• May brought longer days and renewed interest from households considering a move. The market remains balanced, with buyers taking a thoughtful approach and benefiting from more choice.

• Residential sales totalled 2,150 homes, down 3.5% compared to May 2025 and 26.6% below the 10-year seasonal average.

• New listings reached 6,115 properties, a 7.6% decrease from last year but still slightly above the 10-year seasonal average, providing buyers with a healthy selection of homes to consider.

• The overall sales-to-active listings ratio was 13.1%, indicating balanced market conditions. By property type:

  • Detached homes: 10.7%

  • Attached homes: 15.4%

  • Apartments: 14.2%

• Historically, a sales-to-active listings ratio below 12% for a sustained period can place downward pressure on prices, while a ratio above 20% can lead to upward pressure.

Detached Homes

• Sales increased slightly, with 660 homes sold, up 0.9% compared to May 2025.

• The benchmark price was $1,847,900, down 6.9% year-over-year but up 0.4% from April, suggesting some short-term price stability.

Apartments

• Apartment sales reached 1,009 homes, down 7.2% from last year.

• The benchmark price was $697,800, down 7.9% year-over-year and 0.7% compared to April, showing continued softness in this segment.

Attached Homes (Townhomes)

• Sales totalled 463 homes, a 1.3% decrease compared to May 2025.

• The benchmark price was $1,048,200, down 5.1% year-over-year but up 0.5% from April.

What this means for buyers and sellers

• Buyers continue to have more options and time to make informed decisions.

• Sellers who price appropriately and present their homes well are seeing stronger engagement.

• Market conditions continue to vary by property type, location, and price point, making local market knowledge more important than ever.

If you live in Vancouver and you are interested in the value of your home in this market, call or text us at 604-805-6820.

One of the most common conversations I have with buyers isn't about finishes or paint colours—it's about how a home will work over time.Will you still be happy here if you're working from home more often? What happens if family comes to stay for longer visits? Do you need a third bedroom now, or would a den do the job?For many buyers, flexible space has become an important part of the decision-making process. Not because everyone needs more square footage, but because most people want a home that can adapt as life changes.

Why Flex Space Matters

A well-designed den, bonus room, or spare bedroom can serve many purposes over the life of a home:

• Home office

• Nursery

• Guest room

• Hobby or fitness space

• Room for an aging parent

• Storage for seasonal gear and growing families

The value isn't necessarily in the room itself—it's in having options.

Particularly in Vancouver and other urban markets where buyers often balance budget, location, and size, flexible layouts can sometimes offer more practical value than a larger home with less adaptable space.

Does a Den Work for Your Needs?

The label on the floor plan matters less than how the space functions. A den can work well if it offers:

• Privacy, ideally with a door

• Enough room for a desk or daybed

• Good natural light

• A location that's separated from the busiest areas of the home

For many households, that's more than enough. A dedicated bedroom becomes more important when you regularly host overnight guests, need space for children, have a roommate, or are planning for multi-generational living. The question isn't whether it's called a den or a bedroom. The question is whether it can realistically serve the purpose you need.

For Sellers: Show the Possibilities

Flex space is easiest for buyers to understand when it has a clear purpose.

A few simple ideas:

• Stage it as a home office or guest room

• Show how a desk and storage fit comfortably

• Highlight multiple potential uses

• Keep clutter to a minimum

Buyers often struggle to visualize space. Helping them see how a room could work can make a home feel more functional and appealing.

Looking Ahead

One of the best questions buyers can ask themselves is: 

"Will this home still work for me three to five years from now?"

Nobody can predict every life change, but choosing a home with some flexibility can help reduce the need for another move sooner than expected. The homes that tend to age best for their owners aren't always the largest. They're often the ones that can adapt as needs change.

Final Thought

Flex space has become one of the most valuable features buyers look for today. Whether it's a den, spare bedroom, finished basement, or bonus room, the goal isn't simply having more space—it's having a home that can evolve with you. Before focusing on the number of rooms, think about how you'll actually live in the home. Often, the most valuable square footage is the space that can do more than one job.

April brought a noticeable spring energy to Metro Vancouver, with more listings coming to market and buyers actively looking — but overall sales are still moving at a measured pace.

A few key points:

• Sales were relatively flat compared to last April, with 2,110 homes sold — down 2.5% from April 2025.

• Sales are still well below typical April levels, sitting 22.9% below the 10-year seasonal average.

• Detached homes are showing more strength, with sales up 14% compared to April last year.

