How to Sell Your Vancouver Home
Maximize your sale price with expert guidance. From valuation to closing, we cover everything you need to know about selling in Vancouver's market.
Selling a home in Vancouver in 2026: The standard commission is 7% on the first $100K plus 2.5% on the balance, plus 5% GST. Budget for legal fees ($1K-$2K), mortgage discharge costs, and property tax adjustments. Homes with multiplex development potential can command a significant premium from builders.
7 Steps to Selling Your Vancouver Home
Get a Market Valuation
Know what your home is worth before listing. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) uses recent comparable sales to estimate your property's current market value. This is the foundation of your pricing strategy.
Request a free valuation →Choose the Right Agent
Your listing agent handles pricing strategy, marketing, negotiations, and closing. Look for someone with local expertise, a proven track record, and a strong marketing plan. If your property has multiplex potential, choose an agent with builder connections.
Meet our team →Prepare Your Home
First impressions matter. Declutter, deep clean, handle minor repairs, and consider staging. Professional staging can increase your sale price by 3-5%. Your agent will advise on which improvements offer the best return on investment.
Price It Right
Pricing is the single biggest factor in how quickly and profitably your home sells. Overpricing leads to stale listings and price reductions. Underpricing may leave money on the table. Your CMA and agent's expertise guide this critical decision.
Market and Show
Professional photography, cinematic video tours, targeted digital marketing, and MLS exposure attract qualified buyers. Open houses and private showings give buyers a chance to experience the property in person.
Negotiate Offers
Your agent reviews all offers and advises on price, conditions, deposit amount, completion date, and buyer qualification. In multiple-offer situations, strategic counter-offers can maximize your sale price.
Close the Sale
After accepting an offer, the buyer completes their due diligence. Once subjects are removed, your lawyer handles the paperwork, title transfer, and disbursement. Commission, legal fees, and adjustments are deducted from proceeds.
Estimate your commission costs →Essential Tools for Sellers
The Multiplex Premium: Is Your Property Worth More?
Under BC's Bill 44, most single-family lots in Vancouver are now eligible for multiplex development (up to 6 units). This has created a new category of buyers - builders and developers - who are willing to pay a premium for the right properties.
Why This Matters for Sellers
75+
Active builders in our network competing for properties
20+
Years of builder relationships and market expertise
Top 10%
Medallion Member - Vancouver's top-producing realtors
Most realtors market to individual home buyers only. We market to both buyers and builders simultaneously, creating competition that drives your sale price higher. If your lot qualifies for multiplex development, we ensure every qualified builder in our network sees your listing.
Not sure if your property has multiplex potential? Use our Multiplex Calculator for a quick assessment, or request a free valuation that includes a development potential analysis.
What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Vancouver?
Typical Selling Costs
- Realtor commission: 7% on first $100K + 2.5% on balance + 5% GST
- Legal fees: $1,000 - $2,000
- Mortgage discharge: $200 - $500 (plus penalties if applicable)
- Staging: $2,000 - $5,000 (if needed)
- Pre-sale repairs: Varies
- Moving costs: $1,000 - $5,000+
- Property tax adjustments: Prorated to closing date
Use our commission calculator to estimate your total commission costs based on your expected sale price.
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Multiplex Rezoning Impact on Home Values
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5 Reasons to Build a Multiplex on Your Lot
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to sell a home in Vancouver?
The main cost is realtor commission: 7% on the first $100,000 plus 2.5% on the balance, plus 5% GST. On a $1.5 million sale, total commission with GST is approximately $41,475. Additional costs include legal fees ($1,000-$2,000), mortgage discharge ($200-$500+), staging ($2,000-$5,000 if needed), and moving costs. Budget 5-7% of sale price for total selling costs.
How long does it take to sell a home in Vancouver?
Average days on market in Vancouver varies by property type and market conditions, typically 15-45 days for well-priced properties. Preparation takes 1-3 weeks (staging, photography, marketing setup). After accepting an offer, closing takes 30-60 days. Total timeline from listing to keys: approximately 2-3 months.
Should I stage my home before selling?
Yes, professional staging typically increases sale price by 3-5% and helps properties sell faster. Staged homes photograph better, show better, and help buyers envision themselves living there. For a $1.5 million home, even a 3% increase is $45,000 - far exceeding the $2,000-$5,000 staging cost. Your agent can advise on the best staging strategy.
What is the best time to sell a house in Vancouver?
Spring (March-May) and early fall (September-October) are traditionally the strongest selling seasons in Vancouver with the most buyer activity. However, well-priced properties sell year-round. Your market conditions, personal timeline, and interest rate environment matter more than seasonality. Consult your agent for current market timing advice.
How do I price my Vancouver home for sale?
Pricing is based on a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) that examines recent comparable sales, active competition, market trends, and your property's condition. Overpricing leads to stale listings. Strategic pricing - sometimes slightly below market value - can generate multiple offers and drive the price above asking. Your agent's pricing strategy is critical.
What is the multiplex premium and does my property qualify?
Under BC's Bill 44, most single-family lots can now be developed into multiplexes (up to 6 units). If your property qualifies, it may be worth more to builders than to individual buyers. Our team specializes in marketing to 75+ active builders, creating competition that can significantly increase your sale price. Check our multiplex calculator to assess eligibility.
Do I pay capital gains tax when selling my home in BC?
If the property is your principal residence, the sale is typically exempt from capital gains tax in Canada under the principal residence exemption. However, if you've rented it out, own multiple properties, or it's an investment property, capital gains tax may apply on the profit. BC also has a home flipping tax on properties sold within 2 years. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
Can I sell my home privately without a realtor?
Yes, but it's generally not recommended in Vancouver's complex market. FSBO (For Sale By Owner) homes typically sell for 5-10% less than agent-listed properties and take longer to sell. An experienced agent provides market analysis, MLS exposure, professional marketing, negotiation expertise, and legal protection. The commission cost is usually offset by the higher sale price achieved.
Thinking of Selling Your Vancouver Property?
Get a personalized market analysis and selling strategy. We specialize in helping Vancouver homeowners maximize their sale price, especially for multiplex-potential properties.