A Difficult Presale Market Can Still Create Opportunity for Select Buyers in Vancouver

A Difficult Presale Market Can Still Create Opportunity for Select Buyers in Vancouver

Let me be direct: this is not an easy presale market. Buyer confidence is softer, resale condo conditions are not especially strong, and many people looking at Vancouver presale projects are doing so with understandable caution. I think that caution is warranted. In February 2026, apartment sales in Metro Vancouver were down 15.6 per cent year over year,…

Impact of the Federal Mortgage Reforms on BC’s Housing Market

Impact of the Federal Mortgage Reforms on BC’s Housing Market

The federal government’s new mortgage reforms, effective December 15, 2024, significantly increase the price cap for insured mortgages to $1.5 million and extend 30-year amortization to all first-time buyers and new builds. This change is expected to make mortgages more accessible, especially in high-cost areas like Vancouver. By lowering monthly payments and enabling more people…

Changes to the BC Property Transfer Tax Rules – Are You In or Are You Out?

Changes to the BC Property Transfer Tax Rules – Are You In or Are You Out?

As part of this year’s provincial budget announced on February 22nd, the British Columbia government introduced three changes to the property transfer tax rules to improve housing supply and affordability.  First Time Home Buyers’ Exemption Threshold Increased from $500,000 to $835,000 The increased threshold means that properties with a fair market value up to $500,000…

British Columbia’s Home Flipping Tax

British Columbia’s Home Flipping Tax

The introduction of British Columbia’s Home Flipping Tax in the 2024 provincial budget has sparked discussion in the real estate community, particularly regarding its potential impact on the housing market, especially in areas like Metro Vancouver. This measure, which imposes a 20% tax on profits from selling residential properties within a year of purchase, gradually…

Reflecting on the Extension of Canada’s Foreign Buyers Ban

Reflecting on the Extension of Canada’s Foreign Buyers Ban

The Federal Government’s recent announcement to extend the foreign buyers ban in Canada for an additional two years warrants discussion as to its efficacy and its impact thus far on our real estate market. As someone who closely follows real estate market developments, this announcement raises important questions about its implications for housing affordability and…