October in Greater Vancouver felt like the moment a room goes quiet before someone speaks. A rate hike, a snap provincial election and a municipal election all landed in the same few weeks. Many buyers and sellers simply paused to catch their breath.
But look closer, and the quiet month did something important. For the first time in a while, Greater Vancouver moved into a balanced market. About 13 of every 100 homes for sale sold in October, up from about 11 in September. Balanced means buyers and sellers are on even ground.
The typical home across Greater Vancouver now has a benchmark price of $1,068,600. That is down 5.2% from a year ago, and down 0.7% from September.
By home type: townhomes are the busiest
| Home type | Typical price | Change from last year | Sold per 100 for sale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $1,775,200 | down 7% | about 12 |
| Townhomes | $1,006,500 | down 5.5% | about 17 |
| Condos | $673,400 | down 5.9% | about 14 |
Townhomes are the most active part of the market, with about 17 of every 100 selling. Townhome sales were almost the same as last October, down just 1.9%. Houses sat right on the line between a buyer's and a balanced market. Condo sales fell the most, down 16.7% from a year ago.
Fewer homes came up for sale, too. New listings fell 11.6% from last October, and there are 15,688 homes for sale today, 4.3% fewer than a year ago. That is part of why the market found its balance.
By area: where prices held firmest
Every area is priced below last October, but by very different amounts. That gap matters if you are moving within the region.
Tsawwassen, North Vancouver and West Vancouver held their value best. West Vancouver even rose 2.4% from September. New Westminster, Maple Ridge and Richmond saw the biggest drops, which may mean the most room for buyers there.
What this means for you
If you are buying, a quiet month is often the best month to shop. Fewer people are competing, sellers are open to talking, and prices are lower than a year ago in every area. Borrowing costs rose in October, so get pre-approved first and know your real monthly number.
If you are selling, the market is now balanced, and well-priced homes are selling. Townhomes are moving fastest. Price for today's buyer, present your home beautifully, and give buyers a reason to act now rather than wait for spring.
Whichever side you are on, the right next step is the same: look at the numbers for your own street, not the headlines. A free home valuation is a good place to start. I give every client the advice I would give my own family.
Moving between Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley? Read the Fraser Valley market update for October 2026.
Greater Vancouver real estate FAQ: October 2026
Is Greater Vancouver a buyer's market or a seller's market?
In October 2026, it moved into a balanced market, with about 13 of every 100 homes for sale selling.
What is the typical home price in Greater Vancouver?
The benchmark price for all home types is $1,068,600, down 5.2% from a year ago.
Which Greater Vancouver areas held their value best?
Tsawwassen, North Vancouver and West Vancouver had the smallest drops from last year.
What is the typical townhome price in Greater Vancouver?
$1,006,500, down 5.5% from a year ago. Townhomes are the busiest part of the market.
Want the number for your street?
Text me your neighbourhood at 778.990.8703, and I will send you what homes like yours sold for in October. No pressure, just the real numbers.
About the author
Allister Carrington, REALTOR® | KIC Realty Inc.
Allister Carrington is a REALTOR® with KIC Realty Inc., helping buyers and sellers across British Columbia, with most of his work in the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland. He sees himself as a counsellor first, and most of his business comes from client referrals. His promise is simple: he only gives advice he would give his own family.
Allister co-hosts The Real Deal Pod, a weekly real estate and mortgage podcast, and is the author of Sold Strategy: Selling Secrets You Can't Afford to Miss.
778.990.8703 · allister@allistercarrington.com · allistercarrington.com
Sources
- Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, October 2026 news release and MLS® Home Price Index, released November 2, 2026. Prices are benchmark prices for typical homes.
Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.