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As someone who’s spent over 15 years working with buyers and sellers throughout Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, I’ve seen firsthand how development fees can shape our housing landscape. A recent report from Canada’s national housing agency highlights that cutting these fees could make residential projects about 14% more viable. In markets like Vancouver and Toronto, removing these charges could boost the number of feasible projects by around 10%. For Toronto, that might mean meeting half of its stated supply needs. To put it in perspective, Calgary’s development fees range from roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to $9,000 for a detached home—far below Vancouver’s $20,000–$33,000 range for similar units. While these fees are essential for funding vital infrastructure like roads and sewers, the agency’s economist notes that the goal isn’t to eliminate them entirely, but to find a balance. Lowering fees on family-sized homes could help more projects move forward, especially in cities where new, larger units often cost more than comparable resale options. As always, understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions, whether you’re entering the market or planning your next move.

There’s growing talk about where Canada’s interest rates are headed, and as someone who’s navigated the real estate market in the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver for over 15 years, I pay close attention to these shifts. Right now, the Bank of Canada is holding steady at 2.25%, but major banks are starting to forecast gradual increases in 2027. If economic growth picks up and inflation sticks around, policymakers may have even more reason to normalize rates. For homeowners, buyers, and investors, this means borrowing could become more expensive—but there may also be a silver lining for those with savings or fixed-income investments. As always, it’s about finding the right balance and preparing for changing conditions. Understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest.

There's a common belief that lower interest rates will automatically make homes more affordable, but research from Canada's central bank tells a more nuanced story. When rates are cut, housing demand tends to pick up quickly—resales often jump within months, peaking 18 to 24 months after the change. But the supply side is much slower to react: new housing starts typically don't ramp up until about two years later. Strong job markets can make this effect even stronger, as buyers feel more confident and lending becomes easier. Builders, meanwhile, need time to plan and get permits—especially for condo or multi-unit projects—so their response lags behind demand. For us in the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver, this means lower rates might eventually help bring more homes to market, but the immediate impact is often higher competition and prices. As someone who’s helped buyers and sellers navigate this market for over 15 years, I always encourage clients to look beyond just interest rates when considering affordability. The big takeaway: monetary policy alone isn’t a magic fix for housing costs—it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

We’re seeing some renewed life in Canadian home sales these days. While activity hasn’t reached last year’s levels, there’s a noticeable uptick—even as buyers tread carefully. On the listing side, there’s a decline, which is slowly nudging our market toward a better balance between supply and demand. What stands out right now is that price growth is staying modest. This offers a measure of stability for buyers, without the steep correction many were bracing for. It’s a reminder that every region—from the Fraser Valley to Greater Vancouver and beyond—has its own story. Market selection really matters, whether you’re buying or selling. With over 15 years helping clients navigate these shifts, I know firsthand how local trends shape your options.

We’ve now seen 10 straight quarters where affordability has been a central focus in the Canadian real estate landscape. As mortgage rates are expected to remain steady or even tick higher in the coming year, much of the conversation is shifting toward home prices and income growth as the main factors influencing affordability. Economists suggest that with slower population growth likely to temper housing demand, we may see some price moderation, while a stronger labour market could help support household incomes. In my experience working across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver, I can tell you that every market truly has its own rhythm—what’s happening in Vancouver and Toronto can feel worlds apart from the realities in Calgary or Edmonton. For buyers and sellers navigating these changes, it’s important to remember that affordability gains are likely to be modest unless we see sustained moderation in home prices. Wherever you are on your real estate journey, understanding these local dynamics is key to making confident decisions.