Expat Housing Guide: Moving to Vancouver

Vancouver's housing market is notoriously competitive and among the most expensive in North America. Prices have shown a consistent upward trend over the past decade, despite occasional cooling periods. The city offers diverse housing options including high-rise condominiums downtown, character houses in older neighborhoods, townhomes, and low-rise apartment buildings. The market is highly international, with significant foreign investment influencing prices, particularly in luxury segments. Limited land availability due to geographic constraints (mountains, ocean, and agricultural reserves) contributes to housing scarcity and high prices. Rental vacancy rates typically hover below 1%, creating intense competition for available units.