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4 Reasons to Have a Home Inspection on a New Build

Think you don’t need a home inspection when purchasing a new build? Think again! Here are four reasons you need a home inspection—even if it’s a new build. 

1. A home inspection is different from the final walk-through with the builder

During the final walk-through with the buyers, their REALTOR® and the builder, any last-minute details—like paint touch-ups—can be fixed before you get the keys. According to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), many new homes and condos built by licensed builders carry a third-party home warranty—they’re mandatory in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, but in other provinces, individual builders can decide whether to offer one or not. CHBA members are required to offer a warranty.

Generally, this warranty protects the buyer against any material or workmanship defects, but only if they’re found before the coverage expires—usually between one and five years. Often, making a warranty claim after you’ve moved in and having crews coming to your property to deal with problems can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and stressful.

Unlike during a walk-through, a professional home inspector goes through your new property from top to bottom before the final walk-through and provides a written report detailing any problems that may have been overlooked by tradespeople. 

2. A home inspector provides an impartial, expert report

Just because a house is new doesn’t mean it’s perfect, says Pascal Cabana, a building expert and technical supervisor at Legault-Dubois. The company offers home inspections and other services including air quality testing and lab analysis.

“There can be a mouldy attic, an improperly installed window, or a creaking floor,” explains Cabana. “It’s much easier to have these problems rectified by your contractor before taking possession of the building than having to resort to the warranty.”

Having a home inspection report in hand during the pre-delivery walkthrough also helps ensure all issues are dealt with, says Cabana. 

“The client and the contractor write down the elements to be corrected or completed and enter due dates for the work, which shouldn’t exceed six months. Only once everything is in line with the client’s expectations do they agree to take possession of the house, and here’s where the services of a home inspector are very valuable,” he explains. That’s because when the buyer already has a list of things that need attention, the information can be clearly related to the contractor during the final walkthrough.

“The inspector’s expertise allows buyers of new homes who do not know the building to benefit from an impartial, professional opinion on the state of the work,” adds Cabana.

3. Mistakes can happen, and inspectors often find them

While most builders deliver high-quality work, mistakes can happen.  

“During our inspections of new homes, the most frequent problem encountered is everything related to flashings: balconies, doors, and windows junctions. These are points prone to water infiltration,” Cabana explains. 

Cabana has also seen issues with landfilling that doesn’t leave adequate clearance between the ground and the bottom of the exterior wall, indoor garages that leak, and new condos that are not airtight, which can lead to humidity and condensation problems. Provinces have different established inspection checklists for new condos or homes, notes Cabana.

“Through this list, the building inspector will inspect the foundation, the exterior cladding, the roof, the doors, and the windows to verify the quality of the installation,” he explains. “They’ll inspect the stairs, terraces and balconies, the chimney, and the exhaust ducts. Inside, they’ll focus on interior finishes, lighting, ventilation and heating systems, plumbing, and so on.”

4. A home inspection can save you headaches

Buyers may assume if their property is covered under a residential construction warranty, they don’t have to worry if something goes wrong once they move in. However, it’s always easier for the buyer and the contractor to carry out corrective work while the workers are still on site, advises Cabana. 

“Otherwise, the contractor must withdraw part of their team from another site to return and rectify the situation, which leads to additional expenses and delays on the contractor’s other sites,” he says. “This can cause resentment and insecurity for the owners plus friction and inconvenience for everyone.”

Expect to pay $550 or more for a condo unit inspection, and more than $800 for a new home. A home inspection can give buyers something priceless: peace of mind.

Sarah Toigo & Associates can help guide you through the entire new construction process and be a valuable resource.  Contact us today to learn more about new construction.

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Rethinking Low Offers: How Strategic Sellers Turn Them Into Wins

Few experiences are more frustrating for sellers than receiving what feels like a lowball offer.

The instinctive reaction is often immediate and emotional:
“That’s insulting.”
“They’re not serious.”
“Let’s ignore it.”

However, in today’s real estate market, a low offer isn’t necessarily a negative signal. When approached strategically, it can be the first step toward a successful negotiation.

A Low Offer Signals Interest

In a market where buyers have choices, many listings receive little to no activity. A low offer, while not ideal, indicates engagement.

It means a buyer has:

  • Viewed the property

  • Considered it carefully

  • Taken the initiative to submit a formal offer

That’s not a setback—it’s an opportunity to begin a dialogue.

