04/29/2026
What’s Up Wednesday: BC Housing May Be Heading Toward Another Supply Crunch
BC’s real estate market may feel quiet right now, but a new BCREA report is warning that the bigger issue may be what comes next.
The concern is that BC could repeat the boom and bust pattern that followed the 2008 recession. Demand softened, unsold inventory grew, construction slowed, and when buyers returned, there was not enough new supply. Between 2010 and 2019, BC home prices rose by roughly 47%.
Today, BC has more than 7,000 completed but unsold new homes, the highest level since the late 1990s. Condos make up nearly two thirds of that inventory, largely because the presale market has slowed.
In the short term, more inventory can help buyers. The long term risk is that developers cancel or delay projects, construction slows, skilled trades capacity shrinks, and when demand returns, supply cannot keep up.
BCREA forecasts that unsold inventory could continue rising through 2026 before peaking. If construction slows too much, inflation adjusted home prices could rise by nearly 27 % by 2032. With stronger policy action, that increase could potentially be reduced to about 9.4%.
★ Buyers
This may be a window of opportunity, especially in condos and new construction. More choice today may not last if future supply tightens.
★ Sellers
A softer market does not mean a simple market. Pricing, preparation, and strategy matter more than ever.
★ Investors
Watch construction trends, rental supply, and presale activity. Today’s stalled projects could become tomorrow’s shortage.
Want to understand what this means for your next move in BC real estate?
Contact nest real estate group. We are happy to help.
nest real estate group
778-788-6378
[email protected]
www.nestgroup.ca