• Apartments are softer, with sales down 10.7% year-over-year.

• Townhomes were fairly steady, down just 2% from April 2025.

• More choice remains available for buyers, with new listings sitting 15.5% above the 10-year seasonal average.

• The overall sales-to-active listings ratio is 13.5%, which points to a balanced-to-softer market overall.

• Detached homes are closest to buyer’s market territory, with a sales-to-active listings ratio of 11.3%.

• Prices are down year-over-year across all property types, with detached homes down 8.3%, apartments down 7.9%, and townhomes down 5.1%.

• Well-priced homes are still getting attention, but buyers are being selective and properties that miss the mark are taking longer to gain traction.

Bottom Line

Metro Vancouver’s spring market is active, but not overheated. Buyers have more choice and more breathing room, while sellers need to be thoughtful about pricing, presentation, and strategy. In this market, the right plan matters.

Don’t have a plan? I have some ideas!

In spring, outdoor space starts to carry more weight. A sunny balcony, a bit of privacy on a patio, or a yard that’s easy to enjoy can really shift how a home feels—especially when buyers are seeing a few places back-to-back.

It’s not just about size, though. It’s about whether the space actually works for everyday life.

Buyers tend to notice:

• How much sun it gets

• Whether it feels private

• If there’s space for a table, a BBQ, or a few planters

• How it connects to the inside of the home

• Storage (especially in condos)

• How much upkeep it might need

For sellers: help buyers picture themselves using it

• Set the scene
  Even a small setup—bistro table, a couple of chairs, a few plants—goes a long way.

• Keep it simple and clean
  Sweep it, tidy it, trim anything overgrown. Clutter outside reads the same as clutter inside.

• Create a sense of privacy
  Planters or greenery can soften the space and make it feel more comfortable.

• Show storage clearly
  If there’s a locker or balcony storage, make it easy to see and understand.

• Give it proper attention in photos
  Good light, clean lines, and one strong outdoor photo early on makes a difference.

For buyers: think about how you’ll actually use it

• Can you comfortably sit out there with a coffee or a meal?

• Will a BBQ work (and is it allowed)?

• What’s the sun like morning vs. afternoon?

• Does it feel exposed or fairly private?

• Any signs of drainage or maintenance issues?

• If it’s a strata, do the bylaws match how you want to use the space?

Outdoor space doesn’t have to be big to be valuable. The ones that stand out are the ones that feel easy, comfortable, and part of your daily routine.

For sellers, it’s about making that story clear and presenting it at its best no matter the season. For buyers, it’s about making sure it holds up beyond a nice spring showing.

• March is where we typically see things pick up for spring, but this year it’s been more gradual

• Buyers are out, but they’re taking their time and being selective

• Sales are slightly down year-over-year
  → 2,032 sales, down 2.8% from March last year
  → Still sitting well below the 10-year average

• New listings actually pulled back
  → Down 10.3% compared to last year
  → A bit of a shift, as we usually see more inventory building this time of year

• Overall, we’re in balanced market territory
  → Sales-to-active listings ratio at 14.2%

• Detached homes are starting to show some movement
  → Sales up 8.3% year-over-year
  → Fewer listings, which is helping that segment

• Apartments are still quieter
  → Sales down 7.8%
  → Prices also down compared to last year

• Townhomes are somewhere in between
  → Slight dip in sales
  → Prices holding fairly steady month-to-month

• Year-over-year prices are still down across the board
  → Detached: down 8.2%
  → Apartments: down 7.8%
  → Townhomes: down 5.7%

• Month-to-month tells a calmer story
  → Detached: up 1%
  → Townhomes: up 0.1%
  → Apartments: down 0.2%

• Market conditions really depend on property type right now
  → Detached: softer at 11% ratio
  → Attached: more balanced at 17.2%
  → Apartments: sitting around 15.7%

• What I’m seeing overall
  → The market isn’t moving as one — it’s splitting by segment
  → Detached may be waking up a bit
  → Multifamily is still taking longer to find its footing

• The takeaway
  → This is a very strategy-driven market
  → Pricing, presentation, and timing matter more than ever
  → Broad stats only tell part of the story — each property is its own micro-market

If you’re thinking about buying or selling this spring, it’s worth having a more tailored conversation based on your specific situation.

Bridget 604-805-6820

Spring brings momentum—and a common question: should you renovate before listing, or sell as-is?

In 2026, buyers are more thoughtful and quick to factor in uncertainty. That doesn’t mean you need a full renovation. It means focusing on the right level of preparation.