Buyers Are Testing the Market

In balanced or buyer-favouring conditions, it’s common for buyers to start cautiously. Their goal is often to gauge:

  • Seller motivation

  • Flexibility on price

  • The true position behind the listing

This approach isn’t always about undervaluing the home—it’s about opening negotiations.

Silence Ends the Opportunity

One of the most significant missteps a seller can make is dismissing a low offer outright.

When there’s no response:

  • The conversation ends

  • The buyer moves on

  • Valuable momentum is lost

Even if the offer falls short, engaging keeps the negotiation alive and maintains your position of control.

Counteroffers Build Leverage

A well-structured counteroffer does more than adjust price—it reshapes the dynamic. It:

  • Repositions expectations closer to market value

  • Signals confidence without urgency

  • Keeps the buyer invested

  • Creates a pathway toward common ground

Successful negotiation is rarely a single exchange; it’s a progression.

From Low Start to Strong Finish

It’s not uncommon for an initially low offer to evolve into:

  • A fair market agreement

  • Favourable, clean terms

  • A smooth and efficient closing

The opening number does not dictate the final outcome—strategy does.

Managing the Emotional Response

Low offers can feel personal, but they are not. They reflect:

  • Current market conditions

  • Buyer strategy

  • Perceived value at a moment in time

Maintaining objectivity is essential to protecting both your position and your result.

Final Perspective

Not every low offer will lead to a deal—but every offer deserves thoughtful consideration.

In today’s market, opportunities rarely arrive perfectly aligned with expectations. More often, they begin as conversations.

If you’re preparing to sell and want a clear, strategic approach to navigating offers—strong or weak—we’d be glad to help you position yourself for the best possible outcome.  Call Sarah Toigo & Associates today for your free consultation.  

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After a long winter, Canada’s spring housing market starts to thaw, with buyer activity on the rise

In Q1 2026, the national aggregate home price ticked up a modest 0.7% over Q4 2025

Canada’s spring housing market is beginning to show signs of life after a long winter that kept many buyers and sellers on the sidelines. While headlines around economic uncertainty and global conflict continue to weigh on consumer confidence, a recent uptick in activity suggests a slow but welcome start to the spring market.

According to the Royal LePage® House Price Survey and Market Forecast, the aggregate1 price of a home in Canada decreased 2.0% year over year to $812,900 in the first quarter of 2026. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, however, the national aggregate home price remained relatively flat, increasing just 0.7%.

“In a typical spring, Canada’s housing market would already be gaining momentum, but persistently low consumer confidence remains a drag on activity – especially in our most expensive markets,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. “That hesitation is being driven by uncertainty beyond our borders. The inflationary impact of America’s war with Iran is pushing energy prices higher, with ripple effects across the broader economy, while ongoing trade negotiations ahead of the CUSMA review are adding to concerns about economic stability and job security. For many Canadians, the headlines are hard to ignore.”

That sentiment can be seen in a Bank of Canada survey conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025, where Canadians were asked when they believe Canada–U.S. trade tensions had – or will have – the greatest impact on the economy and inflation. Half of respondents (50%) indicated that the most significant effects are still to come, while 27% believe the worst has already passed.2 

“Three factors figure prominently in today’s sluggish market: hesitant first-time buyers, a return to sell-before-buy behaviour, and limited inventory in several key markets,” added Soper. “First-time buyers are the engine of the housing market, and when they pause, it ripples through every segment. Move-up buyers are also taking a more measured approach, often choosing to sell before committing to their next purchase; a behaviour we haven’t seen in years. In some regions, however, the issue isn’t demand – it’s supply.

“What’s clear is that many Canadians still intend to move. Our sales professionals, working with buyers and sellers every day, are approaching the spring and summer markets with cautious optimism.” 

According to the central bank, nearly one third (29%) of Canadians said they were likely to move within the next 12 months, up from 22% from a year earlier. Similarly, 20% of homeowners said they were likely to sell their home within the next year, up from 14%.3

Soft conditions persist in the condo market

The Royal LePage National House Price Composite is compiled from proprietary property data nationally and regionally in 65 of the nation’s largest real estate markets. When broken out by housing type, the national median price of a single-family detached home decreased 1.3% year over year to $857,300, while the median price of a condominium decreased 3.4% to $577,600. On a quarter-over-quarter basis, the median price of a single-family detached home and a condominium increased modestly by 1.0% and 0.4%, respectively. Price data, which includes both resale and new build, is provided by RPS Real Property Solutions, a leading Canadian real estate valuation company.

