The Vancouver real estate market enters mid-February 2026 with clear signals of a market in transition. January data reveals a striking 30% decline in home sales across Metro Vancouver, with properties now sitting on the market for a record 100 days on average. Meanwhile, rents have fallen to their lowest point in nearly four years, and Vancouver City Council has been busy approving transformative developments that will reshape the city's skyline over the next decade. From CMHC's cautious forecasts to the Bank of Canada's uncertain rate path, this week's news paints a picture of a market caught between cooling demand and ambitious supply-side action. Here are the top stories shaping Vancouver's real estate landscape this week./

Feb 7 - 13, 2026

Weekly Real Estate Review

for REALTORS®

Metro Vancouver homes taking 100 days to sell as listings surge and sales slow

Metro Vancouver's housing market saw a significant slowdown in January 2026, with only 1,470 homes sold representing a 30% decline from both December and year-over-year figures. Over 7,100 new listings flooded the market, pushing the average days on market to a record 100 days, up from 75 days in August 2025. Despite the cooling activity, the median sale price dipped only modestly to $868,000, down 0.8%, suggesting a standoff between cautious buyers and hopeful sellers as the market heads into spring. (Source: Daily Hive)

B.C. Realtor Groups Seek Strata Property Act Review

British Columbia's major realtor organizations are calling on the provincial government to conduct a comprehensive review of the Strata Property Act, arguing that the current legislation is outdated and fails to address the complexities of modern strata living. The groups emphasize that issues around short-term rentals, insurance costs, building maintenance, and governance need to be addressed through updated regulation. With strata properties making up a growing share of BC's housing stock, the review could have significant implications for condo owners and buyers across Metro Vancouver. (Source: Connect CRE)

2,600 new homes approved by Vancouver City Council for Cambie Corridor site

Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the Langara Gardens rezoning at 7051 Ash Crescent, enabling a major 15-20 year mixed-use redevelopment that will add approximately 2,600 homes across the 21-acre Cambie Corridor site. The project includes 1,487 market condos, 715 rental units, and 180 social housing units, with buildings ranging from 3 to 45 storeys designed by James Cheng Architects. The city estimates $137 million in community benefits including on-site social housing, childcare for 74 children, and new public parks, while four existing rental towers with 335 units will receive seismic upgrades. (Source: Daily Hive)

Real estate projects boost downtown Vancouver's business climate

New real estate development projects are boosting downtown Vancouver's business climate, with multiple mixed-use developments bringing renewed investment and activity to the city core. The influx of construction and planned commercial and residential spaces is expected to revitalize key areas of downtown, attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors. Industry experts view these projects as a positive signal for Vancouver's economy amid broader market uncertainty. (Source: Business in Vancouver)

FINTRAC sanctions real estate broker

FINTRAC has imposed a $148,912.50 penalty on Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd. for failing to report a suspicious real estate transaction exhibiting multiple money laundering and terrorist financing indicators, including involvement of a foreign buyer from a sanctioned jurisdiction. The agency characterized the violation as "very serious," and the brokerage has appealed the decision to Federal Court, highlighting ongoing enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering obligations in the real estate sector. (Source: Advisor.ca)

Rent in Vancouver hits lowest rate in almost four years but still not cheap

Vancouver apartment rents have declined to their lowest point in nearly four years, averaging $2,630 in January 2026, representing a 9.2% drop over the past year and 16.5% decrease over three years. One-bedroom units averaged $2,362 while two-bedroom units hit $3,279 monthly, with North Vancouver remaining BC's priciest rental market at $2,469 for one-bedrooms. Despite these decreases, the annual rate of decline slowed for the third consecutive month, indicating the downward trend may be moderating. (Source: Daily Hive)

CREA looks to raise dues to offset shrinking membership, mounting legal costs

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is proposing to increase membership dues to offset financial pressures caused by shrinking membership numbers and mounting legal costs. With fewer realtors in the industry amid a slower housing market, CREA faces a revenue shortfall while simultaneously dealing with significant legal expenses. The proposed increase highlights the financial challenges facing organized real estate in Canada during the current market downturn. (Source: Real Estate Magazine)

Mortgage brokers share options for homeowners facing a mortgage non-renewal

Mortgage brokers are outlining options for Canadian homeowners who may face mortgage non-renewal from their current lender, a growing concern as financial institutions tighten lending standards. Homeowners in this situation can explore alternatives including switching lenders, working with private mortgage lenders, or negotiating modified terms with their existing institution. Brokers emphasize the importance of starting the process early and maintaining good credit to maximize options in the current rate environment. (Source: Richmond News)

