The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast

Since the 1980s, Canadian real estate prices have increased 700% faster than wages, and the consequences of that imbalance are starting to surface across the country. In this episode, we unpack a dramatic shift in the housing market that could signal the end of a four-decade bull run. We begin with new data showing that real wages have barely moved in 43 years—up just 24%—while real estate values, even after recent declines, are still up over 160% after inflation. That divergence has fuelled inequality, made homeownership feel unattainable for younger generations, and created what some economists are now calling a return to neo-feudalism—where wealth and housing access are increasingly concentrated among the few.We also explore the Bank of Canada's recent messaging, where the odds of a rate cut in July have fallen to just 25%, with markets now pricing in only one more cut for the rest of 2025. That would leave mortgage rates not far from where they are today, providing little relief for buyers. Meanwhile, the condo pre-sale market is collapsing, especially in Toronto, where there is now over 58 months of inventory—meaning it could take until 2030 to absorb what’s already built. As sales disappear, so too do new condo starts, and building permits in April dropped by 14.6% year-over-year, led by a 20.5% decline in multi-family construction, with Vancouver alone accounting for nearly $1 billion of the pullback.On the employment front, Canada’s job market is flashing warning signs. The national unemployment rate rose to 7% in May, the highest in nearly a decade outside of the pandemic. Ontario hit 7.9% and Toronto 9%, with youth unemployment hitting a staggering 20.1%—the worst since the 1990s. As hiring stalls and cost pressures mount, many students and recent grads are being locked out of the workforce entirely, casting a long shadow over household formation and future housing demand. This is a leading indicator of broader economic weakness and a key reason why the housing market could be facing deeper structural problems ahead.Finally, while average rents in Canada have now fallen for eight consecutive months year-over-year, they remain 12.6% higher than just three years ago. That’s a partial win for tenants, but another blow to investors who are already grappling with declining condo values and stagnant prices. Sales volumes are flat month-over-month and prices remain stable, but beneath the surface, Canada’s housing fundamentals are shifting fast.This episode connects the dots between affordability, generational inequality, interest rates, and a rapidly softening condo sector. If you're a buyer, seller, investor, or simply trying to understand where Canadian real estate is headed next—this is the update you can’t afford to miss. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

Sales volumes have collapsed across Canada, and Vancouver is no exception. May 2025 saw just 2,228 sales—down 18.5% from an already slow May last year, and a staggering 30.5% below the 10-year average. This marks the slowest May on record in over 20 years, highlighting just how extreme the slowdown has become. In the pre-sale market, the picture is even bleaker. Vancouver saw only 816 new condo sales in the first quarter of 2025, an 84% drop from the 5,250 sold during the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, in the Greater Toronto Area, April 2025 recorded only 310 new home sales, a shocking 72% drop from the same time last year and an astonishing 89% below the 10-year average—this is the worst April on record for new home sales in the GTA.In the resale market, the GTA is facing a flood of new listings, with active inventory reaching 30,964 in May—a 41.5% jump year-over-year and levels not seen since the 1995 housing downturn that led to decades of price stagnation. New listings surged 14% compared to May 2024, totaling 21,819—the second-busiest May on record. However, with sales unable to keep pace, the sales-to-new-listings ratio plummeted to just 28%, firmly in buyers’ territory, where prices typically face downward pressure. Interestingly, despite the surge in inventory, prices in Toronto edged up 0.3% month-over-month to $1,012,800, though they remain 4.5% below last year’s levels. Whether this is a sign of a bottom or just a temporary pause in the broader correction remains to be seen.Adding to the uncertainty, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate steady at 2.75% for the second consecutive meeting, despite core inflation still hovering above 3% on a three-month annualized basis. This decision reflects concerns about slower growth and sticky inflation, which have been exacerbated by trade tensions and tariffs that threaten to prolong a period of stagflation—where growth slows but prices continue to rise. The high cost of borrowing