The Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast

ome sales in Vancouver just hit their lowest point in six years, marking yet another painful milestone in what’s quickly becoming one of the most uncertain and volatile real estate markets in decades. And if you’re wondering why this is happening, just look at the bigger picture—consumer confidence in Canada just hit an all-time low. That’s right—lower than the depths of the Great Financial Crisis, and worse than the early pandemic panic. Business confidence is in the same horrific state, and these weren’t even recorded after Trump’s tariffs took effect. With those now in place, pressure is mounting on the Bank of Canada as it faces a nightmarish economic puzzle: GDP is rising, inflation is expected to heat back up, the housing market is crumbling, and record levels of debt are coming due for renewal. Meanwhile, the March real estate data for Vancouver has just dropped, and we’re breaking down all the key metrics—from collapsing sales volumes to rising inventory to surprisingly resilient home prices—and analyzing what all this means for home values for the spring 2025 market.Let’s talk inflation. March came in hot at 2.6%, a big jump from the previous month’s 1.9%, and far above expectations. Mortgage interest costs have fallen again for the 18th straight month, but inflation is now at a seven-month high, forcing the Bank of Canada into a tightening corner. And behind the scenes, 45% of businesses expect to raise prices more than 5% this year—double what it was just six months ago. While tariffs may warrant easing, inflation is pushing back hard, and markets no longer expect a rate cut in April. Meanwhile, GDP rose again—up 0.4% in January after a 0.3% climb in December—led by energy and mining. While the headline looks positive, remember: per capita GDP has been in decline for over two years. The BOC may take these numbers at face value, but it’s a fragile recovery at best.South of the border, the U.S. Fed held its rate at 4.5% last month, with possible cuts later this year. But Powell made it clear: if inflation stays sticky, high rates could persist. Their GDP forecast was revised down and inflation up. The takeaway? If the Fed cuts, Canada could follow—especially as our economic risks grow and global trade uncertainty lingers. In the mortgage world, renewals are surging—up 110% year-over-year—and projections vary widely. BMO sees rates at 2% by end of 2026, while Scotia sees no cuts until 2027. The big banks don’t agree, but they’re all aligned on one thing: no hikes are coming. That’s welcome news for those riding variable rates or planning their next move.New housing supply is in freefall. National housing starts dropped 4% month-over-month and 12% year-over-year, but BC is the epicenter of the downturn: starts plunged 22% just last month and are down 32% from last year. In Vancouver alone, they’re off by 18%. This comes at a time when building permits are at rock bottom—meaning even fewer homes will be built in the years to come. While inventory is high now, the longer-term risk is a devastating shortage. Just look at the national data going back to 1972: while population growth has doubled, housing completions have actually declined. CMHC now estimates we’ll be short 3.5 million homes by 2030. Add affordability and suitability issues, and we’re heading toward a full-blown housing crisis. _________________________________ 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

Just over a year ago, Vancouver’s rental market was on fire. Rents were rising at record pace, showings were fully booked within hours, and competition was fierce. Fast forward to today, and it’s a very different story. Properties that used to rent in a single day are now sitting on the market for months. Rents are softening, vacancy is creeping up, and investors—especially small-scale landlords—are starting to feel the pressure.In this episode, we explore the major shift in Vancouver’s rental market, digging into the economic forces and real estate dynamics that got us here. From high interest rates and inflation-fighting policies to rising construction costs and tariff threats, we break down how macroeconomic conditions have trickled down into a rental environment that’s finally showing signs of balance—or at least a pause.We take a closer look at the impact of newly completed, purpose-built rental buildings and how they’re changing the game for mom-and-pop investors. In 2024 alone, over 17,900 new rental units have been registered—representing 44.4% of all new housing starts in BC. As these larger, professionally managed buildings come online, they offer better amenities, stronger tenant protections, and often more aggressive pricing and incentives to fill vacancies quickly. This puts significant pressure on individual condo landlords, many of whom now have to drop rents or risk sitting vacant for months.We share real-world examples that paint a clear picture of this market shift. A 1,000 square foot, two-bed plus den in Yaletown that rented in just one day in 2022 for $3,500 is now listed at $3,400, has sat on the market for over 80 days, and may lease at $3,300—a 6% decline. A one-bedroom unit in Coquitlam that rented in 2 days for $2,300 in November 2023 just leased for $1,900 after 93 days and 33 showings—a 17% drop. Average days on market have risen from 32 to over 43 in the past year, and many units are receiving less than one showing per week.This episode unpacks what all of this means for renters, landlords, and investors alike. The balance of power may be shifting toward tenants, with more options, lower prices, and better negotiating power than they’ve had in years. At the same time, investors are being squeezed by rising holding costs, taxes, and a softening rental environment. Even as mortgage rates