Detached Houses Leading the Greater Vancouver & Fraser Valley Housing Markets

Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley Housing Market Brings Buyers Options and Time to Choose

While economic uncertainties have curtailed home-buying activity throughout the first six months of 2025, an uptick in Greater Vancouver home sales in recent weeks suggests the Greater Vancouver, and to a lesser extent, Fraser Valley markets are beginning to show signs of recovery, according to a new REMAX Canada report. Buyers are cautiously re-entering the detached housing market, making offers despite not having sold their current homes — and including “subject to sale” clauses to mitigate risk. Surprisingly, sellers are adapting to the new strategy, often allowing 30-days with a trigger clause that stipulates that if another offer is presented during that time, the buyer has 24 to 72 hours to commit or lose the property. As a result, nearly four in every 10 properties are sold or under contract (with offers subject-to-sale).

The lion’s share of detached activity is occurring in the $1-million to $1.5-million price range, but lower rates and greater stability in the weeks and months ahead will serve to further rouse the market. Balanced market conditions currently exist, with some areas approaching buyer’s market territory. After years of tight market conditions, the ability to view a plethora of homes and take more time to make decisions will ultimately provide a healthier backdrop for home-buying activity in the immediate future. Greater Vancouver communities such as the Sunshine Coast, Squamish, Port Moody/Belcarra, the Gulf Islands and Bowen Island remain popular with buyers, with all reporting an uptick in detached housing sales in the first six months of 2025. Five markets in Greater Vancouver, including Bowen Island, Gulf Islands, Port Moody/Belcarra, Squamish, and the Sunshine Coast have experienced an increase in median prices, while average values have climbed in Fraser Valley’s Mission area.

Detached properties are the strongest segment of the market—with most selling if they are well-priced.  Rental suites are increasingly important to younger buyers entering the market as they look to offset hefty mortgage costs. Most buyers are professionals with ample savings for a solid downpayment on the properties they purchase.

The current real estate market presents a unique opportunity for buyers. Moving into the traditional fall market, lower interest rates and increased economic stability will help propel greater home-buying activity, with the resilience of both buyers and sellers shaping the market. The window of favourable conditions will make this one of the best years in recent memory to invest in a home.