The goal: reduce friction, not chase perfection

Before spending money, ask:

• Will this broaden the buyer pool?

• Will it improve the first impression?

• Will it reduce “what else is hiding?” concerns?

If yes, it’s worth considering. If it’s mainly personal taste, it may not move the result.

Quick wins (usually worth it)

Simple updates that improve how your home shows:

• Fresh paint and minor patching

• Brighter, consistent lighting

• Fix small repairs (doors, taps, trim, caulking)

• Deep clean and declutter

• Create a functional, welcoming entry

These help buyers feel confident without needing to imagine potential.

Money pits (usually avoid before listing)

High-cost projects that don’t always pay back:

• Full kitchen or bathroom renovations

• Major layout changes

• Large exterior projects without clear timelines

• Highly personalized design choices

If you’re spending at this level, it should be for your own use—not just resale.

What buyers are paying for right now

• Move-in readiness (not perfection, just less work)

• Clear documentation and maintenance history

• Functional layouts that support daily life

The common thread is simplicity—homes that feel easy to understand.

What this means across B.C.

While each market is a bit different, the pattern is consistent:

• Metro Vancouver: presentation and condition matter more

• Sea to Sky: function and durability stand out

• Okanagan: outdoor space and usability carry weight

• Sunshine Coast: maintenance history and predictability matter

Across the board, thoughtful preparation tends to outperform major renovations.

The takeaway

In this market, clarity wins.

For most sellers, the best approach is:

• A targeted refresh

• Strong presentation

• Clear, upfront information

Not sure which direction makes the most sense for your home?
Reach out—happy to walk through it with you and help you decide what’s actually worth doing.

604-805-6820

February continues to reflect a quieter market, with activity still sitting below typical levels for this time of year. That said, this period often sets the tone for spring, and we’re starting to see early signs of that shift.

What we’re seeing overall

• The market is still in a slower, winter pattern

• Buyers are active, but moving thoughtfully and without urgency

• Some sellers are preparing for spring, though many are holding off

• This kind of market tends to bring more clarity around pricing and expectations

Sales activity

• 1,648 homes sold in February

• Down 9.8% compared to last year

• Sitting 28.7% below the 10-year seasonal average

• The slower pace of sales is becoming more consistent month to month

Listing activity

• 4,734 new listings added in February

• Down 6.4% from last year

• Still slightly above the 10-year average

• Fewer new listings are coming from the apartment segment in particular

Supply and demand

• Overall sales-to-active listings ratio: 12.6%

• Detached homes: 9% (more buyer-favoured conditions)

• Townhomes: 16.6%

• Apartments: 14.1%

• Markets tend to see downward price pressure below 12%, and upward pressure above 20%

Prices by property type

• Detached: $1,835,900

  • Down 8.8% year-over-year

  • Down 0.8% compared to January

• Apartments: $708,200

  • Down 6.8% year-over-year

  • Up 0.5% month-over-month

• Townhomes: $1,046,100

  • Down 5.6% year-over-year

  • Up 0.3% month-over-month

What stands out right now

• Sellers are being more cautious about listing

• Buyers have time, options, and room to negotiate

• Pricing accurately is key — especially in this kind of market

• This window can create opportunities for both sides with the right strategy

As we move toward spring, this is the kind of market where a clear plan makes all the difference. Whether you’re thinking about selling or just starting to look, timing, pricing, and preparation are all playing a bigger role than usual right now. If you’re curious how this market applies to your specific situation, I’m always happy to talk it through and help you map out next steps in a way that feels comfortable and informed.

Spring brings more listings, more showings, and more opinions.
The best results happen before the rush.

Think of this as spring cleaning for your real estate plan: remove friction, simplify decisions, and make it easy for the right buyer — or the right home — to find you.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about signal.

For Sellers: Focus on What Moves the Needle

• Edit, don’t just tidy. Remove about a third of what’s visible. Buyers read space instantly.

• Clean for light. Wash windows, swap dim bulbs, clear surfaces. Bright homes feel better — and photograph better.

• Fix the small stuff. Loose handles, drips, scuffs, tired caulking. Minor flaws create major doubt.

• Strengthen the entry. Clean, well-lit, simple. First impressions anchor everything.

• Create a “Trust Pack.” One-page summary of upgrades, maintenance, utilities — and for condos, key strata highlights. Clarity builds confidence.

Prepared sellers attract stronger, cleaner offers.

