Fall 2024 Newsletter

Summer of 2024 followed traditional seasonal patterns in Vancouver, with listing inventory and sales volume both down. As we enter the Fall, the number of listings will almost inevitably increase. What is less clear is whether/when the sales will follow. […]

May 2024 Newsletter

It’s been an interesting spring in the Vancouver market so far. The overall picture is one of a fairly balanced market with steady sales volume and stable prices. That in itself is refreshing and unusual for Vancouver! On closer inspection […]

February 2024 Newsletter

Some of you receiving this may have not heard from me in a while. My new executive assistant, Faye, and I have been busy reviewing and updating all our systems in the past few weeks. If you unsubscribed on a […]

Fall Newsletter

The Fall market has played out much as (I) expected so far. Listing inventory increased in the first few weeks post Labour Day as typically happens, but not significantly enough to move us into a buyer’s market across the board.  […]

Summer Newsletter

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. Given everything that has been thrown at it, most notably more interest […]

Spring Newsletter

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As predicted in my last newsletter, now that interest rates “appear” to […]

New Year Newsletter 2023

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As expected, it has been a quiet few weeks in the Vancouver […]

Fall Market Update

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As predicted in my Halftime Report at the end of June, the […]

Halftime Report

Spring 2022- Market Update

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As predicted in my last newsletter, the first quarter of 2022 felt like […]

New Year 2022

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As predicted in my last newsletter, the final quarter of 2021 was another very […]

Fall 2021- Market Update

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. As predicted in my last newsletter, the slightly calmer conditions through […]

May 2021- Market Update

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. It is hard to write anything about the market right now […]

Spring 2021- Market Update

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not a subscriber and would like to be, please let me know. This below is my personal take on what’s happening out there. The last quarter of 2020 saw strong sales volume across Vancouver and increased […]

September 2020- Market Update

Summer saw no signs of a slowdown to the post-lockdown recovery in Vancouver. The volume of sales in both July and August were well up on both previous months and previous years. Prices have solidified and even risen marginally in certain […]

July 2020 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

From a real estate perspective, the last 3 months have proved once again what an extraordinarily resilient and unique market Vancouver is. In spite of the Covid 19 pandemic, a temporary shutdown, major economic uncertainty and all the accompanying stress, residential property values […]

April 2020 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

The first half of March showed a surge in sales activity which suggested a very strong spring market was underway. That of course all changed as the scale of the Covid 19 crisis became clear. Sales activity dipped dramatically, due to safety concerns […]

January 2020 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

The last quarter of 2019 showed an increase in the volume of sales in almost every sector of the Vancouver market and a stabilizing of prices as a result in most. Only the very top end of the house market […]

October 2019 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter. If you are not receiving it yet and would like to, please do let me know. This (below) is more just my personal view on the market from the trenches. […]

July 2019 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

As usual the latest market stats will appear in my monthly Stilhavn newsletter (if you are not receiving it yet and would like to, let me know!). This below is more just my personal view on the market from the trenches. In terms of […]

May 2019 Market Update- Vancouver Real Estate

April 2019 Market Update When broken down, the monthly stats for April showed the following. Prices in Vancouver East and Vancouver West, both condos and detached homes, are all following fairly similar patterns right now – down 1-2% vs March 2019 and down 10-12% […]

April 2019 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

March 2019 Market Update So far this year, sales volume has been well below seasonal norms, at least relative to the extraordinary market conditions we’ve experienced in Vancouver over the last 15+ years. What was going to determine whether this would […]

March 2019 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

February 2019 Market Update Last month reflects a fairly natural progression of an historical pattern. Our market showed signs of coming to life in February after a fairly quiet December and January. That life was reflected in a strong uptick […]

February 2019 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

January 2019 Market Update January continued the pattern that we’ve been seeing over the course of the last few months. Sales volume was down slightly from last month (-3%) and significantly from a year ago (-35%). Yet, active listings remain […]

January 2019 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

December 2018 Market Update December followed similar patterns to November. The volume of sales was significantly down from the same month a year earlier. However, the number of listings was also well down, by more than 50% in most sectors, keeping […]

December 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

November 2018 Market Update As we move towards the holiday season, it is easy to view the stats and media coverage as all doom and gloom. The volume of sales in November in all sectors of the Vancouver market is […]

November 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

October 2018 Market Update Well, nobody can say that October 2018 was a good month for Vancouver real estate. Sales were down considerably and prices continue to slide lower in general. To date, that slide in prices has been a […]

October 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

October 2018 Market Update Sales continue to be extremely low, but new listings and total listings in the market are hovering around typical levels for this time of year. This is the lowest number of sales for September in the […]

September 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

September 2018 Market Update In recent memory, there are only two Augusts that had lower sales numbers than last month. That was August 2008 and 2012. Most of us recall that 2008 was not a great year for Vancouver real […]

