Real Estate for Sale in Vancouver

Positioned between the shores of the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the Greater Vancouver Area ranks as the 3rd-largest urban centre in Canada and the most populous city in the province of British Columbia. More than 630,000 residents reside in Metro Vancouver and close to 2.5 million individuals call the Greater Vancouver Area home.

Although Vancouver is celebrated for its abundant green space and access to sea and mountain landscapes, the city also holds the distinction of having the highest urban density in Canada—exceeding 5,400 people per square kilometre. This density positions Metro Vancouver as the 4th-most densely populated city in North America, trailing only New York, San Francisco and Mexico City. The Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC) classifies Vancouver as a Beta global city: A hub that connects moderate economic regions into the global economy.

Despite its size, Vancouver is consistently recognized as one of the most liveable places on Earth. The reasons are easy to understand. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to the rugged backcountry. Culinary explorers love the local eateries and fusion cuisine this culturally diverse city delivers. Creatives love the rich artistic history and strong community support. Even a casual bike ride or stroll through Stanley Park—1,000 acres of protected woodlands—provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, right in the heart of the city.

Commuters travelling to and from the city can choose the public bus network or the SkyTrain, a rapid transit rail system linking the city to surrounding suburban communities. For those who prefer cycling as their mode of commute, Mobi offers a public bike share system, available since its launch in 2016.

Vancouver stands as one of Canada's warmest cities during winter and experiences among the coolest summers, by Canadian standards. The city is also one of the wettest in Canada. That said, the amount and type of precipitation differ across the Lower Mainland. In Vancouver, snow falls only 11 days a year, on average, establishing the city as the 4th-mildest destination for Canadian winters (trailing Victoria, Nanaimo and Duncan, all of which sit on Vancouver Island). This temperate climate supports a long growing season—providing gardeners an average of 237 days to cultivate a range of flowers and food.

A notable aspect of the city is that its growth and transformation has been visually documented across its entire history. At 171 years old in 2017, Vancouver was founded just seven years after photography became commercially available. This circumstance enabled professional and amateur photographers to capture and chronicle this iconic Canadian city's evolution through the decades.

When you combine all of this with B.C.'s thriving economy, it becomes evident why Vancouver is both a premier tourist destination as well as a sought-after place to live within the Canadian real estate market.

At present, Vancouver's median sale price sits at $976,500. This figure represents the mid-point price of all property sold within a given timeframe. As an illustration, if 233 condos sold during the previous month and only 75 detached homes sold in the same period, then the median price would reflect the mid-point between the 233 condos and the 75 detached homes sold during that interval. Currently, Vancouver has 1,113 houses for sale, 776 townhomes for sale and 1,964 condos for sale.

For detailed insights into the current conditions of Vancouver's real estate market check out the Market Stats page.

It is no secret that Vancouver's real estate market commands attention across the country. A decade of escalating property prices positioned the city at the forefront of the housing affordability conversation. Even though the average house price surpassed $1.2-million in 2016, demand for all property types in the Vancouver housing market remains robust.

Experienced purchasers recognize that even within a more balanced housing market, timing matters. Houses for sale in Vancouver remain on the market for roughly a week or two, on average, which means buyers need to arrive prepared with competitive offers. Condos in Vancouver move quickly as well, though average condo prices still fall under $1 million in Metro Vancouver.

To stay informed, check out current Vancouver MLS® listings, sourced from the Greater Vancouver Realtors. To monitor the newest homes for sale in Vancouver set up an MLS® alert. The most current houses for sale in Vancouver are delivered directly to your inbox.

Celebrated for its mountain and ocean setting, Metro Vancouver's greatest treasure is its dynamic local communities. Each neighbourhood delivers a distinct advantage, ensuring there is a community that will meet your needs. For example, frequent travellers who depend on airport proximity will appreciate the southern neighbourhood of Sunset and Marpole houses, condos and townhouses. Investors gravitate toward communities along the unofficial east/west boundary of Victoria/Commercial Drive. In this area, buyers discover boxy-houses well suited for conversion into two separate units (commonly called Vancouver-specials) or townhouses. For those seeking a family-centric neighbourhood with homes listed below $2.5-million check out Collingwood houses, condos and townhouses, Fairview and Sunrise. Meanwhile, the eclectic, centrally located townhomes and condos found on Granville Island will attract urban dwellers. Speak with a local Vancouver Realtor® to learn what homes for sale in Vancouver and which neighbourhoods meet your individual needs.

