasingly so. Affordability is slowly improving but remains historically poor _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

After months of compounding uncertainty, Vancouver's real estate market has shifted dramatically from early 2025's optimism. But where do we stand currently as we emerge from our Canada Day revelry? It's time for a half-time assessment. Frame Properties partner Clint Murphy sits down with Adam & Matt to deliver an unvarnished mid-year report on Vancouver's market reality. From major players who haven't bought land since 2022 to rental rates crashing from $6 to $4 per square foot, this conversation reveals why new construction has stalled and what it means for Vancouver's housing future. Murphy breaks down the policy pile-on effect hitting during a market downturn while explaining how the entire industry is adapting and warning of supply challenges ahead as the pipeline dries up. What happens when even our most ardent optimists turn pessimistic about Vancouver real estate? How is the industry restructuring to survive? And is this market shift permanent or just another cycle? Don't miss this candid half-time report on Vancouver's real estate reality.

Since the 1980s, Canadian real estate prices have increased 700% faster than wages, and the consequences of that imbalance are starting to surface across the country. In this episode, we unpack a dramatic shift in the housing market that could signal the end of a four-decade bull run. We begin with new data showing that real wages have barely moved in 43 years—up just 24%—while real estate values, even after recent declines, are still up over 160% after inflation. That divergence has fuelled inequality, made homeownership feel unattainable for younger generations, and created what some economists are now calling a return to neo-feudalism—where wealth and housing access are increasingly concentrated among the few.We also explore the Bank of Canada's recent messaging, where the odds of a rate cut in July have fallen to just 25%, with markets now pricing in only one more cut for the rest of 2025. That would leave mortgage rates not far from where they are today, providing little relief for buyers. Meanwhile, the condo pre-sale market is collapsing, especially in Toronto, where there is now over 58 months of inventory—meaning it could take until 2030 to absorb what's already built. As sales disappear, so too do new condo starts, and building permits in April dropped by 14.6% year-over-year, led by a 20.5% decline in multi-family construction, with Vancouver alone accounting for nearly $1 billion of the pullback.On the employment front, Canada's job market is flashing warning signs. The national unemployment rate rose to 7% in May, the highest in nearly a decade outside of the pandemic. Ontario hit 7.9% and Toronto 9%, with youth unemployment hitting a staggering 20.1%—the worst since the 1990s. As hiring stalls and cost pressures mount, many students and recent grads are being locked out of the workforce entirely, casting a long shadow over household formation and future housing demand. This is a leading indicator of broader economic weakness and a key reason why the housing market could be facing deeper structural problems ahead.Finally, while average rents in Canada have now fallen for eight consecutive months year-over-year, they remain 12.6% higher than just three years ago. That's a partial win for tenants, but another blow to investors who are already grappling with declining condo values and stagnant prices. Sales volumes are flat month-over-month and prices remain stable, but beneath the surface, Canada's housing fundamentals are shifting fast.This episode connects the dots between affordability, generational inequality, interest rates, and a rapidly softening condo sector. If you're a buyer, seller, investor, or simply trying to understand where Canadian real estate is headed next—this is the update you can't afford to miss. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The Vancouver real estate market sits at a crossroads, with buyers, developers, and realtors torn between taking action or waiting for conditions to improve. Industry veteran and founder of Tandem Strategies, Sunny Hahm, sits down with Adam & Matt this week to unpack this pivotal moment. From what product types are actually moving to how pricing strategies have evolved, Sunny shares insights from the front lines—highlighting why clear messaging is now more critical than costly marketing campaigns. The conversation dives into townhome success stories, shifting buyer psychology, and the importance of reading sub-market signals rather than relying on broad headlines. Is this fight or flight mentality holding back Vancouver's recovery? What drives better decisions when uncertainty is the only constant? And why might hesitation prove more expensive than taking action in today's market? A must-listen for anyone navigating the current market.

