Market Shift in the Tri‑Cities & Greater Vancouver (December 2025)

Buyers and sellers feel the shift

Metro Vancouver’s real estate market cooled noticeably by late 2025.  According to data from Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), sales across the region totalled 1,846 in November 2025 – 15.4 % lower than November 2024 and 20.6 % below the 10‑year seasonal average .  Inventory increased to 15,149 listings, up 14.4 % year‑over‑year and 36.3 % above the 10‑year average .  The sales‑to‑active listings ratio (SALR) fell to 12.6 %, with detached homes at 9.7 %, attached homes 13.6 % and apartments 14.8 %, signalling a buyer’s market in the detached segment and balanced conditions for townhomes and condos .  GVR chief economist Andrew Lis noted that plentiful inventory and cautious buyers are pushing sellers to price realistically .

Tri‑Cities: buyer’s edge emerges

The Tri‑Cities – Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody – reflect these trends even more strongly.  Atlas Group’s December 2025 market update reports that Coquitlam’s months‑of‑inventory (MOI) climbed to 8.65, with 1,263 active listings and just 146 sales .  Port Moody recorded an MOI of 7.35 with 338 listings and 46 sales , while Port Coquitlam sat in balanced territory at 5.23 MOI with 319 listings and 61 sales .  High MOI means buyers have more options and more negotiating power; the report notes that well‑priced homes are still selling but the bidding‑war frenzy has faded .

What this means for buyers

• Greater selection and negotiating room.  With inventory rising and sales slowing, buyers can take the time to view multiple properties and negotiate on price.  Detached homes are firmly in buyer’s‑market territory both regionally and in Coquitlam .

• Stable pricing in townhomes and condos.  Townhouses and condos remain in balanced markets; they still attract demand because of relative affordability .  Buyers seeking a foothold in the Tri‑Cities should consider these property types.

• Pre‑approval is still crucial.  Even though competition has eased, rates remain high.  Having a mortgage pre‑approval will strengthen offers and set clear budget parameters.

What this means for sellers

• Price realistically.  With more listings and fewer buyers, overpriced homes sit on the market.  GVR warns that downward pressure on prices occurs when the SALR stays below 12 % ; in Coquitlam the ratio for detached homes is even lower (0.10) .

• Presentation matters.  Homes that are well‑presented and move‑in‑ready attract the limited pool of active buyers.  Professional staging, quality photography and repairs are critical.

• Expect longer days on market.  Tri‑Cities homes are taking longer to sell; sellers should be prepared for extended marketing periods and flexible negotiations.

Outlook for 2026

Economists expect borrowing costs to remain steady into early 2026, so any uptick in demand will likely come from improved buyer confidence rather than rate cuts .  With inventory still high, the buyer‑friendly conditions seen in late 2025 may continue into the new year.  However, townhouses and condos could stabilize quicker due to their affordability and the ongoing shortage of entry‑level housing.

As a top Tri‑Cities REALTOR®, I monitor market data and neighbourhood trends closely.  Whether you’re buying or selling, I provide honest guidance and strategies tailored to your goals.