May has seen some market division across the whole country. It’s very visible, and it was showing in April already that big markets like Vancouver and Toronto were showing lots of inventory increases but slower sales. This trend has continued into May. Please see the facts below, numbers that were shared with each real estate board across the major markets.
VANCOUVER, BC- June 03, 2025
Buyers remain hesitant as inventory builds
May saw inventory levels across Metro Vancouver* reach another ten-year high, while home sales registered on the MLS® remained muted. The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,228 in May 2025, an 18.5 per cent decrease from the 2,733 sales recorded in May 2024. This was 30.5 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (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. “On a year-to-date basis, sales in 2025 rank among the slowest to start the year in the past decade, closely mirroring the trends seen in 2019 and 2020. It’s worth noting that sales rebounded significantly in the latter half of 2020, but whether sales in 2025 might follow a similar pattern remains the million-dollar question.”
Sales of detached homes in May 2025 reached 654, a 22.7 per cent decrease from May 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,997,400. This represents a 3.2 per cent decrease from May 2024.
Sales of apartment homes reached 1,087 in May 2025, an 18.8 per cent decrease in May 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $757,300. This represents a 2.4 per cent decrease from May 2024.
Attached home sales in May 2025 totalled 469, a 10.3 per cent decrease in May 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,106,800. This represents a 3.4 per cent decrease from May 2024.
NANAIMO, BC
BUYER OPTIMISM AND A BALANCED MARKET TREND IN MAY
The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) recorded 781 unit sales (all property types) in May 2025, down three per cent from one year ago.
“In spite of the cloud of economic uncertainty, optimism among buyers is positive. The Island continues to buck the trend of declining home sales currently experienced on the mainland,” says Yochim. “Most of our markets remain in balanced territory, with year-to-date sales on par with 2024. Available inventory of homes is above the ten-year average, providing reasonable choice for buyers.”- Jason Yochim, VIREB CEO.
INTERIOR (OKANAGAN)
CALGARY, AB
Thanks to steep pullbacks in the apartment condominium sector, total residential sales in Calgary eased by 17 per cent compared to May of last year. While the drop does seem significant, the 2,568 sales this month remain 11 per cent higher than long-term trends for May and improved over last month. New listings continued to rise this month compared to sales, resulting in further gains in inventory levels. However, the monthly gain in both inventory and sales prevented any significant change in the months of supply compared to April. With 2.6 months of supply, conditions are still relatively balanced.
TORONTO, ON
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market experienced an improvement in affordability in May 2025 relative to the same period a year earlier. With sales down and listings up, homebuyers took advantage of increased inventory and negotiating power. “Looking at the GTA as a whole, homebuyers have certainly benefited from greater choice and improved affordability this year. However, each neighbourhood and market segment have their own nuances. Buyers considering a home purchase should connect with a REALTOR® who is knowledgeable about their preferred area and property type. In today’s market, working with a REALTOR® who brings expertise, the right tools, and a strong network is essential,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 6,244 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in May 2025 – down by 13.3 per cent compare