As a starting point, check out the neighbourhoods with the highest and lowest average sale price. Pair this information with the number of Vancouver homes that sell above list price and how rapidly a property moves and you gain insight into how competitive a community is at this moment. Naturally, not all your time should go toward searching for Vancouver houses for sale. Dedicate a weekend to exploring local shops and relaxing on a few patios. You will get the character and energy of the community. Even better, check out a few Vancouver open houses and connect with local real estate agents to determine whether the properties in the area meet your needs.

Numerous buyers elect to purchase in a neighbouring city and commute to work. These purchasers desire larger homes and lots while maintaining strong commuter access to Vancouver's downtown core. Leading alternatives include Burnaby, Richmond and New Westminster. Seek out neighbourhoods positioned near the highway or commuter train stations, such as Metrotown or Steveston. Even municipalities that require a somewhat longer commute, such as Port Moody, Surrey and Langley, remain viable options as they provide more affordable detached homes.

Purchasing a property means investing in a neighbourhood. To confirm the community aligns with your lifestyle check out these Vancouver demographics. All data is sourced from Statistics Canada census records.

Should you plan to visit a few Vancouver open houses, take the opportunity to evaluate the nearby schools. Below are the top five elementary and secondary school rankings in Vancouver.

Residing and working in Vancouver may enable you to forgo the car and depend on bicycles or the city's comprehensive public transit system. Rapid transit encompasses light rail passenger trains along with hundreds of bus routes. For those who prefer cycling, an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes spans the city.

For a clearer picture of how residents commute, review the transportation data gathered by Statistics Canada.

Every city possesses a few defining qualities that set it apart. For the outsider peering in, Vancouver's deep affection for dogs is unmistakably evident. Equally striking are the seemingly endless yoga studios; the stretches of urban bike paths; or the numerous glass condo towers that line the city core. Yet there is far more to this west coast metropolis.

On any given sunny afternoon, people step away from their workspaces to gather in parks and around cafe tables. Throughout the week, a farmer's market overflows with fresh berries, large bushels of apples, baskets of tomatoes and an assortment of locally grown green leafy vegetables. At any time, residents and tourists can be found breathing in the salt water air at either Stanley Park or the Pacific Spirit Regional Park—the two largest urban parks in British Columbia.

Then there are the pubs and culinary gems. Local distilleries call this city home because of a dedicated and appreciative following; food enthusiasts embrace this city because of the eclectic mix of flavours on offer. As an example, sample the crispy chicken burrito at Tacofino. A favourite among lunch crowds, this burrito concept started in Tofino on Vancouver Island, when a food-truck was permanently stationed behind a surf shop. For a more straightforward yet satisfying meal, head to Meat + Bread. The menu rotates with four fresh sandwiches added to the menu each day. Venture to Kerrisdale if you have a sweet tooth. In 2012, a former interior designer-turned-baker launched Butter. Today, it stands as the go-to destination for baked goods.

If you want to own a piece of authentic Vancouver, look into a purchase at Oak + Fort. Started in Gastown in 2010, the label is recognized for its black and white palette. Characterized as somewhere between trendy and refined, this Vancouver-brand is spotted on a range of Hollywood A-listers.

For families with children, the city delivers an abundance of activities. On rainy days, venture indoors to experience the Vancouver Aquarium (situated inside Stanley Park) or explore Science World. On sunny days, consider splashing around at the largest free water park in North America, located on Granville Island. An additional option is to sink your toes into the soft, golden sand at Kitsilano Beach, where you can also discover a few play structures, a splash pad and a heated salt-water pool.