Amidst a challenging year for home sales in British Columbia, experts are cautiously optimistic about a potential market rebound in 2026.
Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson from the BC Real Estate Association anticipates a mostly average year for the province overall, with a more gradual recovery in Metro Vancouver. While most regions are showing signs of returning to normal sales levels, Vancouver is expected to lag behind.
Ogmundson forecasts that sales will trend upwards towards a 10-year average by the year’s end, but Vancouver may experience below-average sales performance. The stability of mortgage rates and pent-up demand are expected to drive the market’s resurgence, although sales growth may be limited.
Echoing this sentiment, Brian Yu, chief economist at Central 1, predicts a modest 5 to 10 percent increase in home sales, cautioning that prices are likely to remain steady due to an oversupply of inventory.
The real estate landscape in British Columbia faced a setback in 2025, with a 5 percent drop in home sales across the province, and a 10 percent decline in Metro Vancouver specifically. Ogmundson reflects on this challenging period, highlighting the importance of a cautious yet hopeful outlook for the future.
Local realtor Adil Dinani advises buyers and sellers in 2026 to take advantage of the current market conditions. With an abundance of inventory, buyers have more options and negotiating power, while sellers are urged to align their strategies with market data and seek professional guidance.
Looking ahead, the BCREA envisions a modest recovery this year that could pave the way for increased activity in 2027. However, uncertainties loom on the horizon, underscoring the need for flexibility in forecasting market trends.
Keyphrase: British Columbia real estate market