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Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025?

Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025?

In November 2025, North Vancouver recorded 157 sales, 285 new listings, and 839 total active listings, with a sales-to-listings ratio of 18.7% and a median 23 days on market—up from 17 days a year earlier.realestatenorthshore.com Across Metro Vancouver, the benchmark home price sat around $1.13M in October 2025, down about 3–4% year-over-year, with detached, townhome, and condo prices all sliding modestly from 2024 peaks.WOWA At the same time, the Bank of Canada has cut its policy rate from a high of 5.0% in 2024 to 2.25% by late October 2025, easing some borrowing pressure for BC buyers.Bank of Canada+1

So, Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025? Not officially, but the data shows a soft, buyer-leaning balanced market with more selection, slower sales, and slightly better negotiating room than the past few years. In some segments—especially higher-priced detached homes and stale listings—the experience can feel very close to a buyer’s market in North Vancouver in 2025.


2025 Snapshot: What the North Vancouver Housing Data Says

Before we label it a full buyer’s market, we need to look at the numbers that matter most in BC:

Greater Vancouver REALTORS®’ own historical analysis says that:

  • Below ~12% sales-to-active ratio → sustained buyer’s market with downward price pressure
  • Above ~20% → seller’s market with upward pressure
  • Between 12–20% → roughly balanced conditions.gvrealtors.ca

With North Vancouver sitting around 18–19%, we’re clearly not in a textbook “buyers can dictate anything” market—but we’re also not in a hot seller’s market. It’s a balanced market that tilts toward buyers in certain price ranges and property types.


Is North Vancouver in a Buyer’s, Seller’s, or Balanced Market?

Understanding what “buyer’s market” means in BC

In BC real estate, a true buyer’s market usually shows up when:

  • Inventory is high and rising
  • Sales are weak
  • The sales-to-active ratio stays under 12% for several monthsgvrealtors.ca
  • Prices are either flat or clearly trending down

North Vancouver in 2025 checks some, but not all, of these boxes:

  • Inventory: Up year-over-year, especially for condos and townhomes
  • Sales: Slightly lower than 2024, but not collapsing
  • Ratio: 18.7% in November—firmly in “balanced” territoryrealestatenorthshore.com
  • Prices: Off the peak, with mild declines across the regionWOWA

So if you ask “Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025?”, the technical answer is no.
If you ask “Does it feel more like a buyer-friendly market than 2021–2022?”, the answer is absolutely yes.


How Interest Rates Shape the 2025 Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver

Bank of Canada cuts and what they mean locally

From June 2024 to late 2025, the Bank of Canada has been gradually trimming its policy rate from 5.0% down to 2.25%.Bank of Canada+1 That’s a big shift for borrowers in BC and across Canada:

  • Variable rates: Have come down meaningfully from 2023–2024 highs
  • Fixed rates: Have eased, though they still reflect lender caution and bond yields
  • Stress test: Buyers still need to qualify at higher “buffer” rates, but the math looks better than it did when rates were at 5%

This rate environment creates a weird mix:

  1. More buyers can qualify again, especially first-time buyers and move-up buyers in North Vancouver.
  2. But many are cautious, waiting to see if prices soften further or if rates stay put.
  3. Some owners are under mild pressure from renewals and rising carrying costs, which can push more listings onto the market.

All of this nudges North Vancouver closer to a buyer-tilted balanced market, even if we don’t hit true buyer’s market statistics on paper.


Segment Breakdown: Where 2025 Feels Most Like a Buyer’s Market

Condos: The closest thing to a buyer’s market in North Vancouver in 2025

Condos are often the first place where a buyer’s market shows up:

  • Inventory is higher than a couple of years ago.realestatenorthshore.com
  • Days on market are longer, especially for older buildings or units with issues (noisy streets, poor layouts, or heavier upcoming strata work).
  • Many sellers are investors sensitive to cash flow, and some will negotiate to avoid prolonged vacancy.

If your question is “Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025 for condos?”, the honest answer is:

It’s not officially a full buyer’s market, but condos are the most negotiable segment right now.

Townhomes: Still competitive, but less frantic

Townhomes remain in strong demand from families who are priced out of detached homes but want more space than a condo. However:

  • Active listings are up versus last year.realestatenorthshore.com
  • The overall regional townhouse benchmark price is down a few percent year-over-year.WOWA
  • Buyers are less willing to “overpay” than during the 2021–2022 surge.

This creates micro-markets:

  • Well-located, newer townhomes can still see multiple offers.
  • Dated or poorly located townhomes can sit and feel more like a buyer’s market in that micro-segment.

Detached houses: Big ticket, more negotiation

Detached North Vancouver houses are where you see some of the strongest negotiation power:

  • Prices across Metro Vancouver detached homes are down over 4% year-over-year.WOWA
  • Many sellers are move-up or downsizing owners who already saw big equity gains over the past decade.
  • Buyers at this price range are very rate-sensitive and pickier about location, school catchments, and future potential.

