Have you been wondering what’s happening with the B.C. housing market lately? You’re not alone. Many people — from first-time buyers to seasoned real estate investors — have been keeping a close eye on housing trends as we head into 2026.

Recent data from the British Columbia Real Estate Association shows that both home sales and average prices dipped by about 6% last month compared with the same time last year. That’s got people asking: Is the housing market slowing down, and why is this happening? Let’s break it down in a simple, clear way.

🏠 A Quick Look at the Numbers

Let’s start with the big picture:

• In December 2025, roughly 4,271 homes were sold across British Columbia — about 6% fewer than in December 2024.

• The average price of a home also dropped to about $952,000, down 5.6% from just over $1 million the year before.

• The total value of all home sales fell by nearly 15% compared to December 2024.

In simple terms? Fewer homes changed hands, and the ones that did sell were priced slightly lower on average.

📍 Regional Differences: Not Every Area Is the Same

One of the most interesting parts of the data is how different regions in B.C. are performing.

• Greater Vancouver: Sales here dropped by about 12.5%, making it the area with the largest decline in the province.

• Victoria: Also saw a fall in sales — down around 10.6%.

• Okanagan: This region was a bright spot, with home sales up about 7.7%.

So, while the overall housing market in B.C. is feeling some downward pressure, certain regions like the Okanagan are still showing strength.

🤔 What’s Causing the Slowdown?

You might be wondering: Why are sales and prices dropping?

Experts point to a few key factors:

📉 Economic Uncertainty

Uncertainty in the broader economy — including stress from U.S. tariffs and global trade issues — has made buyers more cautious. When people aren’t sure what the economy will do next, they tend to put big decisions like buying a home on hold.

Think of it like deciding whether to buy a new car when you’re not sure if your job is secure — you might wait and see how things unfold.

🔁 Market Balance

After several years of skyrocketing prices, the market may be rebalancing itself. That can temporarily slow things down as buyers and sellers adjust to more realistic pricing.

🏙️ Local Variations

As we saw, regions like the Okanagan are still doing well. That suggests the slowdown isn’t uniform — it’s stronger in some areas than others.

This patchwork of performance is similar to weather patterns: some parts of the province are cloudy, while others are still enjoying sunshine.

📊 What This Means for Buyers

If you’re thinking about buying a home in B.C. this year, here are a few things to consider:

📌 Lower Prices Can Be Good

A drop in average prices might feel like a chance to get more bang for your buck — especially in a market that’s been tough for first-time buyers.

🕒 But Don’t Rush

Market slowdowns often come with uncertainty. You might find good deals, but it’s also smart to be patient and watch broader trends before making a big investment.

Here’s a quick question for you: Are you considering buying in 2026? If so, what’s your biggest concern — higher interest rates, housing prices, or just overall uncertainty?

💡 And for Sellers?

If you’re planning to sell your home, this market might feel a bit tricky. With fewer buyers actively purchasing, you may need to:

• Price your home strategically

• Consider making small improvements to attract buyers

• Be ready to negotiate

Selling in a cooling market often means adjusting expectations. It’s kind of like selling a car in the winter instead of the summer — you might not get top dollar, but with the right approach, you can still find the right buyer.

🌱 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Market?

Here’s the big question on many people’s minds: Is this dip a one-off, or is it the start of a longer cooling trend?

Economists and real estate professionals have mixed views, but here’s the hopeful part: sales are recovering at different speeds in different regions, and many believe the market could stabilize as 2026 unfolds.

Think of it like a school of fish in the ocean — some parts move quickly, others lag behind, but overall, there’s direction and flow.

That means whether you’re buying or selling, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and flexible.

🤝 Final Thoughts

The B.C. housing market is showing signs of slowing, with both home sales and prices dipping around 6% in December. But this trend isn’t the same across the whole province — markets like the Okanagan are still seeing gains. As we move deeper into 2026, the key will be watching how market sentiment evolves.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or just curious about real estate trends, understanding the why behind the numbers can help you navigate the market with confidence.