Sales volumes have collapsed across Canada, and Vancouver is no exception. May 2025 saw just 2,228 sales—down 18.5% from an already slow May last year, and a staggering 30.5% below the 10-year average. This marks the slowest May on record in over 20 years, highlighting just how extreme the slowdown has become. In the pre-sale market, the picture is even bleaker. Vancouver saw only 816 new condo sales in the first quarter of 2025, an 84% drop from the 5,250 sold during the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, in the Greater Toronto Area, April 2025 recorded only 310 new home sales, a shocking 72% drop from the same time last year and an astonishing 89% below the 10-year average—this is the worst April on record for new home sales in the GTA.In the resale market, the GTA is facing a flood of new listings, with active inventory reaching 30,964 in May—a 41.5% jump year-over-year and levels not seen since the 1995 housing downturn that led to decades of price stagnation. New listings surged 14% compared to May 2024, totaling 21,819—the second-busiest May on record. However, with sales unable to keep pace, the sales-to-new-listings ratio plummeted to just 28%, firmly in buyers' territory, where prices typically face downward pressure. Interestingly, despite the surge in inventory, prices in Toronto edged up 0.3% month-over-month to $1,012,800, though they remain 4.5% below last year's levels. Whether this is a sign of a bottom or just a temporary pause in the broader correction remains to be seen.Adding to the uncertainty, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate steady at 2.75% for the second consecutive meeting, despite core inflation still hovering above 3% on a three-month annualized basis. This decision reflects concerns about slower growth and sticky inflation, which have been exacerbated by trade tensions and tariffs that threaten to prolong a period of stagflation—where growth slows but prices continue to rise. The high cost of borrowing continues to weigh on buyer sentiment and affordability, contributing to the ongoing collapse in sales.In Vancouver, the market is grappling with both a surge in listings and persistently low sales. New listings in May reached 6,640, 4% higher than May 2024 and 9% above the 10-year average, though slightly down from April 2025's peak. Despite this influx of supply, active inventory soared to 16,535—up 26% from a year ago and a massive 46% above the 10-year average—marking an 11-year high for the month. This has given buyers their most extensive selection since July 2014, yet sales volumes remain extremely low, highlighting a deep disconnect between supply and demand. The sales-to-active ratio sits at a meager 14%, indicating a market leaning towards buyers' territory. While the composite Home Price Index (HPI) dipped $7,000 (0.6%) month-over-month to $1,177,100, the median price surprisingly rose for the fourth consecutive month to $985,000, the highest reading this year—suggesting that while high-priced homes might still be selling, the overall market remains fragile. Sellers, especially those receiving offers, need to treat them seriously in this climate, as buyer hesitancy is at a peak. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

Affordable housing continues to dominate the national conversation—and yet, no level of government seems to have cracked the code. In today's episode of The Vancouver Life, we're taking this issue into our own hands. Following our most-commented video ever, where we introduced a series of bold ideas to bring truly affordable, ownership-based housing to Canadians, we're back with more. Many responded with sharp criticism, valid points, and even better ideas. It inspired us to expand on the original concept, now tentatively called The Dan Plan, and crowdsource even more solutions from our community. With over 10,000 viewers tuning in weekly, if even 1% of you contribute, that's 100 new ideas we can compile into a living document—and present directly to government contacts with the goal of influencing real policy change.The 'Dan Plan' includes removing development cost charges and developer profit margins by having government step in as the builder, offering 0% interest construction loans, and fast-tracking approvals. For buyers, it proposes radical affordability measures: zero down payment, no GST, no property transfer tax, and even no annual property tax for qualifying homes. These changes, if implemented, would reduce the barrier to homeownership by a huge amount—immediately. This isn't about building a few thousand affordable rentals years from now. This is about creating affordable homes people can own and build wealth with today. And while the plan isn't perfect, it's meant to start a conversation—and we want you to be part of it. Share your ideas in the comments, and we'll refine and present the best of them to government officials.In addition to the affordability push, we highlight a rare real estate opportunity happening right now in Surrey. The Belvedere, a just-completed concrete high-rise, is offering homes at 25% below their original list price. Despite showing “sold out” online, approximately 70 units are being released under this promotion, with prices starting at $721 per square foot. Appraisals are reportedly coming in $90,000 higher than the discounted prices, making this one of the most compelling condo deals in the Lower Mainland. Financing is expected to be smoother with these valuations, and we anticipate a swift sell-out. To learn more or get access, visit condoday.ca or reach out to us directly.We also unpack a massive week in Canadian real estate data. Housing starts jumped 30% in April to 279,000 annualized units—the strongest print since June 2023—but nearly all of that growth came from purpose-built rentals. Condo and single-family home starts, by contrast, have fallen to decade lows. This unusual dynamic points to a likely plateau in rent prices and suggests that condo values may face future headwinds due to increased supply and moderating rents.Whether you're passionate about housing affordability, curious about the current market landscape, or just looking for a rare real estate deal, this episode delivers insight and opportunity. And if you believe Canadians deserve affordable homes they can own, now is the time to raise your voice. Drop your ideas in the comments—we're listening, compiling, and taking action. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