continues to weigh on buyer sentiment and affordability, contributing to the ongoing collapse in sales.In Vancouver, the market is grappling with both a surge in listings and persistently low sales. New listings in May reached 6,640, 4% higher than May 2024 and 9% above the 10-year average, though slightly down from April 2025’s peak. Despite this influx of supply, active inventory soared to 16,535—up 26% from a year ago and a massive 46% above the 10-year average—marking an 11-year high for the month. This has given buyers their most extensive selection since July 2014, yet sales volumes remain extremely low, highlighting a deep disconnect between supply and demand. The sales-to-active ratio sits at a meager 14%, indicating a market leaning towards buyers’ territory. While the composite Home Price Index (HPI) dipped $7,000 (0.6%) month-over-month to $1,177,100, the median price surprisingly rose for the fourth consecutive month to $985,000, the highest reading this year—suggesting that while high-priced homes might still be selling, the overall market remains fragile. Sellers, especially those receiving offers, need to treat them seriously in this climate, as buyer hesitancy is at a peak. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

This week in Canadian real estate, we saw a rare move toward improving housing affordability—but is it too little, too late?The federal government has announced a GST rebate for first-time home buyers purchasing new homes valued up to $1.5 million. Homes under $1 million will be eligible for a full GST rebate—as much as $50,000—while homes between $1 million and $1.5 million receive a partial rebate. The government claims this will help reduce upfront costs for young Canadians and spur new housing construction. But when you consider that only 10–20% of Canada’s roughly 300,000 annual first-time buyers purchase new homes, this measure will actually benefit just 30,000 to 60,000 people nationwide. A step in the right direction? Yes. A scalable solution to affordability? Probably not.And while tax relief is welcome, the bigger issue continues to loom: the soaring cost of construction. Since 2017, Canada’s Building Construction Price Index has jumped 90%, nearly doubling costs in just eight years—largely driven by pandemic-era supply chain shocks and inflation. This means even with incentives, developers are unlikely to hit federal housing targets, and pre-sale markets will remain fragile as margins thin and feasibility erodes.We also take a deep dive into Canada’s residential mortgage debt, which now totals over $2.42 trillion—including $2.07 trillion in mortgages and $350 billion in HELOCs. That’s nearly $370,000 in average mortgage debt across the 6.5 million homes with outstanding loans. With an average amortization of 20 years and today’s fixed rates around 4.14%, the average monthly mortgage payment comes in at $2,256. That’s barely more than Canada’s average rent of $2,109, showing how thin the line between renting and owning has become for many households.Meanwhile in the U.S., delinquency rates on car loans have hit record highs—over 6.5% of borrowers are now more than 60 days behind. It’s a stark indicator of mounting financial stress, and one that could spill over into the broader economy, potentially triggering interest rate cuts and even recessionary pressure stateside. A U.S. slowdown almost always influences Canada, especially when it comes to monetary policy.We also zoom out and look at G7 home price trends, and the results are jaw-dropping. Since 1985, Canada leads the G7 in inflation-adjusted home price appreciation—up 360%. That’s even after an 18% national correction from peak pricing. For comparison, the UK is up 340%, the U.S. 220%, while Japan’s prices have actually fallen 30%. The data paints a picture of just how extreme Canada’s housing market has become over time—and how hard it may be to “normalize.”And finally, we preview next week’s Bank of Canada interest rate decision. As of May 26th, odds are now sitting at 70% that there will be no cut, despite growing calls for relief. With inflation data holding steady and economic signals mixed, the BoC remains cautious.In our mini market update: Vancouver has just crossed 18,000 active listings—the most in 12 years—while May sales are on track to be the lowest ever recorded for the month, even as prices spike. Median prices are now within 1% of all-time highs, and average prices are up over $50,000 in just 30 days. It’s a paradoxical moment: high supply, low sales, rising prices. Welcome to 2025. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

