Real Estate Agent North & West Vancouver – Thinking about buying a pre-sale condo? You’re not alone. In a changing market, many buyers ask whether locking in a brand-new home before it's built is a smart move—or a risky one.

What we’re going to cover:

We’ll break down the real pros and cons of buying pre-sale condos in today’s Vancouver market so you can decide if it's the right fit for your goals.

Why it matters:

Buying pre-sale can be exciting, but it comes with a unique set of timelines and risks. Knowing what you're signing up for can save you thousands and set you up for success.

Why it's important to you:

Whether you’re a first-time buyer living rent-free at home, or paying top dollar for rent each month, your situation will determine whether buying a pre-sale is your best next step.

📌 Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and should not be considered real estate advice. Always verify information independently and consult with a qualified professional before making any real estate decisions.

Pros of Buying a Pre-Sale Condo in Vancouver

✅ Potential Incentives from Developers

Right now, the pre-sale market is slower, which means some developers are offering bonuses, like decorating allowances, credits, or flexible deposit terms. These offers weren’t common a couple of years ago—but today, they can give you an edge.

✅ Full Warranty Coverage

New homes come with comprehensive warranties through BC's 2-5-10 home warranty program. That means peace of mind for years to come, with protection on structure, systems, and finishes.

✅ Time to Plan Ahead

If you’re not in a rush to move, a pre-sale can be a smart way to get into the market. For example, if you're living at home rent-free, it can give you time to save and prepare while securing a home at today’s price.

✅ Good for Long-Term Value & Rentals

Choosing the right location and building can pay off over time. Well-located pre-sales often attract premium renters who want something new and stylish.

And if you’re planning to live in it, it can be a great first step into homeownership without competing in today’s resale market.

Cons of Buying a Pre-Sale Condo in Vancouver

❌ Long Wait Times

Pre-sales often don’t complete for 2–3 years, which isn’t ideal if you’re currently paying high rent. That’s a lot of money spent without building any equity.

❌ Market Uncertainty

The market can change while you wait. What seems like a good deal today might not be as appealing in a few years—or could turn out even better. The truth is, you’re buying into the unknown.

❌ Limited Inventory Visibility

With a pre-sale, you’re buying based on floorplans and showrooms. You can’t walk through the actual unit, which can sometimes lead to surprises.

Click the button below to connect with Davis—to view a presale, book a consultation, or simply grab a coffee and ask a question.

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So, Is Buying Pre-Sale a Smart Move?

It depends on your situation.

If you’re living rent-free and can comfortably wait 2–3 years, a pre-sale might work perfectly—especially if you find a developer offering strong incentives.

But if you’re in an expensive rental, and the pre-sale won’t complete for years, it might not make sense to keep paying rent while waiting. In that case, it could be better to buy an existing condo now, start building equity, and take advantage of today’s high inventory and motivated sellers.

When Pre-Sale Makes Sense:

• You’re downsizing and want time to prepare, sell, and move slowly

• The market is hot and resale options are going in multiple offers

• You’re not in a rush and want brand-new construction with a warranty

• You’ve found a building and location you genuinely love for long-term value

Final Thoughts

Our market is always changing. Before committing to a pre-sale, check if there are any great resale deals first. There may be move-in-ready options that get you out of renting and into ownership sooner than you think.

Whether you’re downsizing, investing, or buying your first home, I can help you compare your options and decide if a pre-sale is right for you.

Other blog posts:

How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time—Without the Stress (Or Risk of Being Homeless)

What to Know Before Buying a Condo in North Vancouver: Insights from a Condo Specialist

Click the button below to connect with Davis—to view a presale, book a consultation, or simply grab a coffee and ask a question.

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#VancouverPresales #CondoBuyingTips #RealEstateNorthVan #PreSalecondos #NorthVanCondos

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients is:
“How do I buy and sell at the same time without being stuck—or worse, temporarily homeless?”
Whether you're downsizing, upsizing, or simply making a lifestyle move, the idea of timing it all perfectly can be overwhelming.

But there’s a better way—and it’s working for many of my clients right now.

The Buy First, Sell Later Strategy

You're living in your current home (House #1), mortgage-free or with equity, and you’re ready for a change. But the idea of selling first, then scrambling to find your next home?
That’s risky, rushed, and often leads to regret.

This strategy flips the script—and puts you in control.

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How It Works

• Step 1: You find and buy your next home first—without having to sell your current one immediately.

• Step 2: You move in calmly and comfortably—no boxes stacked to the ceiling during showings, no pressure.

• Step 3: A short-term mortgage is secured using the combined value of both properties (your current home and the new one).

