The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) released its 2026 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update on January 28, 2026, and the headline is clear: the BC housing market is on a path of slow, steady recovery.
According to BCREA, MLS® residential sales across BC are forecast to rise approximately 12 percent in 2026, reaching an estimated 78,690 units. Looking further ahead, 2027 is expected to see continued growth with sales rising 4.8 percent to approximately 82,450 units. This signals growing confidence among buyers after two years of below-average activity.
One of the most notable trends is inventory. BCREA reports that housing inventory is running near its highest level in over a decade, with just over 40,000 homes currently for sale across the province. For buyers, this is encouraging news — more choice and less competition compared to the frenzy of previous years.
On the pricing side, BCREA anticipates the average home price in BC will rise roughly 3 percent in 2026, reaching approximately $982,800, up from $953,314 in 2025. This modest increase reflects balanced market conditions, with the sales recovery in higher-priced Lower Mainland markets catching up to the rest of the province.
What does this mean for the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley areas I serve? The Lower Mainland — including Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, and Vancouver — is expected to see strengthening demand as buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines begin to re-enter the market. With inventory at healthy levels, buyers have more options, while sellers can still benefit from steady price appreciation.
Whether you're considering buying your first home, selling a property, or exploring investment opportunities, understanding these market trends can help you make more informed decisions. I'm here to help you navigate the current market conditions in your specific neighborhood.
Source: British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), 2026 First Quarter Housing Forecast Update, January 28, 2026. Visit bcrea.bc.ca for the full report. This blog post is a summary for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Market conditions can change rapidly — consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