Affordable housing continues to dominate the national conversation—and yet, no level of government seems to have cracked the code. In today’s episode of The Vancouver Life, we’re taking this issue into our own hands. Following our most-commented video ever, where we introduced a series of bold ideas to bring truly affordable, ownership-based housing to Canadians, we’re back with more. Many responded with sharp criticism, valid points, and even better ideas. It inspired us to expand on the original concept, now tentatively called The Dan Plan, and crowdsource even more solutions from our community. With over 10,000 viewers tuning in weekly, if even 1% of you contribute, that’s 100 new ideas we can compile into a living document—and present directly to government contacts with the goal of influencing real policy change.The 'Dan Plan' includes removing development cost charges and developer profit margins by having government step in as the builder, offering 0% interest construction loans, and fast-tracking approvals. For buyers, it proposes radical affordability measures: zero down payment, no GST, no property transfer tax, and even no annual property tax for qualifying homes. These changes, if implemented, would reduce the barrier to homeownership by a huge amount—immediately. This isn’t about building a few thousand affordable rentals years from now. This is about creating affordable homes people can own and build wealth with today. And while the plan isn’t perfect, it’s meant to start a conversation—and we want you to be part of it. Share your ideas in the comments, and we’ll refine and present the best of them to government officials.In addition to the affordability push, we highlight a rare real estate opportunity happening right now in Surrey. The Belvedere, a just-completed concrete high-rise, is offering homes at 25% below their original list price. Despite showing “sold out” online, approximately 70 units are being released under this promotion, with prices starting at $721 per square foot. Appraisals are reportedly coming in $90,000 higher than the discounted prices, making this one of the most compelling condo deals in the Lower Mainland. Financing is expected to be smoother with these valuations, and we anticipate a swift sell-out. To learn more or get access, visit condoday.ca or reach out to us directly.We also unpack a massive week in Canadian real estate data. Housing starts jumped 30% in April to 279,000 annualized units—the strongest print since June 2023—but nearly all of that growth came from purpose-built rentals. Condo and single-family home starts, by contrast, have fallen to decade lows. This unusual dynamic points to a likely plateau in rent prices and suggests that condo values may face future headwinds due to increased supply and moderating rents.Whether you’re passionate about housing affordability, curious about the current market landscape, or just looking for a rare real estate deal, this episode delivers insight and opportunity. And if you believe Canadians deserve affordable homes they can own, now is the time to raise your voice. Drop your ideas in the comments—we’re listening, compiling, and taking action. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

The average home price in Canada has officially dropped 18% since the 2022 peak—but that’s only half the story.In this week’s episode, we unpack April 2025’s national real estate data, and explore a far more revealing trend: What prices looked like 5 years ago versus today. Because while home values are down nearly 20% from peak levels, they’re still up 31% over 5 years.We also take a closer look at the man now in charge of Canadian housing—former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, newly appointed as Canada’s Housing Minister. His stance? Home prices don’t need to go down—instead, he’s promising more supply and more affordability. But how do you make homes more affordable without lowering their price?It’s a nearly impossible challenge—and we’ll explain why it may never happen, especially when the majority of voters, politicians, and Canada’s wealthiest citizens are all homeowners with a vested interest in protecting property values. Trudeau said it last year, and Robertson is echoing the sentiment again today: “Housing needs to retain its value.”We’ll show you a possible model for government-built housing at cost—no developer profit, reduced DCCs, and resell restrictions to inflation-only increases—but question if that kind of execution is realistic in today’s bureaucratic system.Meanwhile, the labour market is softening. Canada’s unemployment rate climbed to 6.9%, the highest in 8 years outside of COVID. BC saw a slight increase to 6.2%, even as job creation remained steady. Wage growth continues, but a weakening economy and global trade volatility (especially with the US tariffs) may push the Bank of Canada toward another rate cut.The presale market continues to unravel. Boffo Developments just cancelled their 1,200-unit Burnaby project “Bassano” after selling only 44 of the first 318 units in 6 months. They’ve returned deposits and hit pause—indefinitely. Even