Dear Clients, Neighbours and Friends,

Despite our patience and optimism for a brisk fall market the uptick in buyer demand has yet to materialize.  There are many factors at play, pointing to a market that is neither overheating nor collapsing but continues to be highly sensitive to external pressures.

Canadian Economy:  The focus of global financial markets has shifted to concerns about growth prospects in Canadian and American economies.  Tariffs drove sharp declines in Canadian exports along with business investment.  Stabilizing (but lower) trade and ongoing growth in household spending may help the economy rebound but as rising unemployment and ongoing tariff clarity loom, we expect economic growth to be hampered.

Interest Rates:  The Bank of Canada has made a tangible shift in policy rates with their most recent lowering of interest rates on September 17th.  Fixed rates have been drifting higher thru the summer however recent economic data should cause this trend to reverse course.  The BCREA expects the uninsured five – year fixed rates to come down to around 4.45 per cent by year end.  Variable rates have moved in close alignment with fixed for most of the year, but the impacts of rapidly evolving trade policy will likely pull variable rates closer to 4 per cent by year end.  We are optimistic this downward trend in lending rates will stimulate stronger sales activity by the new year.  The next rate announcement is October 29th. 

Housing Supply:  Resale homes / active listings are on the rise however current supply trends are highly variable.  Contributing to this variability is the flow of new construction units for sale. Projects that were underway in recent years are now on sale, saturating their local market.  Other areas have projects that developers have tabled due to weak demand, some even shifting their concepts from condos to purpose built rental housing.  Despite the variability, we expect supply across housing types and markets to steadily tick upward as we move into 2026.

Buyer Confidence:  Despite the favorable rates and increase in supply buyers continue to be cautious around the idea of making a move.  With pricing slowly (but surely) trending downward, the thinking for most is to wait for pricing to soften further before jumping in.  In this scenario, we see sellers of well positioned homes in good locations attracting the few who must make a move but improving financing and supply conditions continue to give buyers all the leverage and bargaining power.

Reflecting on the factors noted above, we anticipate a modest rebound in sales activity at some point between now and the new year.  All the broader trends point to it, but more patience will be required.  Sellers in these conditions need to reevaluate their ask prices to lead the downward trend in pricing, as opposed to follow.  Asking at or below recent sale prices should do the trick but depending on local conditions, ask prices may need to be 10-15 per cent below recent sales. 

For sellers looking to downsize or move sideways, there are many opportunities to take advantage of. 

If your curious what we mean, give us a call to chat about it.  We can help draft a course of action that is in line with your short- and long-term real estate goals.

Jenn

Just listed in Ocean Park Place!

A 55+ adult oriented building and one of the very few options buyers have for apartment living in Ocean Park.  Located in the heart of OP village with Safeway, Chans, coffee shops and boutiques plus OP library right at your doorstep and only minutes to local parks, greenspaces and beaches.

Quiet, sunny and spacious top floor 2 bedroom south facing unit with 28ft sundeck overlooking pond and courtyard.

Upgrades include kitchen and bathroom re-do, white shaker cabinets, backsplash, quartz countertops, scraped smooth ceilings, lighting and paint.

Large ensuite bathroom with adapted shower perfect for walk or wheel in access. In suite laundry closet plus bonus storage room in unit.

1 parking stall, 1 storage locker, no pets allowed, private access gate to Ocean Park Village.

304 12890 17th Ave is asking $549,900 and showing by appt only.

View full image gallery and property specs HERE

We have just re-listed this Foxridge bult home on of the largest lots in Panorama Hills - almost 6,700sqft - for $1,639,900

Bright, open and airy, well cared for 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with full basement and over 3,500sqft of living space.

Open concept plan on main floor with bedroom at the front, great room space including kitchen, living, eating area at back opens onto huge south facing sundeck and pergola with private south facing fully fenced yard.

Upper level offers huge primary suite, ensuite bath, his/hers sinks, vaulted ceiling and WI closet. Generous size kids rooms share an ensuite bathroom.

Basement with high ceilings and separate entry can flex as a rec/media/teen/guest/home office or upgrade to a in-law suite. Roughed in for plumbing and electrical.

Full size double garage, large parking pad for RV/rec vehicle.

Walk to the parks, schools, rec and shops of Panorama.

14526 58th Ave is now asking $1,639,900 and is open this Sunday September 14 from 2-4pm, come check it out!

View interior images, video, floor plan and specs on our blog page HERE

The British Columbia Real Estate Association’s (BCREA) most recent housing forecast brings positive news for Surrey homeowners considering a move.

After a quieter couple of years, the outlook for the remainder of 2025 points to a healthier, more active market.  Buyers who have been holding off are starting to recognize that waiting for greater certainty could mean missing opportunities.

This leaves Surrey set to benefit from renewed buyer demand and upward pressure on pricing.

Here are 5 reasons why now is a good time to sell …

1. Market activity is expected to pick up …

 BCREA is projecting a solid increase in residential sales across the Fraser Valley through late 2025. Surrey, as one of the most desirable and fastest-growing cities in the region, is seeing this momentum firsthand. Buyers who paused during higher interest rate periods are now looking to come back, creating fresh energy and stronger demand. For sellers, this means more showings, more offers, and more opportunities to move forward confidently.

2. Home prices have been stable

While Surrey has been experiencing softer pricing over the last year the BCREA forecast calls for modest but stable growth in home values. This is good news for sellers who choose to position their home competitively in terms of asking price.  Current benchmark pricing for detached homes in Surrey, Panorama, Cloverdale and White Rock range from $1.44,000 to $1.79,000.  Townhomes $811,000 to $921k.  Apartments $572, 000 to $588,000.

3. Inventory levels have been stable

Even though more listings are expected to hit the market this fall, Surrey’s housing supply remains relatively tight as new listings dropped over the summer.  This is especially true in sought-after markets like Sullivan/Panorama, Cloverdale, South Surrey and White Rock. Sellers who go the extra mile to present their home well are more likely to stand out and sell quickly.

4. Interest rates are expected to come down

The Bank of Canada's policy rate is holding steady at 2.75% however several forecasts suggest the BOC might cut its rate further by year-end.  The next BOC rate decision is scheduled for September 17th.

5. A unique window of opportunity

Surrey will continue to draw buyers thanks to its family-friendly communities, growing transit infrastructure, and proximity to Vancouver. Selling now allows you to take advantage of early market momentum while supply is still limited and pricing still stable.  It’s a sweet spot that combines incoming demand with moderate supply.

The bottom line for sellers …

According to the BCREA’s latest forecast, the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 is shaping up to be a promising time to sell. A stabilized interest rate environment, a new wave of buyers, and market regulations designed to encourage market balance can all work together to help sellers achieve their real estate goals. 

If you have been considering a fall list, give us a call.  We can help you work through home values, timing considerations and calculate the costs associated with a move. 

Jenn & Colin   

604-583-2000

Million dollar views included, bright and airy 2 bed and bath condo in Semiahmoo Shores. Perfectly positioned, overlooking White Rock beach & pier with unobstructed, south facing panoramic ocean views.

Over 1,200sqft of living space. Generous size rooms throughout including primary suite, ensuite bath and his/hers closets plus bonus flex room with additional picture windows and x-tra wide skylight.

Lots of capital investments already made including roof, siding, windows, building envelope, walkways and retaining wall. 1 pet okay, 1 parking stall, 1 storage locker. Quick possession possible.

Located next to walking trails, promenade, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and within walking distance to the rec and amenities of White Rock town center.

303 15165 Marine Drive is asking $999,900 and showing by appt only.

View image gallery, cinematic video, floor plan and listing specs HERE