Metro Vancouver Real Estate Market Update – August 2025

August brought signs of renewed confidence to Metro Vancouver’s real estate market. A slight lift in sales and increased alignment between buyers and sellers signaled a cautious but notable shift from the slower pace seen earlier this year.

While prices continued a gentle downward trend, the detached and attached home segments saw double-digit sales growth compared to August 2024 — evidence that move-up buyers are starting to re-engage.

Key Market Stats – August 2025

Overall Residential Market

  • Total Sales: 1,959 (↑2.9% YoY)
  • Benchmark Price: $1,150,400 (↓3.8% YoY, ↓1.3% MoM)
  • New Listings: 4,225 (↑2.8% YoY)
  • Total Active Listings: 16,242 (↑17.6% YoY)
  • Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 12.4% (Balanced market, near buyer’s territory)

Detached Homes

  • Sales: 575 (↑13% YoY)
  • Benchmark Price: $1,950,300 (↓4.8% YoY, ↓1.2% MoM)
  • Active Listings: 6,162
  • Avg. Days on Market: 47
  • Sales-to-Active Ratio: 9.3% (Buyer’s market)

Attached Homes (Townhouses)

  • Sales: 409 (↑10.5% YoY)
  • Benchmark Price: $1,079,600 (↓3.5% YoY, ↓1.8% MoM)
  • Active Listings: 2,589
  • Avg. Days on Market: 36
  • Sales-to-Active Ratio: 15.8% (Balanced market)

Apartments

  • Sales: 956 (↓5.5% YoY)
  • Benchmark Price: $734,400 (↓4.4% YoY, ↓1.3% MoM)
  • Active Listings: 6,841
  • Avg. Days on Market: 42
  • Sales-to-Active Ratio: 14% (Balanced market)

Market Commentary

August marked the first year-over-year increase in home sales since early spring — a welcome sign of stability after several months of slow activity. According to Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics:

“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.”

While the total number of new listings remained near the seasonal average, inventory levels are still high, giving buyers a range of choices. At the same time, benchmark prices declined modestly across all housing types, easing affordability constraints for those with rate holds or pre-approvals in hand.

Looking Ahead

If buyer momentum continues building through fall, we may see a tightening of supply heading into Q4, especially in the attached and apartment segments where absorption rates are approaching seller’s market thresholds.

On the other hand, with sales-to-active listings ratios still hovering near or below 15%, particularly for detached homes, prices are unlikely to surge in the short term. Sellers are becoming more flexible on pricing, and the average days on market are rising — both indicators that buyers remain in the driver’s seat.

For those waiting for a better deal or more options, that window may not stay open for long. As Lis puts it:

“The window of plentiful opportunity for buyers may soon begin closing if these trends continue.”

Conclusion

Metro Vancouver’s August market is a tale of quiet optimism: sales are inching up, prices are easing, and motivated buyers are re-engaging. For move-up buyers, investors, or first-timers ready to act, conditions remain favourable — but possibly not for much longer.

Download the Full Market Area Report

The transition from summer to fall could bring the market closer to balance or even tip some segments toward increased competition. Staying informed, pre-approved, and ready to act will be key for those aiming to capitalize on the current environment.