Latest Market Update - November 2025

Correction Or Recovery?

The Greater Vancouver real estate market continues to experience slower sales and rising inventory, creating favorable conditions for buyers. Sales are down 14% from last year, while the benchmark price for all residential properties has fallen 3.4%.

Conditions are even softer in the Fraser Valley, which remains firmly in a buyer’s market. Prices there have declined by an average of 5.8%, with apartment-style homes seeing the steepest drop — up to 7% year-over-year.

The Bank of Canada lowered rates again at its meeting last week — the fourth rate cut this year. However, it has yet to spark meaningful buyer activity. While the Bank signaled that additional rate cuts will be limited, at least one more reduction is expected before year’s end.

No one can predict the market’s exact path, but it’s reasonable to assume that without significant changes to provincial and federal housing/economic policies, we may remain in a correction phase for some time.

The good news?

Fixed mortgage rates — which had remained stubbornly high even as the prime rate fell — are finally easing. Most lenders are now offering fixed rates between 2.90% and 4.10%, while private and alternative lenders are providing first and second mortgages starting as low as 6.50% and 8.99%, respectively.

Don’t let tough market conditions hold you back. We can help you reduce your monthly payments; access needed funds and make the most of today’s lending environment.

Latest Market Update - September 4th 2025

Summer may be winding down, but mortgage rates are heating up!

• 3-year fixed: as low as 4.00%

• 5-year fixed: as low as 4.14%

• Variable rate: as low as 4.25%

Is this improving interest rate environment fuelling a real estate turnaround?

According to Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics:

“The August sales figures add further confirmation that sales activity across Metro Vancouver appears to be recovering, albeit somewhat slowly, from the challenging first half of the year. Sales in the detached and attached segments are up over ten per cent from last August, which suggests buyers shopping in more expensive price points are re-entering the market in a meaningful way.

The lesson? Don’t wait to buy real estate—buy and wait.

We specialize in offering second mortgages, even as small as $30k and can be arranged without the requirement of MONTHLY payments.  When the banks say “no” or make the process long and painful, we say “yes” with quick, practical, and common-sense lending solutions. 

It’s not just rates, but the overall lending environment is improving. Restrictions are easing, product options are expanding, and new opportunities for Business-for-Self clients are emerging. These may be incremental changes, but they’re steps in the right direction. As lending conditions improve and rates continue to ease, expect the real estate market to gain even more momentum.

Have questions?

Latest Market Update - August 2025

BC Home Sales Edge Up as Rate Cuts Loom

BC residential sales rose just over 2% last month compared to a year ago, while average prices slipped by a similar amount. Despite higher fixed mortgage rates, market momentum is holding into late summer.

Relief could be coming: the Bank of Canada’s September 17th meeting may bring a rate cut, with more likely this fall as economic growth slows, and labour markets weaken — good news for variable-rate borrowers and the housing market.

Today’s softer prices are being driven primarily by an oversupply of condos and townhomes, a result of a decade-long building boom. But with construction now slowing, inventory will tighten, and history tells us that prices follow. As the saying goes: Don’t wait to buy real estate — buy real estate and wait.

Today’s mortgage landscape:

• Prime lending rate: 4.95%

• Fixed-term rates: 3.99% to 4.69% (depending on term)

• Variable rates: as low as 4.30%

• Alternative 1st mortgage rates: as low as 6.95%

• 2nd mortgage rates: as low as 8.99%

With the possibility of lower rates and rising demand on the horizon, now could be the moment to make your move!

Latest Market Update - June 2025

GST Rebate, Missed Credit Payments, and Mortgage Updates

The Canadian Government’s new GST rebate on homes under $1 million, and a partial rebate on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, has not done much to prevent an overall softening of the real estate market.   The GST rebate is great news for the market and First-Time buyers, but it’s hard to overlook some troubling numbers that are starting to be revealed.   Recent numbers from Equifax Canada indicate an increase in the number of Canadians who are missing mortgage, auto loan, and credit card payments.

According to Equifax’s Consumer Trends and Insights, 1.4 million consumers missed a credit payment in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 146,000 from the same quarter last year. 

“It’s younger consumers and lower-income consumers where we are seeing missed payments rising,” said Rebecca Oakes, vice president of advanced analytics at Equifax Canada.

Missing any payment can affect your credit rating and score, which can cause higher interest rates and reluctance from lenders to lend to you in the future.    Consider using your home equity to help you through a difficult time.  Rates for alternative lending have never been better, with 1st mortgage rates as low as 5.75% and 2nd mortgage rates as low as 8.99%.   Lenders are also offering “no payment” options, lower fees and quick funding solutions.  

Prime mortgage rates have not changed significantly, but we have seen a modest increase in some fixed-term rates.   We continue to believe that the Bank of Canada will lower rates in the future and suggest that borrowers consider a variable-rate product.  The next rate decision is scheduled for the end of July.

Latest Market Update - May 2025

Canada’s Housing Market: A Mixed Bag

Canada’s housing market is experiencing a significant shift. Nationally, home sales have plunged to levels not seen in decades, signaling a rapid cooldown. In the Lower Mainland, the situation is characterized by rising inventory and declining sales. According to Andrew Lis, GVR’s Director of Economics and Data Analytics,

“From a historical perspective, the slower sales we’re now seeing stand out as unusual, particularly against a backdrop of significantly improved borrowing conditions, which typically helps to boost sales.”

What’s Driving This Change?

The main factors appear to be affordability challenges and ongoing economic uncertainty. However, there are several silver linings:

• Falling Borrowing Rates: Rates are expected to decline further.

• Improved Affordability: Home prices may become more accessible.

• Options for Buyers: A cooling market means more choices.

• Rental Opportunities: Renters may benefit from lower rates.

• Easier Mortgage Approvals: Criteria for lending are improving.

• Competitive Alternative Lending Rates: lower rates and fees.

But a Recession Looms

While there are positive developments, a potential recession in Canada means that patience is crucial—whether you’re buying or selling.

These rates are awesome:

• 5-Year Fixed: As low as 3.89%.

• Variable Rate: Starting at 4.15%.

• Private 1st Mortgage: From 6.95%.

• Private 2nd Mortgage: From 8.99% (up to 85% of home value).

Why Choose Us?

• Fast approvals—under 24 hours.

• Cash back is available.

• Common-sense lending solutions.