“Despite ongoing uncertainty, the underlying fundamentals of Canada’s housing market remain sound. For buyers, the environment has improved meaningfully. Competition has eased, interest rates have stabilized, and in many parts of the country prices have levelled off – with declines in our most expensive markets, Toronto and Vancouver, as the price gap with more affordable cities continues to narrow,” added Soper.

“National trends may dominate the headlines, but regional realities are what define market conditions on the ground.”

In the first quarter, the aggregate price of a home decreased 4.7% in the Greater Toronto Area and 4.5% in Greater Vancouver.

“Because of their size, softness in British Columbia and southern Ontario has an outsized impact on national averages,” said Soper. “Meanwhile, strong demand in a much more affordable Quebec market has allowed the province’s major cities to lead in both activity and price growth. On the Prairies, sales have slowed somewhat, yet home values continue to rise modestly, reflecting ongoing supply constraints. Atlantic Canada’s economy has been bolstered by a surge in Newfoundland’s energy sector and a recovery in Nova Scotia’s exports. While sales volumes have moderated, low inventory and a continued stream of interprovincial migrants seeking affordability have fuelled continued, modest home price appreciation.”

Middle East tensions could impact mortgage rates in Canada

Rising energy costs, driven by the escalating conflict in Iran, have introduced renewed uncertainty into the interest rate outlook, which may lead to a shift in market activity. With inflation currently sitting within the Bank of Canada’s target range, and unemployment ticking up in recent months (6.7% in February and March),4 the overnight lending rate has remained on hold at 2.25% since last October. However, the risk of inflation reaccelerating has brought the possibility of future rate hikes back into focus. 

“With inflation pressures resurfacing, the Bank of Canada has no room to lower interest rates further – and the next move could be upward,” said Soper. “For buyers planning to enter the market this year, securing a mortgage pre-approval sooner rather than later is a prudent step, particularly as rate holds have a limited shelf life. As that reality sets in, we expect more buyers to come off the sidelines through the spring and summer months.”

First quarter press release highlights:

  • The Greater Montreal Area’s aggregate home price increased 4.5% year over year, while the greater Toronto and Vancouver markets recorded declines of 5.7% and 4.1%, respectively, in the fourth quarter. 

  • Quebec City recorded the highest year-over-year aggregate price increase (13.2%) among Canada’s major regions for the seventh consecutive quarter.

  • Royal LePage expects spring market activity to rise, but not surge, as buyers re-engage amid reduced borrowing costs and improved housing affordability

Written by Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti, Royal LePage VP of Research and Communications

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How to stage your outdoor space for spring showings

Make a strong first impression this season

Spring is one of the most active times in the housing market, and buyers are especially drawn to homes that embrace the season. A well-staged outdoor space can instantly boost curb appeal, create emotional connection, and set the tone before anyone even steps inside. Fresh greenery, clean lines, and inviting details can make a property feel move-in ready and well cared for.

Here’s how to stage your outdoor space for springtime showings.

Refresh Landscaping for Instant Appeal

After winter, outdoor areas often need a reset. Start with basic cleanup by removing debris, trimming overgrown shrubs, and edging lawns. Adding fresh mulch to garden beds creates a polished look and helps plants stand out. Seasonal flowers such as tulips, daffodils, or pansies can add vibrant color and signal that the home is ready for spring.

Healthy, green grass is another key factor. If the lawn is patchy, consider reseeding or using sod to create a lush, uniform appearance. Even small improvements in landscaping can dramatically elevate the overall look.

Create Inviting Outdoor Living Spaces

Buyers are not just looking at the home itself, but also how they can use the outdoor space. Arrange patio furniture to define seating areas and create a sense of purpose. Simple additions like outdoor cushions, a clean rug, or a small table setting can help buyers visualize entertaining or relaxing outside.

Keep décor minimal and neutral to appeal to a broad audience. The goal is to showcase the space rather than overwhelm it.

Focus on Cleanliness and Maintenance

A spotless exterior signals that the home has been well maintained. Power wash driveways, walkways, siding, and decks to remove dirt and buildup from the colder months. Clean windows inside and out to maximize natural light.

Inspect for small repairs such as loose railings, chipped paint, or cracked pavers. Addressing these details can prevent distractions during showings and reinforce a sense of quality.

Highlight Seasonal Features

Spring offers natural advantages that should be emphasized. Open up patio umbrellas, uncover outdoor furniture, and ensure features like fire pits or water elements are clean and functional. If the property includes a garden, make sure it looks intentional and well cared for rather than overgrown.