For the first time in 2025, Vancouver home prices have declined—and combined with multi-year lows in sales activity, have we finally reached the bottom of this market cycle?In this week's episode, we dive into the May market update for Vancouver, examining why—after four consecutive years of declining home sales—we may be approaching a cyclical turning point. Vancouver just posted its lowest April sales figures since 2019, and for context, this is now the longest recorded slowdown in the GVRD since 2005. But what's fascinating is that some early signs of life are emerging in other major Canadian markets—especially Toronto. TRREB reported a modest 1.8% increase in sales in April, breaking a brutal two-month, 27% drop. Is this a blip, or the beginning of the stabilization phase?We break down affordability and consumer confidence, two key drivers of real estate cycles. With mortgage payments on a typical home now at $2,600—the lowest since May 2022—affordability is quietly improving. And with consumer sentiment indexes showing their first significant jump in over a year, buyer psychology could be shifting. Should the Bank of Canada cut rates in June, as markets are pricing in, it could bring payments back to 2022 levels—when sales volumes were 52% higher.We then turn to Toronto, where the situation is more extreme. GTA sales remain 21% lower year-over-year, with condo sales down a staggering 30%—the lowest sales figures seen in 25 years (excluding COVID lockdowns). Inventory is ballooning, up 51% overall and 83% for condos in the 416. And prices across all asset types have dropped: condos are down 6.8%, detached homes 5.4%. Meanwhile, the rental market is under pressure too. With 16,000 rental listings, GTA rental inventory is at an all-time high. Rents are now 13% below peak levels, and investor demand has fallen off a cliff. But with prices and rates declining faster than rents, even cash flow metrics are beginning to improve—though we're still far from equilibrium.We then circle back to Vancouver. Despite the sales slowdown, condos have shown surprising resilience—both in sales and price. Condo transactions are down just 56% from peak levels (compared to 71% for detached homes) and prices have only slipped 2% from their highs,  outperforming detached and townhouse segments. In fact, when looking at the broader GVRD—excluding downtown Vancouver—condo prices have barely moved.New listings in Vancouver came in slightly below 2024 levels but remain steady, and inventory continues to climb, reaching an 11-year high for April. With buyers still largely on the sidelines, the sales-to-active ratio has held in balanced market territory for 12 straight months—14% overall. The days-on-market average ticked up to 16, and foreclosure activity rose slightly but remains a minor share of total listings.Finally, we close with price movement: The Home Price Index fell by 0.5% this month, the first drop of the year, bringing the average Vancouver home price to $1.184M. The average price dropped by $20,000, and prices are now 1.8% lower than they were a year ago.Whether we've hit the bottom or are simply sliding along it remains to be seen—but the data suggests that a turning point could be on the horizon. Be sure to tune in for our full analysis, charts, and predictions—so you're prepared for what's next in this shifting market. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