Housing Q&A: Karen Wang, B.C. Liberals

In a housing policy Q&A, BC Conservative leader Karen Wang outlined her party's approach to addressing the province's housing affordability crisis, including proposals to streamline permitting processes, increase housing supply, and reduce regulatory barriers for developers. Wang emphasized the need for collaboration between all levels of government to accelerate construction and bring more affordable options to market across Metro Vancouver and British Columbia. (Source: Vancouver Is Awesome)

B.C. sees drop in home sales compared to last year

British Columbia experienced a notable drop in home sales in January 2026 compared to the same period last year, continuing a trend of buyer hesitation in the provincial housing market. The decline reflects ongoing affordability challenges, economic uncertainty, and cautious buyer sentiment despite lower interest rates. Real estate boards across the province reported softer activity with increased inventory levels giving buyers more options but failing to stimulate significant demand. (Source: CityNews Vancouver)

Approved Science World rental towers could raise $700 million for City of Vancouver

Vancouver City Council approved a municipal rental housing project at 1405 Main Street and 1510 Quebec Street near Science World in a 6-2 vote, featuring two towers of 42 and 45 storeys containing 780 market rental units. The development is expected to generate an estimated $700 million in long-term revenue for the city over 35-40 years, though it requires approximately $700 million in upfront construction financing. Two councillors opposed the all-market-rate approach, arguing the city should reserve 20% for affordable housing, but their amendments were defeated. (Source: Daily Hive)

Short-term rental prep: A Vancouver guide for first-time hosts

With Vancouver's short-term rental regulations continuing to evolve, a comprehensive guide outlines what first-time hosts need to know before listing their properties on platforms like Airbnb. Key considerations include obtaining proper business licenses, understanding principal residence requirements, navigating strata bylaws, and ensuring compliance with city regulations. The guide emphasizes the importance of preparation as the city enforces stricter rules to protect long-term rental housing supply. (Source: Vancouver Sun)

CMHC outlook sees home sales picking up in 2026 but will remain subdued

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) latest outlook projects that home sales will pick up in 2026 but remain subdued compared to historical averages, as affordability challenges and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on the market. The forecast indicates that while lower interest rates will provide some support, buyers remain cautious and price growth is expected to be modest across most Canadian markets including Metro Vancouver. (Source: Vancouver Is Awesome)

Vancouver's largest non-profit-led social housing project with over 900 units approved

Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the Southwynd Place redevelopment at 8080 Yukon Street, creating the city's largest non-profit-led social housing project with 903 total units across four buildings including towers of 26, 28, and 32 storeys near Marine Drive SkyTrain Station. Led by the Kiwanis Club of Vancouver and Soroptimist International, the project will feature 30% affordable units with below-market rents and 70% market-rate housing to support financing, with the existing 90 seniors on-site being temporarily relocated and returning upon completion. (Source: Daily Hive)

‘Refreshing’ strategy helps find buyer for North Vancouver home

A two-bedroom North Vancouver condo at 108 E. 14th Street sold for $1.055 million after 25 days on the market, following a strategic relisting at a lower price after the initial listing failed to generate sufficient interest. The 1,039-square-foot unit in the central Lonsdale neighborhood was originally listed at $1.089 million before being delisted and relisted at $1.069 million, with the listing agent noting steady showing activity of one visitor every 15 minutes after the price adjustment. (Source: The Globe and Mail)

Vancouver's Times Square: 800 Granville project approved by City Council

Vancouver City Council unanimously approved the rezoning for Bonnis Properties' 800 Granville redevelopment, a nearly 700,000-square-foot mixed-use project featuring two towers of 38 and 42 storeys with 523 rental units, a 100-room hotel, and over 130,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. The development fully preserves the historic Commodore Ballroom and is positioned as a catalyst for revitalizing Vancouver's Granville Entertainment District, with construction expected to take three to four years. (Source: Daily Hive)

Vancouver makes huge jump into top 10 renter destinations in Canada

Vancouver has surged to 7th place among Canada's top rental destinations, jumping four positions in RentCafe's latest report with a score of 67.64, driven by a 32% year-over-year drop in rental availability and faster decision-making by renters in Q4 2025. Despite this increased demand, Vancouver rents hit a four-year low averaging $2,630 monthly, with one-bedroom units at $2,362 and two-bedroom units at $3,279, outranking Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal in renter interest. (Source: Daily Hive)

CMHC forecasts extended pullback in condo construction through 2028

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is forecasting an extended pullback in condo construction that could last through 2028, as developers face rising costs, slower pre-sale absorption rates, and tighter lending conditions. The forecast signals significant implications for housing supply in major Canadian cities including Vancouver, where condos represent a critical segment of new housing. The extended construction slowdown could exacerbate future supply shortages and put upward pressure on prices once demand recovers. (Source: Financial Post)

How a telecom giant is delivering rental housing in B.C.

