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 – The Headwinds Returneth, July 23rd, 2026
It’s always worthwhile not to imply too much from what happens in the summer or winter months and project that onto what will occur in the typically busier spring and fall seasons. But sometimes we just can’t help ourselves. Naturally, the world around us doesn’t slow down just because homebuyers and sellers are on holidays. As our local real estate markets are impacted increasingly by global events and capital flows, that’s never been more true. Sales for the month of July across the North Shore and the region, and across all property types are tracking toward one of the slowest Julys in recent memory. Inventory is also dropping, adding to the feeling of a slow market. August is typically an even slower month than July. We feel incredibly fortunate to have been busily helping clients buy and sell properties during this period.
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)
Whether it is FIFA related (people were renting their properties temporarily or just busy partying), something to do with the Wednesday holiday early in the month, or buyers and sellers are just at a standoff on prices, it’s hard to ignore the geopolitical factors that might be contributing to hesitation of buyers. Many of the usual suspects are at play: the War in Iran seems to be intensifying again after a failed truce, interest rates and oil prices are rising again, trade disputes are not being resolved but escalating, and the policy-driven economic/investment gains are painfully slow to materialize. Each month that passes is another punch to the gut for those looking for any cause for optimism.
Other than fatigue from the above, and the need to buy and sell for reasons that life dictates, the eventual resolution of one or more of those issues will eventually bring buyers back to the market in a significant quantity – enough to impact the market again. Not only that, but there are numerous policy tools at the disposal of government to stimulate the market – namely all of the taxes and bans they have implemented to slow it down. One was even attempted last week, a hare-brained proposal to bulk-purchase unsold units from developers. While that proposal will probably die a horrible death, as neither proponent wants to admit ownership of the idea, more will inevitably follow. Eventually, they may land on something that moves the needle. This is all to say: while prices may well indeed slip further, vested interests are hard at work ensuring nothing resembling a crash ever happens.
North Vancouver Townhomes Under $1.3M | North Vancouver 2BR Condos Under $800K
Stock markets, while increasingly volatile, are still having a good year overall (with the Nasdaq and Magnificent 7 stocks being the outlier). Strong earnings growth, overall money supply growth, a flight to safety sentiment for some large corporations, and rising commodity prices have been the most commonly cited reasons for the outperformance.
Bitcoin is languishing 45% below its all-time high and still lacks catalysts to drive the price higher – other than the fact it’s inherent limited supply will eventually run out of sellers of long-held coins. Gold is testing the $4000 range repeatedly, which is also roughly 30% below its recent high. Copper is the metal that is most resilient lately, not surprising given the enormous electrical infrastructure spending going on around the world. Oil prices are back above $90, and while not nearly as panic-inducing as it seemed in the spring, is again causing increases at the pump and will surely begin to impact inflation metrics if sustained for any length of time.
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.