If weather allows, subtle touches like a light floral scent near the entry or a blooming planter by the front door can enhance the sensory experience.

Improve Lighting for Evening Showings

Longer days do not eliminate the need for good outdoor lighting. Soft, warm lighting along pathways, porches, and patios creates a welcoming atmosphere for late-day showings. Solar lights or updated fixtures can improve both safety and visual appeal without significant investment.

Keep It Simple and Seasonal

Spring staging works best when it feels fresh and effortless. Avoid overcrowding spaces with too many decorations or personal items. Instead, focus on clean lines, natural elements, and a cohesive look that highlights the property’s best features.

A thoughtfully staged outdoor space can make a lasting impression and help buyers picture themselves enjoying the home throughout the season and beyond.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

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7 practical homebuying tips to avoid common pitfalls

Strategies to navigate the homebuying process with confidence

Buying a home is one of the most meaningful financial and lifestyle decisions you will make. It marks an exciting new chapter, but it can also come with a few surprises if you are not fully prepared. Many homebuyers only realize certain trade-offs or overlooked details after they have already moved in.

The good news is that most common homebuying mistakes are entirely avoidable. With the right mindset, a clear plan, and a bit of patience, you can navigate the process with confidence and make a decision that feels right today and in the long term.

If you are planning to buy a home this year, these smart tips can help you stay focused, avoid common pitfalls, and make a well-informed purchase.

1. Falling in love too quickly with a home

It is natural to feel an emotional connection when you walk into a beautifully staged property. Great lighting, thoughtful décor, and a welcoming atmosphere can make it easy to picture yourself living there. However, relying too heavily on first impressions can cause you to overlook important details.

How to avoid it:

Give yourself time to reflect after each showing. Compare the home against your must-have list and think beyond the staging. Ask yourself whether the property truly meets your needs in terms of space, layout, and location, not just how it made you feel in the moment.

2. Underestimating the true cost of homeownership

The purchase price is only one part of the equation. Ongoing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and unexpected repairs can add up quickly and impact your monthly budget more than anticipated.

How to avoid it:

Create a comprehensive budget that goes beyond your mortgage payment. Factor in both fixed and variable costs, and set aside a contingency fund for repairs or upgrades. A realistic financial plan will help you feel more comfortable and in control after you move in.

3. Choosing the wrong location for your lifestyle

A home can be updated over time, but its location cannot be changed. A neighbourhood that looks appealing on paper may not align with your day-to-day routine, commute, or long-term goals.

How to avoid it:

Spend time exploring the area before making a decision. Visit at different times of day, test your commute, and take note of nearby amenities such as schools, parks, and shops. Consider how the neighbourhood fits your current lifestyle now and in the future.

4. Overlooking layout and functionality

A home may photograph beautifully, but not all spaces are designed for practical living. Awkward layouts, limited storage, or poorly placed rooms can become frustrating over time, no matter how attractive the finishes are.

How to avoid it:

Walk through the home with your daily routine in mind. Where will you store everyday items? Does the flow of the space make sense? Is there enough room for how you live, work, and relax? Functionality plays a major role in long-term satisfaction.

5. Rushing the decision-making process

In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to act quickly to secure a property. While being prepared is important, rushing into a decision without proper due diligence can lead to costly surprises.

How to avoid it:

Work with a trusted real estate professional and stick to your process. Take the time to review all available information, schedule inspections when possible, and understand the full condition of the home before making an offer. A thoughtful approach can protect you from avoidable risks.

6. Holding out for the “perfect” home

It is easy to get caught up in the idea of finding a home that checks every single box. In reality, every property involves some level of compromise, and waiting for perfection can mean missing out on strong opportunities.

How to avoid it:

Prioritize what matters most to you and be flexible on secondary features. Focus on finding a home that meets your core needs and offers potential for future improvements. Often, the right home is one that works well overall, even if it is not flawless.

7. Not Planning for the Future

A home that fits your needs today may not suit your lifestyle a few years from now. Changes in work arrangements, family size, or long-term goals can all influence how well a home continues to serve you.

How to avoid it:

Consider how long you plan to stay and whether the property offers flexibility. Is there space to grow, adapt, or renovate if needed? Choosing a home with long-term potential can add both comfort and value over time.

Buying a home is not about making a perfect decision – it is about making an informed one. By understanding common pitfalls and approaching the process with clarity and intention, you can move forward with confidence.

