Vancouver Real Estate Podcast

After 38 years of building homes in Vancouver, Polygon President & CEO Neil Chrystal knows a thing or two about market cycles. Spoiler alert: he's finally seeing signs of recovery in a downturn he believes has been even more severe than the infamous leaky condo crisis of the late 1990s. Neil sits down with Adam & Matt this week to share battle-tested insights on navigating Vancouver's challenging housing market and reveal the reputation-building strategy that's helped Polygon weather every storm from the 80s to today.From the new GST relief for first-time buyers to why foreign buyer bans are backfiring, this conversation cuts through the doom and gloom to reveal where smart money is moving. Neil breaks down why townhomes are selling while towers sit empty, and explains why now might actually be a generational opportunity to buy.Is it always darkest before the dawn? Why have investors completely disappeared when they're usually bottom-fishing by now? And what's the one factor that m

What happens when a skeptical renter starts investigating Vancouver's housing crisis from the inside? Storey’s journalist Howard Chai sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal how three years of covering the Vancouver real estate market completely flipped his perspective on who's really to blame for BC's housing mess.From chasing breaking news about developer insolvencies to uncovering the brutal reality of 25% interest rates crushing inexperienced builders, Howard shares the behind-the-scenes reality of an industry most people misunderstand.What's the real story behind all these developer bankruptcies and does it signal something more troubling about our market? How has covering real estate changed Howard's view of how politics, policy & markets actually work? And why does he believe the conversation around the role of real estate investors in our market is about to completely shift? Don't miss this rare look behind the curtain of real estate reporting and market reality!

Real estate is at a crossroads as technology disruption, economic uncertainty, and litigation reshape the industry landscape. British Columbia Real Estate Association CEO Trevor Koot and Greater Vancouver Realtors CEO Jeff King sit down with Adam & Matt to discuss the seismic shifts transforming the profession.From the alarming parallels to the music industry's Napster moment to the looming threat of a decade-long economic malaise, they pull no punches about what lies ahead for the real estate profession. But not all is lost! Their candid insights reveal not just immediate threats but also exciting opportunities as AI tools, market transparency demands, and consumer expectations evolve at lightning speed.How can individual agents adapt and thrive amidst this perfect storm of disruption? What major changes should consumers expect in as little as 12 to 18 months? And is this a classic case of major change happening gradually, then suddenly?Don't miss this essential conversation for anyone connected

"Survive Till '25" was the mantra, but what happens now that we're here? Anthem Properties' Senior VP of Finance Michael Ferreira and President of Anthem Holdings Canada Jordan Carlson sit down with Adam & Matt to discuss the considerable headwinds facing Vancouver's real estate market amid unprecedented global uncertainty.From Trump tariffs to completed but unsold inventory, this candid conversation reveals the stark realities developers face while highlighting potential "green shoots" that might signal better days ahead. Despite pre-sale markets being "essentially non-existent," the Anthem executives share why they remain cautiously optimistic about the second half of 2025.Have completed inventory levels created a rare buying opportunity for end-users right now? How are developers like Anthem creating bespoke incentive programs to address the unique challenges facing today's hesitant purchasers? And why do these industry veterans believe Downtown Vancouver rep

Federal election results are in and housing reforms emerge as a critical focus for Mark Carney's Liberal government - but will they adopt the solutions that could actually make a difference?BCREA's Senior Vice President Trevor Hargreaves sits down with Adam & Matt to outline 10 immediate actions needed to address Canada's housing crisis. From expanding trades education to establishing a permanent housing roundtable, Trevor makes his case for change & rates each recommendation on a scale of 1-10 for likelihood of implementation.Will the new government finally break Canada's housing gridlock? Can the Liberals afford to implement ambitious initiatives while facing new economic challenges from the Trump threat? And with Carney bringing a fresh leadership approach that seems more open to private sector collaboration, are we witnessing a turning point in how Canada tackles its deepening housing crisis? The future is now!

The votes are in, but what does a Mark Carney-led Liberal minority government actually mean for Vancouver's struggling housing market amid Trump's trade war? UBC Sauder School of Business Associate Professor Tom Davidoff sits down with Adam and Matt to decode the election results and their potential impact on everything from condo values to rental rates across Metro Vancouver.Davidoff reveals why he's cautiously optimistic about certain market segments despite current headwinds from trade uncertainties and identifies specific policy proposals that could stimulate development in ways previous governments failed to achieve. Will Carney's unique background as an economist help navigate both housing challenges and trade war pressures? Could a strategic immigration policy shift be the answer to absorbing unsold inventory in this uncertain climate? And might the current economic conditions actually create the perfect environment for key density reforms while offsetting tariff impacts?Essential liste

Mortgage renewal anxiety has hit Metro Vancouver homeowners as 2025's "renewal wall" approaches and monthly payments potentially double.Green Mortgage Team CEO Kyle Green sits down with Adam and Matt to reveal insider strategies for navigating today's volatile lending environment and negotiate better rates during the renewal process. From the impact of Trump's tariffs on bond yields (and fixed mortgage rates) to the mathematical formula that determines when to break a mortgage early, this episode delivers crucial tactics for anyone facing renewal in the coming months.Should you lock in a fixed rate or gamble on variable rates dropping further? Why are banks suddenly offering competitive renewal rates after years of subpar offers and how can you evaluate them quickly? And with "no easy deals" in today's market, what unconventional financing options exist for those who can't afford payment shock? Get ready for a mortgage masterclass!

