September 2026 Real Estate Market Insights
Hosts Brittany Reimer, Alan He, and Ashley Judd return for the September episode of The Pulse, breaking down the latest trends shaping Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley real estate markets. August closed out the summer on a quiet note, with presale activity remaining well below historical averages and resale buyers continuing to take their time. Rental activity told a different story, with stronger lease-up through August and a significant wave of new purpose-built rental supply expected as students and other seasonal movers settle in for fall.
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Macroeconomic Conditions
Economic uncertainty continues to shape buyer and developer confidence heading into the fall. While borrowing conditions have become more stable, affordability remains a challenge and buyers continue to approach purchasing decisions carefully. Developers are responding with increasingly deliberate release strategies, holding back larger fall launches until there is a clearer indication of buyer appetite. The result is a market where both buyers and developers remain selective, with value, pricing, and timing playing an increasingly important role.
Presale Market Overview
August remained exceptionally quiet for new presale supply, with just two projects launching 76 homes across Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, compared with a five-year August average of approximately six projects and 770 homes. Both launches were wood-frame projects in the Fraser Valley, with early sales reaching approximately 3%. September is expected to remain subdued, with just one 28-home release forecast as developers continue to take a measured approach to bringing new inventory to market.
Resale Market Overview
Resale activity closed out the summer softly, with 1,869 homes sold in Greater Vancouver and 941 in the Fraser Valley during August. Sales remained below ten-year seasonal averages in both regions, while active inventory continued to sit well above historical norms. Sellers also pulled back through the month, contributing to a decline in active listings, but buyers still have substantial choice. Benchmark prices remained under pressure, sitting approximately 6% below last year in Greater Vancouver and just over 7% lower in the Fraser Valley.
Rental Market Overview
Rental activity strengthened in August, with three purpose-built rental projects completing approximately 400 homes and 34% leased within the month. Leasing teams reported an increase in students moving through the market ahead of the September semester, contributing to stronger seasonal demand. At the same time, a significant wave of new supply is arriving: seven projects representing approximately 1,289 purpose-built rental homes are forecast to complete in September, with more than 950 of those homes located in the Fraser Valley. The increase in inventory is expected to give renters even more choice as the fall leasing season gets underway.
Projects mentioned in this episode:
• Solomon – Whitetail Homes
Links mentioned in this episode:
•The Pulse Report - September 2026
• MLA Advisory Services and Sample Reports
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