Thinking about a move in 2026? Here’s why a rare window is opening for Vancouver homeowners—and how to prepare now.
The Smartest Approach: Start Planning Now, Move When Ready
2026 move doesn’t start in 2026. It starts with conversations, clarity and planning.
Here’s what smart homeowners do:
1. Review their financing early
2. Understand the buy-first vs sell-first path
3. Map their move-up gap
4. Watch specific neighbourhood trends
5. Prepare their home quietly (no staging yet)
Set a 3–6 month runway
Track inventory patterns with an advisor
And move when the right home appears — not when the market “tells” them.
Preparation creates opportunity.
If you’re even thinking about a move next year, now is the time to get clarity.
2026 won’t be wild. It won’t be unpredictable.
It will be a strategic year where the right moves pay off — and where being prepared matters more than ever.
Some homeowners will see this window. Most won’t. But the ones who do will make the smartest moves. Reach out today
2026 won’t be wild. It won’t be unpredictable.
It will be a strategic year where the right moves pay off — and where being prepared matters more than ever.
Some homeowners will see this window. Most won’t. But the ones who do will make the smartest moves. Reach out today
2026: The Year People Are Waiting For
A lot of Vancouver homeowners are quietly asking the same question:
Is 2026 the year to finally make a move? Some have been waiting since 2023. Some skipped 2024 and 2025 hoping for better timing. Some simply felt unsure with the noise, rates, and uncertainty.
2026 is different. Not louder. Not hotter. Clearer.
It’s shaping up to be a year where thoughtful planning finally pays off.
What 2026 Is Actually Going to Look Like ?
No hype. No crash talk. No guessing.
Here’s the honest outlook:
Balanced Conditions
Not a frenzy. Not a freeze.
A calmer, more predictable market where strategy matters again.
Gradual Rate Relief
Not big drops — steady, manageable ones that increase confidence without sparking bidding wars.
A Construction Slowdown Taking Shape
Developers are pausing. Pre-sales are softer.
This leads to fewer new homes by 2026–2027, especially in family housing.
More Movement, Less Noise
Renewals, life changes, and pent-up demand will return to the market.
Why 2026 Is a Window—Not Just Another Year
Vancouver rarely gives homeowners balanced ground. 2026 is one of those rare windows.
Here’s why it matters:
Condo Inventory Improving
More choice, better negotiation power.
Huge advantage for move-up buyers.
Detached Homes Holding Value
Stable demand. Consistent interest.
Helps downsizers and families selling a house.
Investors Still Cautious
Less competition around you.
More room to move without pressure.
A Narrowing Price Gap
The difference between a condo and a detached home is not widening right now. This won’t last forever.
Who Should Seriously Consider Moving in 2026
Move-Up Buyers
2026 offers:
More selection
Better leverage
Stable detached values
A friendlier gap between “what you sell” and “what you buy next”
This is the most favourable move-up window since pre-2020.
Growing Families
Need space? 2026 offers more opportunities to find the right fit without rushing.
Downsizers
Great timing because:
Detached homes remain resilient
Condo options are improving
You control the pace, not the market. See downsizing guide HERE
Sideline Buyers (who’ve waited 1–3 years)
2026 = clarity. If you’ve been frozen by uncertainty, this year breaks the stalemate.
You weren’t wrong to wait — but waiting longer could mean paying more later.
Most people didn’t wait because they lacked motivation. They waited because they lacked certainty.
2026 won’t give perfect signals. But it will give workable signals:
-Predictable conditions
-More listings
-More flexibility
-Less pressure
-Less competition
The biggest mistake isn’t moving too soon — it’s missing the window because you waited for absolute certainty.
2026 offers:
More selection
Better leverage
Stable detached values
A friendlier gap between “what you sell” and “what you buy next”
This is the most favourable move-up window since pre-2020.
Growing Families
Need space? 2026 offers more opportunities to find the right fit without rushing.
Downsizers
Great timing because:
Detached homes remain resilient
Condo options are improving
You control the pace, not the market. See downsizing guide HERE
Sideline Buyers (who’ve waited 1–3 years)
2026 = clarity. If you’ve been frozen by uncertainty, this year breaks the stalemate.
You weren’t wrong to wait — but waiting longer could mean paying more later.
If You’ve Been Sitting on the Sidelines… Read This
Most people didn’t wait because they lacked motivation. They waited because they lacked certainty.
2026 won’t give perfect signals. But it will give workable signals:
-Predictable conditions
-More listings
-More flexibility
-Less pressure
-Less competition
The biggest mistake isn’t moving too soon — it’s missing the window because you waited for absolute certainty.
