Spring 2026 Real Estate. What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know.

As we head into the spring market—traditionally the busiest time of year for real estate—the mood in Surrey and the Fraser Valley feels well, bittersweet. The Fraser Valley market, including Surrey, is coming off a quiet year with lower sales and inventory than we have seen in a decade.  

So far 2026 has shown … more listings than usual with market conditions still in the buyer’s favor.  Prices have been stabilizing slightly after declines of 7 to 15 per cent by 2025-year-end.  Buyers slowly returning as we see well priced homes selling  - but economic uncertainty still looms large.

What can buyers and sellers can expect this spring?  Lets take a look …

Buyers.  If you’re a buyer, this spring could be one of the most favorable windows we’ve seen in years. 

• More options. Higher inventory means you’re not competing for the same limited homes

• Less pressure.  Gone for now are the crowds and the frantic bidding wars

• More leverage.  Improved negotiating power as sellers adjust their expectations for price

• Improved affordability.  Equals more buying power and more financial options.

Sellers.  Let’s be honest, selling a home looks a lot different in recent months. 

• Reduced demand. Low to no demand.  Longer days on market with few showings

• Dynamic ask prices. Ongoing conversations over ask price and position

• Buyers market conditions. Less leverage when negotiating offers

• Softer sale prices. Most homes are selling at or less than their neighbour did last month or last year

Most forecasts call for flat to modest growth in 2026. Any growth will likely be gradual;  driven by pent-up first-time buyer demand as this category has waited a long time for mortgage rates to find a bottom. Even still, some will likely continue to hold off for a deeper bottom, especially in higher priced areas like South Surrey and White Rock.

However, markets do not stay in buyer territory forever. As confidence returns—especially if interest rates continue to stabilize - competition could increase as we move further into spring.

Either way, in this chaotic economic climate I think most of us can agree some balance and predictability would be welcome.  

Until then, consider us a real estate resource.  We are here to help.  It’s what we do.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash / Chat GPT was used to support conceptualizing the above. All final edits and conclusions are our own.