With the right preparation, your homebuying journey can be as rewarding as the moment you finally get the keys.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

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Blissful Bites: Il Posto

Chef Terry Pichor and his partner, Julie, opened Il Posto in April of 2018.  Julie grew up in Tsawwassen and with a father in restaurant business, she always knew she wanted to eventually open a place to call their own! Terry, originally from Manitoba, has been cooking in Vancouver for the majority of his career.  A winner of two regional titles in the yearly Gold Medal Plates competition, Pichor is best known for his long-standing position as executive chef of the Relais & Châteaux property Sonora Resort.  Prior to that, the chef worked at Four Seasons Vancouver and, more recently, helped open Vancouver Island’s Summit Restaurant at Villa Eyrie Resort, which was shortlisted for Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2017 by Air Canada enRoute magazine.

The chef is thrilled to be cooking in a more causal and simplistic style, yet staying true to his roots - using high quality, fresh ingredients from local sources.  Both Terry and Julie have loved connecting with this community, bringing a fresh spin on Italian dining, and having Il Posto adopted as a neighbourhood spot for locals and visitors alike!  'Italian' can mean so many things, but for Il Posto - it means rustic, sharing and connecting.

Location:  
Ladner Village, 4866 Delta Street

Hours:  
430 PM - 830 PM | TUESDAY
1130 AM - 830 PM | WEDNESDAY
1130 AM - 830 PM |  THURSDAY
1130 AM - 930 PM | FRIDAY
1130 AM - 930 PM | SATURDAY
1130 AM - 830 PM | SUNDAY

Contact:
604.946.1300
reservations@ilpostoresto.com
info@ilpostoresto.com

To take a look at the current menu or book a reservation, click here.

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Community Event:  Ready, Set, Pull!

Sat, May 2 2026, 10am - 12:30pm

Pebble Hill Park

Delta is inviting everyone who lives, works or plays in our city to volunteer for our Community Weed Pull events! Amazing progress has been made and we hope to continue the trend. Why is ivy being removed? Check out this video:

Snacks, gloves, equipment, and training will be provided, so even if you have never done a weed pull before, you are more than welcome to come! 

Community weed pulls are an awesome way for you to learn about our natural ecosystems and take an active role in their protection.

Contact Information
Name:  CAE
Email:  cae@delta.ca
Phone number:  6049463253

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Community Event: Southlands Spring Mushroom Walk

Tracing mycelial webs through the garden and the urban environment, we will encounter and observe fungi with our senses to try to understand their worlds, lifeways, relationships and behaviour. This walk will include basic principles of mushroom identification based on features visible with the naked eye, helping you be able to :

  • Recognize mushroom form groups and work towards learning important genera and species.

  • Learn where and how to safely collect specimens for ID and an honourable harvest.

  • Connect with resources for further learning.

Special attention will be given to some of the most ecologically impactful, edible, medicinal and toxic spring mushroom species.

Led by mycologist Willoughby Arévalo. With the hands of an artist, the eyes of an ecologist, and the heart of a deeply connected human, DIY Mushroom Cultivation author Willoughby Arévalo brings the practical and the joyful together through the science and wonder of mycology. His work is an invitation to not only learn from fungi, but to grow one’s true earthly relationships.

Date: May 02, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: The Red Barn - 6333 Market Ave
Delta, British Columbia V4L 1M9 Canada

For more information and to register, click here.

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Community Event: THE WATERCOOLED CLASSIC car show presented by the VWDOV

Come join us at THE WATERCOOLED CLASSIC presented by the VWDOV (Vintage Watercooled Drivers of Vancouver)!

​Check out a wide variety of 1975-2000(ish) watercooled Volkswagens on display, from MK1-MK3’s to Corrados, Sciroccos & even Fox(es).

It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts, share stories, and admire some incredible vehicles.

​EVENT INFORMATION:
Show Car Entry: 8:00 AM
Spectator Entry: 9:00 AM
Awards: 11:30 AM
Show End: 12:00 PM

Location: Market Square at Southlands Tsawwassen
Cost: $0 Spectators, $25 Show Car Entry

To enter your show car, please register here!

Whether you’re bringing your own car to show or just coming to look, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on a day of fun!

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

Date: May 02, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: The Red Barn - 6333 Market Ave
Delta, British Columbia V4L 1M9 Canada

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Canada’s spring housing market opens with flat activity levels in March: CREA

Canada’s housing market entered the spring season on a steady, if subdued, note. According to the latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), activity levels in March 2026 were largely unchanged month over month, pointing to a market that is stabilizing after several years of volatility.

