The Bank of Canada held its overnight policy rate at 2.75 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted US trade policy continues to create uncertainty in the global economy and that uncertainty is likely to slow economic growth in coming quarters.

On inflation, the Bank cited stronger than expected inflation in April and survey data showing household inflation expectations rising due to tariffs as concerning trends in the evolution of inflationary pressures.

While we know with a high degree of certainty that trade wars are stagflationary – they slow growth and raise prices – what we don't know yet is how severe a trade war may be or even if it will end up materializing at all.

The immediate impact of that…

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May Brings Much-Needed Lift to Fraser Valley Housing Market

SURREY, BC – On the heels of a quiet April, Fraser Valley home sales saw a modest but encouraging uptick in May — a sign that buyer confidence may slowly be returning to the market.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 1,183 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, up 13 per cent from April. Despite the increase, sales were 22 per cent below May 2024 levels and 36 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average.

Overall inventory continues to build, with active listings up six per cent in May to 10,626, an increase of 34 per cent year-over-year and 54 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average. New listings increased seven per cent from April to May, reaching 4,007.

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Buyers Remain Hesitant as Inventory Builds

May 2025 saw inventory levels across Metro Vancouver reach another ten-year high, while home sales registered on the MLS® remained muted.

Residential Sales Statistics

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,228 in May 2025, an 18.5% decrease from the 2,733 sales recorded in May 2024. This was also 30.5% below the 10-year seasonal average of 3,206.

“While there are emerging signs that sales activity might be turning a corner, sales in May were below the ten-year seasonal average, which suggests that some buyers are still sitting on the sidelines or are being especially selective,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics.

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If you're a homeowner or buyer in Canada, you may wonder whether your real estate agent can perform an official appraisal of a property. The short answer is that licensed real estate agents can provide market evaluations (like Comparative Market Analyses), but certified appraisals must be done by licensed appraisers. This article will explain the differences between certified appraisals and market evaluations, clear up common misconceptions about appraisals, and guide you on choosing the right professional for your needs.

Certified Appraisals vs. Market Evaluations

Certified Appraisal: A certified real estate appraisal is a formal, unbiased assessment of a property's market value performed by a qualified appraiser. In Canada, appraisals are…

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Canadian real GDP rose by 0.1 per cent in March, after declining by 0.2 per cent in February. Goods-producing sectors rose 0.2 per cent, while service-producing industries increased by 0.1 per cent.

Sectoral growth was led by:

  • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (2.2 per cent)
  • Construction (0.5 per cent)
  • Retail trade (0.8 per cent)

Output for the offices of real-estate agents and brokers fell by 4.5 per cent month-over-month. Preliminary estimates suggest that real GDP by industry increased by 0.1 per cent in April.

Q1 2025 Performance

Real GDP increased by 0.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, registering an annualized growth rate of 2.2 per cent.

Household spending growth slowed to 0.3 per cent, leading to…

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Imagine you’re a homeowner in Vancouver dealing with a loved one’s estate or planning to pass your property on someday. One term you’re bound to encounter is probate. It’s a concept that can raise a lot of questions and anxiety. But understanding what probate entails – and how it works in British Columbia – will give you and your family much-needed peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the essentials of probate in Vancouver, from what it is and when it’s needed to how the process works and who’s involved. We’ll also cover timelines, fees, the court’s role (including the probate registry), ways to handle disputes, and a few estate planning tips to make things easier. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the probate process and how to…

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GST Relief for First-Time Home Buyers: What You Need to Know

The Canadian government has rolled out a major initiative to help first-time buyers step into homeownership: the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate). This move aims to ease the financial pressure of buying a new home and boost construction across the country.

What Is the FTHB GST Rebate?

As of May 27, 2025, qualifying first-time home buyers are eligible for:

  • 100% GST rebate on new homes priced up to $1 million.
  • Partial rebate for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million (e.g., a $1.25M home gets a 50% rebate).
  • No rebate for homes priced over $1.5 million.

In total, this rebate is expected to return $3.9 billion in tax relief to Canadians over the next…

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Vancouver’s skyline is a breathtaking blend of glass towers, mountain views, and oceanfront living. And at the pinnacle of these iconic buildings? Penthouses — the crown jewels of luxury real estate. But despite their exclusivity, scoring a great deal on Vancouver penthouses for sale isn’t a myth. It’s a game of timing, preparation, and smart strategy.

Whether you’re a first-time luxury buyer, an investor, or looking for that dream high-rise residence, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding value in Vancouver’s high-end penthouse market — without compromising on your dream.

Why Vancouver Penthouses Are Worth the Investment

Before diving into how to get a deal, it's important to understand why Vancouver…

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Buying a home in British Columbia can be challenging for first-time buyers, given the high property prices in the province. Saving enough for a down payment, closing costs, and securing a mortgage can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many programs and incentives in B.C. – as well as federal initiatives across Canada – to help make home ownership more affordable. This guide provides a clear overview of these opportunities, explaining the basics of specific tax breaks, grants, and loans, along with practical details on how they work and how to apply.

If you’re new to Canada or just new to homeownership, it’s crucial to focus on programs relevant to British Columbia (for example, U.S. resources like hudhomesusa.org won’t apply here). In B.C.,…

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Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but it doesn't have to break the bank. With strategic planning and informed decisions, buyers can save substantial amounts during the home buying process. Here are five effective tactics to help you retain more of your hard-earned money.

1. Enhance Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

Your credit score plays a pivotal role in determining the interest rate on your mortgage. A higher score can lead to lower interest rates, translating to significant savings over the life of your loan. For instance, improving your score from 650 to 750 could reduce your interest rate by up to 1%, potentially saving you thousands.

Action Steps:

  • Review your credit report for inaccuracies and dispute…

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