Abbotsford & Mission Spotlight

The Fraser Valley housing market entered 2026 with a continued trend toward affordability. For the first time since the spring of 2021, the regional Benchmark price has dipped below $900,000, signaling a significant shift back to pandemic-era pricing levels.

Despite high inventory levels and weakening prices—conditions typically favorable for buyers—market activity remains muted due to broader economic headwinds.

Regional Market Overview: A Buyer’s Market

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) reports that the region is firmly in a buyer’s market. With a sales-to-active listings ratio of just 8%, the market sits well below the 12% to 20% range that typically defines a balanced market.

  • Benchmark Price: $897,200 (Down 1.0% from Dec 2025; Down 6.9% Year-over-Year).

  • Total Sales: 619 units (Down 32.6% from Dec 2025).

  • Active Listings: 7,711 units (Up 10.7% from Dec 2025).

  • New Listings: 3,078 units (A seasonal surge of 128% from December).

“The uncertainty of the past year or so continues to loom large, subduing buyer confidence and muting overall market activity.”

— Tore Jacobsen, FVREB Chair

Abbotsford Market Breakdown

Abbotsford saw a mix of price adjustments in January. While detached homes showed a slight increase in average price, benchmark prices across all categories followed the regional downward trend.

Property Type Benchmark Price Change (Month-over-Month) Average Days on Market
Detached $1,171,700 -2.3% 55
Townhouse $632,600 -0.3% 50
Apartment $397,500 -1.6% 53

Abbotsford’s apartment sector saw the largest year-over-year benchmark price drop at 9.5%, making it an increasingly accessible entry point for first-time buyers.

Mission Market Breakdown

Mission continues to offer competitive pricing relative to the broader Fraser Valley, particularly in the detached and townhouse sectors.

Property Type Benchmark Price Change (Month-over-Month) Sales (Jan 2026)
Detached $948,500 -2.6% 24
Townhouse $655,400 0.0% 5
Apartment $437,100 +1.7% 2

Mission’s detached market benchmark price has fallen 6.0% year-over-year, now sitting under the $950,000 mark.

Executive Insight: The Affordability Challenge

The current market isn’t just reacting to housing prices. According to FVREB CEO Baldev Gill, external financial pressures are playing a massive role in buyer behaviour.

  • Rising day-to-day expenses and wages that haven’t kept pace are creating financial strain.

  • Strategic Planning: Buyers are becoming more circumspect, working with REALTORS® to develop timing strategies rather than rushing into the market.

What This Means for You

  • For Buyers: With inventory 54% above the 10-year seasonal average, selection is high. You have the leverage to negotiate and the time to be selective.

  • For Sellers: Pricing is critical. Homes are taking an average of 50 to 55 days to sell. Working with a professional to position your property correctly against high competition is essential.

Ready to turn these 2025 stats into your 2026 success story? Let’s discuss your local market strategy and how to navigate these balanced conditions. Contact me today to get started!