Vancouver’s largest presale marketing firm, Rennie, has laid off 25% of staff, with insiders predicting the market won’t stabilize for at least two more years.On the rental side, Toronto saw its first uptick in rents in over a year, with 1-bed unfurnished units rising $22 to $2,148/month in May. But that’s still well below last year’s levels. Alberta rents are sliding too, with Calgary down 7% and Edmonton down 6% in the past 6 months.Lastly, let’s talk about the Renewal Cliff Myth. The Bank of Canada’s latest Financial Stability Report shows that rising mortgage payments won’t be nearly as painful as expected. Thanks to moderating rate expectations, payment increases on renewal will be 4–5 points lower than forecast—which means a much softer landing for borrowers than many feared.So, are we at the bottom of the market? The CREA’s national data shows home sales in April were virtually flat month-over-month, suggesting the 2025 sales slump may be stabilizing. But prices in BC and Ontario—Canada’s two biggest markets—continue to drag the national average down. And until there's a true shift in supply, policy, or buyer confidence, expect more of the same in the months ahead.Drop your thoughts in the comments—Is this the bottom? Will the new Housing Minister make a difference? Or is Canada’s real estate market in for more pain ahead? _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

For the first time in 2025, Vancouver home prices have declined—and combined with multi-year lows in sales activity, have we finally reached the bottom of this market cycle?In this week’s episode, we dive into the May market update for Vancouver, examining why—after four consecutive years of declining home sales—we may be approaching a cyclical turning point. Vancouver just posted its lowest April sales figures since 2019, and for context, this is now the longest recorded slowdown in the GVRD since 2005. But what’s fascinating is that some early signs of life are emerging in other major Canadian markets—especially Toronto. TRREB reported a modest 1.8% increase in sales in April, breaking a brutal two-month, 27% drop. Is this a blip, or the beginning of the stabilization phase?We break down affordability and consumer confidence, two key drivers of real estate cycles. With mortgage payments on a typical home now at $2,600—the lowest since May 2022—affordability is quietly improving. And with consumer sentiment indexes showing their first significant jump in over a year, buyer psychology could be shifting. Should the Bank of Canada cut rates in June, as markets are pricing in, it could bring payments back to 2022 levels—when sales volumes were 52% higher.We then turn to Toronto, where the situation is more extreme. GTA sales remain 21% lower year-over-year, with condo sales down a staggering 30%—the lowest sales figures seen in 25 years (excluding COVID lockdowns). Inventory is ballooning, up 51% overall and 83% for condos in the 416. And prices across all asset types have dropped: condos are down 6.8%, detached homes 5.4%. Meanwhile, the rental market is under pressure too. With 16,000 rental listings, GTA rental inventory is at an all-time high. Rents are now 13% below peak levels, and investor demand has fallen off a cliff. But with prices and rates declining faster than rents, even cash flow metrics are beginning to improve—though we’re still far from equilibrium.We then circle back to Vancouver. Despite the sales slowdown, condos have shown surprising resilience—both in sales and price. Condo transactions are down just 56% from peak levels (compared to 71% for detached homes) and prices have only slipped 2% from their highs,  outperforming detached and townhouse segments. In fact, when looking at the broader GVRD—excluding downtown Vancouver—condo prices have barely moved.New listings in Vancouver came in slightly below 2024 levels but remain steady, and inventory continues to climb, reaching an 11-year high for April. With buyers still largely on the sidelines, the sales-to-active ratio has held in balanced market territory for 12 straight months—14% overall. The days-on-market average ticked up to 16, and foreclosure activity rose slightly but remains a minor share of total listings.Finally, we close with price movement: The Home Price Index fell by 0.5% this month, the first drop of the year, bringing the average Vancouver home price to $1.184M. The average price dropped by $20,000, and prices are now 1.8% lower than they were a year ago.Whether we’ve hit the bottom or are simply sliding along it remains to be seen—but the data suggests that a turning point could be on the horizon. Be sure to tune in for our full analysis, charts, and predictions—so you’re prepared for what’s next in this shifting market. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

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. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