August 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

August 2018 Market Update The headlines you’ll read about Vancouver real estate will be all about the low sales numbers. According to the REBGV sales last month were at their lowest number since 2000. For Vancouver specifically, we were 30% […]

July 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

July 2018 Market Update What strikes me about the numbers this month is that prices on all housing types across Vancouver fell in comparison to the previous month. The moves weren’t especially large (a -0.07% decline for westside Townhouses for […]

June 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

June 2018 Market Update The recent trend of light sales continued through the month of May. At 866, May sales numbers were 25% below the 10-year average and the lowest total sales for any May in the last 10 years. […]

May 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

May 2018 Market Update Much is being made of the fact that sales this month are below the 10-year average. It’s true. Sales in Vancouver for the month of April were 24.5% lower than the 10-year average. The last time […]

April 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

April 2018 Market Update   As you can see in the numbers below, we continue to see a market divided. The detached home market (primarily at higher price points) continues to be soft. We can see this with the supply […]

March 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

March 2018 Market Update   What was most notable in the numbers from this past month was a spike in the value of apartment (condos) from January to February 2018. In that one month, the typical condo on the Westside rose […]

703 1088 W 14th Ave. – Luxurious concrete 2 bedroom condo with views

Luxurious concrete 2 bedroom condo with views https://duncanbrown.ca/listings/703-1088-w-14th-ave/ PRICE: $1,198,000 DETAILS: 2 bed, 2 bath + den: 956 SF

212 – 2250 Commercial Drive – 1 bedroom condo with massive patio on the drive

  1 bedroom condo with massive patio on the drive https://duncanbrown.ca/listings/212-2250-commercial-drive/ PRICE: $549,900 DETAILS: 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM: 570 SQFT | 212 – 2250 Commercial Drive          

101 3120 Promenade Mews – RARE FAMILY SIZE TOWNHOUSE IN THE HEART OF CAMBIE VILLAGE

Rare family size townhouse in the heart of Cambie Village! https://duncanbrown.ca/listings/101-3120-promenade-mews/ PRICE: $1,738,000 DETAILS: 3 bedrooms + den, 4 bathrooms: 2,504 SQFT | 101 – 3120 Promenade Mews

February 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

February 2018 Market Update   We are beginning 2018 very similarly to the way that 2017 began. Extremely low levels of inventory (roughly 30% below the 10 year average) as well as subdued sales (10% below the 10 year average). […]

January 2018 – Property Tax Assessment Notice

At this time of year, there’s one more tradition… mailing your property tax assessment! You should have received it in the mail by now, and depending on your perspective, it could be good or bad news. This year tax assessments […]

January 2018 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Vancouver Real Estate Market Statistics For December 2017 The last quarter of 2017 saw a higher volume of sales than is typical in Vancouver for the time of year. Condos led the way again, with the lower price ranges seeing the greatest […]

December 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

We saw a continuation of recent themes in the month of November. Sales continued to be strong, and local markets continued to drive the majority of activity in the market. The most amount of activity has been in the “lower” […]

November 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

October was a stronger month for sales than most anticipated. Some of this is being put down to the impending mortgage rule changes coming in January. However it is as important as ever to break the market down to see […]

October 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

September 2017 Market Update The month of September saw the continuation of many of the trends that we’ve seen for some time. The house market is stable (with some signs of returning strength) while the condo market remains hot. Inventory […]

Stories from the Sanctuary – Featuring “Janice”

Stories from the Sanctuary Featuring “Janice” albrechtbrown.com/good-work   “When I went through The Sanctuary, that’s when I really got rooted.”   – Janice, former Sanctuary resident (read more of Janice’s story here) The Sanctuary is changing lives! In the first two years […]

1801 1010 Burnaby Street – Beautifully renovated, high floor, south east corner suite with sunny private roof terrace!

Beautifully renovated, high floor, south east corner suite with sunny private roof terrace! https://duncanbrown.ca/1801-1010-burnaby-street Price: $1,138,000 Details: 2 bed, 2 bath: 1105 SQFT | 1801 1010 Burnaby Street THE SUITE – exceptionally spacious, airy, open plan, enhanced by top quality […]

September 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

August 2017 Market Update The month of August is typically one of the slower parts of the year. It’s the end of summer and both realtors and their clients take the opportunity to slide in a final holiday. Despite that, we […]

Stories from the Sanctuary – Featuring “Jenna”

Stories from the Sanctuary Featuring “Jenna” albrechtbrown.com/good-work “Recovery has given me a lot of hope. It’s opened my eyes to what’s possible.”   – Jenna, former Sanctuary resident (read more of Jenna’s story here) The Sanctuary is changing lives! In the first […]

August 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

August 2017 Market Update As summer comes into full effect, the market is behaving pretty much as expected. Listing inventory is still tight in the city while sales are steady. Multiple offers are more common in the lower price ranges where […]

