Apr 7, 2025
March 2025 just gave us the lowest number of MLS® home sales for the month going back to 2019 — and that’s not something we can ignore.
Residential sales in Metro Vancouver hit 2,091, down 13.4% from last March, and a sharp 36.8% below the 10-year seasonal average. Meanwhile, listings are way up. Over 6,400 homes were newly listed in March — a 29% increase from the same time last year. Inventory keeps climbing, now sitting at 14,546 active listings — a huge 37.9% jump year-over-year.
Translation: buyers have more choice than they’ve had in years. Sellers are competing. And the sales-to-active listings ratio sits at 14.9%, meaning we’re solidly in balanced market territory — leaning toward a buyer’s market, especially for detached homes.
Here’s where it gets interesting from a presale angle.
Detached Homes: A Wake-Up Call for Resale Sellers
Detached sales dropped 24.1% year-over-year. Even with a benchmark price of $2,034,400 (slightly up from last year), buyers aren’t rushing into million-dollar commitments. The 10.3% sales ratio shows serious softness here.
In contrast, presales offer an advantage: more flexible deposits, longer timelines, and no need for immediate financing. For buyers worried about rates or needing time to save, presale detached or townhome projects can be a safer, strategic entry point.
Apartments: Holding Steady with a Presale Advantage
Apartments saw 1,084 sales, down 10.2% from last year. The benchmark price sits at $767,300, very flat year-over-year. But we’re seeing steady interest in well-located, efficiently designed condo presales — especially those with completion dates in 2026 or later.
Why? Because savvy investors and first-time buyers are using these market conditions to lock in value before rates drop or the market turns.
Townhomes: The Sweet Spot for Smart Buyers
Townhome sales dipped just 4.6%, with a benchmark price of $1,113,100. That’s barely changed year-over-year — and shows how strong the demand remains for this segment.
If you're looking for a home with more space but aren’t ready for a detached price tag, presale townhomes are still the best move. Developers are offering strong incentives, and you're not competing in today’s resale market where inventory is high, but quality product is still limited.
The numbers paint a clear picture: inventory is up, sales are down, and buyers are back in the driver’s seat. But as always, timing is everything. This is the exact kind of market where presale opportunities can make the most sense — especially for those who want to get in without rushing, or want a chance to grow their equity over the next couple years.
If you're curious about where the best presale projects are right now — or want help comparing resale vs. presale for your specific goals — let’s connect.
This market rewards strategy. Make your next move count.
