Brought to you by North Vancouver real estate agent and REALTOR® Jim Pilkington of Oakwyn Realty
Metro Vancouver’s housing market continued to show balanced conditions through May, with inventory levels remaining elevated and buyer activity relatively subdued.
A total of 2,150 homes sold across Metro Vancouver in May 2026, representing a 3.5% decrease compared to May 2025 and sitting 26.6% below the 10-year seasonal average. The decline was largely driven by softer apartment sales, while detached home sales posted a modest increase and attached home sales remained relatively stable.
Interestingly, apartment sales were not uniformly weaker throughout the region. Both North Vancouver and East Vancouver recorded year-over-year increases in apartment transactions, highlighting continued demand in these highly desirable communities.
New listings totalled 6,115 properties in May, down 7.6% from the same month last year but slightly above the historical seasonal average. Overall inventory remains abundant, with 16,917 active listings across Metro Vancouver—34.6% higher than the 10-year average and providing buyers with a wide selection of homes.
The overall sales-to-active listings ratio sits at 13.1%, indicating balanced market conditions. By property type, the ratios were:
- Detached Homes: 10.7%
- Townhomes: 15.4%
- Apartments: 14.2%
Historically, sustained ratios below 12% tend to place downward pressure on prices, while ratios above 20% often support price growth.
Home prices remained largely stable month-over-month as available inventory continued to meet current buyer demand. Sales activity has closely tracked forecasts so far this year, suggesting a relatively calm and orderly summer market ahead.
Benchmark Prices
The benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is now $1,100,700, down 6.2% from May 2025 and up a modest 0.2% from April 2026.
Detached Homes
Detached home sales increased slightly to 660 transactions in May, up 0.9% year-over-year.
- Benchmark Price: $1,847,900
- Down 6.9% from May 2025
- Up 0.4% from April 2026
Apartments
Apartment sales totalled 1,009 units, representing a 7.2% decline compared to last year.
- Benchmark Price: $697,800
- Down 7.9% from May 2025
- Down 0.7% from April 2026
Townhomes
Townhome sales reached 463 units, down 1.3% from May 2025.
- Benchmark Price: $1,048,200
- Down 5.1% from May 2025
- Up 0.5% from April 2026
What This Means for North Vancouver Buyers and Sellers
The North Vancouver market continues to benefit from strong local demand, particularly in the apartment segment, while elevated inventory levels are creating more opportunities and negotiating power for buyers. For sellers, strategic pricing and professional marketing remain critical to achieving the best results in today’s balanced market environment.
If you’re considering buying or selling in North Vancouver and would like a detailed analysis of your home’s value or current neighbourhood trends, I’d be happy to help.
Jim Pilkington PREC*
North Vancouver REALTOR | North Vancouver Real Estate Agent | Oakwyn Realty
Helping North Vancouver families make informed real estate decisions.
