The Fraser Valley real estate market is showing early signs of stabilization after a long stretch of price declines, but buyers continue to hold the advantage.

According to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board’s April 2026 statistics, home sales increased both month-over-month and year-over-year for the first time in more than a year. The Board recorded 1,118 sales in April, an 11% increase from March and 7% higher than April 2025. This suggests that buyer activity is beginning to return as we move through the spring market.

That said, the Fraser Valley is still firmly in buyer’s market territory. Active listings reached 9,816 in April, up 7% from March and sitting 45% above the 10-year seasonal average. With more homes available, buyers have more choice, more negotiating room, and less pressure to rush into a decision.

The sales-to-active listings ratio sat at 11% in April, just below the range typically considered a balanced market. A balanced market is usually defined as a ratio between 12% and 20%, meaning current conditions still favour buyers, although the gap is beginning to narrow.

Prices also appear to be levelling off. The composite benchmark price for a typical Fraser Valley home rose slightly for the second month in a row, reaching $899,200 in April. However, prices remain noticeably lower than last year. Detached homes were down 8.8% year-over-year, townhomes were down 7.4%, and condos were down 8.3%.

For buyers, this may be one of the better opportunities we have seen in recent years. Inventory is healthy, prices are lower than they were a year ago, and sellers are generally more realistic than they were during the peak of the market. Buyers who are financially prepared may be in a strong position to negotiate favourable terms, especially on homes that have been sitting longer or need updates.

For sellers, the message is clear: presentation and pricing matter. The market is improving, but it is not strong enough to support overpricing. Buyers are cautious, well-informed, and comparing multiple options. Homes that are clean, well-marketed, properly staged, and priced according to current market conditions will have the best chance of attracting serious interest.

The average time to sell in April was 37 days for detached homes, 32 days for townhomes, and 42 days for condos. This shows that properties are still moving, but sellers need to be patient and strategic.

Overall, the Fraser Valley market is not in a free fall, but it is also not in a rapid rebound. The best way to describe the current market is stabilizing, cautious, and opportunity-driven. Buyers have leverage, sellers need a clear strategy, and both sides benefit from local guidance and up-to-date market knowledge.

For anyone thinking about buying or selling in Abbotsford, Mission, or the surrounding Fraser Valley, now is the time to look closely at the numbers, understand your options, and make a plan based on today’s market — not last year’s expectations.