When is the right time to buy a home? For many, it's when they feel ready—personally and financially. But even then, timing the market, understanding future price direction, and interpreting shifting economic signals can complicate the decision. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to make a confident, informed choice about buying a home in 2025.First, we examine the all-powerful & predominant force of interest rates. The Bank of Canada held steady in April, but with two more rate cuts expected in June and September, we could see the overnight rate drop to 2.25% by year-end. Variable-rate holders may feel relief by the fall, while fixed rates have remained mostly unchanged—making the 3.99% offers available now historically attractive, even if there's potential for further dips.But rates don't act alone. Sentiment plays a massive role. Despite consumer confidence hitting all-time lows, April brought a slight rebound—too soon to call it a trend. However, business sentiment continues to deteriorate, dragging down the Real Estate Outlook Index at its fastest pace since the 2022 rate shock. Sales volumes remain sluggish, and we don't expect a sharp bounce anytime soon.Real estate moves in cycles, and Vancouver's decades-long climb may be entering a slower phase. We revisit Toronto's 1989 peak, when prices fell 27% over seven years and took 22 years to recover in inflation-adjusted dollars. Could Vancouver follow a similar path after peaking in 2022? If so, prices may not reach those highs again until 2028 or later. Buying today means thinking long-term—and accepting that appreciation might not arrive on your timeline.Meanwhile, first-time buyers are getting older. In Canada, the average is now 33—up from 32 in the early '80s—while in Ontario it's hit 40. Surprisingly, Americans, with cheaper homes but more student debt, wait even longer (age 38 on average). What's driving Canadians to buy sooner? But supply is failing to keep up. March housing starts missed expectations by 14%, and condo construction is in freefall—down 45% from last year. Remove purpose-built rentals, and we're at 15-year lows. Ontario and BC, the provinces with the greatest need, are down 38% and 30% year-over-year. CMHC says we need 3.1 million more homes by 2030. At this rate, that's a pipe dream.On top of that, inventory levels are rising, especially in the pre-sale market. Vancouver could hit 3,500 unsold new condos by year-end—a 60% surge. With investor demand almost vanished (down from 50%, then 25% and now 7%!), developers are cancelling projects, and hundreds of homes won't break ground. Even with record immigration—Toronto just became North America's fastest-growing city—new supply is evaporating.We close with a mini-market update: May sales in Vancouver are trending at a six-year low (outside of COVID lockdowns), while inventory is at an 11-year high. Median prices are up slightly, but average prices are slipping. Could this be the inflection point?So… is now the right time to buy? That depends on your goals, your timeline, and your outlook. This episode delivers the data, trends, and insights to help you decide—with eyes wide open.Are you prepared to buy with the long-term in mind, even if prices don't rise during your ownership? Let's chat about it. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

The votes are in, but what does a Mark Carney-led Liberal minority government actually mean for Vancouver's struggling housing market amid Trump's trade war? UBC Sauder School of Business Associate Professor Tom Davidoff sits down with Adam and Matt to decode the election results and their potential impact on everything from condo values to rental rates across Metro Vancouver.Davidoff reveals why he's cautiously optimistic about certain market segments despite current headwinds from trade uncertainties and identifies specific policy proposals that could stimulate development in ways previous governments failed to achieve. Will Carney's unique background as an economist help navigate both housing challenges and trade war pressures? Could a strategic immigration policy shift be the answer to absorbing unsold inventory in this uncertain climate? And might the current economic conditions actually create the perfect environment for key density reforms while offsetting tariff impacts?Essential listening for anyone wondering what's next for Vancouver real estate as Canada faces both political change and international trade tensions!