Building major housing projects in Canada is a deeply complex and often misunderstood process — one that requires more than just permits and plans. It’s about aligning the vision, values, and needs of developers, cities, and the communities they aim to serve. And at the centre of that delicate balance is Gary Pooni, President of Pooni Group, a renowned Urban Planning and Land Development consultancy based in Vancouver. With nearly 30 years of experience, Gary has played a critical role in shaping some of the most significant developments across Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, Alberta, and Ontario.In this episode, we sit down with Gary to uncover the nuanced and often unseen world of urban planning in Canada why it seemingly takes an inordinate amount of time to build anything. With over 800 projects successfully guided through all stages of the development process in more than 25 Canadian municipalities, the Pooni Group has become the gold standard in bridging the gap between municipal regulations and private development. Gary shares how his team helps developers navigate the red tape of rezoning, permitting, and compliance — particularly in markets like Vancouver, where the approval process for major projects can take years and often results in a stifled housing supply and elevated prices.We ask Gary to shed light on why this process takes so long, what the biggest systemic bottlenecks are, and what practical solutions might look like. From there, we zoom out to a national lens, exploring the broader challenges that slow the pace of housing construction across Canada — and what must change if we’re serious about addressing affordability and supply.But this conversation goes far beyond bureaucracy. We explore the future of Canadian cities and what urbanization might look like by 2050. Gary shares his bold predictions about how technology — particularly AI and robotics — will shape the way we design and build communities. He also discusses how the post-pandemic landscape has fundamentally shifted the office and retail sectors, and how the concept of “experience” is becoming the cornerstone of these spaces.We also dive into demographic shifts — with millennials and downsizing boomers now dictating what types of homes are being built, what features matter most, and how planners need to adapt their strategies to meet evolving lifestyles and expectations.Finally, Gary introduces his brand-new development course — a must for anyone looking to understand the ins and outs of real estate development in Canada. Whether you're a new developer, a seasoned investor, or a curious policy enthusiast, this course promises to deliver practical knowledge from one of the most experienced professionals in the field.This episode is a masterclass in how real estate development really works in Canada — from behind-the-scenes negotiations to the visionary thinking needed to build the cities of tomorrow. Don’t miss it.Join The Course Here:https://laidleracademy.com/pooni-new-era-course _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

In this week we cover some of the most consequential turning points in Canada’s housing narrative to date including the breakdown of the Federal Conservative and Liberal housing plans. New home construction is collapsing at a national level—plummeting in cities like Vancouver by as much as 36% year-over-year—just as Canadians are being asked to decide who should lead the country through the next era of growth, or decline. We begin with the Bank of Canada’s latest rate decision: after seven cuts in the last 12 months, the BoC held steady at 2.75%, citing uncertainty caused by the ongoing U.S. tariff war. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized that monetary policy can’t fix trade disputes but must focus on maintaining price stability. Although unemployment is rising and growth is slowing, the threat of inflation led the Bank to pause further cuts. At the same time, bond yields are surging, which could soon push mortgage rates higher, adding yet another affordability challenge for buyers.Inflation data offered a brief reprieve, coming in at 2.3% for March—cooler than expected—thanks largely to lower gas prices. Shelter costs remain high but are decelerating, and rents continue to trend downward. National home sales, however, paint a more sobering picture. Volumes fell 5% month-over-month and 9% year-over-year, making this past March the slowest on record since 2009. Despite that, prices have only dipped modestly—just 2.1% year-over-year by HPI, and 3.7% by average price—suggesting the market remains surprisingly resilient even as sentiment erodes.But it’s the housing start data that really underlines the problem: Canada posted the lowest monthly housing starts in six years, and it’s getting worse. Toronto’s pre-sale condo market