Metro Vancouver Real Estate Market Update — January 2026

The Metro Vancouver housing market kicked off January 2026 with some notable shifts compared to last year — including slower sales, more inventory and longer listing times — setting the tone as the market continues to evolve toward what many analysts are calling a “new normal.”

📉 Sales Down, But Inventory Up

In January 2026, residential sales across Metro Vancouver registered 1,107 transactions, a 28.7% decline compared to January 2025 and nearly 31% below the 10-year seasonal average. 

This slower pace of sales comes alongside a rise in overall inventory — with 12,628 active listings on the market, roughly 9.9% higher than last year and far above long-term averages. 

📊 Average Days on Market

One of the market’s most telling trends in January was how long homes are taking to sell — a key signal for buyer leverage and pricing strategy:

• Detached homes: ~61 days on market
• Condos/Apartments: ~49 days
• Townhomes: ~47 days

These figures indicate properties are staying on the market longer than in previous years, reflecting more choice for buyers and the importance of realistic pricing for sellers. 

🏠 Price Trends by Property Type

Across the board, benchmark prices have eased slightly compared to January 2025 — though they remain elevated relative to pre-pandemic levels:

• Detached homes: ~$1,850,800 (down ~7.3% YoY)
• Townhomes: ~$1,043,400 (down ~5.4% YoY)
• Condos: ~$704,600 (down ~5.9% YoY) 

This moderation in pricing reflects a market recalibration where buyers can negotiate more confidently while sellers adjust expectations. 

📉 What This Means for Buyers

With more inventory and longer days on market, buyers are stepping into a balanced to buyer-leaning environmentcompared to the frenzied bidding landscape of previous years. 

Opportunities include:

• More time to compare properties and perform due diligence
• Greater negotiating leverage, particularly on homes that have been listed longer
• Ability to include conditions — such as inspections — that were historically rare in competitive markets

📈 What This Means for Sellers

Sellers can still find success in this market, but it requires strategic planning:

• Price accurately: Align list prices with recent sales and current market conditions.
• Showcase properly: With longer days on market, strong presentation and staging matter more than ever.
• Stay nimble: Respond quickly to buyer feedback and market signals to avoid stagnation.

🔍 Market Outlook

While January figures may feel quieter, they fit within a broader trend of normalization as the market digests rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and seasonal slowdowns. Both buyers and sellers can benefit from understanding days on market, inventory levels, and pricing trends when planning their next move. 

If you’re considering buying, selling, or simply want to know how these trends affect your neighbourhood, reach out — I’d be happy to provide a custom market snapshot for your area.