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.