The North Shore Real Estate Market Pulse is intended to keep readers apprised of what’s going on in local real estate markets and in the global financial markets that affect real estate via inflation, interest rates, capital flows and public policy. It is best suited for those not able to keep up with all the news every day but still wanting to be informed.
The North Shore Real Estate Market Pulse – Rearranging The Furniture, October 27th, 2026
In what will become known as one of the more disastrous own-goals in BC political history, we now have a new provincial government with drastically different priorities than the government of the past 9 years. As much as we would love to believe that “this changes everything” and the real estate market will suddenly forget about all that was ailing it, let’s take a breath. Much of the market’s condition is due to structural factors with demographics, interest rates, geopolitics, and investment flows. While the provincial government will attempt to fix some of the factors making development unaffordable, and will address lingering land title uncertainty, they don’t have a magic wand to bring confidence for buyers in general.
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)
The Bank of Canada is widely expected (87% odds) to increase their policy rate at the October 28th meeting. This could potentially come with a second increase at the December 9th meeting. These increases are largely already reflected in the fixed mortgage rates that have been offered by the large banks in Canada for the past few months. However, there has been a trend toward people choosing variable rate mortgages due their lower rate offers, and these rates will increase with the Central Bank’s policy rate, squeezing budgets even further for potential property purchasers. Raising rates to cool inflation is what the bond market apparently wanted. Conversely, with a cooling economy there’s a distinct possibility this is looked back on as a “policy error” that contributed to tipping the economy into a recession.
North Vancouver Townhomes Under $1.3M | North Vancouver 2BR Condos Under $800K
North American stock markets continue to trade sideways as they have for most of the past few months. Much ink has been spilled considering valuations of the some of the largest and AI-related tech companies that now dominate the major indexes. While mortgages and cost of living continue to get more expensive, this is the other side: many of the people buying expensive real estate have their capital currently invested elsewhere. As those asset markets appreciate over time and real estate markets slowly grind lower, purchasing will become more and more attractive so long as the dynamic persists.
Bitcoin has maintained the $80,000 price level without meaningful moves in either direction. Gold is also holding above $4000, as the supply and demand picture adjusts to the higher prices. Oil is once again approaching the $100 mark, as tensions in the Middle East persist and several countries in the region take steps that would typically precede a major escalation. With the conflict also raising questions about the US dollar’s dominance as the currency used to settle oil transactions, further escalation seems increasingly inevitable. The consequences for inflation, interest rates and economic growth could be significant, regardless of the best efforts of a new provincial government.
North Shore Real Estate Team
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. Any actions taken based on this information are at your own risk. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
