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Metro Vancouver market update: September 2026
Published 2026-10-05
Sales slowed again in September and benchmark prices eased across every property type, while buyers kept plenty of choice. Here are the numbers that matter and what they mean if you are thinking of moving.
The headline numbers
Benchmark prices
| Property type | Benchmark price | vs. a year ago | vs. August |
|---|---|---|---|
| All residential | $1,075,900 | −5.5% | −0.6% |
| Detached | $1,784,700 | −7.3% | −0.8% |
| Townhouse | $1,016,700 | −4.7% | −1.2% |
| Apartment | $682,500 | −6.2% | −0.5% |
The benchmark price tracks a typical home of each type, so it moves less than average prices do when the mix of homes sold changes.
Sales by property type
Detached homes were the bright spot: 575 sales, up 4.2% from last September. Townhouse sales were flat at 358 (up 0.6%). Apartments drove the overall drop, with 777 sales, down 18.6%.
What it means
Greater Vancouver REALTORS® uses the sales-to-active listings ratio as a gauge: below about 12% for a sustained period tends to push prices down, and above 20% tends to push them up. At 10.9% overall and 9.7% for detached homes, the region is in buyers' market territory. Townhouses, at 12.2%, sit closer to balanced.
If you are selling
Price against today's benchmark, not last year's. Buyers are comparing many options, so presentation, photos and a sharp launch week count for more. New listings are down about 10% from last year, so there is a little less competition than the inventory total suggests.
If you are buying
You have choice and room to negotiate, including on conditions like inspection and financing. Detached sales rising while prices ease suggests some buyers are already moving. Get pre-approved first so you can act when the right home appears.
Source: Greater Vancouver REALTORS® monthly market report for September 2026, released October 2, 2026. Figures cover the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® area. For your home or neighbourhood, ask Alan for a valuation.
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