Buyers Remain Cautious, Inventory Builds in the Tri-Cities
After a quiet spring, May continues to show signs of a market in transition. Across Metro Vancouver and here in the Tri-Cities, home sales remain slow while inventory climbs to levels not seen in over a decade. For buyers in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam, that means more choice and less competition heading into summer. For sellers, realistic pricing and stand out presentation remain critical in attracting serious interest.
After a quiet spring, May continues to show signs of a market in transition. Across Metro Vancouver and here in the Tri-Cities, home sales remain slow while inventory climbs to levels not seen in over a decade. For buyers in Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam, that means more choice and less competition heading into summer. For sellers, realistic pricing and stand out presentation remain critical in attracting serious interest.
Metro Vancouver Snapshot
According to the Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, just 2,228 homes sold in May 2025, down 18.5% from the same time last year and 30.5% below the 10-year seasonal average. Meanwhile, inventory surged:
- 6,620 new listings came to market (↑ 3.9% year-over-year)
- Total active listings hit 17,094, up 25.7% compared to May 2024 — and the highest in over a decade
The sales-to-active listings ratio across all property types fell to 13.4%, firmly placing the market in balanced-to-buyers’ territory. Historically, when this ratio stays below 12% for long, downward pressure on prices tends to follow.
“With some of the healthiest levels of inventory seen in years, many sellers are adjusting price expectations, which has provided buyers more negotiating room.”
— Andrew Lis, Director of Economics and Data Analytics, GVR
How This Is Playing Out in the Tri-Cities
In Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam, the shift toward a buyer-friendly market continues:
- More listings means less urgency for buyers, and longer days on market for sellers
- Detached homes are leading the slowdown in sales
- Condo and townhome buyers remain active but are more selective, favouring updated and well-presented homes
Segment Breakdown
DETACHED HOMES
- Sales: 654 (↓ 22.7% vs. May 2024)
- Benchmark Price: $1,997,400 (↓ 3.2%)
- Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 10.2%
- Average Days on Market: 32
Detached homes across the Tri-Cities continue to face slower sales and rising inventory. With more competition among listings, sellers are having to price sharply and prepare for longer time on market. Buyers, meanwhile, are taking their time and negotiating with confidence.
TOWNHOMES
- Sales: 469 (↓ 10.3% vs. May 2024))
- Benchmark Price: $1,106,800 (↓ 3.4%)
- Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 17.4%
- Average Days on Market: 27
Townhome activity remains relatively steady in the Tri-Cities. Well-located, move-in ready homes are still in demand—especially with young families looking to stay within good school catchments—but buyers are comparing more options before making a move.
APARTMENTS
- Sales: 1,087 (↓ 18.8% vs. May 2024)
- Benchmark Price: $757,300 (↓ 2.4%)
- Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 14.7%
- Average Days on Market: 31
Condos remain the most active segment in terms of volume. In the Tri-Cities, transit-accessible buildings near amenities are still seeing strong interest from first-time buyers and investors, but high inventory is giving buyers more leverage.
For more detailed data, visit the official Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver MLS® Home Price Index.
Tri-Cities Stats
What This Means for You
If you’ve been holding off on buying, this summer could be your moment. Tri-Cities buyers now have more selection, less competition, and room to negotiate—with prices holding steady and inventory at a 10-year high.
For sellers, it’s all about strategy. With more listings on the market, pricing competitively, showcasing your home at its best, and working with the right marketing approach will make all the difference.
Let’s Make a Plan Together
At the Kyle Lamb Real Estate Group, we blend data-driven insights with deep local knowledge in the Tri-Cities. Whether you're curious about your home’s value, exploring your next move, or just keeping an eye on the market, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Questions? Let’s connect.
We’d be happy to chat about your goals and how we can help.
—
Kyle Lamb, PREC
Realtor® | kyle@kylelambrealestate.com | 604-818-2080