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Metro Vancouver Sales Hit 20-Month High: July 2026

June 2026 delivered the strongest sales activity Metro Vancouver has seen in nearly two years, with 2,390 homes changing hands—an 11.2% jump from May and 9.6% above last year. Yet prices remain 6% below June 2025 levels, holding steady at a composite benchmark of $1,099,100. This combination of rising momentum and downward-adjusted pricing is reshaping buyer and seller dynamics across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam.

Meanwhile, the Fraser Valley market continues to offer even more favourable conditions for buyers, with a composite benchmark of $884,800—sitting 26% below its 2022 peak. Here's what these numbers mean for your next move in the BC housing market.

Sales Surge Meets Elevated Inventory

The 20-month sales high sounds like seller territory, but context matters. Total inventory across Metro Vancouver real estate remains approximately 30% above the 10-year seasonal average, giving buyers significantly more selection than in previous hot markets. New listings actually declined 6% year-over-year for the sixth consecutive month, yet we're still sitting on roughly 17,000 active homes.

The sales-to-active listings ratio climbed to 14.8%—the highest of 2026—but this still sits squarely in balanced-to-buyer-favourable territory. Translation: we're seeing a seven-month inventory supply, which means buyers can negotiate without the pressure of multiple-offer scenarios that defined 2021-2022.

The Segment Divide: Detached vs. Condos

Not all property types are moving in lockstep. Detached homes posted the strongest performance with sales up 13.7% year-over-year, now trending slightly toward seller-favourable conditions in Metro Vancouver. Townhouses are following a similar path, particularly in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam where families are prioritizing space and yard access.

By contrast, condo apartments remain firmly in buyer territory. High inventory and limited price pressure make this the segment where buyers—especially first-timers and investors—have the most negotiating leverage. In Vancouver and Burnaby, where condo supply dominates, expect longer days on market and more room to negotiate on price and terms.

Fraser Valley Remains Buyer-Friendly

The Fraser Valley market recorded 1,147 sales in June, up 2% month-over-month but still down 4% year-over-year. The composite benchmark of $884,800 reflects the region's affordability advantage over Metro Vancouver, and inventory levels remain elevated relative to sales.

For buyers stretched by Metro Vancouver pricing, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, and Coquitlam offer compelling value—especially for families seeking detached or townhouse options. These areas benefit from SkyTrain connectivity and proximity to employment centres, yet remain 20-25% below comparable Metro Vancouver properties.

Interest Rates and Market Outlook

Mortgage rates have eased from their peak but remain elevated compared to the 2010-2020 average, keeping buyer budgets measured. This is why we're seeing price stability rather than growth: after 12 months of declines, Metro Vancouver has recorded roughly five months of flat pricing, with the benchmark slipping only 0.1% month-over-month.

One cautionary note: foreclosure inventory now sits at 555 properties, more than double the 230 recorded in October 2024. While down 9% from the previous count, this elevated distress inventory signals ongoing financial pressure for some homeowners navigating higher carrying costs.

What This Means for You

Buyers: You have leverage, particularly in the condo and townhouse segments. Take your time, negotiate on price and conditions, and don't feel pressured by modest sales increases. The Lower Mainland still offers 30% more inventory than normal.

Sellers: If you're holding a detached home in Burnaby or Vancouver, conditions are improving in your favour. Price competitively and prepare for more showings. Condo sellers should be realistic—your market remains soft, so staging, pricing, and flexibility matter.

Investors: Watch the Fraser Valley for value plays, particularly purpose-built rentals where completions remain strong. Metro Vancouver condos offer cash flow potential in a buyer's market, but underwrite conservatively given economic uncertainty.

Serving the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley from White Rock, I'm watching these shifts closely. The market is sending mixed signals, but the data tells a clear story: opportunity exists for those who act strategically.