show signs of easing, the gap between expenses and income is widening for many who purchased recently using high leverage.We also examine whether purpose-built rentals are truly improving affordability, or simply creating a new class of high-end rental stock. While many of these buildings offer cost efficiencies, lower maintenance, and no risk of eviction due to landlord use or sale, they often come with premium finishes and luxury amenities that keep monthly rents high. Still, their existence could free up more condo units for first-time buyers and shift tenant demand in a meaningful way.Whether you're a tenant looking to time your move, a landlord wondering how to stay competitive, or an investor rethinking your long-term strategy, this episode brings clarity to a rapidly evolving market. We break down what’s happening now, what’s likely coming next, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve in Vancouver’s changing rental landscape. _________________________________ 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

Welcome to The Vancouver Life Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the forces shaping the future of Vancouver’s real estate market with Josh White, the General Manager of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability for the City of Vancouver. Josh brings a wealth of experience from his time as Director of City and Regional Planning and Co-Chief Planner at the City of Calgary, and now leads Vancouver’s planning efforts at a time when housing supply, affordability, and urban development are more critical than ever. We discuss the lessons he's learned from his time in Calgary and brought to Vancouver, and how the city is tackling some of its biggest affordability challenges. We dig into the complexities of Vancouver’s permitting process, why timelines under the City’s ambitious 3-3-3-1 Plan have been difficult to meet, and whether hiring more staff is really the solution. Josh sheds light on the city’s plan to streamline over 1,800 pages of policy documents into just 100 pages and what that will mean for builders and homeowners. We also explore upcoming system changes that could cut permit times in half by allowing Development Permits and Building Permits to be processed in parallel. Josh shares his take on Bill 47 and how transit-oriented development is shaping the future. We tackle the long and often frustrating process developers face to rezone and build towers, why Vancouver’s city fees are among the highest in Canada, and how Development Cost Levies impact affordability and cash flow. We ask where these funds are being spent, whether there’s accountability in how they’re used, and discuss the city’s evolving stance on banning natural gas in new homes. Josh also weighs in on Bob Rennie’s recent proposal to allow foreign buyers to participate in pre-sales with long-term rental commitments, and we talk about changes to REDMA that give developers more breathing room in today’s challenging market. Lastly, Josh shares his vision for housing in Vancouver, how builders can help streamline processes at City Hall, the conversations happening around affordability, and how sustainability is built into every decision the city makes for the future. This is an in-depth conversation you won’t want to miss if you care about the future of housing in Vancouver.Josh White joined the City of Vancouver in May of 2024, coming from Calgary where most recently he was Director, City and Regional Planning and Co-Chief Planner at the City of Calgary. There, he stewarded the adoption of a new housing strategy in collaboration with partners and led the creation of a simpler and more effective planning policy and regulation. During a period of extraordinary population growth for the city, Josh also oversaw strategic growth, growth funding and financing, and infrastructure planning for the municipality. In his tenure at the City of Calgary, he also initiated and led the significant transformation of the development approvals system, which resulted in improved planning outcomes,benchmarked as among the most efficient in Canada.He holds a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Queen's University, and began his career in the private sector, serving a variety of private and public sector clients as a consultant with Urban Strategies in Toronto. Josh’s private sector experience also includes leading planning and approvals for Alpine Park, a progressive n _________________________________ 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 Bank of Canada cut interest rates this week for the 7th consecutive time, lowering the overnight rate to 2.75%—a level we haven’t seen since August 2022. But what really caught our attention wasn’t just the cut itself—it was what Governor Tiff Macklem said at the press conference. Macklem explicitly stated that tariffs are restraining household spending intentions, and in response, the BOC is acting to stimulate the economy. That’s right—he’s openly admitting that the Bank is working to revive spending, which in Canada, largely means propping up the housing market. This isn’t speculation. It’s policy. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that maintaining home prices is a top priority at the highest levels of government.But what does this mean for Canadians, especially those with mortgages renewing this year? We ran the numbers: a homeowner who took out an $800,000 mortgage in 2020 at 1.8% will see their monthly payments jump by $927 if they renew today at a 4.39% fixed rate. That’s still 32% higher than what they were paying four years ago. While rate cuts are happening, they’re nowhere near enough to ease the burden of higher borrowing costs—at least not yet. On the inflation front, early warning signs are flashing yellow. The Raw Materials Price Index is up 11% year-over-year, the highest jump since 2022. The Industrial Product Price Index is also rising, historically a leading indicator of core inflation. And with 20% of businesses planning to hike prices by 6% or more this year, it’s possible that inflation could start creeping back up by Q4 2025. If that happens, we may not see as many rate cuts as the market is pricing in.The uncertainty around tariffs is also crushing consumer and business confidence. The Index of Consumer Confidence has now dropped below Global Financial Crisis levels, meaning people feel worse about the economy today than they did in 2008. And with nearly 63% of Canadians saying it’s a bad time to make a major purchase, spending is slowing—bad news for businesses already holding back on investments. This hesitation is showing up in BC real estate sales as well. In February, home sales in BC fell 9.7% year-over-year, with average prices down 2.4%. The total sales volume hit just $4.8 billion, an 11.8% decline compared to last year. This is a major shift from the red-hot market we saw in 2021 and 2022, proving that even with rate cuts, buyers remain cautious.Lastly, we take a deep dive into the growing wealth divide. Despite economic uncertainty, household net worth in Canada surged 1.4% in Q4 2024, adding $236.3 billion in wealth and bringing the total to $17.5 trillion. Over the past year, wealth climbed by 7.3%, even after adjusting for inflation. But here’s the catch: the top 20% of households now control 68% of all financial assets, a share that continues to grow. With interest rates coming down, asset holders will benefit the most, widening the wealth gap even further. _________________________________ 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 impact of tariffs on the housing market is already being felt. Even before they were implemented, just the threat of tariffs was enough to put buyers on the sidelines. Now that they are in place, the effects are hitting fast. Toronto, often viewed as a key indicator of the condo market, saw sales drop 28% month-over-month in February—a month that typically sees an increase from January. Vancouver’s numbers reveal similar trends, with sales momentum reversing sharply after months of steady growth.While headline GDP growth showed a stronger-than-expected 2.6% annualized gain in Q4, the real story lies in GDP per capita, which has declined for two straight years, confirming that Canada has been in a per capita recession for over 24 months. Job vacancies have also plunged to their lowest levels since 2017, leaving workers with the worst job prospects in seven years. Despite what the official numbers suggest, the economic reality is pointing towards a prolonged slowdown that could further weaken real estate demand. One of the few bright spots for homeowners is the declining 5-year bond yield, which has hit a three-year low of 2.6%. This drop has made mortgage rates more attractive for the more than 50% of borrowers set to renew in the next two years. However, with tariffs likely to slow GDP growth even further, it’s increasingly likely that the Bank of Canada will be forced to cut interest rates, possibly as soon as this spring, especially with an election on the horizon.The latest February 2025 real estate stats for Vancouver confirm shifting market dynamics. Total sales came in at 1,815, down 12% year-over-year and 29% below the 10-year average. This is particularly notable because since October, sales had been higher than 2023 levels each month—until February, when the trend reversed. The level of uncertainty created by tariff threats and economic instability has pushed buyers to the sidelines, and now that tariffs are in place, it appears the spring market may not materialize in the usual way.New listings rose 11% year-over-year to 5,066, marking a 12% increase above the 10-year average. However, February listings were actually lower than January, an unusual occurrence only seen six times in the past decade. The standout statistic here is condo inventory—February saw the highest number of condo listings ever recorded for the month, following a record-breaking January. This surge suggests a shift in buyer preference away from high-density living, as well as a growing supply of purpose-built rental housing, which is altering demand patterns. Inventory levels remain a key story, with active listings rising 32% year-over-year to 12,350, sitting 36% above the 10-year average. This places inventory at its highest February level in over a decade, though still below the 2012 peak of 14,875. The sales-to-active listings ratio stands at 15%, marking the 10th consecutive month in a balanced market, with detached homes at 10%, townhomes at 20%, and condos at 17%.One thing is clear—Vancouver real estate is at a pivotal moment, and how policymakers respond in the coming months could shape the market for years to come. _________________________________ 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 Toronto real estate market is making national headlines, with growing concerns about a condo crisis that has both buyers and developers feeling the pressure. In this episode, we sit down with renowned Toronto Realtor Tom Storey to break down what’s really happening on the ground. With reports of buyers failing to close on pre-sale units and developers facing insolvency, we discuss how these issues are playing out in real-time and whether they’re as severe as they sound. Are condos the only segment struggling, or is the slowdown affecting all types of housing? And how does Toronto’s market compare to what we’re seeing here in Vancouver? With both cities navigating high borrowing costs, policy roadblocks, and affordability concerns, we examine the parallels and key differences between the two.A record-low number of new projects launched in January, raising