July 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

July 2017 Market Update The incredible jump in house sales last month was short lived. While strength remains in the detached market the white hot fire continues under the townhouse and condo markets (nearly a 5% increase in prices of westside […]

Stories from the Sanctuary – Featuring “Marie”

Stories from the Sanctuary Featuring “Marie” albrechtbrown.com/good-work “What was vital for me about the Sanctuary was the love. There was something about being there that just kept restoring my faith.”   – Marie, former Sanctuary resident (read more of Marie’s story here) […]

206 8083 West 4th Ave – Amazing lifestyle purchase with this super cute & tastefully updated 1 bed + den, in the amazing “Kits”

Super cute & tastefully updated 1 bed + den suite in the amazing “Kits”. An amazing opportunity for a lifestyle purchase in Kitsilano at the Delano! The “Delano” boasts striking Art Deco influence architecture with a rainscreened exterior, great amenities, parking and a live […]

June 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

June 2017 Market Update It’s been a busy spring in Vancouver’s real estate market. On every front we are seeing signs of robust activity. Prices are up, sales are way up and inventory levels remain near historical lows. In fact, total […]

Stories from the Sanctuary – Featuring “Emily”

Stories from the Sanctuary Featuring “Emily” albrechtbrown.com/good-work “When I was a kid, I never thought I’d live past 30.  Instead, that’s the age I overcame my addiction.  It’s the age I found new life.” – Emily, former Sanctuary resident (read more […]

1758 East 4th Ave – This one has it all – Space, Charm, Condition, Location and Revenue!

This one has it all – Space, Charm, Condition, Location and Revenue! 1758 East 4th Avenue List Price: $1,298,000 | MLS#R2171208 Details: 4 bed + den, 2 bath  | 1689 sf home, 2500 sf lot For more information visit our […]

The Sanctuary – Reintroduction

The Sanctuary – UGM.ca albrechtbrown.com/good-work   Day to day we help people make the right decision about real estate investments. Though for some of us, a dream home isn’t bricks and mortar – it’s about safety. This is why we’ve chosen […]

May 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The month of April saw the Vancouver real estate market continue to firm up after a winter lull. By nearly any measure, April was a strong month. Prices are rising in nearly every segment, sales are strong (albeit, slightly below […]

Westpark House – Very special “Hidden Treasure” West of Denman!

VERY SPECIAL “HIDDEN TREASURE” WEST OF DENMAN! 109 – 1928 Nelson Street List Price: $569,900 Details: 1 bed, 1 bath: 617 SqFt For more information visit our listing on  AlbrechtBrown.com Follow us on Facebook.com/AlbrechtBrownRealEstate This lovely corner suite located at WestPark House […]

3469 Anzio Drive – Cute three bedroom home on an over-sized lot

CUTE THREE BEDROOM HOME ON AN OVER-SIZED LOT Address: 3469 Anzio Drive | List Price: $1,349,000 Details: 3 bed, 1 bath: 892 SF Home | 4,510 SF Lot For more information visit our listing on  AlbrechtBrown.com Follow us on Facebook.com/AlbrechtBrownRealEstate […]

April 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Do you remember the one area of weakness that we mentioned last month? That was East Vancouver houses and it, too, has picked up in the last month (sales nearly doubling month-to-month). It’s becoming more and more apparent that the […]

1697 East 22nd Ave – Stunning Character Home on a Large Lot in the Heart of Cedar Cottage

Cedar Cottage Listing: 1697 East 22nd Avenue LIST PRICE: $1,988,000 DETAILS: 3 Bedroom + den, 2 Bath, 2 Kitchen; 2,433 SF Home/ 5,696.17 SF Lot Front Yard   Backyard For more information, please visit our listing: https://duncanbrown.ca/listings/1697-e-22nd-avenue/  #AlbrechtBrown 

905 – 3660 Vanness Ave – Spacious Corner Suite with a Large Den and Balcony in Collingwood

Collingwood Listing: 905 – 3660 Vanness Avenue LISTING PRICE: $449,000 DETAILS: 1 bedroom + den, 1 bath; 708 SQFT For more information, please visit our listing: https://duncanbrown.ca/listings/1697-e-22nd-avenue/  #AlbrechtBrown

March 2017 MARKET UPDATE – VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE

The statistics for the month of February reflect a market that is coming to life after a quieter fall and winter. In almost every meaningful measurement we are seeing an upward trajectory. The one area that continues to show weakness […]

Regulatory Changes That Impact the Vancouver Real Estate Market

The Vancouver real estate market obviously does not operate in a vacuum. There are countless rules, regulations, laws and bylaws that influence our market place. In the past year or so, there have been significant changes to the regulatory environment […]

