Housing prices in Vancouver are continuing to decline, albeit slowly, and the property market is becoming very favorable to those looking to buy a property this fall. While the market’s biggest challenge is economic uncertainty, buyers are coming across some bargain deals and fire-sale opportunities.
In its 2025 Fall Housing Market Update Market, Re/Max noted that “54% of Canadians believe this fall is a good time to strike a deal.” Home sales declined year-over-year in 62% of markets analyzed between January 1 and July 31 2025. In the same period the average residential sale price and sales transactions have seen decreases, while listings have increased.
Signs showing why the market is favorable for buyers:
The Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio
The Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio (SAR) is the percentage of available listings that have sold. When the SAR is below 12% for a sustained period, there is downward pressure on home prices, and when it is above 20%, there is upward pressure. This year, the SAR has been dropping continuously.
In September 2025, the SAR was 11.3% for all property types.
In July 2025, the SAR was 13.8% for all property types.
In January 2025, the SAR was 14.1% for all property types.
Comparing the SAR for earlier years:
In January 2021, the SAR was 28.8% for all property types.
In March 2017, the SAR was 47.2% for all property types.
Elevated inventory listings
2025 has seen higher inventory levels this year in the Vancouver market, and the highest levels in a decade. In January 2025, there were 11,494 properties that were listed for sale in the MLS system in Vancouver, which was 33.1% higher when compared to January 2024.
Recent September 2025 figures released by the Greater Vancouver Realtors’ (GVR) website, pegged this figure to 14,932, which was 36.1% higher than the 10 year seasonal average of 12,553.
Year-over-year average prices down
On a year over year basis, Vancouver home prices have decreased over the past 12 months. According to the RE/Max Fall 2025 market update, average sale prices across all property types are expected to decline by about 10%, reflecting buyers’ hesitancy, affordability pressures and a need for sellers to adjust their price expectations.
Between January 1 and July 31, 2024, the average residential sale price in Greater Vancouver was $2,651,000. Between January 1 and July 31, 2025, that price dropped by 6% to $2,483,000.
All of this means that for a well-prepared buyer, there are more choices, potentially more negotiating room, and less competition than in the peak seller’s-market periods. If you are financially ready, aligned with your goals, and flexible on timing and property type, you’re in a stronger position than you would’ve been in a few years ago.
However, you’ll still need to evaluate:
- What property type and area you’re targeting.
- Your financing, affordability and risk tolerance.
- Your long-term horizon (buying now makes more sense if you plan to hold).
- The state of the specific condition of the unit (maintenance, strata issues, etc.).
The market is getting primed for buyers and sellers alike. If you are looking for a stable real estate investment, Contact us and one of our experienced real estate advisors will guide you every step of the way.