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.