For Buyers: Get Ready Without Rushing

• Tighten your search. Define location, budget band, property type, and top three must-haves.

• Line up logistics early. Financing refreshed. Deposit plan clear. Notary or lawyer identified.

• Walk neighbourhoods at real-life times. Morning, after school, early evening. Trust your instincts.

• Use a simple scorecard. Layout. Light. Noise. Storage. Condition. Everyday access.

• Move decisively when it fits. Preparation beats waiting for perfect.

Prepared buyers avoid emotional decisions.

Spring rewards clarity.
Do the quiet work now — the results tend to follow.

One of the first questions people ask me is: “Should we buy a condo, or should we try for a house?”

In Vancouver, that sounds like a simple choice — but most of the time, it isn’t. Price, neighbourhood, and comfort level usually narrow things down before preference even enters the conversation.

So instead of asking “Which one is better?” the better question is:
“What are the real trade-offs — and which one fits our life right now?”

First, Let’s Be Honest About Vancouver

In this city, strata properties (condos and townhomes) are often the entry point. Detached homes come with a very different price tag — especially on the West Side or in established East Vancouver neighbourhoods.

That doesn’t mean one is better. It just means the decision has to be practical.

For some buyers, stretching into a detached home makes sense. For others, buying a well-run condo in a great location builds stronger long-term stability. Context matters.

Why Many Buyers Choose Strata

Strata living appeals to people who value convenience.

In neighbourhoods like Yaletown, Mount Pleasant, Brentwood, or Metrotown, you can walk to groceries, transit, cafés, and parks. Maintenance is shared. Roofs, landscaping, and exterior repairs aren’t your weekend responsibility.

For busy professionals, frequent travellers, or downsizers, that “lock-and-leave” lifestyle is a big advantage.

But there are trade-offs:

• Monthly strata fees

• Bylaws and shared decision-making

• The need to review documents carefully

In Vancouver especially, the quality of strata management makes a huge difference. A well-run building feels predictable. A poorly managed one feels stressful.

Why Buyers Stretch for Detached

Detached homes offer autonomy.

You can renovate without asking for approval. You have private outdoor space. There’s often room for a home office, guests, or even a suite for rental or family.

In a supply-constrained city like Vancouver, land ownership also carries long-term appeal.

But the trade-off is responsibility. Roofs, plumbing, drainage, landscaping — it’s all yours. Costs are less predictable, and maintenance takes time.

For some people, that control feels empowering. For others, it feels overwhelming.

What I’m Seeing in 2026

This year, buyers are less emotional and more strategic.

Hybrid work still matters. People want:

• Quiet workspaces

• Flexible layouts

• Homes that can adapt over time

Multi-generational living is also more common. Whether it’s parents, adult kids, or shared ownership planning, flexibility is becoming more valuable than raw square footage.

The biggest shift?
People are thinking 5–10 years ahead instead of just asking, “Can we get in?”

So… Which One Is Right?

There isn’t a universal answer.

The right decision depends on:

• Your comfort with monthly carrying costs

• How much time you want to spend on maintenance

• Whether flexibility or convenience matters more

• Your 5-year and 10-year plan

A condo in the right building can be a fantastic long-term decision.
A detached home can be the right move — if it aligns with your financial and lifestyle capacity.

The key is clarity before commitment.

Let’s Build a Plan Around You

If you’re debating strata versus single-family in Vancouver, I’d encourage you not to make the decision in isolation.

Every situation is different — income structure, long-term goals, neighbourhood priorities, family plans, risk tolerance.

If you’d like, we can map out a personalized comparison:

• What each option would realistically cost you to carry

• What’s currently available in your target neighbourhoods

• How each path supports (or limits) your longer-term plans

No pressure — just clarity.

If that would be helpful, reach out and let’s put together a strategy that actually fits your life, not just the market headlines.

Metro Vancouver January Market Highlights

January in Metro Vancouver marks the beginning of a new real estate year, shaped by winter routines and a more deliberate pace across the market. Shorter days, cooler temperatures, and a post-holiday reset naturally temper activity, as households take time to assess priorities and plan for the months ahead. While transactions typically start the year at a slower rhythm, January plays an important role in setting expectations, establishing pricing benchmarks, and laying the groundwork for spring momentum. Last year’s market trends continued in January as home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* were 28.5 per cent lower than last year, setting the year off to a quieter start.

