Hi, I’m Mark Hammer. I’ve been helping people buy and sell homes in Vancouver for over 30 years. I focus a lot on helping homeowners downsize the right way. Right now, there is a shift happening in the market that creates a real opportunity if you own a family home.
This blog will walk you through what is happening, why it matters, and how to make a smart move.
The Market Shift You Should Know About
For a long time, buyers had many choices. There was a lot of inventory, and homes took time to sell.
That is starting to change.
In many suburban areas across the Lower Mainland, the supply of good family homes is tightening. Not every home, just the well kept homes in strong locations with good layouts and natural light.
When supply tightens, buyers focus on quality.
Families are leading the demand right now. Many are moving away from smaller spaces and busier areas. They want more room, more comfort, and a place they can stay long term.
This is why suburban markets are seeing more confidence, even while some central areas feel softer.
According to the Greater Vancouver Realtors, sales to active listings ratios and inventory levels continue to show varying conditions across property types, with detached homes often seeing tighter supply compared to condos and townhomes. Data from BC Stats also supports ongoing population growth in the region, which continues to support housing demand.
Why This Matters for Downsizers
If you have owned your home for many years, you are in a strong position.
You are not just selling a house. You are offering something that buyers want right now.
There is not a large supply of nice detached homes available. At the same time, there is a larger supply of townhomes and newer condos.
This creates a unique window.
You can sell into a market where buyers are actively looking for your type of home, and then move into a property that offers more choice and flexibility.
This is what I call a balanced opportunity.
What Buyers Are Looking For Today
Buyers today are careful. They are not rushing. They are looking for homes that feel right.
Here is what matters most to them.
Space that works for daily life. Open kitchens, family rooms, and outdoor areas.
Natural light. Bright homes always perform better.
Quiet streets and strong neighbourhoods. Buyers want stability.
Homes that are move in ready or close to it. Most buyers do not want large renovation projects.
Insights from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation highlight that livability, space, and affordability continue to drive buyer preferences, especially for families seeking long term housing solutions.
Where Sellers Make Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes I see is over improving before selling.
Many homeowners think they need to renovate everything. That is usually not the best move.
In most cases, you only need to focus on a few key areas.
Clean and declutter the home.
Fix anything that is clearly broken or worn.
Improve the first impression with simple updates like paint and curb appeal.
Spending money in the wrong places can reduce your return.
The goal is not to create a brand new home. The goal is to present your home in the best possible way for today’s buyers.
A Simple Strategy That Works
When I meet with clients, I keep things simple.
I show them the three things that will make the biggest difference in their home.
Not a long list. Just the right list.
This approach helps you avoid unnecessary costs and focus on what actually drives results.
After 30 years in this business, I can tell you that the right strategy will always outperform overspending.
Understanding the Opportunity
Even though the overall market has been slower, there are important differences between property types.
There is limited inventory of strong detached homes.
There is more availability in townhomes and condos.
This creates a gap between what is scarce and what is more available.
That gap is where opportunity lives.
If you are downsizing, you can take advantage of both sides.
You can sell into a tighter market and buy into a more flexible one.
Where Downsizers Are Moving
Across Vancouver, many downsizers are choosing homes that offer simplicity and lifestyle.
Modern townhomes are popular because they provide space without the maintenance of a detached home.
Newer condos are also a strong option. They offer updated layouts, less maintenance, and a more predictable cost structure.
Walkable neighbourhoods are a big draw. Being close to shops, parks, and services makes day to day life easier.
Why Timing Matters
Many people ask if they should wait for a better market.
The truth is, timing the market perfectly is very difficult.
What matters more is how you position your home.
In today’s market, buyers are selective. Homes that are priced well and presented properly are the ones that succeed.
This is where experience plays a big role.
How We Help You Get the Best Result
At Hammer Group, we focus on creating a clear plan.
We start with pricing that attracts attention and brings buyers through the door.
We build exposure through digital marketing, agent networks, and local outreach.
We create a structured timeline that encourages strong offers.
This approach helps generate momentum and puts you in a stronger position when offers come in.
A Real World Example
A recent client had owned their home for over two decades. They were unsure about selling in a slower market.
Instead of doing major renovations, we focused on a few key improvements and positioned the home properly.
We created strong exposure and a clear timeline.
The result was solid interest and a successful sale, followed by a smooth move into a newer property that better fit their lifestyle.
This is the type of outcome we aim for.
The Emotional Side of Downsizing
Downsizing is not just a financial decision.
You are leaving a home that holds years of memories.
That is why the process needs to feel organized and supported.
My role is to guide you through each step so you feel confident and clear about your decisions.
The Bottom Line
There is limited supply of strong family homes.
There is steady demand from buyers looking for space and stability.
There is more choice in townhomes and condos than we have seen in recent years.
This combination creates a real opportunity for downsizers.
The key is to approach it with the right plan.
Thinking About Your Next Move
If you are considering downsizing, even in the early stages, it is worth having a conversation.
We can review your home, talk about current market conditions, and outline a simple strategy.
Often, a short discussion can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you a clear path forward.
Contact Us
Email: info@hammergrouprealtors.com
Phone: 604 761 1335
Website: hammergrouprealtors.com
If you are planning ahead for this year or next, now is a good time to start preparing.
After 30 years in real estate, I can say that the best results come from being prepared and making informed decisions.
Sources
Greater Vancouver Realtors Market Reports and Monthly Statistics
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Housing Market Outlook and Buyer Preference Insights
BC Stats Population Growth and Housing Demand Data
May 14, 2026 
