Bill meant to speed up housing approvals passes second reading in B.C. legislature

A bill in B.C. aims to speed up building approvals by allowing local governments to accept technical reports from certified professionals without additional review, except for incomplete work or complaints. Supported by the NDP, it faces opposition from Conservatives and others who argue local review is a safeguard. Proponents say it reduces delays and costs, helping address housing affordability. The bill now moves to committee review and further votes.

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Is 2026 Canada’s Year for Modest Home Growth?

Slide 1:
Canada’s housing market eyes modest growth in 2026 as inventory slowly normalizes.

Slide 2:
National home sales expected to rise 3.4%, rebounding after widespread 2025 declines.

Slide 3:
Rate sensitivity matters: 23% ready to buy if BoC cuts 0.5–1%.

Slide 4:
Younger buyers prioritize transit and commute flexibility, shaping housing choices in 2026.

Slide 5:
Market optimism continues despite economic clouds, with first-time buyers creatively entering homes.

Stabilization for British Columbia Housing Market in 2026

Price trends stabilize as higher supply and affordability constraints temper rapid appreciation.

Sales activity gradually recovers from slower periods driven by borrowing-cost sensitivity.

Investor participation moderates while end-user demand remains steady in core markets.

Rent pressures ease slightly as new supply enters urban centers.

Market conditions reflect gradual normalization rather than sharp price swings.

BC Housing Market Offers New Opportunities This Holiday Season

British Columbia recorded 5,052 residential unit sales in November 2025, down 13.3% from the previous year. The average residential price fell 1.4% to $965,914. Total sales dollar volume dropped 14.5% to $4.9 billion, with unit sales 24.9% below the ten-year November average. Year-to-date, sales volume decreased 8.1% to $62.9 billion, unit sales fell 5.6%, and average price declined 2.7% to $953,306.

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Are “Good Rates” About to Wake Real Estate?

Slide 1

Rates finally sit in a “good place,” but buyer confidence hasn’t fully bounced back yet.

Slide 2

Canada’s nine rate cuts brought major relief, yet affordability still challenges first-time buyers nationwide.

Slide 3

Lower borrowing costs usually boost sales, so stronger buyer activity could show up early next year.

Slide 4

A recession-triggering trade fight could stall housing, even though only 16% fear buying right now.

Slide 5

Despite uncertainty, limited detached-home construction means anyone waiting for a price crash may wait years.

City of North Vancouver approves new mid-rise development zone

North Vancouver approved a new mid-rise development zone allowing residential buildings up to six storeys, initially for Alder Street lands. This aims to meet 20-year housing targets and a federal deadline. The zone may extend to other Residential Level 5 areas, streamlining rezoning. It includes tree protection measures, requiring 10% deep soil areas and adherence to the city’s tree bylaw. The approval was unanimous.

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Could the Cowichan ruling affect B.C. property assessments?

A B.C. Supreme Court ruling granting Cowichan Tribes “senior” title over some Richmond private property may impact future property assessments, though its effect on 2026 assessments is uncertain due to timing. Experts debate its broader applicability, with some seeing it as case-specific and others warning it challenges foundational property rights. Appeals depend on market evidence showing value declines linked to the decision.

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City of North Vancouver opens the door to thousands of multiplex homes

North Vancouver council approved bylaw changes to allow multiplex housing in single-family neighborhoods, aiming to meet provincial housing mandates. The plan permits up to four units on many properties and up to six on some, with exemptions for heritage areas. Critics argue the changes are too limited and may not increase affordable family housing significantly. Council stressed the need for action despite challenges and provincial deadlines.

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Canada: Is 2026 the Market’s Turning Point?

CREA notes that early-2025 uncertainty — including tariff-related disruptions and economic hesitation — temporarily slowed buyer activity, especially in higher-priced regions like Ontario and BC.

2025 average prices are projected at $676,705 (↓1.4%), with weakness in BC/Ontario offset by expected ↑4–8% gains in several mid-priced provinces.

National sales are forecast to rebound to 509,479 in 2026 (↑7.7%), marking the strongest activity since 2021 as delayed demand returns.

2026 prices are expected to rise to $698,622 (↑3.2%), keeping national averages near the $700K range for a sixth straight year.

Refinancing a Mortgage Loan: Your Complete Guide

Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new loan to secure better terms, lower rates, adjust loan length, access equity, or remove PMI. Options include rate-and-term, cash-out, cash-in, no-closing-cost, streamline, short refinance, reverse mortgage, and debt-consolidation refinances. Consider credit impact, home equity, closing costs, and break-even points. Ideal when rates drop 0.5%+, equity exceeds 20%, or credit improves. Refinancing typically takes 30–45 days.

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