February 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

January 2017 Market Update Sales are down, new listings are down and so is total inventory. On all  fronts, we are at the lowest levels in the last ten years. That means that while sales are low, the amount of inventory is […]

January 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

December 2016 Market Update 2016 ended with a resounding whimper. Just about every meaningful statistical measure fell in the month of December from the number of sales, new listings, total active listings to prices. This is not altogether unexpected as […]

December 2017 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Vancouver’s Current Real Estate Market in a Historical Context

Wading through the vast quantities of information available on the Vancouver real estate market can be confusing as well as daunting. In our opinion, much of that information fails to provide a long-term perspective instead focusing primarily on monthly fluctuations […]

October 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Vancouver Real Estate October 2016 Market Update Did we mention that the market was becoming increasingly complex last month? It’s even more the case this month. Overall, the market is slower than what we saw in early 2016. The slowest […]

October 2016 Mortgage Update – Vancouver Real Estate

October 2016 Mortgage Update The federal government recently announced changes to rules regarding mortgage financing. As of October 17th, 2016 these changes will reduce the mortgage amount that buyers on high-ratio mortgages (putting <20% down) will be able to obtain. […]

EXTREMELY RARE THREE BEDROOM THREE BATHROOM TOWNHOUSE RIGHT IN THE HEART OF KERRISDALE!

HEART OF KERRISDALE TOWNHOUSE Lovely end unit, townhouse, right in the heart of Kerrisdale, with private street entrance, perfect for young families or seniors, with nearly all the accommodation on the main floor. Third bed/bath are downstairs, ideal for live-in caregiver, […]

August 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

August 2016 Market Update The most recent Vancouver real estate statistics indicate a market that is adapting to a new reality. We can see evidence in these numbers that many took a wait and see approach (declining sales numbers). What […]

AUGUST 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

August 2016 Market Update August 2016 Market Update The August Vancouver Real Estate market statistics reflect a market that is adapting to a new reality. That reality is the introduction by the provincial government of the Foreign Investor Tax on August […]

Market Update – July 2016 was the slowest month in Vancouver Real Estate

Just about every statistic indicates that July 2016 was the slowest month in Vancouver real estate that we’ve seen in quite some time… Just about every statistic indicates that July 2016 was the slowest month we’ve seen in the Vancouver real estate […]

June 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

June 2016 Market Update There was a lot of strength in the June numbers. Across the board, prices were up…in some cases extraordinarily so (+8.31% month-to-month for Townhouses). However, a few cracks are beginning to appear. Specifically, we are starting […]

May 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

May 2016 Market Update   Reviewing the May 2016 MLS statistics the glaring highlight is the month over month increase in detached house values. It was an astounding 8.27% in East Vancouver and 7.58% on the Westside. Those are shocking. […]

3368 Venables Street – A Vancouver classic that sits on plenty of land with an extra large lot.

3368 Venables Street This Vancouver classic, at 3368 Venables Street, sits on plenty of land with an extra large 5,188 SF lot (nearly 30% larger than a standard Vancouver lot).  That’s loads of room for entertaining, vegetables, or even your […]

The Ellington – 1802 1010 Burnaby Street

THE ELLINGTON 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath; 1012 sqft THE SUITE Quiet side of The Ellington building, beautifully laid out, 2 well separated beds/baths & house size rooms ideal for upsizers & empty nesters alike. Flooded with natural light & tastefully updated […]

APRIL 2016 MARKET UPDATE – VANCOUVER REAL ESTATE STATISTICS

April 2016 Market Update March was a hard month to follow. That month set an all-time record for sales in the REBGV. April 2016 tempered that number somewhat but only by comparison. On it’s own, the numbers for April 2016 […]

Rare Entry Level Opportunity to Buy into the Prestigious “Melville” at Coal Harbour.

THE SUITE An exceptionally bright, well laid out 1 bedroom plus den corner suite in the prestigious Melville building. It shows beautifully with numerous custom upgrades including fridge, dishwasher, light fixtures, California closet organisers and designer accents/wallpaper. Gorgeous open kitchen with […]

Contemporary Open Concept Suite at Metroliving!

Part of Townline’s Metroliving Collection The Building Is a boutique building of exceptional style & quality. With just 38 homes in total, the exterior pays tribute to the heritage buildings that surround it while the interior welcomes you like an […]

Spacious and Affordable Garden Level Suite on the Seawall – at Mariners Walk.

Live the Quintessential Vancouver Lifestyle at a Truly Affordable Price! THE SUITE – bright, spacious, extensively updated south east corner home. 2 LARGE bedrooms, 2 full baths, 13’ x 8’ patio with gated 2nd entrance giving pedestrian access straight out […]

March 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

March 2016 Market Update Across the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, March 2016 had the most number of sales ever recorded (for any month). They were also 56% above the 10-year average. Within Vancouver city limits, this is the highest […]

Quiet, flexible penthouse suite in Vancouver East on Eldorado Mews with great amenities!

