The Reset No One Was Expecting (But Everyone Needed)
After years of headlines screaming “record highs,” “multiple offers,” and “act now or miss out,” January 2026 feels… quieter.
And that’s not a bad thing.
Over the past year, the Canadian real estate market has gone through a very public reset. Higher interest rates, affordability challenges, and buyer fatigue have cooled activity across the country — and here in South Surrey & White Rock, we’re seeing the results in a more balanced, deliberate market.
What does that mean in real terms?
For buyers, it means more selection, fewer bidding wars, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones. You can actually take a second showing, sleep on it, and negotiate — remember that?
For sellers, it means the market is no longer doing the heavy lifting for you. Pricing, presentation, and strategy matter more than they have in years. Homes that are prepared properly and priced realistically are still selling — but the “list it and they will come” days are officially behind us.
This shift isn’t a crash. It’s not a boom either.
It’s a reset — and resets tend to reward people who are informed, patient, and well-advised.
As we move into 2026, the biggest advantage for both buyers and sellers isn’t timing the market perfectly…
It’s understanding this version of the market and making smart moves within it.
Top 5 Smart Moves to Start 2026 Strong (At Home & In Life)
A new year is a great excuse to reset a few things — here are five simple, practical ideas that actually make a difference.
1. Declutter One Space That You See Every Day
Not your whole house. Just one space — the front closet, kitchen junk drawer, or home office. Less chaos = more mental bandwidth.
2. Do a “Winter Walk-Through” of Your Home
January is perfect for spotting drafts, condensation, and insulation issues. Small fixes now can save serious money later.
3. Review Your Mortgage (Even If You’re Not Moving)
Renewal timelines, prepayment options, and rate structures matter more in a higher-rate environment. A quick review can be eye-opening.
4. Refresh Lighting, Not Furniture
New lamps, warmer bulbs, or updated fixtures can completely change how a space feels — without a renovation-sized bill.
5. Get Clear on Your 2–3 Year Plan
You don’t need a 10-year roadmap. Just ask:
Am I staying put? Upsizing? Downsizing? Investing?
Clarity beats guessing — especially in a changing market.
SURREY, BC – Home prices in the Fraser Valley fell for the tenth consecutive month in January, pushing the Benchmark price below $900,000 for the first time since spring 2021.
The Benchmark price for a typical home in the Fraser Valley dropped one per cent in January to $897,200, down 6.9 per cent year-over-year.
The continued softening of prices wasn’t enough to get buyers off the sidelines, as the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 619 sales on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in January, a 33 per cent decrease from December, and 24 per cent below sales from the same month last year. New listings increased 128 per cent in January to 3,078, reflecting the typical seasonal patterns; however, activity remained 10 per cent below last year’s levels.
Overall inventory remains above seasonal norms for the Fraser Valley, with 7,711 active listings, up 11 per cent from December and 54 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average.
The Fraser Valley remains firmly in a buyer’s market, with an overall sales-to-active listings ratio of eight per cent in January, down five per cent from December. A balanced market is typically defined by a ratio between 12 and 20 per cent.
Across the Fraser Valley in January, the average number of days to sell a single-family detached home was 55 days, while for a condo it was 53 days. Townhomes took, on average, 50 days to sell.
MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity
Single Family Detached: At $1,373,100 the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detachedhome decreased 1.1 per cent compared to December 2025 and decreased 7.4 per cent compared to January 2025.
Townhomes: At $773,100 the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased one per cent compared to December 2025 and decreased 6.5 per cent compared to January 2025.
Apartments: At $488,600 the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.6 per cent compared to December 2025 and decreased 8.2 per cent compared to January 2025.
For the latest statistics package, click HERE
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I am here to help:
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.