A major Canadian telecom company is leveraging its extensive land holdings to deliver rental housing projects across British Columbia, converting underutilized properties near existing infrastructure into residential developments. The initiative represents an innovative approach to addressing the province's housing shortage by tapping into corporate real estate assets that would otherwise remain underused, contributing new rental supply in communities across Metro Vancouver and beyond. (Source: Business in Vancouver)

Vancouver missed out on millions as land deals were struck without proper strategy: report

A new report from Vancouver's independent auditor general has revealed that the city missed out on tens of millions of dollars through poorly managed land transactions, including a $13-million calculation error in one deal and an estimated $26.3 million in uncollected interest on two transactions worth over $90 million each. Of the 16 transactions examined, 14 were initiated by buyers or developers rather than the city, suggesting Vancouver has been reacting to offers rather than proactively managing its land portfolio. In about half a dozen cases, council approved sales below appraised value without being informed of the discrepancy, with differences ranging from $50,000 to $2 million per transaction. The auditor general also noted that a whistleblower complaint highlighted the need to update the city's Land Sales Policy, with required checklists often incomplete or missing. (Source: CBC News)

Lots to choose from in North Delta, Surrey real estate scene

The North Delta and Surrey real estate market in January 2026 presented buyers with an abundance of options, as elevated inventory levels created favorable conditions for those looking to purchase. With listings significantly outpacing sales, the market continues to favor buyers, particularly in the detached home and townhouse segments where prices have softened. The surplus of available properties reflects broader regional trends of buyer caution and slower transaction volumes across the Fraser Valley. (Source: Delta Optimist)

Not a great start for South Delta's real estate scene

South Delta's real estate market got off to a sluggish start in 2026, with January sales activity falling short of expectations as buyer hesitation continued to dominate the local market. Low transaction volumes and growing inventory levels have tipped the balance firmly in favor of buyers, with benchmark prices showing year-over-year declines across most property types. The area mirrors the broader trend seen throughout the Fraser Valley of a market waiting for a catalyst to spur renewed demand. (Source: Delta Optimist)

No end yet to real estate doldrums in Langley, Fraser Valley

Langley's housing market continued its downturn in January 2026, with prices falling to spring 2021 levels across the Fraser Valley region as townhouse sales dropped 30.5% and condo sales plummeted 40.5% compared to January 2025. Benchmark prices declined across all categories with detached homes falling 7.0% annually to $1.51 million, townhouses dropping 5.9% to $814,500, and condos falling 7.9% to $553,000. The region's sales-to-listings ratio of just 8% indicates a strong buyers' market, with FVREB chair noting that uncertainty continues to subdue buyer confidence. (Source: Langley Advance Times)

As Canadian bond yields fall, watch for fixed rates to follow

Canadian bond yields have been falling, a trend that is expected to lead to lower fixed mortgage rates in the near term as lenders adjust their pricing to reflect the decreased cost of borrowing. The decline in yields provides relief for homebuyers and those renewing mortgages, potentially improving affordability for prospective purchasers who have been waiting on the sidelines. Market analysts suggest watching for further rate reductions as bond markets continue to price in economic uncertainty. (Source: Financial Post)

Real estate AI: Quebec realtor apologizes for image

A Quebec real estate agent and his agency have issued an apology after using an AI-manipulated photograph in a property listing that altered the home's exterior appearance. The incident highlights growing concerns about the use of generative AI in real estate marketing and the potential for misleading visuals to misrepresent properties to potential buyers, underscoring the importance of transparency and authentic representation in property advertisements. (Source: CTV News)

B.C.'s rent bank is at risk and here's why that matters

British Columbia's Rent Bank program faces potential shutdown if the provincial government does not renew its funding beyond April 2026, putting at risk a program that has assisted over 8,000 vulnerable households since 2019 with interest-free loans during temporary financial crises. With 45% of British Columbians reporting being $200 or less from insolvency and Metro Vancouver having over 62,000 households spending more than half their income on rent, a 2024 report found the program generates $5 in savings for every dollar invested and has saved the government $150 million since inception. (Source: Daily Hive)

Landlord ordered to pay former tenant nearly $1,400 after improper eviction notice

A British Columbia landlord was ordered by the Civil Resolution Tribunal to pay a former tenant $1,381.31 after failing to provide the legally required two months' notice before eviction and underpaying interest on the security deposit. The tribunal awarded one month's rent of $1,150 plus prejudgment interest and the missing deposit interest, though it rejected the tenant's claims for additional damages related to moving costs and unauthorized room entries. (Source: Daily Hive)

Bank of Canada says path for rates hard to predict with increased risks to outlook

The Bank of Canada has signaled that the path forward for interest rates is increasingly difficult to predict given heightened risks to the economic outlook, including trade uncertainty and global instability. The central bank's cautious messaging suggests that while rates may continue to ease, the pace and extent of future cuts will depend heavily on incoming economic data and evolving risk factors affecting the Canadian economy and housing market. (Source: North Shore News)

Is 24 bedrooms of social housing at $8.5M good bang for City of Vancouver’s buck?