PH1 – 4818 Eldorado Mews Vancouver, BC – $389,000.00 THE SUITE: This penthouse one bedroom + flex has it all. The layout is open + broad, allowing plenty of light through the wall-to-wall windows + a view of the tranquil terrace […]

RENOVATED TWO LEVEL LOFT IN THE HEART OF GASTOWN.

  THE BUILDING, VAN HORNE is a popular loft building in the heart of Gastown.  Pets/rentals are allowed.  Courtyard garden. 1 secured parking + visitor.  Steps to the city’s most cutting-edge restaurants/ fashion boutiques + all the practical stuff – […]

Beautiful Character Home in Renfrew Heights – 3129 E. 29th Ave

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED, this character home is on the market for the first time in nearly 25 years. Originally moved from the Westside, you’ll notice the quality as soon as you enter. The long-term owners have taken meticulous care + love […]

February 2016 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

February 2016 Market Update On all fronts February was another record-setting month in the Vancouver real estate market. For the month, sales were at their highest in the past decade as the number of active listings were at their lowest […]

Historic Single Level Loft at the “Mission House”

HISTORIC OPEN PLAN SINGLE LEVEL LOFT AT THE RARELY AVAILABLE “MISSION HOUSE”! THE SUITE – Single level 2 bedroom suite with extensive exposed brickwork, old growth beams & iron trusses. The beautiful Douglas fir posts and the brick lend to the […]

The 2016 BC Budget and It’s Impact on Vancouver Real Estate

On February 16th the provincial government tabled it’s 2016 budget. As expected, there were some attempts to address the housing market in that budget. Specifically: No PTT on new construction priced under $750,000  Applies only to Canadian citizens or permanent […]

New Listing at “The Edge” in Hastings

IF YOU ARE TIRED OF LOOKING AT THE SAME BORING CONDOS, THEN THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU. AlbrechtBrown.com The Suite – This double height North East facing loft at the Edge is of exceptional value. With a 16′ wall […]

Luxurious Semi-Detached Townhouse at Hawthorn Park

WESTSIDE DOWNSIZERS TO YOUNG FAMILIES MUST NOT MISS THIS EXTREMELY RARE SEMI DETACHED TOWNHOUSE, IN SERENE SETTING IN HAWTHORN PARK. AlbrechtBrown.com THE HOME – Simply the best townhouse this REALTOR has seen at UBC in 20 years!  Light floods in […]

Discover the “H&H” Lifestyle in the Heart of Yaletown

NEW LISTING 811 – 1133 Homer Street 1 Bed, 1 Bath Suite – $529,900 Lovely views across the rooftops of the Yaletown Heritage District + beyond, from this spacious 1 bedroom + solarium + flex suite. This unit boasts superior […]

Will the New Mortgage Rules Slow Down Vancouver’s Market?

The federal government recently announced that it was introducing mortgage changes that will increase downpayment requirements (on properties priced over $500,000). In our opinion, this measure will not cool the Vancouver real estate market…but it may have some unintended consequences. […]

Your Vancouver Property Tax Assessment Options Explained

If you own a home in BC, you’ll have received your BC Assessment notice this week. And, if you own a piece of Vancouver real estate, you might be a little bit (or a lot) shocked at the spike in […]

December 2015 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

December 2015 Market Update Typically, our market has a very quiet month in December. This year was no different. However, when we compare this quiet month to others in the past it was actually one of the strongest in the […]

November 2015 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

November 2015 Market Update As expected the volume of sales is finally starting to ease up as we head into the holidays. The difference this year though is that the only reason is the lack of property available to actually buy. As […]

Killer views from this King Edward Village suite!

  For more information please visit our listing.

323 -1055 Richards St. – Open House This Weekend!

OPEN HOUSE: SATURDAY, OCT 31st 2pm – 4pm Ultra contemporary design with top of the line finishes throughout.  Wide plank engineered floors + gourmet kitchen with Miele SS appliances. Situated on the south-east side of the 18-level concrete/ glass building. […]

New Listing!! 1056 – 1483 E. King Edward Ave.

This beautiful two bedroom is full of light + fresh air, with enormous floor to ceiling windows on 3 sides. Stunning views of Queen Elizabeth Park, downtown + the North Shore Mountains. This suite will take your breath away! The […]

Photo of the Week – Stunning Fall Sunset

A beautiful fall sunset radiating over False Creek. This photograph was taken by Roland Tanglao.  Check out some of his other work here.

