We’re seeing a surge in rental supply coming to market, surpassing any point in the last decade, with even more expected to arrive by the end of 2025. That level of supply is stabilizing rents, so I don’t expect much rental growth in 2026, but stronger leasing activity for certain unit types.

The condo side tells a very different story. In BC, projects require 70 percent pre-sales before they can begin construction. With costs where they are, we’re seeing many projects pulled, delayed, or going into receivership. Absorptions are at historic lows, and I expect very little concrete high-rise activity in Metro Vancouver through 2026.

Smaller wood-frame projects under 100 units, in good locations and at attainable price points, will move forward. But overall, pre-sale activity will stay muted. Right now, there are about 4,000 completed but unsold condo units on the market, and I anticipate it will take one to two years for that inventory to be fully absorbed.

Another trend I’m seeing is developers focusing a lot more on the back end than before. For the last 20 years, speed to market and revenue often bailed them out. Now, there’s a real shift. Developers are diving into unit mixes, sizing, and interior specs. I think we’re going to see better designed buildings in the coming years because more of our clients are focusing on those details.

That’s where we, as advisors, can really help. We track all these markets, so we can see what’s working and what’s not. We’re providing data-driven insights that marketing teams and accounting teams can use in their performance analysis to determine which product types are most likely to have a successful launch. ~ Stefan Greiner | Vice-President | Advisory, Zonda Urban (British Columbia, Canada).

BC Housing Forecast 2026 : Stabilizing Rents, Fewer Towers and Better Building Design Ahead by Erin Nicks | Livabl