Naru Menon’s Blog
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Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley Homes Now More Affordable
Home prices in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley have fallen to pre-pandemic levels due to slowed sales and increased listings. Benchmark prices dropped for the 10th consecutive month, with single-family homes, townhomes, and condos all declining year-over-year. Sales activity remains weak, with significant decreases in transactions and elevated inventory levels. Market conditions are shifting toward…
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Will 2026 Finally Flip the BC Housing Script?
BC's housing market is finally waking up after its weakest year in 25 years. Sales might jump 10%. Too much inventory right now. Prices will stay relatively flat. Sellers, you need an agent who tells you the real data. Modest 2026 rebound hints bigger 2027 activity, but risks could disrupt everything.
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North Delta Homes Now More Affordable for Buyers
Fraser Valley's real estate market in 2025 saw a 16% sales decline from 2024 and 33% below the decade average, despite record-high inventory and softer prices. Surrey led sales with 48%, followed by Langley and Abbotsford. North Delta's single-detached home prices dropped 10.6% year-over-year to $1,267,100, with detached house sales down 21.5%. Townhouse and condo…
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Can Canadian Real Estate Beat Inflation Long-Term?
Canadian housing historically appreciated ~5.5–5.9% annually, topping ~2.4% inflation. Canadian private real estate generated ~7.5–8.2% annual returns, outpacing inflation historically. Rent increases often keep pace with inflation, boosting total investor returns. Adding real estate in balanced portfolios boosts inflation hedge compared to single asset exposure. Yet, higher borrowing costs reduce net investor return and can…
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6 ways to cut your mortgage down to size
To pay down your mortgage faster and save on interest, make prepayments when allowed, and keep payments steady if your interest rate drops to reduce principal faster. Increase payments if your income rises and use renewal periods for lump sum payments without penalties. Opt for bi-weekly payments, consider flexible mortgages for prepayment options, or choose…
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ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया में अधिक घर, बेहतर अवसंरचना और मजबूत समुदाय
2025 में, कनाडा ने आवास और अवसंरचना में भारी निवेश किया, जिससे लगभग 59,000 आवास इकाइयाँ बनीं और देशभर में सार्वजनिक परियोजनाओं को वित्तपोषित किया गया। ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया को 8,867 घरों के लिए $2.36 बिलियन, ट्रांजिट के लिए $1.5 बिलियन और हरित परियोजनाओं के लिए $400 मिलियन से अधिक मिले। नई पहलों में $13 बिलियन…
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First-Time Homebuyer in Canada Guide
First-time homebuyers in Canada should determine their budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and estimate upfront costs including down payment (5-20%), closing costs (2-4%), CMHC insurance if under 20% down, legal fees, land transfer tax, property tax, home insurance, and moving expenses. Building a real estate team and understanding the local market are crucial. Various…
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Lower Mainland Home Values Slide in 2026
Lower Mainland home values are sliding, but lifestyle markets are quietly winning. $1.92T market value, down 5%, even with more homes added. Most homeowners seeing silent drops: -10% to flat is the new normal. Hidden signal: land values crashed on waterfront sites, hinting policy risk pricing in. Condos slid too—Surrey −7%, Vancouver −3%, signaling buyer…
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Expert Tips to Plan a Smooth Home Renovation
Homeowners should clarify the purpose of their renovation before starting any project. Creating a detailed renovation plan helps avoid costly mistakes and keeps design and construction aligned. Licensed professionals are essential for plumbing, electrical, or gas work to ensure safety and code compliance. Setting a realistic budget, managing expectations, and planning for delays reduces stress…
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RBC Sees Opportunities Amid Pause in Housing Recovery
Canada's housing market saw a subdued end to 2025 due to affordability issues, tariffs, and increased supply. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal experienced falling resales and price declines amid abundant inventory and economic uncertainty. Despite interest rate cuts, recovery remains slow, with home values expected to ease further as supply grows. Montreal…