questions about whether developers will be on pause for most of 2025. We explore whether rising development charges, lengthy permit processes, and shifting buyer demand are keeping new housing from coming to market. These same issues have been major inhibitors to new supply in B.C., and we compare how government policies in both provinces are shaping future development. Additionally, with 50%+ of Canadian mortgages set to renew at significantly higher rates over the next two years, we assess how this looming financial pressure could impact both homeowners and investors. Are investors checking out of the market entirely, or are new opportunities emerging in the current landscape?Beyond the immediate slowdown, we also look at long-term structural issues. Toronto, much like Vancouver, has long been criticized for its lack of "Missing Middle" housing—smaller, multi-unit developments that could provide a bridge between high-rise condos and detached homes. We ask Tom whether Toronto has made any meaningful progress in addressing this gap and if there are solutions that could help increase supply. We also touch on the contentious topic of Ontario’s Greenbelt—could opening up more land be a solution to affordability and supply issues, or would it create more problems? Additionally, with new tariffs looming over the construction industry, we analyze the potential ripple effects on housing costs and supply.Despite the uncertainties, market shifts often bring opportunities. Tom shares insights on where buyers and investors should be looking right now, what strategies are working for those still active in the market, and what potential silver linings could emerge from this downturn. And while there are real concerns about the future, there are also reasons for optimism. We wrap up by asking Tom what excites and scares him most about the future of Toronto real estate and how the market might evolve over the next few years. If you're looking for a deep dive into one of Canada’s most talked-about real estate markets—and how it compares to Vancouver—this is an episode you won’t want 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

The Canadian housing market is experiencing one of its most dramatic shifts in recent history, as the gap between government promises and market realities continues to widen. While policymakers have focused on demand-side measures like home-flipping taxes, actual housing starts have declined significantly. Meanwhile, an unprecedented number of rental units are entering the market, leading to falling rental prices.Despite political rhetoric about increasing housing supply, overall housing starts have dropped 19% since their peak in 2021, now sitting at 239,000. However, rental unit construction is surging—up 44% year-over-year—comprising nearly half of all new starts. A record-breaking 144,000 rental units are currently in development, which is already having a profound effect on the market.Rental rates, which had been rising for 38 months straight, have now fallen for four consecutive months, with national averages dropping from a peak of $2,196 in January 2024 to $2,100 today. Shared accommodation listings have surged 42% year-over-year, with rates declining 7.6%, signaling a shifting dynamic in the rental market.While rental construction is booming, single-family home (SFH) completions tell a different story. In January 2025, only 3,800 SFHs were completed—the lowest monthly total since 1997. This ongoing supply crunch suggests that SFH prices may hold firm, even as the condo market weakens.Inflation in Canada remains relatively stable, sitting at 1.9% in January, marking six consecutive months at or below the Bank of Canada’s 2% target. However, the vast majority of inflation—1.3%—is being driven by shelter costs. Mortgage interest costs, a key driver of inflation, have been slowing, with the most recent increase at just 0.2%, the weakest since April 2022.Employment Insurance (EI) claims are rising at an alarming rate. Nationally, claims increased 14% year-over-year, from 245,000 to over 280,000, while Ontario saw a 29% jump, from 76,000 to 98,000. These numbers suggest weakening economic conditions, which could drag down GDP growth in the months ahead.On the mortgage front, December saw a staggering 90% year-over-year surge in mortgage originations, largely due to renewals. Many homeowners who locked in ultra-low rates five years ago are now facing a 35% payment shock, putting additional strain on household finances.At the same time, housing inventory is surging. January saw an 11% month-over-month increase in new listings—the largest ever recorded. BC led the way with a staggering 29% increase. Pre-sale condo inventory in Greater Vancouver has nearly doubled from 7,000 to 12,000 units, pushing total available homes in the region above 25,000. This supply surge is making price increases unlikely in the near term.February data indicates a shift in market momentum. After months of year-over-year sales growth, February saw a 12% annual decline in sales activity. Prices are also softening, with median home prices in Greater Vancouver dropping $20,000 to $900,000—a 10% decline from peak values. _________________________________ 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

Housing inventory in Canada is hitting record highs, with Vancouver and Toronto seeing unprecedented listings. Buyers remain hesitant amidst economic uncertainty and rising costs, setting the stage for a turbulent housing market in 2025. Meanwhile, job market data presents a confusing picture, revealing hidden job losses and rising layoffs despite official growth reports. The correlation between unemployment and mortgage arrears raises concerns for homeowners. The podcast delves into these pressing issues, exploring their implications for the housing market.

