Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?
Right now, the honest answer is: it depends on the property.
Right now, the honest answer is: it depends on the property.
In June 2026, Metro Vancouver had considerably more homes available than is typical for that time of year, while the overall sales-to-active-listings ratio sat at 14.6%. That places the broader market between the levels historically associated with downward and upward pressure on prices. In plain English, neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage everywhere.
A buyer may have more negotiating room when a home has been listed for several weeks, needs repairs, has already reduced its price or is priced above similar recent sales.
A seller usually has more leverage when the home is well-priced, presented properly and attracting strong interest. If three buyers want the same property, the seller gets to be a little pickier. Real estate negotiations are funny that way.
Price is also only one part of an offer. The deposit, completion and possession dates, included items and conditions can all influence a seller’s decision. Sometimes an offer with a slightly lower price but more convenient dates may be more appealing.
Buyers should still be careful about removing important protections simply to compete. Conditions relating to financing, inspections and strata-document reviews can help uncover financial or property-related concerns before the purchase becomes firm. BCFSA warns that submitting an offer without these protections can create serious risks.
Ultimately, the side with more good options usually has more leverage.
A seller with several interested buyers is in a stronger position. A buyer considering a home that has been sitting without much attention may have more room to negotiate.
That is why the conditions surrounding the specific home matter far more than a broad headline declaring that one side is “winning.”
