As we monitor the incoming sales and listings data for the month of February, we are trying to find clues regarding the extent to which buyers will remain in charge for the Spring Market – as they have for much of the past two years. Listing counts have been elevated, prices have been steadily slipping as sales volumes register historically low levels. Most industry groups expect this trend to continue for much of 2026. However, across the North Shore Real Estate Market and throughout the Greater Vancouver Region, listing counts are not following this narrative. Sales numbers are firming up and prices are recovering slightly from their seasonal low months. It’s far to early to draw any conclusions from 3 weeks of data. Should it continue, the spring market may end up more competitive than almost anyone is currently projecting.
North Vancouver Entry-Level Houses ($1.4-2.1M) | West Vancouver Houses Under $2.4M
North Vancouver Move-Up Houses ($2.1-2.8M) | West Vancouver Move-Up Houses ($2.4-3.2M)
There is nothing on the geopolitical or economic landscape that can be attributed to motivate the above. The Bank of Canada does is not estimated to make any change in rates for all of 2026, while the Fed in the US is only expected to make 2 quarter point reductions in the 2nd half. Despite this, bond rates have been slipping back toward their low levels seen in the spring and again in the fall. Bond yields are what lenders base fixed rates on, and this has been allowing lenders to again offer rates under 4% in many cases. Mortgage professionals that we talk to regularly remind those considering a move to obtain a pre-approval at the earliest opportunity.
North Vancouver Townhomes Under $1.3M | North Vancouver 2BR Condos Under $800K
Outside of real estate, stock markets have continued a mostly sideways trade since late October. The large technology companies have been the main culprit here, under performing most other indexes. Analysts are grappling with the growth rates and projected earnings as they invest enormously in AI-related buildouts. It seems most are comfortable assuming that the AI growth will eventually slow down, and markets will need to correct considerably. That sounds very reasonable and has happened many times before. Perhaps it’s worth considering, though, that the AI revolution is still in its infancy and we’re simply looking for parallels to the Dot Com era where they may not exist.
Gold has stabilized above $5000 as central banks continue their accumulation and retail traders jump aboard. Silver has not maintained the same kind of momentum, but has not crashed and burned by any stretch. Bitcoin has made some attempts at recovering from its dip to $61,000 last month, yet weakness continues as the bear market rages on throughout cryptocurrency markets. The Oil price has taken cues from geopolitical uncertainty and harsh weather in the east and is being reflected in prices at the pump.
Worthy Reads:
The 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis
Downgrade Warnings Grow Louder For BC
Disclaimer: The information provided in this column is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no warranties or representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
