Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

When we talk about housing affordability in BC, it’s easy to focus on home prices alone—but that’s only part of the story. As someone who has worked with clients from all backgrounds, I’ve seen firsthand that income levels are just as critical in determining whether homeownership is within reach. Recently, the provincial government proposed taxing newly completed condos left vacant and unsold, aiming to encourage more inventory to hit the market and potentially ease pricing for buyers.

What’s important to note is that even as the BC market has been correcting—with slow sales, fewer presales, and developers facing high construction and financing costs—the core challenge remains: moving inventory while supporting affordability. Real Estate and construction contribute roughly 28% of BC’s GDP, and construction alone supports over 190,000 jobs. This means that affordability is closely tied not just to prices, but to household incomes and the broader economic landscape.

The takeaway for all of us—whether you’re a local buyer, new immigrant, or investor—is that improving affordability requires ongoing work on housing costs and supply, but also a focus on strengthening incomes through investment, productivity, and a more diversified economy. Having helped families and investors navigate these shifts over the years, I know that a holistic view is essential for long-term success in the Vancouver market.

The latest Metro Vancouver data reveals a nuanced shift in our housing market, with apartment sales leading the recent cooling trend. In late Q3, there were 1,700 residential sales across Metro Vancouver, but the softer activity was most evident among apartments: 777 units changed hands, compared to 575 detached and 358 attached home sales. This paints a clear picture of where buyer interest held up—and where it eased. New listings remained strong, with 5,900 properties added to the market, creating a wider selection for buyers to consider. Inventory reached 16,400 homes, supporting more thorough comparison shopping across neighborhoods and property types. The composite benchmark price settled at $1.08 million. As a local economist pointed out, it’s primarily end-users driving transactions now, while many investors are waiting for conditions to become more favorable. Drawing from over 16 years of experience helping families, newcomers, and international buyers navigate Vancouver real estate, I continue to see how shifting supply and demand dynamics shape opportunities in this vibrant market.

As we review the latest Metro Vancouver real estate data, it’s clear that the market remains highly segmented by property type. In late Q3, overall home sales reached 1,700—about 8% lower than last year and roughly 25% below the ten-year seasonal average. What stands out most is the notable slowdown in apartment transactions: sales in this segment dropped nearly 19%, while detached and attached homes showed more resilience. New listings declined about 10% year-over-year to 5,900, though that figure still sits 6% above the decade norm. Active inventory climbed to 16,400, a level about 24% higher than the long-term average. The sales-to-active listings ratio hovered near 11%, just under the 12% level historically associated with sustained price pressure here in Vancouver. The benchmark price for Metro Vancouver settled near $1.08 million in late Q3, down 6% from a year ago and a touch lower month-over-month. Across all property segments, we’ve seen a cumulative decrease of about 3% since the start of the year.

With over 16 years advising families, newcomers, and global investors on Vancouver real estate, I know firsthand how these shifts can influence both short-term decisions and long-term strategies—especially for those navigating cross-border or investment-focused moves. As always, understanding the nuances behind these numbers is key to building lasting value in our dynamic market.

Vancouver’s real estate market continued to adjust in late Q3, with 2,300 home sales recorded—activity that remains below the city’s historical averages. As both buyers and sellers adapt to shifting conditions, I’m seeing more choice return to the market: 5,400 new listings brought active inventory to 11,400 homes, giving buyers an expanded selection at all price points.

The benchmark residential price held steady around $1.2M, reflecting how increased inventory is easing some of the upward pressure we saw earlier in the year. According to the board’s economist, the pace is steady as we move toward a more balanced market—one where buyers have room to explore their options, and sellers benefit from stable pricing that supports their planning.

Over 16 years of guiding Vancouver families and global investors, I’ve found that navigating these cycles with local expertise and a global perspective helps clients make confident decisions—whether you’re settling your family here or building your investment portfolio for the long term.

Vancouver’s real estate market has experienced a notable adjustment, with home prices declining approximately 10% over the past year and about 20% from their 2022 peak. These figures reflect a meaningful cooling from the rapid appreciation we saw in recent years. As inventory builds, economic growth slows, and potential rate hikes loom, current conditions suggest prices are likely to remain subdued for the near term, rather than stage a swift rebound. For those navigating this evolving landscape—whether local families, newcomers, or global investors—understanding the interplay between supply, growth, and financing is essential to making informed decisions. With over 16 years advising clients across residential, luxury, and investment properties in Vancouver, I remain committed to providing clear guidance through changing market dynamics.