On the heels of a quiet April, Fraser Valley home sales saw a modest but encouraging uptick in May — a sign that buyer confidence may slowly be returning to the market.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,183 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, up 13 per cent from April. Despite the increase, sales were 22 per cent below May 2024 levels and 36 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average.

Overall inventory continues to build, with active listings up six per cent in May, to 10,626, an increase of 34 per cent year-over-year and 54 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average. New listings increased seven per cent from April to May to 4,007.

“High inventory in the Fraser Valley is giving buyers more choice, but it also means sellers are facing more competition,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “We’re seeing that homes priced appropriately for today’s market are selling, while sellers who aren’t in a rush are choosing to hold off or stand firm on pricing and wait for more favourable conditions.”

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio of 11 per cent indicates the Fraser Valley remains in a buyer’s market. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

Across the Fraser Valley in May, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 34, while for a condo it was 33 days. Townhomes took, on average, 27 days to sell.

“Many buyers are taking a wait and see approach, hoping for the economy to improve,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Job security, inflation, and the cost of living continue to weigh on the minds of many families. As soon as greater confidence begins to return, we could start to see more activity in the market.”

The composite Benchmark price in the Fraser Valley decreased one per cent in May, to $963,200.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single-Family Detached: At $1,481,900, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 1.6 per cent compared to April 2025 and decreased 3.2 per cent compared to May 2024.

• Townhomes: At $832,800 the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.03 per cent compared to April 2025 and decreased 2.5 per cent compared to May 2024.

• Apartments: At $532,700 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.9 per cent compared to April 2025 and decreased 4.0 per cent compared to May 2024.

Home buyers in the Fraser Valley are enjoying a selection of homes for sale not seen in more than a decade. The growing inventory of more than 10,000 active listings means, in many cases, that buyers have time, selection and price negotiation on their side.

“There’s definitely a surge of activity in the market — buyers are out viewing homes and attending open houses,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “What’s noticeable in the current market is the level of choice. A buyer might see a home they like and then have an opportunity to tour five or ten more just like it, without feeling rushed to make an immediate offer.” 

However, despite the abundance of listings and potential buying opportunities, spring sales remain sluggish. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,043 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, up one per cent from March and down 29 per cent year over year. New listings declined slightly in April, down one per cent from March.

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio indicates a buyer’s market in the Fraser Valley, with a ratio of 10 per cent. The market is considered to be balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

Across the Fraser Valley in April, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 32, while for both townhomes and condos it was slightly lower at 29 days.

Tariffs and economic uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on the minds of home buyers in the Fraser Valley,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “However, with the federal election now behind us and a new administration in place, there’s cautious optimism that a fresh approach to strengthening the economy could be on the way, which is welcome news for the real estate sector.”

The composite Benchmark price in the Fraser Valley decreased 0.2 per cent in April, to $972,700.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,506,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.1 per cent compared to March 2025 and decreased 1.3 per cent compared to April 2024.

• Townhomes: At $833,100 the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.1 per cent compared to March 2025 and decreased 2.4 per cent compared to April 2024.

• Apartments: At $537,800 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.6 per cent compared to March 2025 and decreased 3.2 per cent compared to April 2024

 March home sales in the Fraser Valley remained nearly 50 per cent below the 10-year average — making for the slowest start to the spring market in more than 15 years. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,036 sales in March, up 13 per cent from February, but still 26 per cent below sales recorded this time last year.

Following a decline on the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, new listings increased 22 per cent in March to 3,800. Overall inventory is at a decade-high level, with 9,219 active listings, 49 per cent above March 2024 and 59 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average.

“If not for the economic uncertainty driven largely by U.S. tariffs, we’d likely be seeing a typical strong spring market in the Fraser Valley,” said Tore Jacobsen, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Instead, we’re seeing a disconnect as sellers remain hesitant to lower their prices beyond a certain threshold, while buyers, facing tighter financing conditions, are either unable or unwilling to meet it. The resulting inertia is keeping sales low.”

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio continues to signal a buyer’s market in the Fraser Valley, with a ratio of 11 per cent. The market is considered to be balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.

