High Inventory, Low Urgency: Why It’s a Buyer’s Market in the Fraser Valley

by Sunny Kaler PREC

📊 April 2025 Fraser Valley Real Estate Market Update: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

🏠 House for Sale in Surrey, BC? What April’s Market Tells Us

April 2025 brought a surprising twist to the real estate scene in Surrey, BC and across the Fraser Valley. Even though there were more homes for sale than we’ve seen in over ten years, fewer people were actually buying. Whether you're thinking about selling your house in Surrey or hoping to buy, understanding what’s really happening in the market right now can help you make smarter decisions.

In this article, we’ll break down the latest market stats, examine what they mean for buyers and sellers, and offer grounded insight from those on the front lines of the local real estate.

📉 Sales Activity: High Inventory, Low Urgency

With 1,043 sales recorded across the Fraser Valley in April 2025, activity saw only a 1% increase from March. But compared to the same time last year, sales plummeted by 29%. That’s not just a dip—it’s one of the slowest spring seasons in recent memory.

The shift in market momentum is visible across Surrey. Even well-priced homes are taking longer to sell, reflecting a slowdown in buyer activity. With more properties available and less pressure to act quickly, the typical pace of spring real estate has clearly eased. It’s a notable change in what’s usually one of the busiest times of the year.

So, why the stall in activity? It’s not due to lack of options...

🏘️ Inventory Levels: A Buyer’s Buffet

🟢 Active Listings

For the first time in over ten years, active listings across the Fraser Valley surpassed 10,000. This abundance is creating unprecedented choice for homebuyers. Surrey’s key neighborhoods—like Clayton, Guildford, and Panorama Ridge—are all offering an array of detached homes, townhomes, and condos.

🟠 New Listings

New listings dipped slightly by 1% compared to March, showing that while homeowners are still bringing properties to market, the pace remains steady rather than accelerating. This stability in listing activity suggests that many sellers are cautiously observing the economic landscape before making a move. One major factor behind this hesitation is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs and their broader economic impact.

Rising material costs, disrupted supply chains, and inflationary pressures have added complexity to household budgets and real estate decisions alike. For many potential sellers in Surrey and across the Fraser Valley, there’s a lingering question: Is now the right time to list, or should I wait for the market to stabilize further? As a result, we're seeing a market in flux—balanced between high inventory and economic caution.

From firsthand experience, open houses in South Surrey and Newton are getting decent foot traffic, but serious buyers are taking their time. Gone are the days of 48-hour offers.

📊 Market Conditions: Clear Shift Toward Buyers

📌 Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio: 10%

A ratio between 12% and 20% is considered balanced. At 10%, April’s market leans firmly in favor of buyers. This stat is particularly relevant for those looking at a house for sale in Surrey, BC—the advantage of negotiation and time now lies with the buyer.

🕒 Average Days on Market

Detached Homes: 32 days
Townhomes/Condos: 29 days

This added time gives buyers breathing room to compare options and think strategically before committing to a purchase.

💰 Pricing Trends: Stability Replaces Volatility

The Composite Benchmark Price for homes in the Fraser Valley dipped slightly—down 0.2% from March to land at $972,700.

This figure might look intimidating on the surface, but the soft decline means prices are not spiking unpredictably. In Surrey, we’re seeing pockets of affordability emerge, particularly in high-supply areas like Whalley and parts of East Newton.

🧭 Economic Influences: A Clouded Outlook with a Hint of Hope

There’s no denying that broader economic factors are weighing on buyer confidence:

Tariffs and global trade issues are creating cost-of-living pressures.
Inflation, though easing, is still top of mind for families considering big financial commitments.
Interest Rates, while stable, remain higher than pre-pandemic norms.

But there is light on the horizon. With the recent federal election now behind us, early signs suggest policy shifts that may support housing supply and affordability. Buyers are beginning to sense this shift, though cautiously.

🧠 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Surrey

🎯 For Buyers

More Choices: Inventory is your friend. Take your time, do your research, and don’t hesitate to negotiate.
Leverage Power: Fewer competing offers means you can potentially secure better terms.
Favorable Timing: With prices stable and more inventory coming online, this could be the ideal moment to act—before demand potentially rebounds in late 2025.

🧭 For Sellers

Strategic Pricing is Crucial: Gone are the days of automatic bidding wars. Work with an experienced REALTOR® to price competitively.
Presentation Matters: A well-staged, professionally marketed home will stand out in this crowded landscape.
Expect Longer Timelines: Prepare for your property to sit on the market longer, and consider sweetening the deal with incentives like flexible possession dates or included appliances.

🏁 Conclusion: A Balanced Opportunity in an Unbalanced Market

The real estate scene in April 2025 paints a fascinating picture: thousands of listings, relatively stable prices, and yet... muted buyer activity. This strange mix spells opportunity—especially for those entering the market in Surrey, BC.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home or list a house for sale in Surrey, BC, understanding the current landscape is key to making informed, confident decisions. April’s stats tell us one thing loud and clear: it’s a buyer’s market—but that won’t last forever.

📈 For the full statistical breakdown, visit the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s website.

🧾 Additional Resources

📞 Contact Us

Have questions about buying or selling a home in Surrey, BC?
📧 Email:Sunny@Kaler.ca
📱 Call/Text: (778) 320-0002
🌐 Website: www.Kaler.ca

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, legal, or real estate advice. Always consult with a licensed REALTOR® or financial advisor for your specific situation.