What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Need to Know as Post-Election Policies Take Shape
From Ballots to BC’s Backyard
Now that the ballots are counted, Canada’s post-election calm is starting to ripple into the housing market—especially here in British Columbia. Whether you’re tracking interest rates, anticipating policy shifts, or simply trying to understand what lies ahead, it’s clear that federal decisions have a direct and lasting impact on British Columbia’s housing market. From city condos to coastal cottages, understanding how national shifts shape local real estate can help buyers, sellers, and investors navigate BC’s unique market with a little more confidence.
A Post-Election Reset—Without the Drama
Canada’s late-April federal election delivered a familiar result: the Liberal Party secured another minority government, maintaining the status quo in Ottawa. For housing, the key takeaway is continuity. Core programs—such as the Housing Accelerator Fund, GST relief on purpose-built rentals and first-time buyer tax credits—stay on the books, and big surprise legislation is unlikely. Voter engagement was strong, with 69 per cent of registered electors casting ballots, according to preliminary Elections Canada data.
Interest Rates: A Welcome Breather
On April 16 the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.75 per cent for a third straight meeting. Bank of Canada A steady rate lets mortgage shoppers’ budget with more confidence and gives owners facing renewal a chance to weigh fixed versus variable options without racing the clock. The next rate call comes June 4, and most forecasters expect a modest cut—or another hold—rather than a hike, given softer economic data.
Inflation: Lower Headline, Sticky Core
Headline inflation cooled to 1.7 per cent in April, down from 2.3 per cent in March, thanks largely to a double-digit drop in energy prices after Ottawa lifted the carbon tax on fuel. Reuters Core inflation measures still hover just above 3 per cent. While everyday costs remain high, stabilizing mortgage rates and less competition make this an ideal moment for well-prepared buyers.
B.C. Market Pulse: Sales Ease, Supply Remains Thin
Market psychology continues to rebalance. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) logged 5,917 residential sales in March 2025, a 9.6 per cent slide from a year earlier. BC Real Estate Association Listings have inched higher yet remain below their 10-year average, keeping most regions in “balanced” territory. Entry-level condo prices have flattened, giving first-time buyers breathing room to negotiate instead of bid.
What It Means for You
• First-Time Buyers
With mortgage rates stabilizing and less frenzy in the market, first-time buyers have a valuable window of opportunity. The calmer post-election climate means fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate—not just on price, but also on key terms like possession dates and contingencies. It’s a great time to enter the market with a thoughtful, strategic approach.
• Move-Up Buyers
For those looking to transition from a condo or townhouse into a detached home, opportunities are broadening across multiple BC markets. Growing inventory in suburban Vancouver areas continues to ease the pressure for move up buyers. In the Central Okanagan, active listings continue to rise, creating more breathing room for those seeking space to grow. Meanwhile, in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, areas like Squamish are seeing a gradual rise in detached inventory, giving move-up buyers a better shot at securing family-friendly properties without the extreme competition. Though Whistler remains a high-demand market, listings have shown incremental gains that reward those ready to act quickly and decisively.
• Pre-Sale Investors
As the market resets after years of volatility, buyers and sellers alike are adjusting expectations in real time—and investors are no exception. Those eyeing pre-construction projects should take a cautious but realistic stance. While interest rates may inch down, a dramatic drop is unlikely.
• Sellers
If you’re listing a home—particularly one that’s move-in ready, well-located, and energy-efficient—buyer demand is still there. These homes continue to attract premium offers, but the path to a sale may take longer. Sellers should prepare for extended days on market and manage expectations around multiple offers, which are becoming less common outside of hot zones.
Stilhavn’s Take
May 2025 isn’t a boom or a bust—it’s a measured adjustment. A steady policy rate, easing inflation, balanced supply and a watch-and-wait electorate set a foundation for thoughtful decision-making.For homeowners, the lesson is to focus on fundamentals: great location, sustainability upgrades and realistic pricing. For buyers, patience plus decisive action when the right property appears can pay dividends now that competition has dialled back from pandemic peaks.
Planning a summer sale, eyeing your first condo, or just wondering how market headlines might impact your home’s value? Reach out to a Stilhavn real estate advisor today. Our experts specialize in turning big-picture shifts into tailored, local strategies—helping you move forward with clarity and confidence. Wherever you are on your real estate journey, we’re here to help you #findyourhavn—and make the most of it.