has all but collapsed. Sales are 88% below the 10-year average, and unsold inventory now sits at a staggering 78 months of supply! That's 6 years! Developers are pulling out, projects are being cancelled or converted to rentals, and there’s zero profit margin left in many builds. As construction slows, a severe future housing shortage feels inevitable as the roller coaster continues.Finally, we break down the election housing platforms of both the Liberal and Conservative parties. The Liberals plan to double annual home construction to 500,000, reintroduce tax incentives for rental construction, and create a new government housing agency—yet offer little in the way of realistic execution given Canada hasn’t built more than 270,000 homes in a single year in over four decades. Meanwhile, the Conservatives propose slashing GST on new homes up to $1.3M, punishing cities that fail to meet housing targets, and offering financial rewards to those that exceed them. They aim to unleash supply by freeing up federal land and cutting red tape, though critics argue their platform lacks implementation details.If housing affordability matters to you—and it should—then this episode is essential listening. We examine not only the data but the direction each political party is trying to take Canada. With construction grinding to a halt, affordability still out of reach for most, and developers hitting pause across the country, the decisions we make now will define the housing market for the next generation.  _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com

The spring market is all but dead in 2025. That much is clear. The traditional seasonal surge in home sales that typically arrives in March and April has simply failed to show up. Home sales across Canada remain at multi-decade lows, with April currently trending a shocking 33% below last year—an already sluggish benchmark in itself. The market remains paralyzed under the weight of higher interest rates and high home prices, both of which are now colliding with a wave of mortgage renewals, Trump-imposed tariffs, and an upcoming federal election. These compounding pressures have Canadians turning their attention away from housing, choosing caution and savings over real estate.And yet, below the surface, the long-term trajectory of the Canadian real estate market is beginning to reveal itself. This episode dives deep into the undercurrents—employment, arrears, monthly payments, national inventory, and new housing construction—to show you where the market is heading next, even if you're not planning a move anytime soon. One revealing example is a recent court-ordered sale we just attended. Despite going through a complex legal foreclosure process, the property still attracted multiple offers and sold over asking—showing us that demand isn't dead, just dormant and highly specific.But here’s where the tone starts to shift. Monthly mortgage payments have started to trend downward from their 2023 peak of $3,400, and if the Bank of Canada cuts rates to 2% as forecasted by many Banks, we could see payments fall by 30%. Combine that with the fastest wage growth in 25 years and the highest household savings rate in three decades, and you begin to understand why buyer intentions are beginning to creep back into the market —albeit modestly. Renters planning to buy are up from 17% to 19%, and existing homeowners considering a purchase rose from 14% to 16%. With sales at 30+ year lows, these early signs of returning confidence could be the start of the next upswing in the market cycle.Inventory is also building. Active listings in February rose 13.1% year-over-year, and while we’re still below the long-term average, the trend is undeniable. In Toronto, March condo listings hit a record 5,500 in one month. The sales-to-new-listings ratio has dropped below 30% for the first time since 1991, and condo prices are already down nearly 5% year-over-year. Pre-sale condo activity has collapsed. In Toronto, only 152 new condos sold in the last month—down 95% from the 2022 peak. At this pace, new completions are projected to fall from over 30,000 in 2025 to fewer than 5,000 by 2029.And yet, even this bleak data paints a roadmap. With fewer completions ahead, the pre-sale condo market may re-emerge as a viable opportunity once the correction has taken place—just not in 2025 and potentially not until 2027 or 2028. For now, returns are still negative, but improving, with cash flow losses narrowing and principal paydown delivering small but positive equity growth. As cycles go, we are in the trough. But every cycle turns, the question is when. _________________________________ Contact Us To Book Your Private Consultation: 📆 https://calendly.com/thevancouverlife Dan Wurtele, PREC, REIA 604.809.0834 dan@thevancouverlife.com Ryan Dash PREC 778.898.0089 ryan@thevancouverlife.com www.thevancouverlife.com