Market Update August 2025

August Snapshot

Metro Vancouver recorded 1,959 MLS® home sales in August, a 2.9% increase from a year earlier as easing prices nudged buyers back into the market. New listings reached 4,225 and total active listings stood at 16,242, keeping selection above average even as activity stabilized (GVR 2025-08).

Sales & Listings Momentum

Sales improved modestly versus last August to 1,959, but remained 19.2% below the 10-year seasonal average as the market continued its gradual recovery from a soft first half (GVR 2025-08).

Sellers added 4,225 new listings in August, up 2.8% year over year and 1.3% above the 10-year seasonal average, which helped sustain buyer choice across most sub-markets (GVR 2025-08).

Overall inventory finished the month at 16,242 active listings, a 17.6% annual increase and 36.9% above the 10-year seasonal average, signalling more balanced negotiating conditions than last summer (GVR 2025-08).

Price Trends

The MLS® HPI composite benchmark registered $1,150,400 in August, down 1.3% from July and 3.8% from a year ago as the market adjusted to higher carrying costs and abundant selection (GVR 2025-08).

Detached homes saw 575 sales, up 13% annually, with a benchmark price of $1,950,300 (-1.2% month over month; -4.8% year over year) as buyers at higher price points re-engaged selectively (GVR 2025-08).

Townhome activity reached 409 sales, up 10.5% year over year. The benchmark price was $1,079,600, down 1.8% from July and 3.5% from last August, reflecting steady but more price-sensitive demand in family-oriented hubs (GVR 2025-08).

Apartment sales totalled 956, 5.5% lower than a year ago. The benchmark price landed at $734,400, easing 1.3% from July and 4.4% annually, consistent with softer entry-level and investor segments (GVR 2025-08).

Supply–Demand Balance

The sales-to-active listings ratio sat at 12.4% in August, with 9.3% for detached, 15.8% for townhomes, and 14% for apartments. Historical analysis indicates sustained readings below 12% align with downward price pressure, while sustained readings above 20% align with upward pressure (GVR 2025-08).

Policy Watch

The Bank of Canada kept the overnight rate at 2.75% on July 30, with the next decision slated for September 17. Borrowing costs therefore remained unchanged through August, maintaining a cautious rate backdrop for fall buyers and sellers (Bank of Canada 2025-07-30).

B.C.’s Home Flipping Tax applies to properties resold within two years beginning January 1, 2025, with exemptions for life events and certain builder scenarios. Investors considering short holds should model after-tax returns accordingly (Gov BC).

The Province’s Short-Term Rental Registry requires hosts to register (effective May 1, 2025) and align listings with local bylaws, reinforcing the shift of units toward long-term housing in many municipalities (Gov BC).

At the federal level, the insured-mortgage price cap rose from $1.0M to $1.5M on December 15, 2024, a change that continued to support insured demand into 2025, especially for new builds and first-time buyers in higher-priced markets (Dept. Finance 2024-09).

Why It Matters

 
• Selection remains ample: active listings are 36.9% above the 10-year seasonal average, giving buyers time to compare homes and negotiate terms (GVR 2025-08)
• Prices eased modestly month over month across segments, improving affordability at the margin for rate-sensitive buyers (GVR 2025-08)
• Detached demand rebounded on a year-over-year basis, signalling renewed interest at higher price points as expectations normalize (GVR 2025-08).
• Policy settings—rates on hold, STR rules, and the flipping tax—continue to shape investor calculus and listing decisions heading into fall (BoC).

REBGV August 2025 Metrics

 
• Detached: 575 sales; benchmark $1,950,300; -1.2% m/m; -4.8% y/y (GVR 2025-08)
• Townhome: 409 sales; benchmark $1,079,600; -1.8% m/m; -3.5% y/y (GVR 2025-08)
• Apartment: 956 sales; benchmark $734,400; -1.3% m/m; -4.4% y/y (GVR 2025-08).
• Total: 1,959 sales; new listings 4,225; active listings 16,242; sales-to-active ratio 12.4% (9.3% detached; 15.8% townhome; 14% apartment) (GVR 2025-08).

This article is for informational purposes only. Statistics and market conditions are current as of the publication date and may change without notice. It is not legal or financial advice. Always verify details and consult qualified professionals before making real-estate decisions.