Metro Vancouver Market Shows Split: Detached Sales Rise While Multifamily Slows
Metro Vancouver’s housing market is showing a split.
While overall activity remains subdued, detached home sales are trending upward, even as apartment and attached segments continue to slow.
The shift points to a divergence in market activity that isn’t immediately obvious in the headline numbers.
“Year-to-date, sales are tracking our forecast for the year closely, and the weakness in demand we continue to observe at the aggregate level is unsurprising,” said Andrew Lis, Chief Economist and Vice-President, Data Analytics, Greater Vancouver REALTORS. “What’s interesting is that the aggregate total masks an emerging divergence among market segments. While the multifamily segment continues to see slower sales, the detached segment may be awakening with sales up, and new listings down from last year.”
Overall Sales Remain Below Historical Norms
Residential sales in Metro Vancouver totalled 2,032 in March 2026.
That’s:
- a 2.8% decrease from March 2025 (2,091 sales)
- 31.8% below the 10-year seasonal average (2,981)
Year-to-date activity is tracking closely with forecasts, but demand remains below long-term norms.
Detached Segment Shows Signs of Strength
Detached home sales reached 571 in March 2026, an 8.3% increase from March 2025 (527 sales)
The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,854,800 is currently down 8.2% year-over-year, up 1% compared to February 2026
Multifamily Segments Continue to Slow
Apartment sales totalled 999 in March 2026:
- down 7.8% from March 2025
The benchmark price sits at $706,700:
- down 7.8% year-over-year
- down 0.2% from February
Attached home sales totalled 446:
- down 5.5% from March 2025
The benchmark price is $1,047,100:
- down 5.7% year-over-year
- up 0.1% month-over-month
Listings Down Year-Over-Year, Inventory Still Elevated
New listings in March 2026 totalled 5,792:
- down 10.3% from March 2025
- 4.9% above the 10-year seasonal average
Total active listings sit at 14,774:
- up 1.6% from March 2025
- 38% above the 10-year seasonal average
Market Balance Holding Steady
The sales-to-active listings ratio across all property types is 14.2%.
By segment:
- Detached: 11%
- Attached: 17.2%
- Apartment: 15.7%
Historically:
- below 12% → downward pressure on prices
- above 20% → upward pressure
Current levels suggest relatively stable pricing conditions.
Pricing Trends Remain Mixed
The composite benchmark price across all residential properties is $1,104,300:
- down 6.8% from March 2025
- up 0.4% from February 2026
With sales below long-term averages and listing activity moderating, prices are not showing significant movement in either direction.
Looking Ahead
Fewer sellers entering the market and demand remaining below historical averages are keeping conditions relatively balanced, according to Greater Vancouver REALTORS.
“We continue to see fewer sellers stepping into the market than last year, which is keeping inventory levels relatively flat,” Lis said. “Pairing this dynamic with sales remaining below long-term averages, we’re not seeing prices move significantly in either direction.”
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If you’re buying or selling in the current market, understanding how these trends apply to your specific transaction is key. Our team can help you navigate the process and assess your next steps.
