Where the resale market sits and why it matters for presale
Sales pace versus the ten-year seasonal average
Resale activity is one of the best barometers for understanding presale momentum. In August 2025, sales in Metro Vancouver were about 3 percent higher than the same month last year but still 19 percent below the ten-year seasonal average (gvrealtors.ca). That gap explains the patience many buyers are showing in today’s presale market.
When resale listings take longer to clear, it directly impacts presale launches. Buyers see more negotiating room, longer decision windows, and less urgency to secure a home before someone else does. Developers respond by either pacing their launches or layering on targeted incentives.
Inventory signals to track
The sales-to-active listings ratio in August sat near 12 percent across all property types (members.gvrealtors.ca). Ratios in this range generally point to balanced or buyer-leaning conditions. For presale teams, that means buyers feel less pressure to act immediately. Instead, they compare neighbourhoods, incentives, and builder reputations carefully.
Agents who can explain these ratios clearly give clients the confidence to make decisions based on fit rather than fear of missing out.
What buyers ask in slower periods
Incentives and assignment rules
In cooler conditions, buyers expect to see something extra. That may mean extended deposit schedules, credits on closing, or design upgrades. Assignment rules are also under the spotlight. Clients want to know whether they can reassign before completion, what fees apply, and how flexible the developer is willing to be. Clear answers here reduce uncertainty and help keep conversations moving forward.
Neighbourhood-level comparisons
When the market is moving slowly, clients take the time to weigh different communities. In Metro Vancouver, that can mean comparing downtown condos with suburban townhomes or evaluating transit-oriented hubs like Burnaby against more established neighbourhoods in Richmond or North Vancouver. Clients want data on schools, commutes, and amenities, not just floor plans.
Simple plan for the next four weeks
Weekly showings map
Structure creates confidence. Agents who map out one to two showings per week give clients space to evaluate without overwhelming them. The goal is not to see everything on the market, but to build a realistic shortlist that balances lifestyle and budget.
Follow-up rhythm that respects slower decisions
Follow-ups should acknowledge the cooler pace. Instead of daily nudges, weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with tailored updates feel supportive without being pushy. Position follow-ups around helpful updates like changes in incentives, price adjustments, or new inventory rather than generic check-ins.
Builder updates to share sparingly
Developers often push regular updates to agents, but clients can become overwhelmed if they see every announcement. Share only the updates that align with a client’s priorities. This curated approach reinforces your role as an advisor who filters noise into actionable insights.
Agent talk tracks
- Sales are below the ten-year seasonal average which gives us room to compare calmly and ask good questions. (gvrealtors.ca)
- The sales-to-active listings ratio sits near twelve percent. That is not a rush market which is helpful for planning. (members.gvrealtors.ca)
- Let us shortlist three communities that fit your daily life first, then we can weigh incentives.
These simple scripts keep conversations grounded in facts while helping clients feel at ease in slower conditions.
Quick FAQ
Are presale discounts common now
Some projects do offer incentives, but the size and type vary by submarket and product. A downtown high-rise may lean on deposit flexibility, while a suburban townhome project may emphasize design upgrades.
Will more inventory arrive soon
Yes. Listings have been gradually building which supports careful shopping and thoughtful comparisons (gvrealtors.ca).
Should I wait until spring
If the right floor plan and terms are available now, waiting is not required. The market is offering patience, but the right fit should not be overlooked in hopes of a seasonal change.
What if rates change later
Build a buffer into your budget. Mortgage pre-approvals and financial reviews can be refreshed before completion, giving you room to adapt if rates shift.
Final thoughts
The Vancouver presale market in 2025 is shaped by slower resale activity and balanced-to-buyer leaning inventory conditions. For agents, the opportunity lies in guiding clients through patient, informed conversations rather than urgency-driven decisions. With the right structure and a focus on fit, this quieter cycle can still deliver strong outcomes for buyers and sellers alike.
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