Presale market stalled: What’s ahead for Metro Vancouver’s new-build housing?
Emma Caplan-Fisher | Real Estate Magazine • September 3, 2025
After years of outsized demand, Metro Vancouver’s presale housing market has slowed to a pace not seen in over a decade.
According to real estate sales and marketing company MLA Canada, only 35 projects launched in the past year — over 40 per cent below the five-year average — and fewer than 400 presale units sold, marking an 85 per cent decline from historical benchmarks.
For Barrett Sprowson, senior vice president, residential at Peterson Real Estate, the numbers match what he’s seeing on the ground.
“I’ve said the market is stagnant (but) that was very diplomatically understated. If I were a little more honest, I’d say it’s kind of anemic and as flat as I’ve ever seen it.”
From hearty comfort foods to sweet treats, vendors are preparing to feed thousands of hungry visitors who will pack Aldergrove’s streets on Saturday, Sept. 6. Among them is Veronica’s Perogies, a local favourite that’s been part of the event for years. Owner Veronica Cave said her team has been working around the clock to get ready. “We’re going to start early. We’re going to start at 7:00 a.m. cooking up perogies,” Cave explained. To keep up with demand, Cave will have six staff members on hand and two setups, their Aldergrove storefront and a branded tent along Fraser Highway. “We’re planning to do probably about four days of production and that would probably be about 600 dozen perogies…that’s 7,200 perogies.” Cave said she plans on doing a “Cruise-In special” but hasn’t quite decided what it’s going to be. 👉 More Details Here
SURREY, BC – Fraser Valley home sales fell more than 20 per cent in August, but buyers who did get into the market were able to take advantage of favourable conditions including abundant choice, softer prices and more time to make decisions. The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 931 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, down 22 per cent from July and down 13 per cent year-over-year. August sales were 36 per cent below the 10-year average. The Fraser Valley buyer’s market remains strong with inventory levels holding relatively stable, down just two per cent to 10,445 active listings. Newly listed homes declined 19 per cent month-over-month to 2,793; up half a per cent year-over-year. The overall sales-to-active listings ratio for August dropped to nine per cent, down two per cent from July. The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent.
Buying a home in Langley or the Fraser Valley in 2025? Most buyers save for the down payment — but forget about the other big expense: closing costs. On a $1,000,000 home, closing costs can add an extra $15,000–$40,000. Don’t get caught off guard at the lawyer’s office. In this video, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect: Property Transfer Tax (PTT): BC’s biggest hidden cost — and how exemptions can save first-time buyers thousands. Legal & Title Costs: Lawyer fees, disbursements, and why title insurance matters. Upfront Costs: Inspections, appraisals, and your deposit. Adjustments & Taxes: Property tax credits, GST relief for first-time buyers, and the new BC Home Flipping Tax. After Closing Costs: Movers, utilities, insurance, and the little extras that add up fast. Download my FREE Closing Costs Checklist: https://andyschildhorn.macrealty.com/... Pro Tip: New federal rules now allow 30-year amortizations for first-time buyers of new builds, making the Langley market more accessible than ever. Book your free consultation: https://rly.forsale/Chat-with-Andy 778.835.8957 [email protected] www.AndytheRealtor.com
