06/03/2026
Greater Vancouver Housing Market Insights – MAY 2026
The Metro Vancouver housing market continued to show mixed results in May.
Overall home sales were down slightly compared to the same time last year, largely due to slower activity in the apartment market.
While detached home sales saw a modest increase and attached homes remained relatively steady, apartment sales declined by about 7% year-over-year, bringing overall sales numbers lower.
That said, the apartment market isn't slowing everywhere. Some areas, including North Vancouver and East Vancouver, actually experienced an increase in apartment sales compared to last year.
The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,150 in May 2026, a 3.5% decrease from the 2,228 sales recorded in May 2025. This was 26.6% below the 10-year seasonal average (2,930).
What this tells us is that today's market continues to be highly localized. Market conditions can vary significantly depending on the property type and neighbourhood, making it important for buyers and sellers to understand what's happening in their specific area rather than relying solely on regional headlines.
Metro Vancouver’s MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark now sits at $1,100,700, up 0.2% from April. However, prices are still 6.2% lower than they were a year ago, reflecting the softer market conditions we've seen over the past 12 months.
Remember when homes were getting ten offers before the open house and buyers were writing love letters? Those days are mostly behind us.
Today's market is much more balanced. Buyers have choices, sellers have competition, and successful transactions are happening because homes are priced correctly, marketed effectively, and realistic expectations on both sides.
Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for May 2026 sits at 13.1%.
🏡 By Property Type:
🔹 Detached Homes: 10.7%
🔹 Attached Homes: 15.4%
🔹 Apartments: 14.2%
As we move into the summer months, current conditions point toward a balanced market with gradual, rather than dramatic, shifts in pricing and activity. Sellers can still achieve excellent results, but strategic pricing and strong marketing matter more than ever.
Questions about your neighbourhood or property value? Let's connect.
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.khavarirealestateteam.com
🏡The sales-to-active listings ratio:
• 🛒 Under 12% → Buyers’ Market
• ⚖️ 12–20% → Balanced Market
• 🔥 Over 20% → Sellers’ Market