Remember when savvy buyers snapped up brand-new, developer-owned inventory at the Olympic Village during receivership and made out like bandits?That rare opportunity may be back...if you know where to look. Vice President, Client Services at Rennie Jack Bernard sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal an opportunity that will bring you back to 2010. Paging Miga & Quatchi! From his unique vantage point working with top developers, Jack shares exclusive intel on today's opportunities and on the direction of the Vancouver real estate market more generally, from developers shockingly turning down density allowances in transit corridors to the rise of the "family investor" as a new buyer class.What community consistently remains underbuilt, creating continuous upward price pressure? Which three specific areas would Jack personally invest in right now? And which unexpected factor does Jack believe is more important than price when it comes to reviving Vancouver's real estate market? You need to

Is Vancouver's ambitious Broadway Plan creating a housing solution or a planning nightmare?This week Globe and Mail award-winning journalist Frances Bula sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack the plan transforming Kitsilano, Fairview, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods along the Broadway corridor. And the early signs are concerning. From poor street integration to the shocking focus on a single building type, Bula breaks down how what was sold as a West End-style transformation has so far resulted in 150 near-identical tower proposals that could turn cherished Vancouver neighborhoods into something closer to a Soviet-era suburb.Has Vancouver entirely abandoned its historically thoughtful approach to neighborhood planning? How can the city better balance the urgent need for more housing with creating neighborhoods that actually work for both new and existing residents? And what does a botched Broadway Plan potentially mean for transit improvements across Metro Vancouver for decades to come?Plus, hear Fran

The Vancouver real estate market has once again defied expectations-this time to thedownside, with March sales plummeting 36.8% below the 10-year average despite lowerinterest rates & inventory at healthy levels. Tariff uncertainty has hit the market hard...Or has it?Director of Economics and Data Analytics at Greater Vancouver Realtors Andrew Lis sits downwith Adam & Matt to examine whether Trump's tariffs truly explain the puzzling absence ofbuyers despite favorable buying conditions. Spoiler: Lisdoesn't think so. From overregulationfatigue to shifting demographics, this conversation explores the deeper forces potentiallyreshaping Vancouver's housing psychology.Has the shine permanently faded from Vancouverreal estate after years of policy intervention? Why are sellers steadily entering the market whilebuyers remain mysteriously sidelined? And what economic trigger might finally unleash thesubstantial pent-up demand Andrew believes is quietly building behind the scenes? Don't missthi

Great real estate investors always think big & the “Investorpreuner” Peter Leung is definitely not the exception. Peter’s real estate holdings span multiple continents & across varied asset classes. Adam & Matt sit down with Peter on today’s episode to chart his path from humble Vancouver beginnings to overseeing a bona fide global real estate empire from his perch in Hong Kong. Who is every real estate investor’s most important partner? How do you scale a real estate portfolio quickly, effectively & safely in any market? And why does a global investing strategy always provide better investment opportunities? You want strategies to level up? We got you covered today!

While many investors are stuck on the sidelines, smart money is quietly finding deals in unexpected markets despite economic uncertainty. Hawkeye Wealth President Justin Smith sits down with Adam & Matt to navigate today's complex investment landscape where caution abounds but opportunity still exists.From analyzing how Trump's tariffs are impacting business decisions to explaining why his company is finding attractive deals in US multifamily markets, Justin provides a balanced perspective on North American real estate. While acknowledging Canada's current headwinds, he remains optimistic that we've reached a turning point where our nation will begin to unlock its immense potential in resources, talent, and geographic advantages.Has the Canadian real estate market finally reached a price point where smart investors should jump back in? What makes Portland and other US markets attractive for Canadian investors despite the exchange rate? And with transformative technologies like self-driving

What happens when 15,000 active listings meet only 2,000 quarterly sales? Former Urban Analytics co-owner and current Zonda Urban VP Jon Bennest sits down with Adam & Matt to reveal why half of Metro Vancouver's pre-sale inventory could up and vanish from the market in the next two years. Drawing on exclusive market data and 20 years of industry expertise, Jon explains the dramatic implications of the shift from investor-driven to end-user markets where many projects struggle to reach even 30% sold. From standing inventory opportunities to the challenges facing major developments, this insider conversation reveals exactly where the opportunities and pitfalls lie for buyers navigating today's uncertain market. What exactly defines the "Goldilocks Zone" where certain projects are still selling briskly? How many interest rate cuts will finally "bring the market back"? And what counterintuitive investment strategy does Jon favour that contradicts conventional wisdom about chasing hot n

Trump's shocking 25% tariffs, unprecedented economic uncertainty, and a trade assault on Canada with no clear demands...and we are only mid week. Gulp.Mortgage industry veteran Dustan Woodhouse sits down with Adam & Matt to discuss the immediate challenges reshaping Vancouver's real estate landscape in early 2025. From Warren Buffett calling tariffs "an act of war" to Dustan's surprising reversal on fixed vs. variable mortgages in 2025, this conversation unpacks the hard realities facing our housing market and the larger Canadian economic landscape.Is this the tipping point that transforms Vancouver's real estate landscape for decades to come? Will the traditionally resilient Vancouver market once again defy economic gravity? And with uncertainty becoming the norm rather than the exception, how should sellers, buyers and investors position themselves for what's coming next? Don't miss this timely, insightful conversation!