New Listing!! 2207 833 Seymour St. – Downtown

Check out these beautiful views from this 1 bedroom upper unit!  Located just steps away from Robson St., you’re seconds away from Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, or Vogue Theatre. Is shopping your thing? Check out Vancouver’s first Nordstrom clothing store, located just […]

The Official Albrecht Brown Launch Party

On September 13th, 2015 we celebrated the official launch of our new partnership with nearly 200 family, friends and clients.     Most importantly, we wanted to thank those that have supported us to this point through their friendship, referrals […]

September 2015 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Usually, we see an uptick in market activity come September as clients and realtors return to their typical schedules. This year appears to continue that historical pattern. Across the board we see increased activity as demonstrated by more listings and […]

August 2015 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Summer is typically a slower time in the real estate market. In particular, August is usually the lull of the summer months. This year is no exception, but this is also relative. While this August is slower than the months […]

July 2015 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate Statistics

July 2015 Market Update Over the past months, we’ve seen one of the hottest local housing markets in the past ten years. This has been largely driven by detached homes – both on the Westside and in East Van, but […]

December 2014 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Duncan Brown's current news page and newsletter with predictions for Vancouver's downtown condo real estate market

December 2014 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Many areas have now seen average house price increases for the year enter double digits. Price rises on the Westside continue to come in waves (the top end of the market $4,000,000+ being particularly active lately), whereas on the Eastside it is a steadier, more predictable climb. 2015 looks to be more of the same unless factors outside the city force a change, primarily the Chinese economy.

Fall 2014 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Land remains at a premium and while there are still specific "hot neighbourhoods" outperforming the rest, the sheer scale of the demand has reached the point where every neighbourhood within the Vancouver city limits is affected.

Spring 2014 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As predicted in my last newsletter, the heavy demand for Eastside single family homes continues to produce competing offer scenarios and create upward pressure on prices. The price of both land and nicely renovated older homes continue to increase and another 10% in 2014 would not be surprising especially around Main Street and Fraser Street (the new Main!).

December 2013 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

For the first time in a while, the house and condo markets in Vancouver are following similar lines, so much of what is written above also applies to the Detached market on the Westside. The market has found a level to function at in almost every sector now. Local buyers and a steady but more modest influx of overseas buyers seem to have found some consensus, resulting in the most stable year price wise for some time. Of course this could all change should another larger wave of new Chinese buyers arrive and house values could increase.

Winter 2013 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

For the first time in a while, the house and condo markets in Vancouver are following similar lines, so much of what is written above also applies to the Detached market on the Westside. The market has found a level to function at in almost every sector now. Local buyers and a steady but more modest influx of overseas buyers seem to have found some consensus, resulting in the most stable year price wise for some time. Of course this could all change should another larger wave of new Chinese buyers arrive and house values could increase.

Fall 2013 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

For the first time in a while, the house and condo markets in Vancouver are following similar lines, so much of what is written above also applies to the Detached market on the Westside. The market has found a level to function at in almost every sector now. Local buyers and a steady but more modest influx of overseas buyers seem to have found some consensus, resulting in the most stable year price wise for some time. Of course this could all change should another larger wave of new Chinese buyers arrive and house values could increase.

Spring 2013 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

After the wild fluctuations of the past couple of years (both up and down) the Westside detached market is having a more "normal" year so far. Prices adjusted down rapidly in the second half of 2012 and the market under $2,000,000 appears to have found a level function at. Land values also appear stable right now with a more balanced mix of local builders, long term local buyers, more recent arrivals and a smattering of new overseas buyers.

Winter 2012 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The house market is a little harder to predict as it is less likely to follow historical lines due to the influence of outside factors, most specifically Chinese buyers. There is no doubt that Vancouver will continue to be a very attractive option for Chinese investors and their families but how and when they choose to buy is tougher to call. The global economic climate, the Chinese Economy, BC's prosperity vs other provinces and the tax implications in both countries are all major factors. However it�??s safe to say that for the most part the Chinese are here to stay and, as with the condo market, anyone looking long term has little to worry about. The challenge is avoiding getting burned by short term fluctuations or conversely becoming too preoccupied (dare I say greedy) by trying to take advantage of those same fluctuations. Eg: if you bought a house on the Westside in 2009 and sold it in 2011 you would likely have done very well. If you bought the same house in 2010 and sold it now, not so well. However if you bought any house before 2007 and sold it now you would have done very well and I believe that the same will apply if you buy almost any house in 2013 and sell it in 5-10 years time. It�??s like day trading vs Gold. In today�??s world one makes a lot more sense for most of us than the other, even more so when it�??s your home you are talking about.

Fall 2012 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The house market on Vancouver�??s Westside turned very rapidly in April/May 2012. Buyers from Mainland China who had been the driving force behind sales for the past 5 years decided to sit back and some to cash out.

Spring 2012 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

AS PER MY LAST NEWSLETTER, STABILITY IS THE WORD AND ESSENTIALLY VERY LITTLE HAS CHANGED. The listing inventory is divided into 2 categories: a) homes which are unrealistically priced and sit for weeks even months on the market and b) homes right next door to them which are competitively priced and will sell in the first few days of the listing with competing offers, often still at significantly more than the list price.

