January in Vancouver is a mix of rain-soaked streets, misty mountain views, and the city’s signature west coast charm. While the downtown core delights with buzzing cafés, waterfront strolls, and cozy indoor escapes, the nearby slopes of Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour offer the perfect winter retreat for skiers and snowboarders. Despite the rain, Vancouverites make the most of the season—warming up with a good coffee, enjoying a scenic drive, or embracing the crisp, fresh air between downpours.

Just like the city itself, the real estate market is kicking off the year with momentum. In January 2025, new MLS® listings in Metro Vancouver1 surged 46% year-over-year, signalling that sellers are eager to enter the market early. With increased inventory, buyers may find more options—but in a competitive market, strategic moves are key.

Home sellers off to an active start in 2025

Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR)2 reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,552 in January 2025, an 8.8 per cent increase from the 1,427 sales recorded in January 2024. This was 11.3 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (1,749).

“In the three months preceding January, we’ve watched buyer demand gain momentum, but it appears that momentum is now shifting toward sellers to start the new year. Even with this increase in new listing activity, sales continue to outpace last years’ figures, signaling some buyer appetite remains after the upswing that finished off 2024.” – Andrew Lis, GVR director of economics and data analytics

Inventory

There were 5,566 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® in Metro Vancouver in January 2025. This represents a 46.9 per cent increase compared to the 3,788 properties listed in January 2024. This was 31.1 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,247).

Home Price Data Analysis

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.

Metro Vancouver Home Sales by Property Type

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for January 2025 is 14.1 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.2 per cent for detached homes, 18.5 per cent for attached, and 16.5 per cent for apartments.

Detached

Sales of detached homes in January 2025 reached 380, a 0.3 per cent increase from the 379 detached sales recorded in January 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,005,400. This represents a 3.1 per cent increase from January 2024 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to December 2024.

Apartments

Sales of apartment homes reached 846 in January 2025, a 13.4 per cent increase compared to the 746 sales in January 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $748,100. This represents a 1.7 per cent decrease from January 2024 and a 0.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2024.

Attached Homes

Attached home sales in January 2025 totalled 321, a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 285 sales in January 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,105,600. This represents a 2.7 per cent increase from January 2024 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to December 2024.

Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller in a busy market, the key is to be prepared, get your”ducks in order”. After 20 years as a realtor, I am an expert guide in helping you do just that!

Let’s chat:604-805-6820

2025 is underway and with the spring market just around the corner, savvy sellers who list early can gain a crucial advantage. Instead of waiting for the flood of listings in April and May, those who list their home for sale now can get ahead of the competition, attract serious buyers, and maximize their sale price.

1. Low Inventory = Less Competition

The BC real estate market is waking up from its winter slowdown, but there are still fewer homes available for sale. That means buyers are actively looking but have limited options—giving your listing more visibility and negotiating power. By listing now, you position your home as a premium choice before the spring rush brings a surge of new listings.

2. Buyers Are Eager and Motivated

The cautious approach that dominated 2024 has resulted in strong pent up demand, especially in desirable BC markets like Vancouver, Kelowna and along the Sea to Sky. Many buyers who hesitated last year are now ready to act, eager to lock in a home before competition intensifies. If your home is priced and marketed correctly, it can attract motivated buyers who are serious about making a purchase now.

3. Interest Rates Are Stabilizing

The uncertainty surrounding interest rates had many buyers on the sidelines in 2024. But with inflation easing and the impact of significant rate cuts starting to take hold, confidence is returning. Buyers are adjusting to current rates, and those who need to move aren’t waiting for further changes.

4. The Spring Market Is Coming – Get Ahead of It

Every year, the real estate market sees a surge of activity in the spring. More listings hit the market, giving buyers more choices—and making it harder for sellers to stand out. By listing now, you avoid being lost in the crowd and can secure a great sale before competition increases.

5. Relisting? Now’s Your Chance to Refresh & Reposition

If your home was listed in 2024 without a sale, this is your opportunity to relist with a fresh strategy. A new marketing approach, updated pricing, staging improvements, or small renovations could make all the difference. Working with a Stilhavn realtor ensures your home is positioned for success in the current market.

6. The Right Realtor Makes All the Difference

Timing is everything in real estate, but so is expertise. A Stilhavn realtor understands local market trends, buyer demand, and how to showcase your home in the best possible light. With professional marketing, strategic pricing, and expert negotiation, we ensure you get top dollar for your home—without unnecessary delays.

Beat the Spring Rush – Contact me today

Don’t wait for the market to become crowded. Take advantage of current conditions, serious buyers, and low inventory by listing your home now. Whether you’re selling for the first time or relisting after a challenging 2024, the right strategy can make all the difference. Reach out today to start the process and stay ahead of the competition!