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.

With all the political tensions in the United States we thought it timely to consider how US elections, court rulings, protests, and/or policy shifts can affect our local real estate market. 

While Canada has its own economic drivers, our housing market does not operate in isolation. The U.S. is our largest trading partner, our closest cultural influence, and a dominant force in global financial markets. Political instability south of the border ripples straight into Canadian housing markets but the impact isn’t always economic. It’s psychological. 

Business Confidence 

Because Canada’s economy is tightly tied to U.S. trade and capital markets, uncertainty can dampen business confidence — which then affects employment, housing and lending.  If markets fear instability investors may move money into bonds (lowering yields) or demand higher yields due to risk. 

Lender Confidence

U.S. political unrest indirectly influences bond yields, central bank messaging, and inflation expectations. While the Bank of Canada sets domestic rates independently, global financial pressure can influence policy tone.  Either scenario influences mortgage rates — which directly affects affordability and consumer psychology.

Buyer Confidence

When headlines are dominated by instability, buyers tend to pause. Even if their personal finances haven’t changed, uncertainty makes people more conservative.  We see this play out as buyers delaying purchase decisions, avoiding bidding wars and offering below asking. 

In uncertain or transitional markets: 

    •    Buyers keep more cash on hand 

    •    Scrutinize the value or small and large purchases more closely

    •    Homes priced above the most recent sales in the area sit longer

    •    Negotiations (and emotions) intensify

In robust markets like Surrey and White Rock, shifts in buyer psychology can noticeably cool activity.

Investor Confidence 

Investors tend to be globally aware and market sensitive. If U.S. political unrest impacts global equities or bond markets, this category of buyers may redirect capital or sit on the sidelines temporarily.

Seller Confidence 

Sellers are deeply influenced by media tone. If news cycles feel chaotic, potential sellers tend to wait until things appear more settled - especially those looking to downsize who are often selling their largest asset.  

Further, many sellers are also buyers.  If they’re unsure about broader economic conditions, they delay selling — especially if upgrading means taking on larger debt. 

American political unrest typically causes short-term confidence swings, not long-term structural damage, unless broader global recessionary forces are triggered. The real driver in real estate is perception. Housing is emotional.  Confidence is momentum. Momentum shapes markets. 

There is however opportunity in this “wait and see” environment. 

For sellers: equity gain consideration paired with patience, strategic pricing and presentation can get your home sold in a short amount of time for a solid price. 

For buyers: Uncertainty reduces competition providing you with time to consider options and creates leverage in negotiations. 

Regardless of conditions, informed clients make stronger real estate decisions.

We can help. That’s what we do!

Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash

Chat GPT was used to support conceptualizing the above. All final edits and conclusions are our own.

We recently listed 16 15152 62a Ave a semi detached townhouse at a great new price!

Well built and situated resort style complex with 10,000sqft clubhouse including outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, playground, guest suites, rec/catering space, indoor hockey box and movie room.

Duplex style home with over 2,000sqft on 3 levels.

Bright open concept main level with picture windows, large sundeck, warm tone laminate kitchen w/breakfast bar and stainless appliances.

Large bedrooms on the upper level including primary bedroom, ensuite bath, WI closet and mountain views.

Walk out basement plan can easily convert into nanny/in-law/teen space with 4th bedroom.

Private back yard and patio space fully fenced.

Full size double car garage with lots of room for storage.

Walk to local schools, parks, YMCA and shops at Panorama.

16 15152 62a Ave is asking $899,900 (ask us about maintenance fee credit!) and showing by appt only.

View images, vid and specs HERE

We have just listed this 2 story home with full basement in the heart of the Panorama area.

Built by Morningstar homes the main floor features vaulted ceilings and huge picture windows.

Living and dining rooms at front, the kitchen and family rooms at back walk out to a large, private south facing patio and fully fenced yard.

Primary suite, ensuite bath and walk in closet with 2 generous size bedrooms on the upper level.

Bonus flex/hobby room in the basement plus a fully contained 1 bedroom in-law/nanny suite with separate entrance.

Updates include a/c unit, new h/w tank, radiant heat in bathrooms, some flooring and lighting.

17x17 double car garage with 4 car parking pad.

Located within walking distance to local schools, parks, ymca and the shops at Panorama.

14866 59th Ave is asking $1,499,900 and showing by appt only.

View images, video and specs HERE

Dear Clients, Neighbours and Friends,

As you know by now, on July 24 the Bank of Canada BOC lowered its interest rate again.  This time to 4.5 per cent down from 4.75 per cent.  As a result, prime rate will change to 6.70 per cent.

 However, despite two consecutive rate drops and an ongoing increase in inventory real estate activity remains dark.

 Looking back to the recent past one can understand why.

 The BOC raised interest rates 10 times between March 2022 and July 2023, the most aggressive monetary policy tightening campaign on record. Although this campaign succeeded in reducing inflation and avoiding economic recession, the fact remains, higher interest rates make it more expensive for individuals to borrow money and service their debts. 

 Most Canadians experience interest rates through mortgage and consumer debt.  The last two rate cuts have managed to spur on quick blips in activity but overall, the interest rate on both variable and fixed mortgages has risen so dramatically buyers simply can’t afford to get into the housing market or increase their monthly expenses.

 So for now. We go to the beach.

 There is however, brighter days to come.

 If inflation continues to ease, its likely we will see another rate drop at the next BOC meeting, September 4th.  And its likely prime rate will continue to drop as we move further into the final half of 2024. 

Also on board with this idea is the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.  CMHC is forecasting home prices could match the levels seen in 2022 by next year and reach new highs by 2026.  This rebound in sales and home prices across Canada will be spurred on by declining mortgage rates alongside the country’s strongest population growth since the 1950’s.

 Therefore, Although August is likely to remain firmly planted in a buyers’ market territory, as mortgage rates and economic uncertainty decrease in the second half of 2024, Colin and I are optimistic this next rate drop (September 4th) will be what’s needed to bring better balance to the market overall.

 Wondering if this fall and winter could be your time to make a move?

 We can help.  Its what we do. 

Schedule your no obligation home evaluation now.  604-583-2000