October 2011 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

House Market: The detached market on Vancouver�??s Westside continues to hold firm despite numerous predictions (not mine)to the contrary...

Fall 2011 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

House Market: The detached market on Vancouver�??s Westside continues to hold firm despite numerous predictions (not mine)to the contrary...

Spring / Summer 2011 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As predicted in my previous newsletter, the last quarter of 2010 turned out to be a great time to buy a condo in Vancouver! A new wave of buyers breathed life into the market starting in January, with activity really heating up in March.

Fall 2010 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As predicted in my last newsletter, the condo market especially in the Downtown core has slowed significantly this year. The number of homes listed has exceeded the demand from buyers, so for now owners will have to lead the market and price lower than the competition in order to sell. This may result in a softening of prices especially over the winter months.

Spring 2010 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Things have started well again in 2010 with a well balanced market providing strong sales volume and stable prices.

Winter 2009 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The second half of 2009 has once again exceeded many people�??s expectations. Inventory levels have remained low and a steady flow of buyers attracted by low interest rates have continued to jump back in.

Summer 2009 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The 4th quarter of 2008 was the toughest quarter in recent history for most markets in Canada including here in Vancouver, with very few sales and sharply declining prices. The first quarter of 2009 saw the market begin to stabilize but not many people predicted the huge increase in activity that would follow in the 2nd quarter.

Winter 2008 – Eight reasons Canadian banks will come out ahead

8 Reasons Canadian Banks Will Come Out Ahead 1. By law shares of large, publicly traded banks and insurance companies must be “widely held” which in effect prevents domestic mergers or foreign take-over’s unless supported by the federal finance minster; […]

Winter 2008 – Eight Reasons to Buy Now

"Buy real estate and wait, don't wait and buy real estate"

Summer 2008 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

It has been an interesting spring. The official stats continue to support the idea of a balanced market with price increases in the 11% range versus the same time last year. However, in the trenches things look a little different. Under $500,000 the demand is still easily keeping up with the supply. However in many other price ranges, there are now an increasing number of listings and the average length of time on the market is growing.

Spring 2008 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

There are still plenty of Buyers (local, national and international) who are excited to buy in Vancouver and there is now sufficient choice for them that they will not be bullied into making poor buying decisions or paying over market value.

September 2007 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The summer of 2007 was much stronger than the same period one year earlier. With prices increasing, but at a more sustainable rate, the market appears to be more balanced.

May 2007 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As predicted in the last newsletter, following a much needed correction in the last quarter of 2006, the condo market has regained momentum and the volume of sales is back to record levels. Prices and market conditions, however, are quite different from one neighbourhood/micro market to the next, even within the confines of the City of Vancouver. The primary variable is supply (and potential supply).

January 2007 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

With some real choice for buyers, urgency to make a decision finally subsided, forcing sellers to either adjust their sights or sit back on the sidelines for a while.

Fall 2006 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Despite concerns over the US housing market, we have yet to feel the effects in Vancouver.

May 2006 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The market to date in 2006 has been sending us mixed messages. Overall the stats still bear out a familiar story - limited supply of property for sale, oversubscribed by anxious and frustrated buyers. This is still frequently leading to competing offers, bidding wars and record prices. Of particular note is the staggering jump in land values on the Westside. Typical 33' and 50' single family house lots have seen increases of as much as 15-20% in the last six months.

January 2006 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

2005 saw another very solid year of growth in the Vancouver market both in sales volume and median prices. Demand was high throughout the year and the lack of supply was the only limiting factor on the number of sales in any particular month. Assuming no major upward move in mortgage rates, more of the same in expected in 2006.

Fall 2005 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Following on from the last issue, the question posed was how long would the spring market last this year? Well, we're in mid August and its still going strong! Competing offers are common place and the stats will likely reflect average price increases in 8-10% range right across the Vancouver market for the first half of 2005. To buy and sell most effectively under these market conditions means a major change in mind set for most consumers.

Spring 2005 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Well, we're back! As predicted in the last issue, the correction has worked. To be more specific, since 2001, the market in Greater Vancouver has been rising swiftly (Jan 2001- Jan 2004 benchmark prices for condominiums rose by approx 50%). From Feb 2004-April 2004 competing offers forced prices up even further but at an unsustainable pace. As a result a correction was required. This was provided by a much slower final quarter of 2004 which returned some realism to the prices and allowed buyers to see some value again.

Fall 2004 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

After almost 3 years of intense heat, the big chill has arrived! Well not quite, but we are taking a bit of a breather. Our view on the frontline is that there is still a lot more to come over the next 10 years (I would not be at all surprised to see the prices at least 50% higher) but in order for that to happen the growth rate needs to be reasonable (5% per year not per month!).

