I don’t think we realize how much the dollar has impacted how things (trade, finance, pension funds, etc) work. It can’t simply be un-done and everyone goes on about their merry business.
The Two Minute Market Update is intended to keep readers apprised of what’s going on in local real estate markets and in the global financial markets that affect real estate via inflation, interest rates, capital flows and public policy. It is best suited for those not able to keep up with all the news every day, but still wanting to be informed.
TMMU – Aging Out Of Place, October 22nd, 2025
See the most recent monthly statistics for Lynn Valley and North Vancouver real estate.
October sales data is coming in and while it’s nice to see the volume increase (as it does seasonally in October most years), the prices at which homes are trading are averaging 5% below the list prices, which are also coming down themselves. Sellers are finally taking advice of their agents in suggesting that if they want their home sold, rather than just listed, it needs to be at an attractive enough price to generate offers right away. Good news for buyers, in this case, as they can now find bargains by remaining patient and disciplined. I do notice, however, that there is an increasing quantity of older stock which needs significant renovation or remodelling to be livable for most buyers. The “aging in place” phenomenon begets “aging out of place” and it takes a price substantially below lot value alone to move these properties in the current market. There’s not much appetite to take on that kind of a project and virtually no speculators able to justify the cost and eventual taxation by any profit that might be had by reselling the finished product.
Lynn Valley Entry-Level Houses ($1.4-2.1M) | All North Vancouver
Lynn Valley Move-Up Houses ($2.1M-2-8M) | All North Vancouver
Perhaps the reason that the above conditions are not materializing in a complete melt-down in prices is the incredible pent-up demand in aspiring move-up buyers to the North Shore from other parts of the city and within the North Shore from smaller properties. This jives with my experience meeting people at open houses, where high traffic numbers persist into the fall from those who need the extra space but are just trying to find a way to make the math work – now seeing it inch closer to reality. Another cut in interest rates will continue to impact that math for buyers, something I expect to contribute to a busier than usual November-January market. Despite Tuesday’s relatively high inflation reading, expectations increased for a rate cut at next week’s meeting and for further future cuts.
Lynn Valley Townhouses | All North Vancouver
Lynn Valley Condos | All North Vancouver
Bond yields have also been dropping on both sides of the border as weakening economic conditions make the rate cutting cycle look longer and deeper than previously expected. The economy is a “Tale of Two Cities” type of thing, with small businesses showing weakness and delinquencies rising, and larger businesses reporting higher earnings and profits generated largely by the massive amounts of investment into the electric grid, data centres and other AI infrastructure.
Stock markets had a “Black Friday” type event on October 10th, triggered by announcements of higher tariffs being placed on China (again), an apparent escalation that was shortly walked back and downplayed. The volatility was alarming, but characteristic of late-stage bull markets. With volatility elevated and leveraged players shaken out, markets tend to take these episodes as permission to keep moving higher (a la 1998 and 2007). Neither ended well, mind you. But the music might not be done yet!
Bitcoin got caught up in the panic and plummeted in the largest liquidation event in cryptocurrency history. It has since recovered and retested those lows and now sits at $112,000. Gold continued its tear as central banks (China’s primarily), continue to accumulate it. Combined with price increases of what they already had, the total value held by central banks globally now exceeds the value of US Dollars held as Central Bank Reserves. This marks a fairly important turning point in global monetary economics. I don’t think we realize how much the dollar has impacted how things (trade, finance, pension funds, etc) work. It can’t simply be un-done and everyone goes on about their merry business. There will be ramifications. With gold’s price hitting nearly $4400 and then falling Tuesday to $4100, there could be a larger pullback starting. Yet the geopolitical forces causing this in the first place don’t show any signs of abating.
Matthew Stiles
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this column is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, I make no warranties or representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Any actions taken based on this information are at your own risk. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.