Can cities build desperately needed housing while preserving their architectural soul? Developer and Vancouver Heritage Commission Chair James Evans sits down with Adam & Matt to explore this pressing dilemma facing Vancouver's most cherished neighborhoods.From his stunning Gibson House project - which reimagined a 1907 mansion and convent into seven unique homes in East Van - to the surprising market appetite for historic properties, Evans reveals why there's still hope for thoughtful density in Vancouver's future.This wide-ranging conversation tackles the unintended consequences of new multiplex zoning and practical solutions for adding homes while maintaining community character.Can Vancouver densify without losing its historic charm? Why is saving heritage homes becoming harder despite strong buyer demand? And with recent provincial mandates inadvertently encouraging demolition over preservation, what policy changes could help save Vancouver's architectural legacy? An essential listen

Recent changes to BC's rental regulations are reshaping how landlords need to operate in Metro Vancouver. Cedar Coast Law Group Partner Mark Trischuk sits down with Adam & Matt this week to break down the latest regulatory updates and share proven strategies for navigating today's rental landscape.From critical changes to landlord's "own use" provisions to new timelines for selling tenanted properties, this episode delivers essential updates and practical solutions for property owners.How will upcoming regulation changes affect your ability to manage your rental property? What creative strategies are savvy landlords using to ensure smooth transitions when selling to end users? And with a growing trend of landlords offering two months' rent for mutual agreements to end tenancy, is this approach the new blueprint for success in Vancouver's evolving rental market?Don't miss this timely discussion packed with actionable insights for both new and experienced landlords!

BC needs to build more homes in the next 20 years than it has in the last 40 years combined just to house its growing population.Rennie VP of Advisory Services Andrew Ramlo and Real Estate Institute of BC President Clayton Olson sit down with Adam & Matt this week to unpack their groundbreaking "Demography and Demand" report - the first of its kind in nearly 20 years. From the urgent need for 685,000 new homes in Metro Vancouver to the ongoing exodus of talent from the real estate sector, this data-rich conversation reveals both challenges and opportunities in BC's evolving real estate market.Will the province be able to meet unprecedented housing demands? Which real estate careers offer the brightest future in different regions of BC? And with housing demand for owner-occupied properties outpacing rental growth, what product types should investors be eyeing for 2041? Essential listening for anyone interested in the future of BC real estate!

Getting fired during the 2008 market slowdown taught Caliber Projects CEO Justin Bontkes how to spot opportunity in tough times - and he sees them everywhere today.Justin sits down with Adam & Matt this week to reveal why more challenging real estate markets create compelling opportunities & provides a blueprint for exactly how he & his team are taking advantage of this moment. From maximizing efficiencies to a renewed focus on team culture, this conversation cuts to the heart of a smart growth strategy in today's marketplace.Is fortune finally starting to favor the bold? How can today's actions lead to explosive growth tomorrow? And in a market that rewards careful planning, what separates the winners from the pretenders? Don't miss this one!

With the largest US-Canada bond yield spread in 70 years & unprecedented trade threats looming, Moody's Analytics Director and Lead Canadian Economic Forecaster Brendan Lacerda sits down with Adam & Matt to unpack what Trump's tariff threats mean for our market.From Moody's baseline 5% tariff forecast to worst-case scenarios of 25%, Lacerda explores how these economic headwinds and diverging interest rates could reshape Vancouver real estate in 2025.Will the Bank of Canada's projected rate cuts spark market momentum? What do outsized tariffs mean for our local real estate market? And with Canada and US economies heading in opposite directions, what does this rare economic divergence mean for all Canadians? Don't miss this market update!

With interest rates, housing inventory, and sales all seeming to stabilize, could 2025 finally bring a return to "normal" in the Metro Vancouver real estate market?Not so fast. BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson sits down with Adam & Matt this week to decode the mixed market signals ahead and reveals why Vancouver's real estate landscape could be on the verge of its biggest shake-up yet. With the potential Trump tariff of 25% on Canadian exports looming and impacts that could trigger emergency rate cuts or spiraling inflation, this is definitely not your typical market forecast.What geopolitical event could send Canadian interest rates ratcheting back up? Where will home prices be at the end of 2025? And with the Canadian dollar potentially facing historic lows, is now the time to buy? Don't miss this essential market forecast!