If you’re shopping detached, you’re not in a pure buyer’s market, but you often have:

  • More choice
  • More time to think
  • More room to negotiate subjects and price

Provincial and BC-Wide Context: Why 2025 Isn’t a Crash

BCREA’s late-2025 forecast shows that, after a disappointing year in both the economy and housing, they expect BC home sales to rebound in 2026, with MLS® sales projected to rise roughly 12–13%.British Columbia Real Estate Association+1

That tells us a few things important for anyone asking if it’s a buyer’s market in North Vancouver in 2025:

  • Most economists aren’t calling for a prolonged crash in BC housing.
  • They see 2025 as a transition year, with softer prices and slower activity leading into a healthier 2026.
  • Buyers in 2025 are operating in a window where conditions are friendlier than the boom years but likely not a permanent discount era.

In other words, this is the kind of environment where thoughtful buyers can do well, especially if they focus on quality properties and don’t try to time the exact bottom.


Who Actually Has the Advantage in North Vancouver in 2025?

When buyers hold more of the cards

Buyers gain leverage in situations like:

  • Listings sitting 30+ days without strong interest
  • Properties with obvious issues: busy roads, missing parking, poor layouts, or upcoming strata work
  • Sellers who already bought elsewhere and need to close
  • Investment properties where today’s rent doesn’t fully cover renewal mortgage costs

In these cases, the market can feel like a buyer’s market in North Vancouver in 2025, especially if the listing is mis-priced.

When sellers still call the shots

Sellers still have the upper hand when:

  • The home is A-grade: great walkability, updated, good schools, and appealing layout
  • The listing is priced correctly right from the start
  • You’re under $1M for condos/townhomes in high-demand pockets
  • Competing buyers who’ve been watching closely jump as soon as something “perfect” hits the MLS

So instead of asking only “Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025?”, a smarter question is:

In my specific price range and property type, who has the advantage right now?

That’s where a local, data-driven analysis becomes critical.


Should You Buy Now or Wait in 2025?

Here’s how BC and Canadian conditions play into that decision:

  • Interest rates: At 2.25%, the Bank of Canada’s rate is far lower than 2023–2024 highs, but not ultra-cheap by historical standards.Bank of Canada+1
  • Price trend: Prices are down from the peak but haven’t collapsed.
  • Inventory: Higher inventory gives you more choice and reduces FOMO.realestatenorthshore.com+1
  • Forecasts: Major BC forecasts expect more activity and a better tone going into 2026.British Columbia Real Estate Association+1

If you’re a long-term buyer (7–10+ years), 2025 in North Vancouver can be a good time to:

  • Lock in a quality home at a non-peak price
  • Negotiate better terms (subjects, repairs, or small price reductions)
  • Avoid the extreme bidding wars of recent years

If you’re a short-term speculator, this is not the kind of environment where flipping is easy or low-risk.


How to Take Advantage of a Buyer-Leaning Market in North Vancouver

1. Get your financing fully dialled in

In Canada, pre-approval and a clear understanding of your stress-tested limit are crucial. Work with a mortgage professional who understands BC lending rules, including insured vs. uninsured mortgages, 20% down options, and the impact of the stress test rate.

2. Focus on value, not just discount

In a market that’s not a pure fire sale, the biggest wins come from buying quality at a fair price, not junk at a large discount:

  • Strong strata buildings with healthy contingency funds
  • Solid family neighbourhoods with good schools and transit
  • Floor plans that will stay desirable even if styles change

3. Watch days on market and price reductions

When you see:

  • 30–60+ days on market
  • One or more price reductions
  • Motivated seller signals (vacant, already moved, estate sale)

…you’re likely looking at a listing where the balance has shifted closer to a buyer’s market in North Vancouver in 2025—and where a well-structured offer can land you a great deal.

4. Use subjects strategically, not lazily

In BC, subjects (financing, inspection, review of strata docs) are still extremely important. In a softer or balanced market, you can often:

  • Retain key subjects to protect yourself
  • Negotiate timelines that work for your lender and lawyer
  • Use inspection results to renegotiate minor repairs or credits

Final Thoughts: Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025?

On paper, North Vancouver in 2025 is a balanced market, not a full buyer’s market. The sales ratios and price trends don’t support the idea of a complete swing of power to buyers.

In practice, though, many buyers have more leverage than they’ve had in years:

  • More homes to choose from
  • Fewer bidding wars
  • Slightly softer prices
  • Lower interest rates than 2023–2024

If you’re serious about buying, this is a window where careful, data-driven decisions can put you in a strong long-term position—before the next upswing that BC’s forecasts are hinting at.


Ready to Talk About Your 2025 North Vancouver Move?

If you’re wondering “Is It a Buyer’s Market in North Vancouver in 2025 for me, with my budget and timeline?”, the next step is to look at your exact price range, neighbourhoods, and property type.

Let’s break down your situation, run the current stats, and build a strategy that:

  • Targets the right buildings and streets
  • Avoids over-hyped, over-priced listings
  • Uses today’s softer conditions to your advantage

Book a call with Tom Jahed today to get a personalized North Vancouver 2025 market game plan tailored to your budget and goals.

internal link ;https://tomjahed.ca/moving-to-north-vancouver-with-family/

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