The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast Should You Buy a Home in 2025? What the Data Really Says
When is the right time to buy a home? For many, it's when they feel ready—personally and financially. But even then, timing the market, understanding future price direction, and interpreting shifting economic signals can complicate the decision. In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to make a confident, informed choice about buying a home in 2025.
First, we examine the all-powerful & predominant force of interest rates. The Bank of Canada held steady in April, but with two more rate cuts expected in June and September, we could see the overnight rate drop to 2.25% by year-end. Variable-rate holders may feel relief by the fall, while fixed rates have remained mostly unchanged—making the 3.99% offers available now historically attractive, even if there’s potential for further dips.
But rates don’t act alone. Sentiment plays a massive role. Despite consumer confidence hitting all-time lows, April brought a slight rebound—too soon to call it a trend. However, business sentiment continues to deteriorate, dragging down the Real Estate Outlook Index at its fastest pace since the 2022 rate shock. Sales volumes remain sluggish, and we don’t expect a sharp bounce anytime soon.
Real estate moves in cycles, and Vancouver’s decades-long climb may be entering a slower phase. We revisit Toronto’s 1989 peak, when prices fell 27% over seven years and took 22 years to recover in inflation-adjusted dollars. Could Vancouver follow a similar path after peaking in 2022? If so, prices may not reach those highs again until 2028 or later. Buying today means thinking long-term—and accepting that appreciation might not arrive on your timeline.
Meanwhile, first-time buyers are getting older. In Canada, the average is now 33—up from 32 in the early '80s—while in Ontario it’s hit 40. Surprisingly, Americans, with cheaper homes but more student debt, wait even longer (age 38 on average). What’s driving Canadians to buy sooner?
But supply is failing to keep up. March housing starts missed expectations by 14%, and condo construction is in freefall—down 45% from last year. Remove purpose-built rentals, and we’re at 15-year lows. Ontario and BC, the provinces with the greatest need, are down 38% and 30% year-over-year. CMHC says we need 3.1 million more homes by 2030. At this rate, that’s a pipe dream.
On top of that, inventory levels are rising, especially in the pre-sale market. Vancouver could hit 3,500 unsold new condos by year-end—a 60% surge. With investor demand almost vanished (down from 50%, then 25% and now 7%!), developers are cancelling projects, and hundreds of homes won’t break ground. Even with record immigration—Toronto just became North America’s fastest-growing city—new supply is evaporating.
We close with a mini-market update: May sales in Vancouver are trending at a six-year low (outside of COVID lockdowns), while inventory is at an 11-year high. Median prices are up slightly, but average prices are slipping. Could this be the inflection point?
So… is now the right time to buy? That depends on your goals, your timeline, and your outlook. This episode delivers the data, trends, and insights to help you decide—with eyes wide open.
Are you prepared to buy with the long-term in mind, even if prices don’t rise during your ownership? Let's chat about it.
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Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA
604.809.0834
Ryan Dash PREC
778.898.0089
ryan@thevancouverlife.com