Fall 2025 Housing Market: A Window of Opportunity for Buyers

Fall Market Favors Buyers

In September 2025, residential sales in Metro Vancouver reached 1,875 units, a modest 1.2% increase from the 1,852 sales recorded in September 2024. However, sales still came in 20.1% below the 10-year seasonal average of 2,348.

“With another Bank of Canada policy rate cut behind us, and markets expecting at least one more cut by year-end, buyers in Metro Vancouver have good reason to be optimistic this fall,” said Andrew Lis, Director of Economics and Data Analytics at Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR). “Easing prices, near-record high inventory levels, and increasingly favorable borrowing costs are offering plenty of opportunity for those looking to purchase a home this season.”

Inventory at Decade-High Levels

• New listings in September: 6,527 properties (+6.2% year-over-year, +20.1% above the 10-year seasonal average).

• Total active listings: 17,079 properties, up 14.4% from September 2024 and 36.1% above the 10-year average.

Put simply, buyers today have more choice than at any point in the past decade.

Supply-Demand Balance Points to Price Pressure

The sales-to-active listings ratio for September 2025 stood at 11.3% overall.

• Detached: 8.5%

• Townhomes (attached): 12.7%

• Apartments: 13.3%

Historical data suggests that when this ratio stays below 12%, downward pressure on prices tends to build. When it climbs above 20% for several months, upward pressure emerges. Today’s ratio points clearly toward a softening price environment.

Benchmark Prices (MLS® HPI)

• Composite (all properties): $1,142,100 (−3.2% year-over-year, −0.7% month-over-month)

• Detached homes:

  • Sales: 552 (+7% year-over-year)

  • Price: $1,933,100 (−4.4% YoY, −0.9% MoM)

• Apartments:

  • Sales: 954 (+1.5% YoY)

  • Price: $728,800 (−4.4% YoY, −0.8% MoM)

• Townhomes (attached):

  • Sales: 356 (−5.8% YoY)

  • Price: $1,069,800 (−2.7% YoY, −0.9% MoM)

Summary: A Buyer’s Market Taking Shape

The past few years have been turbulent — from the rapid rate hikes in 2022, to major political and policy changes, to ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. According to Lis, the acute impacts of these shocks are now fading, and the market is stabilizing.

For now:

• Inventory is abundant (well above the 10-year average).

• Prices are under downward pressure (ratio at 11.3%).

• Borrowing costs are easing (thanks to rate cuts).

All signs point to a market that clearly favors buyers this fall.

What This Means for You

Homebuyers: Now is the time to stand out through preparation.
With abundant inventory and more room to negotiate, the market offers great opportunities — but speed and credibility matter just as much.
Conduct thorough due diligence on both the market and individual properties, and secure your mortgage pre-approval ahead of time.
Being a well-prepared, qualified buyer in a slower market gives you a clear edge — and could be the key to landing your ideal home under favorable terms.

Investors: Take a calm, strategic approach.
Expect short-term price adjustments and focus on identifying smart entry points.
Avoid overreacting to market noise, and base your actions on long-term fundamentals and strong location value.

Sellers: Stay flexible with your pricing strategy.
An overly aggressive stance won’t move buyers in today’s market.
Use real-time data to set realistic prices and optimize how your property is presented — that’s where success lies.

Conclusion

The Fall 2025 Metro Vancouver market is not a time to sit back — it’s a time to act strategically. With abundant supply, lower prices, and easing borrowing costs, today’s buyers have an opening that may not last long. Those who move decisively now will be best positioned when the next upward cycle begins.