Building major housing projects in Canada is a deeply complex and often misunderstood process — one that requires more than just permits and plans. It's about aligning the vision, values, and needs of developers, cities, and the communities they aim to serve. And at the centre of that delicate balance is Gary Pooni, President of Pooni Group, a renowned Urban Planning and Land Development consultancy based in Vancouver. With nearly 30 years of experience, Gary has played a critical role in shaping some of the most significant developments across Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Alberta, and Ontario.In this episode, we sit down with Gary to uncover the nuanced and often unseen world of urban planning in Canada why it seemingly takes an inordinate amount of time to build anything. With over 800 projects successfully guided through all stages of the development process in more than 25 Canadian municipalities, the Pooni Group has become the gold standard in bridging the gap between municipal regulations and private development. Gary shares how his team helps developers navigate the red tape of rezoning, permitting, and compliance — particularly in markets like Vancouver, where the approval process for major projects can take years and often results in a stifled housing supply and elevated prices.We ask Gary to shed light on why this process takes so long, what the biggest systemic bottlenecks are, and what practical solutions might look like. From there, we zoom out to a national lens, exploring the broader challenges that slow the pace of housing construction across Canada — and what must change if we're serious about addressing affordability and supply.But this conversation goes far beyond bureaucracy. We explore the future of Canadian cities and what urbanization might look like by 2050. Gary shares his bold predictions about how technology — particularly AI and robotics — will shape the way we design and build communities. He also discusses how the post-pandemic landscape has fundamentally shifted the office and retail sectors, and how the concept of “experience” is becoming the cornerstone of these spaces.We also dive into demographic shifts — with millennials and downsizing boomers now dictating what types of homes are being built, what features matter most, and how planners need to adapt their strategies to meet evolving lifestyles and expectations.Finally, Gary introduces his brand-new development course — a must for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of real estate development in Canada. Whether you're a new developer, a seasoned investor, or a curious policy enthusiast, this course promises to deliver practical knowledge from one of the most experienced professionals in the field.This episode is a masterclass in how real estate development really works in Canada — from behind-the-scenes negotiations to the visionary thinking needed to build the cities of tomorrow. Don't miss it.Join The Course Here:https://laidleracademy.com/pooni-new-era-course _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation:

What happens when 15,000 active listings meet only 2,000 quarterly sales? Former Urban Analytics co-owner and current Zonda Urban VP Jon Bennest sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal why half of Metro Vancouver's pre-sale inventory could up and vanish from the market in the next two years. Drawing on exclusive market data and 20 years of industry expertise, Jon explains the dramatic implications of the shift from investor-driven to end-user markets where many projects struggle to reach even 30% sold. From standing inventory opportunities to the challenges facing major developments, this insider conversation reveals exactly where the opportunities and pitfalls lie for buyers navigating today's uncertain market. What exactly defines the "Goldilocks Zone" where certain projects are still selling briskly? How many interest rate cuts will finally "bring the market back"? And what counterintuitive investment strategy does Jon favour that contradicts conventional wisdom about chasing hot neighborhoods? Don't miss this essential market intelligence from one of the industry's most respected data analysts.

Trump's shocking 25% tariffs, unprecedented economic uncertainty, and a trade assault on Canada with no clear demands...and we are only mid week. Gulp.Mortgage industry veteran Dustan Woodhouse sits down with Adam & Matt to discuss the immediate challenges reshaping Vancouver's real estate landscape in early 2025. From Warren Buffett calling tariffs "an act of war" to Dustan's surprising reversal on fixed vs. variable mortgages in 2025, this conversation unpacks the hard realities facing our housing market and the larger Canadian economic landscape.Is this the tipping point that transforms Vancouver's real estate landscape for decades to come? Will the traditionally resilient Vancouver market once again defy economic gravity? And with uncertainty becoming the norm rather than the exception, how should sellers, buyers and investors position themselves for what's coming next? Don't miss this timely, insightful conversation!

With the largest US-Canada bond yield spread in 70 years & unprecedented trade threats looming, Moody's Analytics Director and Lead Canadian Economic Forecaster Brendan Lacerda sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack what Trump's tariff threats mean for our market.From Moody's baseline 5% tariff forecast to worst-case scenarios of 25%, Lacerda explores how these economic headwinds and diverging interest rates could reshape Vancouver real estate in 2025.Will the Bank of Canada's projected rate cuts spark market momentum? What do outsized tariffs mean for our local real estate market? And with Canada and US economies heading in opposite directions, what does this rare economic divergence mean for all Canadians? Don't miss this market update!