“Currently, uncertainty is impacting all corners of the real estate and development sector,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, “and as a result, we are seeing markedly lower seasonal activity. As we navigate these challenges, your local REALTOR® — with firsthand market insight and access to the latest data — is a valuable resource to help guide you through the critical timing decisions for buying or selling.”

Across the Fraser Valley in March, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 31, while for a condo it was slightly higher at 33 days. Townhomes took, on average, 27 days to sell.

The composite Benchmark price in the Fraser Valley increased just under half a per cent in March, up 0.4 per cent to $974,400.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,505,500, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.4 per cent compared to February 2025 and decreased 1.2 per cent compared to March 2024.

• Townhomes: At $833,700 the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome increased 0.5 per cent compared to February 2025 and decreased 1.7 per cent compared to March 2024.

• Apartments: At $540,900 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.5 per cent compared to February 2025 and decreased 2.6 per cent compared to March 2024.

For the first time in four months, home sales in the Fraser Valley have increased as buyers capitalize on more selection and weakening prices. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 920 sales in February, up 13 per cent from January, but 26 per cent below sales recorded in February 2024. Despite a nine per cent drop in newly listed homes on the Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), new listings remained 14 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average, at 3,121. Overall inventory remains high, at 8,070 active listings, 45 per cent above February 2024 and 55 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average.

The overall sales-to-active listings ratio continues to signal a buyer’s market in the Fraser Valley, with a ratio of 11 per cent. The market is considered to be balanced with the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent. “The combination of inventory accumulation and softening prices is providing buyers with increased leverage, especially in the single-family detached category,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “Should this pattern persist, we could see a further shift toward a buyer's market, particularly given the ongoing economic uncertainties and impending tariffs.

With ample selection, buyers have flexibility and time on their side to explore their options before making a decision.”

Homes across the Fraser Valley sold in fewer days in February compared to January. The average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 39, while for a condo it was 36. Townhomes took, on average, 32 days to sell. The composite Benchmark price in the Fraser Valley dipped less than a quarter of a per cent in February, down 0.2 per cent to $962,500. 

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $1,489,100, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.5 per cent compared to January 2025 and decreased 0.6 per cent compared to February 2024.

• Townhomes: At $820,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.7 per cent compared to January 2025 and decreased 2.1 per cent compared to February 2024.

• Apartments: At $533,200 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.3 per cent compared to January 2025 and decreased 2.4 per cent compared to February 2024.

Growing inventory and stable prices could lead to opportunities for buyers in the Fraser Valley market this winter despite uncertain economic conditions.

Newly listed homes jumped 167 percent from December to January, with 3,432 listed on the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). At 7,251 active listings, inventory is at a 10-year seasonal high, 54 percent above the 10-year average.

While sales remained slow in January, with 818 properties sold (down 18% from December), the combination of stable prices and abundant selection presents potential opportunities for buyers to get back into the market.

The sales-to-active listings ratio appears to bear this out. At 11 percent, the overall ratio is signaling a buyer’s market, with detached homes firmly in buyer’s market territory. The market is considered to be balanced when the ratio is between 12 percent and 20 percent.

It took longer to sell homes in January compared to December. Across the Fraser Valley, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 52, while for a condo it was 42. Townhomes took, on average, 38 days to sell.

“The market appears to be in a holding pattern at the moment,” said Baldev Gill, CEO of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “There is no doubt that economic uncertainty is playing a role, especially the spectre of a trade war, which could lead to even more rate cuts by the Bank of Canada. The confluence of these conditions could provide unique buying opportunities, but we urge buyers and sellers to work with a REALTOR® to ensure they align with financial objectives.”

Benchmark prices in the Fraser Valley held relatively steady in January, with the composite Benchmark price down 0.03 percent to $964,800.

MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity

Single Family Detached: At $1,482,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home increased 0.1 percent compared to December 2024 and increased 0.6 percent compared to January 2024.

Townhomes: At $826,000, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.2 percent compared to December 2024 and decreased 0.2 percent compared to January 2024.

Apartments: At $534,600, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo increased 0.1 percent compared to December 2024 and decreased 1.2 percent compared to January 2024.