Home sales across Canadian MLS® Systems were virtually unchanged in March 2026, dipping just 0.1% compared to February. At the same time, new listings edged down by 0.2%, continuing a trend of limited supply that has been in place since mid-2024.

By the end of March, there were 167,524 properties listed for sale across Canada. That is only 1% higher than a year ago and still 10.6% below the long-term average for this time of year. Overall inventory levels have generally been declining since May 2025, reinforcing tighter market conditions.

“Home sales activity remained at lower levels in March, as rising global economic uncertainty, along with a mid-month jump in fixed mortgage rates tied to incoming higher inflation, piled on to an already shaky economic start to the year,” said Shaun Cathcart, CREA’s senior economist, in the report. “2026 is still expected to see a modest amount of upward momentum in sales and a stabilization in prices as some pent-up first-time buyer demand enters the market, but the forecast for the year has had to be revised downward. The timing of higher mortgage rates, along with the perception they may be temporary, could keep would-be buyers away at the most active time of year – April, May, and June – as they wait for rates to come back down.”

Balanced conditions across the country

The national sales-to-new listings ratio came in at 47.8% in March. While this is slightly below the long-term average of 54.8%, it still falls within the typical range that indicates a balanced market.

Inventory levels tell a similar story. Canada had five months of inventory at the end of March, unchanged from earlier in the year and right in line with historical norms. In general terms, markets favor sellers when inventory drops below 3.6 months and shift toward buyers when it rises above 6.4 months. Current conditions sit comfortably in between.

“While the interest rate situation has recently changed, what could be a challenge for a buyer looking for a fixed rate mortgage may also be seen as more choice and less competition for those choosing a variable rate,” said Garry Bhaura, CREA’s 2026-2027 Chair. “Spring tends to be a busier time of year for the housing market, even if it may not be quite as busy as we were expecting not so long ago.”

Home prices continue to stabilize

Home prices showed modest movement in March, offering early signs of stabilization. The National Composite MLS® Home Price Index declined by 0.4% compared to February. While still a decrease, it is smaller than the drops recorded in January and February, suggesting that price declines may be easing.

On a year-over-year basis, the index was down 4.7% compared to March 2025, a slight improvement from the 4.8% annual decline reported the previous month. This gradual slowdown in price declines aligns with tighter sale-to-list price ratios and fewer new listings entering the market.

Price trends continue to vary across the country. British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario have seen year-over-year declines, while gains in other provinces have helped offset those drops at the national level.

The non-seasonally adjusted national average home price stood at $673,084 in March 2026. This represents a modest 0.8% decrease compared to the same month last year, reflecting a market that is adjusting but not experiencing sharp declines.

CREA downgrades 2026 housing market outlook

CREA revised its housing market forecast, pointing to a slower-than-expected recovery in the near term.

While pent-up demand – particularly from first-time buyers – was expected to drive activity higher, rising inflation linked to recent oil price spikes has complicated the outlook. Higher bond yields have pushed up fixed mortgage rates, prompting some buyers to pause and wait for borrowing costs to ease.

As a result, CREA now expects 474,972 homes to trade hands in 2026, a modest 1% increase over 2025. Gains are anticipated to be led by British Columbia and Ontario, while activity in other regions is expected to remain flat or soften slightly.

The national average home price is forecast to rise 1.5% to $688,955 in 2026, with limited growth in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, and modest gains elsewhere.

Looking ahead to 2027, home sales are projected to increase by 2.1% to 485,071 units, while the national average price is expected to edge up 0.9% to $695,094. Price growth is expected to remain below inflation, keeping the national average near the $700,000 mark.

Written by Michelle McNally, Royal LePage Senior Manager, Research and Communications

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Community Event:  McKee Art Show

Free Event!

Dates:  Friday, April 17 to Saturday, May 9, 2026 (Excluding Sundays)

Times:  10:00am - 5:00pm

Location:  McKee Recreation Centre, 5155 47th Avenue, Ladner

For more information, click here.

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Community Event: Companion Planting with Earthwise Society

May 2 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Explore the benefits of companion planting and learn how pairing specific plants can improve growth, boost yields, and naturally deter pests. Discover which combinations thrive together and how to design a more balanced, productive garden.

May 2, 11 am – 12 pm | Earthwise Delta | Cost $20, Members $15

Details:
Date: May 02, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Earthwise Society Demonstration Garden and Farm - 6400 3 Ave
Delta, BC V4L 1B1 Canada

For more information or to register, click here.

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Reciprocity Logo The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.