Vancouver home prices took a sharp dive in January, hitting a two-year low, while Canada’s GDP shrank in November, signaling potential economic trouble ahead. Adding to the uncertainty, looming tariffs could push housing costs even higher, leaving both buyers and sellers wondering what’s next. If you’re planning to enter the market in 2025, this episode is essential as we break down the data and what it means for you.The market is facing some serious headwinds and the threat of Tariffs is ever present. The potential for a 25% Tariff on key building materials like windows, drywall, and appliances would drive up construction costs, making new homes even more expensive. While a temporary 30-day pause has been put in place, tariffs could still take effect at any time. Earlier this week, when they seemed imminent, BMO’s chief economist projected 0% GDP growth for 2025, 8% unemployment, and aggressive interest rate cuts down to 1.5%. The Canadian dollar briefly hit a 23-year low, and the 5-year bond yield dropped to a 30-month low, signaling lower mortgage rates ahead. In fact, 5-year fixed mortgage rates are already available at 3.89%, a sharp decline from last year.The BC Real Estate Association has painted a stark picture of what could happen if tariffs are imposed and Canada retaliates. They predict home sales could drop 30%, while active listings could rise 40%, leading to a more prolonged buyer’s market. Mortgage rates could climb to 6% by 2026, and while prices are still expected to rise, they would increase at a much slower pace. With so much uncertainty, many buyers and sellers may wait on the sidelines, similar to the early days of the pandemic.At the same time, Vancouver’s housing market is seeing some surprising shifts. January sales were up 9% year-over-year, marking the strongest January in three years. But new listings surged 46% compared to last year, reaching one of the highest January levels on record. Inventory is climbing quickly, hitting 11,100 active listings, a 33% increase over last year. The last time inventory was this high in January was 2019, a year when prices declined slightly. The sales-to-active listings ratio now sits at 14%, confirming that we remain in a balanced market, but momentum is shifting.Perhaps the biggest red flag is price movement. While the HPI benchmark price showed a slight increase in January, more immediate indicators tell a different story. Median prices dropped by $80,000, the largest single-month decline in 18 months, while average prices fell by $70,000, hitting their lowest level in two years. These sharp drops suggest that sellers may be adjusting expectations, while buyers hesitate to make moves in an uncertain environment.So, what’s next? With sellers eager to offload properties and buyers waiting for more clarity on tariffs and interest rates, the spring market could be weaker than expected. Early February sales trends suggest a slower start, but as we approach the peak season, things could shift. Will prices stabilize, or are we heading into a prolonged downturn? Tune in as we analyze what’s happening in Vancouver real estate and where the market might be headed next. _________________________________ 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 special episode of the Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast, we welcome Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group, to provide unparalleled insights into Canada’s economic landscape. With over 30 years of experience and a proven track record as one of the top economic forecasters in North America, Doug shares his expert analysis on the Bank of Canada’s recent rate cut and its potential ripple effects across the economy, financial markets, and the Canadian housing sector.We dive into hot-button topics like the impact of immigration policy changes on housing affordability, the long-term economic consequences of tariffs, and the evolving lending landscape in Canada. Doug also unpacks how the so-called “mortgage renewal cliff” may not be as alarming as it sounds, highlighting how Canadians are adapting to higher interest rates.From analyzing regional housing trends—like Vancouver’s surprising resilience compared to Toronto’s cooling condo market—to exploring the broader implications of geopolitical tensions, this episode is packed with actionable insights for homeowners, investors, and anyone curious about Canada’s economic outlook.Doug’s practical advice for buyers, his predictions for interest rates, and his views on what Canada must do to foster economic stability make this an episode you don’t want to miss. Whether you're planning your next real estate move or simply want to understand the forces shaping Canada’s financial future, this conversation will leave you informed and inspired.Tune in now and gain a deeper understanding of the market trends that matter most. _________________________________ 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