A Busy December, Fresh Momentum & What’s Ahead for 2026

December may be the season of slowing down… but in real estate, it did the opposite. After a quieter fall, last month turned into one of my busiest stretches in ages; complete with competing offers (including the largest transaction of my career!) and helping a wonderfully diverse mix of clients: first-time buyers taking their exciting first step, growing families moving up, and investors entering the market with confidence.

It wasn’t just me feeling the shift. Across Metro Vancouver, December delivered a surprising burst of activity:

• Sales rose about 3% year-over-year, defying typical holiday patterns.
• New listings were down roughly 9%, keeping supply tight and motivating serious buyers.
• Benchmark prices softened slightly (around 1% month-over-month) but remain stable overall, suggesting a balanced but competitive early-2026 landscape.

Many buyers told me the same thing: once the Bank of Canada held interest rates yet again, confidence returned. Without another cut on the horizon, they felt ready to act—wanting to secure a home before their competition comes back to the market in January. And based on the inquiries already rolling in… they were right to move early.

Of course, December wasn’t all market momentum. It was also filled with community and connection—somehow I managed to attend three Royal LePage holiday parties (which, if you are wondering, is exactly the number at which your festive shoes begin to protest), plus some much-needed downtime at home after my unforgettable Cambodia trek this fall. A full heart, a full calendar, and a fully recharged me heading into the new year.

Now, with a fresh energy that only January can bring, I’m excited to hit the ground running—supporting clients, navigating a shifting market, and helping people make smart, confident moves in 2026.

If you’re wondering what this market shift means for your plans—whether that’s buying, selling, or simply strategizing—I’d love to chat. Let’s map out what’s possible and position you for success in the year ahead.

Wishing you a bright, inspired start to 2026!

—Rebecca