Nobody wants to buy in Surrey, BC right now in 2025

Let’s cut to the chase.

Homes in Surrey BC—and honestly, across the country—are just sitting. No offers. No action. Just stale listings gathering dust while sellers get frustrated and buyers stay on the sidelines.

If you’re wondering what’s going on with the real estate market in 2025, this post is going to make things crystal clear. These 5 market-shifting insights will help you avoid costly mistakes—whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines.

1. Sales-to-Active Ratio: The Most Important Number You’ve Never Heard Of

In real estate, there’s one stat that tells you everything about the market—months of inventory, also known as the sales-to-active ratio.

Think of it like this:

• If only 10% (1 of 10) of homes are selling each month, it’s a buyer’s market.
• If 20% (1 of 5) are selling, we’re entering seller’s market territory.
• Somewhere in the middle? That’s a balanced market.

In February 2025, detached homes in the Fraser Valley were only selling at 10.1%—that’s just 1 in 10 listings. Condos were at 13.9%, and townhomes hit 19.6%, barely clinging to a seller’s market.

Translation? Most homes aren’t selling. And if you don’t know your market’s inventory levels, you’re guessing, not investing.

2. The Property Ladder Is Broken (And Nobody Wants to Talk About It)

Remember when upgrading from a condo to a townhome felt achievable?

Those days are gone.

• A typical condo? Around $600,000.
• A townhome? Easily $900,000 and more.
• A detached house? Welcome to $1,500,000 and up.

The leap is just too big. Homeowners want to move up, but their incomes can’t keep up. And fewer people moving up means fewer total transactions across the board.

If you’re not seeing sales activity—it’s because buyers are stuck.

3. Mortgage Rates Just Sucker-Punched Buyer Demand

Rates aren’t what they used to be. And that’s a problem.

Five years ago, you could lock in a 5-year fixed mortgage at 2.5% or even lower. Today? 4.5%, if you’re lucky.

That extra 2% adds up fast. For every $100,000 borrowed, you’re paying about $90 more per month. On a $600,000 mortgage, that’s an extra $540/month.

No wonder buyers are pulling back. They’re not being stubborn—they’re being smart with their wallets.

4. You’re Not Just Competing With Resale Homes Anymore

The market is oversaturated:

• New construction is everywhere.
• Presale units are back on the market.
• Investor-owned assignments are flooding listings.
• Developers are slashing prices and offering incentives.

As a seller, you’re not just competing with your neighbor—you’re up against entire buildings. Buyers have more options than ever. If you’re not priced right, staged right, and marketed right?

You don’t stand a chance.

5. Some Sellers Say They Want to Sell—But They Don’t Really Mean It

Here’s the truth most agents won’t say out loud:

Many sellers aren’t actually serious. They just want 2021 prices in a 2024 market and are willing to stay on the market to try and achieve it!

If you’re listing at yesterday’s value, hoping to get lucky, buyers will smell it from a mile away. And they’ll move on. The result? Homes sit. Prices drop. The seller gets frustrated… and blames the market.

If you’re not ready to do what it takes to sell—don’t list yet.

So… What Should You Do Right Now?

That depends on who you are.

If You’re a Seller:

Be realistic. Know your local numbers (right down to your neighborhood and property type), price competitively, and understand who you’re really up against. Hire a professional to help with the process!

If You’re a Buyer:

Be strategic. Study the months of inventory, compare mortgage options, and get ready to pounce when the right deal hits.

If You’re Watching the Market:

Track the sales-to-active ratio like your financial future depends on it—because it does.

Final Thoughts: Know the Game or Get Played

This isn’t a “bad market.” It’s a confusing one. But confusion always leads to opportunity—if you know where to look.

📺 Want the full breakdown, plus my exact homebuyer playbook? Watch the full video here and I’ll walk you through every step we give our clients to win in today’s market.

You only get one shot at buying or selling your next home—let’s get it right.

P.S. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just stuck in the “what now” phase—I’ll help you sort through the noise and make a smart move.

Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of South Surrey/White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the real estate market.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.