Why Many BC Buyers Are Hitting Pause in 2026 And How to Know If Waiting Makes Sense

I'm John Lee, founder of Arise Mortgage Corp. in Vancouver, BC. And the question I keep hearing from buyers across the province right now is the same one: should I buy now, or wait for things to settle down?

It's a fair question. But the answer is rarely what people expect.

What's Happening in BC Right Now

The market has slowed. Borrowing costs are still elevated. Economic headlines keep shifting. And a lot of buyers who were ready to move six months ago are still on the sidelines.

That's not surprising. But slower activity doesn't automatically mean waiting is the right call.

Why Buyers Are Hesitating

Most buyers I talk to aren't frozen because they can't buy. They're frozen because they're afraid of making the wrong move.

What if rates drop after I buy? What if prices fall further? What if I wait and conditions improve?

These are real concerns. But waiting carries its own risks, and most people underestimate them.

The Cost of Waiting

Trying to time the market rarely works. When confidence returns, it tends to come back fast. More buyers re-enter at the same time. Prices respond quickly in supply-constrained markets. The negotiating power that exists right now disappears.

And every month spent waiting is another month you're not building equity.

Softer markets create real opportunities. The question is whether you're in a position to use them.

The Question Worth Asking

Most buyers are asking: "What will the market do next?"

That's the wrong question. Nobody knows the answer, not economists, not lenders, not me.

The better question is: "Am I financially and personally ready to buy?"

Can you comfortably afford today's payment? Are you planning to stay for several years? Does buying support your goals right now? Are you buying based on need, not speculation?

If those answers are yes, waiting may not improve your outcome as much as you think.

What to Do If You're Buying in the Next 6 to 12 Months

Get pre-approved now. Know your real numbers before you start shopping. Run payment scenarios at different rate levels so nothing surprises you. Build a strategy around your timeline, not around headlines.

The Right Time to Buy

It's not when the market feels perfectly calm. It's when your finances, goals, and strategy align.

If you're trying to figure out whether now makes sense for your situation, let's map out your numbers. DM me or book a call below.

Written by John Lee, Mortgage Professional at Arise Mortgage Corp., Vancouver BC.