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Development fees are a significant factor in shaping the cost and supply of new homes across Canada. According to a recent report from a national housing agency, reducing these fees could make around 14% more residential projects financially viable—a major consideration, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. If development charges were eliminated, viable projects could increase by roughly 10% in both cities, and Toronto could potentially meet half of its stated housing supply goals.

Looking closer to home, Calgary’s development fees range from about $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to $9,000 for a detached home, a stark contrast to Vancouver’s range of $20,000–$33,000 for similar properties. It’s important to remember that these fees support essential infrastructure—roads, sewers, and city administration—so finding the right balance is key. The agency’s economist notes that the optimal fee level isn’t zero, but lowering fees, particularly on family-sized homes, could make it easier for new developments to compete in the high-priced Vancouver market, where larger new homes often outpace resale options.

For families and buyers in our community, understanding how these factors influence affordability is crucial. As always, my focus is on helping you navigate these complexities with honest, straightforward advice.

There’s growing discussion around whether we’ll see Canada’s rates rise again in 2027. Right now, the Bank of Canada is holding steady at 2.25%, but some major bank forecasts are starting to point toward gradual increases that year. If economic growth continues to pick up—and inflation sticks around—policymakers may look to normalize rates further. For buyers and sellers in Greater Vancouver, this could mean higher borrowing costs, but also potentially better returns on savings and fixed-income investments. As someone committed to helping you navigate the real estate market with integrity, I’m keeping a close watch on these shifts to ensure you’re well prepared for any changes in the lending environment.

As someone who’s worked with buyers and sellers across Greater Vancouver, I see firsthand how changes in interest rates ripple through our housing market. Recent research from Canada’s central bank backs up what many of us experience: when rates drop, home demand jumps quickly, but supply is much slower to catch up. For example, resales tend to rise within months of a rate cut, reaching their peak impact after 18 to 24 months. New construction, on the other hand, usually ramps up about two years after rates fall because builders need time for planning, permits, and to weigh the improved project viability that comes with higher prices and easier financing. Strong job markets can make this cycle even more pronounced, as people feel more confident buying. Still, the bottom line is clear—lower interest rates alone don’t solve affordability challenges, since supply always lags behind demand. It’s a reminder that real estate decisions depend on more than just borrowing costs. My approach is always to help clients navigate these shifts with transparency and integrity, so you can make informed choices for your next move.

The latest Canadian housing trends are certainly catching my attention. While we’re seeing a welcome uptick in home sales, many buyers are still taking a careful approach—overall activity hasn’t yet caught up to last year’s pace. Fewer new listings are coming on the market even as sales pick up, which is helping to move the balance between supply and demand in a healthier direction. Price growth has stayed steady, offering a bit more predictability for buyers without the sharp market correction some expected. Of course, every region tells a different story, which is why choosing the right area—whether you’re buying or selling—remains so important, especially here in Greater Vancouver. My priority is always to provide straightforward, honest advice so you can navigate these shifts with confidence and integrity.

Here’s a quick update on Surrey’s housing market this month. Homes are taking about the same time to sell as last year. The number of homes available and sold remains steady.