Spring 2004 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

In 2003 the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver reported the highest number of transactions of any year on record. The most notable effect on values is in the condominium market. In the City of Vancouver (both East and West), the benchmark price for an apartment in January 2004 was up by exactly 50% from the same period 3 years earlier. Assuming interest rates remain at record lows, more of the same is anticipated for 2004.

Fall 2003 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As most, if not all, of you are aware, building envelope failure has been an epidemic in the Lower Mainland over the past decade. A combination of factors led to numerous complexes having to undergo a total exterior retrofit under the new building code, using "rainscreen" technology to cope with our wet climate.

Spring 2003 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

As most, if not all, of you are aware, building envelope failure has been an epidemic in the Lower Mainland over the past decade. A combination of factors led to numerous complexes having to undergo a total exterior retrofit under the new building code, using "rainscreen" technology to cope with our wet climate.

Fall 2002 Market Update – Pre-Sale & Protecting your Investment

Pre-sale is a speculation�??pure and simple. If the market conditions are good, you will look like a genius. Buyers who purchased suites 2 years ago and are taking possession now, are very happy campers. Not only have the prices generally improved but the supply/demand ratio has totally flipped around. In 2000 the Downtown market was flooded with re-sale opportunites and there were very few buyers taking advantage.

Summer 2002 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Just when you thought it was safe to go on vacation�?� we're back!

Spring 2002 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Things are good and everybody is talking about it! Competing offers, a scarcity of listings and soaring prices�?� but when it hits the front page of the newspaper it's probably a fair guess that it's already over. In fact, the evidence is already out there to suggest that another change is coming. The number of listings is on the rise - the number of buyers is not. This should bring some much needed balance back into the market place. Over the past 6 months the pace has been frantic and if it hadn't slowed down on its own, we could have all been in for a nasty shock. 15-20% increases over 6 a month period are clearly not sustainable and something had to change.

January 2002 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

TD/Canada Trust released their economic forecast for 2002 and predicted Central Bank rates to remain low and perhaps even drop over the next 9 months, while bond rates would increase in anticipation of an economic recovery in both Canada and the U.S. (albeit small recover to begin in the last half of 2002). If they are correct, this would equate to lower rates on variable rate mortgages (5 years and up which are affected by changes in the bond markets). Deposit rates would be similarly affected, with shorter terms dropping and longer terms rising slightly.

December 2001 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Can anything stop the recovery? Well, it would appear not. Despite the tragedy and uncertainty surrounding world events, there appears to be a real underlying strength in the Vancouver housing market, which is driving sales forward and prices upward.

June 2001 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Right across the city and most definitely on the Westside, West End and Downtown, sales activity levels have soared. May 2001 was the busiest month for residential sales in Greater Vancouver for over 4 years. June's figures are expected to exceed that. Buyer's recognize that there is a change afoot and with little for sale in key neighbourhoods and less than a 1% rental vacancy rate, expect to see more pressure on prices in the coming months.

Spring 2001 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

More of the same? Throughout 2000 the condo market in central Vancouver continued to stabilize, with lower inventory and increased buyer activity and, now in 2001, still lower interest rates.

Summer 2000 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

The condo market continues its determination to recover, despite the obvious obstacles to consumer confidence in certain sectors. For those battling with such a dilemma, remember that while the quality of the building is an integral part of your decision, the land on which it stands, in most cases, accounts for over 60% of the value of your investment. Location is still the key.

Spring 2000 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

No, not like that. On the Westside/Downtown Vancouver everything is set for the millennium to kick off with a bang. Supply is continuing to shrink in both the condo and detached markets. Interest rates are creeping up but are still affordable for local buyers, as are the prices.

November 1999 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

Market stats for October report continuing good news across the Vancouver market. The number of condo sales in Vancouver West (includes Downtown) is up 71% over the same period last year. The number of listings shrank by 35% from September to October, so prices are holding firm - all very optimistic signs for the spring market next year.

Summer 1999 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

'Tis the season to buy real estate - or so it would appear by market activity levels. Single family still leads the recover on Vancouver's Westside with numerous tales of sales within hours and multiple offers. Condominiums are steadier with buyer caution understandably tempering any quick decisions. Nonetheless, with interest rates edging up and prices attractively low, the quality buildings are still selling well.

Spring 1999 Market Update – Vancouver Real Estate

CRYING OUT FOR CONDOS! As you can see from the market update report �?� what we need now in Central Vancouver are listings. Steady sales volume, limited listing inventory (off 33% from the same time last year) and fluctuation interest rates, are placing pressure on prices and created a real sense of urgency amongst buyers. Hotspots right now are still the perennial favourites - The West End and Kits are most active (especially West of Denman and North of 4th), proving once again that a good location is your best protection in any market.