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Slow sales, high inventory, and softening prices. According to the latest report from Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), January was one of the quietest starts in over two decades.Key highlights from January 2026:
- Total residential sales: 1,107 — down 28.7% from January 2025 and 30.9% below the 10-year seasonal average.
- New listings: 5,157 — down 7.3% year-over-year but 19.4% above the 10-year average.
- Active listings: 12,628 — up 9.9% from last January and 38% above the 10-year average.
- Sales-to-active listings ratio: 9.1% overall (well below 12%, signaling buyer-favorable conditions and downward pressure on prices).
- Detached: 6.7%
- Attached (townhomes): 11.1%
- Apartments: 10.3%
Benchmark prices (via MLS® Home Price Index) continued to ease:
- Composite (all types): $1,101,900 — down 5.7% year-over-year and 1.2% from December 2025.
- Detached homes: $1,850,800 — down 7.3% YoY.
- Apartments: $704,600 — down 5.9% YoY.
- Townhomes: $1,043,400 — down 5.4% YoY.
GVR’s chief economist Andrew Lis notes that while the numbers look alarming in isolation, they reflect a market still adjusting to a “new normal” after low 2025 activity. The forecast? Tepid sales, elevated inventory, and prices likely finishing 2026 relatively flat, though pent-up demand could emerge as economic and political uncertainties settle.
Interesting tip for buyers and sellers in this balanced-to-buyer-leaning market:
Buyers: With more choices and less competition, focus on properties that have lingered on the market (e.g., 30+ days). These often come with motivated sellers open to negotiation on price, closing costs, or repairs — turning high inventory into your leverage for a better deal.
Sellers: Stand out in a crowded field by pricing realistically from day one and investing in staging or minor updates. Homes that are move-in ready and competitively priced tend to sell faster and closer to asking, even in slower times.
TL;DR Summary
Metro Vancouver’s January 2026 market: Sales down ~29% YoY, inventory up significantly, benchmark prices down 5-7% across types. It’s buyer-friendly with flat price outlook for 2026. Tip: Buyers — negotiate on longer-listed homes; Sellers — price sharp and stage well.
Metro Vancouver’s January 2026 market: Sales down ~29% YoY, inventory up significantly, benchmark prices down 5-7% across types. It’s buyer-friendly with flat price outlook for 2026. Tip: Buyers — negotiate on longer-listed homes; Sellers — price sharp and stage well.
Ready to navigate this market? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your options in Metro Vancouver, drop me a line — I’d love to chat and share personalized insights!
Reach out anytime at
@Glamhousing
or through Century 21 In Town Realty.