“On their own, the January sales appear alarming, but it’s important to put these figures in the context of the past few years. Last year ended with one of the lowest sales totals in over two decades, and so it’s not surprising that the January sales figures were fourth slowest in over two decades as well. Market momentum is a slowly evolving force, and in many ways, the January figures represent a market that continues slowly evolving to what may be a new normal,” said Andrew Lis, Greater Vancouver REALTORS’ director of economics and data analytics.

Residential Sales

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,107 in January 2026, a 28.7 per cent decrease from the 1,552 sales recorded in January 2025. This was 30.9 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,602).

Inventory + Home Price Data Analysis

There were 5,157 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in January 2026. This represents a 7.3 per cent decrease compared to the 5,566 properties listed in January 2025. This was 19.4 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,318).

Metro Vancouver Home Sales by Property Type

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2026 is 9.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 6.7 per cent for detached homes, 11.1 per cent for attached, and 10.3 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

Detached Homes

Sales of detached homes in January 2026 reached 300, a 21.1 per cent decrease from the 380 detached sales recorded in January 2025. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,850,800. This represents a 7.3 per cent decrease from January 2025 and a 1.5 per cent decrease compared to December 2025.

Apartments

Sales of apartment homes reached 554 in January 2026, a 34.5 per cent decrease compared to the 846 sales in January 2025. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $704,600. This represents a 5.9 per cent decrease from January 2025 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to December 2025.

Attached Homes

Attached home sales in January 2026 totalled 246, a 23.4 per cent decrease compared to the 321 sales in January 2025. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,043,400. This represents a 5.4 per cent decrease from January 2025 and a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2025.

The Stilhavn Report

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home or investment property in the coming months, or just curious about what’s happening in your neighbourhood, The Stilhavn Report has you covered. Providing in-depth market information and monthly summaries of what’s happening in Metro Vancouver and the Okanagan, these monthly reports are the perfect starting point for first time buyers and market savvy investors alike.

December in Metro Vancouver brings the real estate year to a close under the familiar rhythms of winter. Shorter days, colder weather, and the holiday season naturally slow market activity, as many households pause to reflect and plan ahead. While the pace of transactions eases, the market continues to offer clarity for those assessing opportunities and positioning for the new year. Current market conditions are giving buyers and sellers space to pause, assess, and prepare as 2026 approaches.

Home sales registered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) throughout 2025 in Metro Vancouver* closed the year down 10 per cent, marking the lowest annual sales total in more than two decades. “This year was one for the history books. Although the sales total was the lowest in over two decades, Realtors were still busy listing properties. Sellers brought the highest total of listings to market on record since the mid-1990s, eclipsing the previous record high in 2008 by a little over 1,000 listings,” said Andrew Lis, Greater Vancouver REALTORS’ director of economics and data analytics.

Residential Sales

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,537 in December 2025, a 12.9 per cent decrease from the 1,765 sales recorded in December 2024. This was 20.7 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,937).

Inventory + Home Price Data Analysis

There were 1,849 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver in December 2025. This represents a 10.3 per cent increase compared to the 1,676 properties listed in December 2024. This was 10.3 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (1,677).

Metro Vancouver Home Sales by Property Type

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for December 2025 is 12.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.3 per cent for detached homes, 14.6 per cent for attached, and 15.1 per cent for apartments.

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

Detached Homes

Sales of detached homes in December 2025 reached 431, a 12.8 per cent decrease from the 494 detached sales recorded in December 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,879,800. This represents a 5.3 per cent decrease from December 2024 and a 1.1 per cent decrease compared to November 2025.

Apartments

Sales of apartment homes reached 791 in December 2025, a 11.2 per cent decrease compared to the 891 sales in December 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $710,000. This represents a 5.3 per cent decrease from December 2024 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to November 2025.

Attached Homes

Attached home sales in December 2025 totalled 303, an 18.3 per cent decrease compared to the 371 sales in December 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,056,600. This represents a five per cent decrease from December 2024 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to November 2025.

When it comes to real estate sales in BC, the month of December is typically quieter—but not idle. Across the province, many sellers are choosing to wait until January to hit the market, and many buyers are pausing active searches until after the holidays. For savvy buyers and sellers, that slower pace doesn’t mean “do nothing”; it means you have room to prepare properly. This month is an opportunity to get the unglamorous (but crucial) work done so that when the first week of January arrives, you’re not starting from scratch—you’re ready to move.

Below is a plain language look at how to use December well, with regional highlights for Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan, Sea to Sky (Whistler/Pemberton), and the Sunshine Coast.