• Step 4: The mortgage covers:

  • Purchase price of your new home

  • Property transfer tax

  • 3 months of interest (no monthly payments required)

  • One-time setup fee (~2%, typically built into the financing)

• Step 5: Once you’re settled in, you prepare and sell your original home properly—clean, staged, and timed to get top value.

• Step 6: After the sale, you pay off the short-term mortgage in full. No long-term debt, no disruption.

💡 Example 1: The Downsizer

• Current Home (House #1): Worth $2.3M, mortgage-free

• Next Home (House #2): $1.8M condo or townhome

• Total Value Secured: $4.1M

• Short-Term Mortgage Covers:

  • $1.8M purchase price

  • Property transfer tax

  • 3 months of interest

  • No monthly payments

🎯 Once House #1 is sold, the mortgage is cleared. You’re now comfortably in your new home and zero pressure. It’s time to sell house #1.

💡 Example 2: The Move-Up Buyer

• Current Home (House #1): Worth $2.0M

• Next Home (House #2): $3.9M

• Total Asset Value: $5.9M

• You secure a short-term mortgage on both homes that covers the $3.9M purchase + costs.

🎯 This lets you secure the home you really want—before selling. You move in, then take your time to list and sell your current home the right way.

Why This Works (What’s In It for You)

✅ No pressure to sell and buy at the same time
✅ Avoid showings, open houses, and cleaning while living in the home
✅ No need to tap into savings—costs are included
✅ No income qualification required — ideal for retirees or people on a pension
✅ Perfect for busy lives with kids, pets, work, or travel
✅ More control over when and how you move
✅ Better results when you sell because you’ve had time to prepare

This Strategy is Ideal For:

• Seniors who want to downsize calmly without risking their routine

• Professionals or families who found the right home and don’t want to miss out

• Anyone feeling stuck because the logistics of buying and selling at once feels impossible

The key is to plan ahead—while it’s a choice, not a necessity.
Give yourself time, and give your agent the ability to guide you through the process without chaos.

If you’ve found a home you love but don’t know how to make the transition without disrupting your life, this Buy First, Sell Later strategy might be your best next step.

I’m here to walk you through the details, show you how the numbers work, and help you make a move that fits your timeline, not someone else’s.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Let’s walk through your numbers and timeline. I’ll show you exactly how this could work in your situation—step by step.

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April 2025 saw home sales in Metro Vancouver drop nearly 24% year-over-year, despite improved borrowing conditions and growing inventory. With prices holding relatively steady and more listings on the market than we’ve seen in a decade, buyers may find this a rare window of opportunity.

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read this article from Greater Vancouver Realtors:

The slowdown in home sales registered on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver that began early this year continued in April, with sales down nearly 24 per cent year-over-year. 

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,163 in April 2025, a 23.6 per cent decrease from the 2,831 sales recorded in April 2024. This was 28.2 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (3,014). 

“From a historical perspective, the slower sales we’re now seeing stand out as unusual, particularly against a backdrop of significantly improved borrowing conditions, which typically helps to boost sales,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics. “What’s also unusual is starting the year with Canada’s largest trading partner threatening to tilt our economy into recession via trade policy, while at the same time having Canadians head to the polls to elect a new federal government. These issues have been hard to ignore, and the April home sales figures suggest some buyers have continued to patiently wait out the storm.” 

There were 6,850 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver in April 2025. This represents a 3.4 per cent decrease compared to the 7,092 properties listed in April 2024 and was 19.5 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (5,731) for the month. 

The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 16,207, a 29.7 per cent increase compared to April 2024 (12,491). This is 47.6 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (10,979). 

Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for April 2025 is 13.8 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 9.9 per cent for detached homes, 17.5 per cent for attached, and 15.7 per cent for apartments. 

Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months. 

“While the headlines have been filled with worrying news lately, there are positives in the current market worth highlighting, especially for buyers,” Lis said. “Inventory levels have just crested 16,000 for the first time since 2014, prices have stayed fairly stable for the past few months, and borrowing costs are the lowest they’ve been in years. These factors benefit buyers, and with balanced conditions across the market overall, there’s plenty of opportunity for anyone looking to make a purchase.” 

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,184,500. This represents a 1.8 per cent decrease over April 2024 and a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to March 2025.

Sales of detached homes in April 2025 reached 578, a 29 per cent decrease from the 814 detached sales recorded in April 2024. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,021,800. This represents a 0.7 per cent decrease from April 2024 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to March 2025. 

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,130 in April 2025, a 20.2 per cent decrease compared to the 1,416 sales in April 2024. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $762,800. This represents a two per cent decrease from April 2024 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to March 2025. 

Attached home sales in April 2025 totalled 442, a 23.8 per cent decrease compared to the 580 sales in April 2024. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,102,300. This represents a 2.9 per cent decrease from April 2024 and a one per cent decrease compared to March 2025.