What Buyers are Looking for in 2025
Vancouver’s real estate market is competitive — not just for buyers, but for sellers too. With new condos, high-end renovations, and increasingly discerning buyers entering the market, it takes more than a fresh coat of paint to stand out.
Whether you're preparing to list your downtown condo or your East Van family home, knowing what buyers are looking for in 2025 can give you a serious edge.
Here are the top features today’s Vancouver buyers are actively searching for — and how to make sure your home checks the right boxes.
1. 🧱 Move-In Ready Is King
Buyers are busy. Many are paying top dollar for homes — and they’re looking for value and convenience. A move-in-ready home removes barriers and creates instant emotional appeal.
✅ Fresh, neutral paint
✅ Updated lighting and flooring
✅ Modern appliances
✅ Clean, functional bathrooms and kitchens
💡 Seller tip: If your home needs cosmetic updates, even a modest refresh (like resurfacing cabinets or updating hardware) can make a big difference.
2. 🧑💻 Dedicated Work-From-Home Space
Even with return-to-office policies, remote work is here to stay — and buyers want a space they can Zoom from.
Especially in condos or townhomes, buyers look for:
- Built-in desks or flex rooms
- Light-filled corners that can double as an office
- Soundproofing or door separation from main areas
📐 Consider: If you have a den or underused nook, stage it as a home office. Don’t let buyers guess — show them the potential.
3. 🔌 EV-Ready Parking & Sustainable Features
Vancouver buyers are eco-conscious — and many are future-focused. EV infrastructure is no longer a bonus — it’s becoming an expectation.
✔ EV-capable or EV-installed parking stalls
✔ Energy-efficient appliances
✔ LED lighting
✔ Double- or triple-pane windows
✔ Low-flow toilets and water-saving fixtures
🌱 Bonus points: LEED-certified buildings or homes with solar potential can become real differentiators, especially for younger buyers.
4. 📦 Smart Storage Solutions
Vancouver living often means smaller spaces, especially in condos and townhomes. Buyers crave clever, space-maximizing features.
- In condos: Think built-in shelving, closet organizers, over-the-door storage
- In houses: Mudrooms, garage shelving, crawl space access, or finished basements
🛒 Pro tip: Highlight every bit of usable storage in your listing photos and showings — it adds perceived value.
5. 🏢 Strong Strata (For Condo & Townhome Sellers)
Savvy buyers in 2025 are diving deep into strata documents — especially with rising maintenance fees and insurance costs.
What they want to see:
- Healthy contingency reserve funds
- Regular maintenance (no deferred issues)
- Transparent bylaws
- No upcoming special levies
📄 Get ahead: Order your strata documents early and be ready to answer questions clearly. A well-run building can sell a unit faster than finishes alone.
6. 🔑 Private Outdoor Space
Balconies, patios, rooftops — outdoor space is a premium in Vancouver. Even small balconies can tip the scales if they’re styled well.
- For condos: A staged balcony with seating and greenery
- For houses: Low-maintenance landscaping, fencing for pets, or a cozy deck area
Remember: Buyers imagine their lifestyle there. Show them how it feels to enjoy your outdoor space, even if it's compact.
7. 📶 Smart Tech Integration
Today’s buyers — especially millennials and Gen Z — expect a certain level of tech convenience.
- Smart locks and thermostats
- Video doorbells
- Voice assistant compatibility
- Strong Wi-Fi and wired connections for streaming and work
Pro move: Highlight any smart upgrades in your listing. Even small changes can position your home as “modern” and “move-in ready.”
In Summary
Selling your Vancouver home in 2025 means understanding the mindset of a modern buyer: they’re informed, efficiency-driven, and lifestyle-focused. The homes that sell faster? They’re not always the biggest — they’re the most intentional.
Take a critical look at your space and ask:
✔ Is it move-in ready?
✔ Is it future-proofed (tech, sustainability)?
✔ Does it support how people live now — not 10 years ago?
A few smart upgrades or staging decisions can set you apart — and possibly boost your sale price.