The Metro Vancouver housing market saw a subtle but important shift in August 2025. With prices easing across most property types, more buyers stepped off the sidelines, bringing a small but notable increase in sales activity compared to the same period last year.
According to the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), a total of 1,959 residential sales were recorded on the MLS® in August 2025. That’s a 2.9% increase from August 2024, though still 19.2% below the 10-year seasonal average of 2,424.
While overall activity remains below long-term norms, the numbers point to signs of recovery after a slower start to the year.
Key Takeaways for August 2025
Sales volumes: Up nearly 3% year-over-year.
New listings: 4,225 properties hit the market in August – slightly above both last year (+2.8%) and the 10-year seasonal average (+1.3%).
Total inventory: 16,242 active listings, a 17.6% increase compared to last year and nearly 37% above the 10-year average.
Sales-to-active listings ratio: 12.4% overall (detached: 9.3%, townhomes: 15.8%, condos: 14%). This places most of the market in balanced territory, though detached homes remain softer.
Benchmark prices: Metro Vancouver’s composite benchmark sits at $1,150,400, down 3.8% year-over-year and 1.3% month-over-month.
Market Insights
“Sales in the detached and attached segments are up over 10% from last August, which suggests buyers shopping in more expensive price points are re-entering the market in a meaningful way,” explains Andrew Lis, GVR’s Director of Economics and Data Analytics.
This is reflected in the breakdown:
Detached homes: 575 sales (+13% YoY), benchmark price $1,950,300 (down 4.8% YoY).
Townhomes (attached): 409 sales (+10.5% YoY), benchmark price $1,079,600 (down 3.5% YoY).
Condos (apartments): 956 sales (-5.5% YoY), benchmark price $734,400 (down 4.4% YoY).
Across the board, prices have softened between 1%–2% month-over-month and are sitting below 2024 levels. Sellers appear increasingly willing to adjust expectations, helping buyers and sellers find more common ground.
What This Means for Buyers
For those looking to purchase, current conditions are relatively favourable:
More choice: Inventory is at one of the highest levels in the past decade.
Better prices: Benchmarks are down 3 - 5% year-over-year depending on the property type.
Less competition: With the sales-to-active listings ratio near balanced levels, bidding wars are less common than in past years.
That said, if sales activity continues to rise while new listings remain flat, today’s window of opportunity could narrow heading into fall.
What This Means for Sellers
While prices have dipped modestly, motivated buyers are returning - particularly in the detached and townhouse markets. Sellers who price competitively are more likely to attract serious buyers and secure deals in today’s more balanced environment.
Long-Term Perspective
Despite short-term price declines, Metro Vancouver real estate has shown remarkable long-term resilience:
Up 22% over the past 3 years
Up 43% over the past 5 years
Up more than 40% over the past decade
For both buyers and investors, this underscores real estate’s role as a stable, appreciating asset in the Vancouver region.
Final Thoughts
The Vancouver market in August 2025 reflected a more balanced and accessible environment than we’ve seen in recent years. Easing prices and higher inventory have opened opportunities for buyers, while sellers are finding that realistic pricing leads to steady sales.
As we move into the fall market, the balance between new listings and buyer demand will determine whether today’s favourable conditions for buyers continue, or whether tightening supply begins to push prices upward again.
Thinking about making a move?
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📞 Contact us today to explore your opportunities in Metro Vancouver real estate.