“August wrapped up the summer vacation season quietly, with presale launch activity at seasonal lows and resale buyers continuing to take their time as prices drift gradually lower. September's limited launch pipeline reflects that same lack of urgency, with developers holding back on fully teasing their fall releases until there is a clearer indication of buyer appetite. On the rental side, a substantial wave of new supply is set to arrive through September, giving renters more choice heading into the fall.” — Melissa Nestoruk, Product Development Specialist, MLA Canada
MARKET INSIGHTS - AUGUST 2026
August closed out the summer with limited activity across both the presale and resale markets, while the rental sector continued to expand. Presale launches remained well below seasonal norms as developers deferred larger fall releases, resale buyers continued to benefit from elevated inventory and softening prices, and September is expected to bring the largest wave of rental completions of the year, giving renters more choice heading into the fall.
PRESALE SUMMARY
Presale activity remained subdued in August, with just two wood-frame projects launching across the Fraser Valley, releasing a combined 76 homes. Early absorption reached approximately 3%, reflecting the seasonal slowdown and continued caution among buyers. Looking ahead, only one 28-home launch is forecast for September, as developers continue to hold back larger releases until there is clearer evidence of renewed buyer demand.
PURPOSE-BUILT RENTAL SUMMARY
Rental completions eased slightly in August with three projects delivering approximately 400 new homes, though leasing performance showed encouraging signs as completed projects reported stronger early absorption than seen in recent months. September is forecast to deliver nearly 1,300 additional rental homes across seven projects—the largest monthly completion volume of 2026—with more than 950 homes located south of the Fraser, significantly expanding renter choice heading into the fall leasing season.
RESALE SUMMARY
Resale activity softened across both Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley as the summer came to a close, with sales declining month-over-month while inventory remained well above long-term averages. Although new listings also pulled back, buyers continue to benefit from abundant selection, ongoing negotiating power, and gradually declining benchmark prices. As the fall market begins, conditions remain balanced but continue to favour patient buyers rather than signalling a broad market recovery.
Coming soon! Stay tuned for our fully comprehensive overview of the macroeconomics, presale, rental and resale market video report in the September edition of The Pulse.