WelcomeHomeYVR- Real Estate with Katharine Reynolds
Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful winter break and 2026 is starting out well! I’m encouraged by the (slightly) longer days and some brief glimpses of sunshine…I’ve already started mapping out my garden & spring can’t come soon enough! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead and all the best for 2026.
🏘️ Breaking Records… but not in a good way!
Many of you have probably seen the recent headlines about Greater Vancouver real estate in 2025 — and yes, they’re eye-catching. Sales activity last year was the lowest we’ve seen in over two decades. 📉
Total sales for 2025 came in at approximately 23,800, down significantly from 2024, which itself was already considered a very slow year. The most meaningful comparison, though, is against the 10-year average — and this is where the slowdown really shows. Sales in 2025 were roughly 25% below the 10-year average of 31,625 transactions.
That said, it’s important to remember that not all neighbourhoods or property types are experiencing the market the same way. 🏡 Detached homes on Vancouver’s west side have been hit particularly hard, while townhomes and detached homes in North Vancouver have been performing better than the regional average. Despite the slower market, pricing has remained relatively resilient, with average prices across all markets down just 4.5% in 2025. This kind of price easing was much needed and is helping more buyers enter the market — but it’s far from the “crash” many predicted. 💡
Inventory has continued to build. There are currently 12,550 homes listed on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver, which is up nearly 15% compared to December 2024and about 35% above the 10-year seasonal average. More choice is always welcome news for buyers.
With lower interest rates, easing prices, and increased inventory, conditions have steadily improved for buyers. 📊 Royal LePage recently released their 2026 outlook, forecasting a further 3–5% price adjustment, depending on product type and neighbourhood. At the same time, the major banks have shared their rate outlooks, and Scotiabank — which has historically been quite accurate — is predicting rates could begin to rise again in Q3 of 2026. If you’re thinking about buying this year, locking in a rate before summer could be a smart move: you’re protected if rates rise, and you still benefit if they stay the same or come down. ⏳
Real estate is heavily influenced by psychology. When the market is hot, buyers rush in — but that often comes with stress, fierce competition, limited inventory, and sellers holding all the leverage. In slower markets like this one, many people hesitate, worried about buying before the “bottom,” and without the FOMO pushing them forward. Logically, though, this is when buying conditions are most favourable. 💪
If history is any guide, I truly believe people will look back at 2026 as a year of opportunity. Housing starts are slowing, there’s a strong focus on rental construction, and inventory levels are expected to tighten as we move forward — all of which will impact the market. There’s also ongoing discussion about potentially lifting the foreign buyer ban in 2027(not the tax), which would further influence demand.
As always, I’m happy to chat about what all of this means for your specific neighbourhood and property type. Understanding the numbers is key to making confident decisions in this market, and I’d love to help. 🤝
📞 Get in touch anytime: 604-831-3616
📧 Email: kr@welcomehomeyvr.com
Bank Of Canada Rate Cut Update 📊
As expected, the Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady at the final rate announcement of the year on
December 9, 2025. Looking ahead, I’ve been reviewing the Big Banks’ rate forecasts for 2026, and it’s interesting to note that some are predicting a potential rate increase as early as Q3. 📈
That said, there are many economic factors that could influence this outlook, so I’ll be keeping a close eye on things and sharing updates as they happen. 👀
For anyone hoping we’ll see interest rates return to the ultra-low levels of
2020, it’s unfortunately not looking like that’s in the cards right now. 💭
If you’d like to chat about what today’s rate environment means for your buying or selling plans, I’m always happy to help. 🏡💬
Staging and Design Consultations
🏡 It’s never been more important to present your home well!Right now, many areas are firmly in a buyer’s market, and with plentiful inventory, buyers have more choices than ever. That means first impressions are everything — if a potential buyer doesn’t feel a connection the moment they walk in, they’re likely to move on to the next property. 👀This is where I can help. With my extensive background in design, I can assist with staging, decluttering, and highlighting your home’s best features so it feels warm, inviting, and memorable. ✨The great news? This service is included free of charge for all my clients! It’s just one of the ways I help sellers stand out in a competitive market and get the best possible results.
Referral Offer
I’d love the opportunity to work with people just like you!If you have friends, family, or coworkers thinking about buying or selling, I’d be so grateful for your referral. 🤝As a thank-you, if your referral results in a completed sale I’ll send you a $500 gift card of your choice.It’s easy to refer: 📞 Call me directlyor Send a group text to 604-831-3616 — just include a brief intro of who you’re referring and what they’re looking for.I truly appreciate all the referrals I’ve received so far — they mean so much! 💖
Wishing you a wonderful 2026!
Feel free to contact me, I’d love to help you find your new home!
Katharine Reynolds
604-831-3616
kr@welcomehomeyvr.com
Copyright (C) 2026 welcomehomeyvr. All rights reserved.
Copyright (C) 2026 welcomehomeyvr. All rights reserved.
My mailing address is: Oakwyn Realty
101-3151 Woodbine DriveNorth Vancouver BCV7R2S4P.
604-831-3616
F. 604-620-7970
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