Naru Menon’s Blog

Is BC’s Housing Downturn a Welcome Rebalancing?

Slide 1: 🏠 BC housing shock – Prices still sky-high, but renter vacancy rates finally rising. Slide 2: 📈 Decades of boom – Detached homes hit 25× median income in 2018, now 19×. Slide 3: 💰 Speculation craze – Investors flipped condos; foreign buyers fueled bubble before 2017. Slide 4: 🏗️ Upzoning paradox – Denser…

February 23, 2026
LOWER MAINLAND 2026 PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS

The 2026 property assessments for about 1,140,000 properties in British Columbia's Lower Mainland reflect market values as of July 1, 2025. Most homeowners can expect assessed value decreases between -10% to 0%, with regional variations. Total assessments in the Lower Mainland dropped from $2.01 trillion to $1.92 trillion, including $24 billion from new developments. Property…

February 22, 2026
2026 में आवास बाजार में हल्की सुधार की संभावना

बी.सी. में पिछले एक दशक का सबसे कमजोर घर बिक्री वर्ष बीतने के बाद, 2026 में हल्के सुधार की उम्मीद है, जिसमें अधिकांश क्षेत्रों में बिक्री औसत स्तर पर लौटेगी। मेट्रो वैंकूवर में सुधार धीमा रहेगा, जहां बिक्री 5-10% बढ़ेगी लेकिन औसत से कम रहेगी। स्थिर मॉर्गेज दरें और दबा हुआ मांग इस सुधार को…

February 21, 2026
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…

February 20, 2026
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.

February 18, 2026
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…

February 17, 2026
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…

February 16, 2026
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…

February 15, 2026
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…

February 14, 2026
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…

February 13, 2026