Questions are being raised about the cost-effectiveness of a City of Vancouver social housing project that will deliver just 24 bedrooms at a cost of $8.5 million, prompting debate about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently on affordable housing. Critics argue the per-unit cost is excessively high, while proponents point to the challenges of building in Vancouver's expensive real estate market and the urgent need for any additional social housing supply. (Source: Business in Vancouver)

Average asking rents in Canada fall for 16th straight month: report

Average asking rents across Canada have now declined for 16 consecutive months, reflecting a sustained cooling in the rental market driven by increased supply from new purpose-built rental construction and reduced demand from immigration policy changes. The ongoing decline represents a significant shift from the rapid rent increases seen in 2022-2023, providing some relief for tenants though rents in major cities like Vancouver and Toronto remain well above pre-pandemic levels. (Source: Business in Vancouver)

This week's news underscores the complexity of Vancouver's current real estate landscape. While the sales slowdown and rent declines suggest a market correction is well underway, the City's ambitious approval of thousands of new homes through projects like Langara Gardens, Southwynd Place, and 800 Granville signals confidence in long-term demand. For buyers, the combination of record-high inventory, falling rents, and potentially lower fixed mortgage rates creates a window of opportunity not seen in years. For sellers, patience and strategic pricing remain essential in a market where buyers hold significant leverage. As the Bank of Canada navigates an uncertain economic outlook and CMHC warns of prolonged condo construction pullbacks, the spring market will be the true test of where Vancouver real estate heads next./

News Sources

• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Metro Vancouver homes taking 100 days to sell as listings surge and sales slow
• (Connect CRE Canada)  B.C. Realtor Groups Seek Strata Property Act Review
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  2,600 new homes approved by Vancouver City Council for Cambie Corridor site
• (Business in Vancouver)  Real estate projects boost downtown Vancouver's business climate
• (Advisor.ca)  FINTRAC sanctions real estate broker
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Rent in Vancouver hits lowest rate in almost four years but still not cheap
• (Real Estate Magazine Canada)  CREA looks to raise dues to offset shrinking membership, mounting legal costs
• (Richmond News)  Mortgage brokers share options for homeowners facing a mortgage non-renewal
• (Vancouver Is Awesome)  Housing Q&A: Karen Wang, B.C. Liberals
• (CityNews Vancouver)  B.C. sees drop in home sales compared to last year
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Approved Science World rental towers could raise $700 million for City of Vancouver
• (Vancouver Sun)  Short-term rental prep: A Vancouver guide for first-time hosts
• (Vancouver Is Awesome)  CMHC outlook sees home sales picking up in 2026 but will remain subdued
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Vancouver's largest non-profit-led social housing project with over 900 units approved
• (The Globe and Mail)  ‘Refreshing’ strategy helps find buyer for North Vancouver home
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Vancouver's Times Square: 800 Granville project approved by City Council
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Vancouver makes huge jump into top 10 renter destinations in Canada
• (Financial Post)  CMHC forecasts extended pullback in condo construction through 2028
• (Business in Vancouver)  How a telecom giant is delivering rental housing in B.C.
• (CBC)  Vancouver missed out on millions as land deals were struck without proper strategy: report
• (Delta Optimist)  Lots to choose from in North Delta, Surrey real estate scene
• (Delta Optimist)  Not a great start for South Delta's real estate scene
• (Langley Advance Times)  No end yet to real estate doldrums in Langley, Fraser Valley
• (Financial Post)  As Canadian bond yields fall, watch for fixed rates to follow
• (CTV News)  Real estate AI: Quebec realtor apologizes for image
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  B.C.'s rent bank is at risk and here's why that matters
• (Daily Hive Vancouver)  Landlord ordered to pay former tenant nearly $1,400 after improper eviction notice
• (North Shore News)  Bank of Canada says path for rates hard to predict with increased risks to outlook
• (Business in Vancouver)  Is 24 bedrooms of social housing at $8.5M good bang for City of Vancouver’s buck?
• (Business in Vancouver)  Average asking rents in Canada fall for 16th straight month: report

Disclaimer

The information and content provided in this article are for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the information presented, we make no warranties or representations about its reliability, suitability, or availability. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the original authors and do not reflect our own. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Article Source: https://mgr.ai/XCZ