A Purposeful Start to 2026: Community Commitment and a Market Reset
A new year is a reset in more ways than one. For many households across British Columbia, January brings a return to routine: clearer schedules, renewed goals, and a sharper sense of what “home” needs to look like next. For Stilhavn, it also brings a renewed commitment to the communities that make our work meaningful—because the work we do is closely connected to the communities where we live and work.
Our approach for the year ahead is grounded in two priorities: a continued commitment to service through Stilhavn Cares, and practical readiness for the market opportunities that 2026 will bring.
Stilhavn Cares 2025 Overview:
Over the past year, our Stilhavn Cares initiative – which is directly supported by Stilhavn agents – directed its efforts toward organizations whose work strengthens the communities we serve, with an emphasis on consistency and long-term support rather than one-time contributions.
• Covenant House Vancouver: Supporting youth facing homelessness and unsafe living situations with shelter, meals, medical care, mental health support, education, and employment resources. In 2025, Stilhavn Cares contributed $22,670 to help advance this work.
• BC SPCA: Supporting animal welfare across B.C., including rescue, shelter, medical care, and education. This year, our Metro Vancouver community contributed $9,930 to help further their efforts.
• Backpack Buddies: Helping close the weekend food gap for vulnerable children who rely on school meal programs. In 2025, our Squamish agents contributed $11,800 in support of local kids and families.
• ToyHavn (Kelowna General Hospital): A Stilhavn-created toy-giving initiative supported by all Stilhavn agents across the Okanagan. Created in partnership with the KGH Foundation, Toyhavn brings comfort to young patients at Kelowna General Hospital through toys, books, and crafts—companions that support kids well beyond the holidays. Since launching in 2023, ToyHavn has shared 5,000+ toys, backed by a $100,000 commitment over five years.
This work matters because strong communities don’t happen by accident—they’re built through consistent care, and through organizations that show up where support is needed most. In 2026, our goal is simple: keep the momentum, deepen the partnerships, and continue making Stilhavn Cares a meaningful part of how we operate across B.C.
January reset: what the new year tends to bring to the market
January starts with clarity. After December’s pause, buyers who re-enter the market are typically more focused. Sellers who list early are often more intentional, too: better prepared, better priced, and ready to move forward rather than “test the waters.” In Metro Vancouver specifically, the tone heading into the new year has tended toward measured. Greater Vancouver REALTORS®’ fall market updates showed sales activity running below the same period the year prior, with commentary pointing to patient buyers and sellers adjusting expectations.
Regional snapshots: how January tends to feel across B.C.
Metro Vancouver: January usually brings organized buyers back into the market—people ready to shortlist neighbourhoods, compare buildings, and act when the right fit appears. Sellers who do best early in the year tend to lean on pricing precision, strong presentation, and clean documentation so buyers can make decisions confidently.
Okanagan: The Okanagan’s January market often reflects lifestyle planning. Many buyers use the new year to clarify priorities—walkable town convenience, proximity to amenities and health care, or a longer-term move that aligns with family plans. Sellers can benefit by presenting their home’s “everyday livability” clearly: storage, layout function, and a simple path to move-in readiness.
Sea to Sky (Whistler + Squamish): Mid-winter is a practical reality check—buyers experience the region in-season and pay attention to how homes function day-to-day. Properties that feel straightforward (access, warmth, storage, maintenance clarity) tend to stand out. January is also when many households decide whether they’re looking for a full-time base, a weekend lifestyle home, or a blend of both.
Sunshine Coast: January momentum on the Coast often comes down to planning rhythm. Buyers and sellers who succeed tend to think in timelines—showing windows, service availability, and a clear possession path—especially for ferry-reliant moves. The new year is a natural time for people to recommit to the lifestyle they’ve been considering, and to move from “someday” to “this year.”
Moving forward:
2026 will see those of us at Stilhavn continuing the work that matters—supporting our communities through Stilhavn Cares, and approaching the real estate market with clarity, preparation, and intention. Whether you’re buying, selling, or planning your next move, January offers a natural moment to set direction and build momentum.
Across Metro Vancouver, the Okanagan, Sea to Sky, and the Sunshine Coast, we are focused on helping clients turn early planning into confident decisions that align with their timelines, regions, and long-term goals. Reach out if you’re ready to talk about your next move.