What December usually looks like in BC

Across most markets, December typically brings:
• Fewer new listings, as sellers wait for January visibility.
• More focused buyers, as only serious house-hunters stay active over the holidays.
• More flexible schedules for the professionals you rely on—photographers, stagers, inspectors, and lawyers—especially outside peak holiday days.
That combination creates a window to plan, prep, and position—so your listing or your next offer is sharper when the calendar flips.

Regional snapshots: planning from now to early January

Metro Vancouver
December is a good time to get specific about where you want to be in January.

• Sellers: Work with your agent to tighten your pricing band using true comparables in your building, block, or school catchment. Decide on a clear January launch week and line up photography, copy, and your “Trust Pack” (features, maintenance, strata highlights).

• Buyers: Narrow your focus to 2–3 neighbourhoods or buildings where you’d move quickly. Use December to walk those areas, test commute routes, and review recent sales so January listings feel familiar, not surprising.

In short, wet afternoons and early evenings reward homes that show bright and organized.

Okanagan
In the Okanagan, December is ideal for deciding what kind of Okanagan life you’re aiming for in the new year.

• Sellers: Clarify how your home fits—year-round in-town living vs more recreational or view-focused. Shape your January marketing around that use case so buyers immediately understand the lifestyle you’re offering.

• Buyers: Use the slower month to compare in-town convenience (shops, clinics, schools) with more rural or view properties. Decide where you’re willing to trade drive time for space or scenery before you start booking January tours.

Sea to Sky (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton)
Here, winter itself is a planning tool—you get to see properties and locations in their busiest, most demanding season.

• Sellers: Document how your home works in winter: where gear goes, how parking and access function, and what your typical routines look like on busy weekends. This becomes part of your January story for buyers.

• Buyers: Pay attention to how easy it is to get to and from your target areas, where you’ll store skis/boards, and whether you’re truly looking for a full-time home, a weekend base, or a mix. Use December to answer those questions so you’re decisive when the right listing appears.

Sunshine Coast
On the Coast, December is about being realistic about rhythm—ferries, weather, and services.

• Sellers: Work with your agent to map out a January showing plan that aligns with typical sailing times and daylight, so buyers can actually get there and see the best version of your home.

• Buyers: Use December to test how often you’ll be travelling to and from the Coast, and which villages or pockets best match your day-to-day needs. That clarity will guide which January listings you take seriously.

For sellers: December prep, January launch

If you’re aiming to list in early January, think of December as your set-up month:

• Dial in presentation
  Light repairs, fresh paint in key areas, updated lighting, and a clutter edit usually do more for value than bigger last-minute projects.

• Get your paperwork in order
  Collect warranties, service records, recent utility summaries, and (for strata) minutes and key forms. Turning this into a simple package makes it easier for buyers to act quickly when you launch.

• Plan the timing
  Work backward from your ideal first week of January: photography, copy, staging tweaks, and sign installation all take time. A loose calendar now avoids a scramble later.

• Agree on your strategy
  Use December to align with your agent on pricing bands, showing blocks, and communication expectations so everyone is on the same page before you go live.

• For buyers: using a quieter month to get ahead

  Even if you don’t plan to write an offer in December, you can set yourself up to move faster and more confidently in January:

  • Clarify your non-negotiables
    Decide on max budget, preferred property type, and a short list of regions (or neighbourhoods) so your search is focused from day one.

  • Get the logistics sorted
    Refresh financing discussions, know your deposit plan, and identify your preferred notary or lawyer. When the right home appears, you won’t be slowed by admin.

  • Study, don’t scroll
    Instead of casually browsing, review recent sales in your target areas, pay attention to days on market and property condition, and get comfortable with what “fair” looks like at current levels.

  • Walk the neighbourhoods
    If weather allows, experience your target areas at different times of day. Commute routes, lighting, noise, and access feel different in winter—better to learn that now than after you move.

  Outlook: December calm, January momentum

  December is unlikely to bring a surge of activity—but it can create clearer lanes for planning. Buyers and sellers who use this time to prep rather than pause tend to move more smoothly, and with more confidence, once January begins.

  We’ve outlined practical steps and regional considerations to help you use the quieter month well. Apply the pieces that fit your situation and region—Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan, Sea to Sky, or the Sunshine Coast—and you’ll be ready to step into the new year with a plan instead of a scramble.

  Looking to make a move in the new year? GIVE ME A CALL today to make sure you’re well prepared to hit the ground running!