Is BC’s Housing Market in Crisis?

If you’ve seen the headlines, you’d think British Columbia’s housing market is about to collapse.

“Mortgage defaults are rising!”
“Crisis incoming!”

It’s all over the media. But before you start panicking—let’s take a breath.

Because what you’re seeing is fear-mongering, not the full picture. And the truth? It’s way more boring—but a whole lot more useful.

Yes, Defaults Are Up—But Here’s the Real Data

Let’s start with the facts:

• Mortgage delinquencies have increased in BC.
• In Q2 of 2024, the delinquency rate hit 0.192%—up from 0.14% in 2022.
• That’s not great, but it’s still among the lowest in Canada.

To put it in perspective:
👉 In BC, only 16 out of every 10,000 homeowners are falling behind.
👉 In Vancouver, it’s just 14 out of every 10,000.
Compare that to Saskatchewan 67 out of every 10,000 or Newfoundland 48 out of every 10,000 and British Columbia starts to look pretty rock solid.

So are defaults rising? Yes.
But are we in a crisis? Not even close.

The Real Problem: What’s Coming in 2025

Over 1.2 million Canadians are set to renew their mortgages in 2025. And many of them locked in during the COVID era, when rates were as low as 1.39%.

Now? They’re staring down renewal rates around 4%—or more. That could mean an extra $540/month on a $600,000 mortgage. Ouch.

Renewal coming up? Connect with a local mortgage broker. They can walk you through your options, help you secure the best possible rate, and ensure your financing process is smooth, stress-free, and aligned with your financial goals.

This is where the real stress will show up. But again… BC is not Ontario. And here’s why that matters.

3 Key Reasons BC Isn’t Falling Apart

1. The Mortgage Stress Test (Yes, That Thing Everyone Hated)

Introduced in 2018, the Mortgage Stress Test forced buyers to qualify at rates higher than what they were actually getting.

At the time, people said it was unfair. Now? It’s one of the main reasons BC homeowners can actually handle today’s rates. They were literally tested for this exact situation.

2. No Need to Requalify with Your Current Lender

If you’re renewing with your original lender—no requalification needed.
Doesn’t matter if your home dropped in value, or if your income changed.
As long as you’re not modifying your mortgage, you’re good.

This has quietly protected thousands of BC homeowners from being forced to sell.

3. The Canadian Mortgage Charter Gave Borrowers More Power

Before 2023, switching lenders often meant requalifying—so people were stuck. The Canadian Mortgage Charter changed that.

Now, insured mortgage holders can switch lenders without requalifying, making banks more competitive and giving borrowers more options? The result? Less pressure. More flexibility. Fewer forced sales.

Why Fear-Based Headlines Are So Dangerous

Let’s be real—clickbait works. Even you might’ve clicked this because it sounded like the sky was falling.

But here’s the problem:

Fear makes people freeze.

Buyers sit on the sidelines. Sellers pull their listings. Investors hold their cash. And that hesitation can cost you more than making a move with the right info.

What You Should Actually Be Doing Right Now

If you’re a Homeowner: Start planning for renewal now. Talk to a mortgage advisor. Run the numbers. Ask about options.

If you’re a Buyer or Seller: Ignore the panic. Pay attention to the data. Home prices in the Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board are still up year over year. That wouldn’t be happening if the market was crashing.

Final Thoughts: Be Informed, Not Fearful

Mortgage defaults are ticking up. That’s true. But BC’s housing market isn’t spiraling—it’s adapting.

If you let headlines make your decisions for you, you’ll always be playing defense. Instead, arm yourself with real data, plan ahead, and move forward with confidence.

👉 Want the full breakdown?

We made a video that dives deeper into everything you just read—complete with examples and visuals to help you make sense of it all.

🎥 Watch it here: Surging Mortgage Defaults- A Crisis or Insidious Media Scare Tactics?

What if I have any questions about moving to Surrey or White Rock, BC?

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.