As seen in Business in Vancouver— developers across Metro Vancouver are rolling out unprecedented presale incentives to reignite demand.
A Turning Point in the Presale Market
After years of rising construction costs and higher borrowing rates, the Vancouver presale condo market has slowed sharply.
Many projects remain viable, but developers are now competing for a smaller pool of qualified buyers.
The result is a wave of developer incentives designed to pull hesitant buyers off the sidelines.
Presales that once sold out within days are now offering thousands of dollars in credits or more flexible terms.
“We are seeing the most aggressive incentive environment since 2018,” said Mike Stewart, Vancouver Realtor,
in comments reported by Business in Vancouver.
What Kind of Incentives Are Out There?
Across Metro Vancouver, presale projects are advertising a range of offers aimed squarely at buyers who are cautious about rates and timelines:
- Reduced deposits, in some cases as low as 5%
- Completion incentives such as cash credits or decorating allowances
- Included parking or storage that previously cost extra
- More flexible assignment clauses, allowing buyers to resell contracts before completion
In a high-rate environment, these concessions can offset months of mortgage costs, or make a presale purchase
possible for first-time buyers who would otherwise remain on the sidelines.
Why This Phase Matters for Buyers
The combination of stabilising interest rates, slower sales and strong long-term fundamentals in Greater Vancouver
has created a narrow window where buyers have more leverage than usual.
Historically, periods when incentives are most generous tend to align with the softer parts of the cycle.
As sentiment recovers and sales volumes normalise, many of these incentives are withdrawn, and the market reverts
to favouring developers.
Mike Stewart, who tracks presale trends across Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley and West Vancouver, notes that this phase
rewards informed buyers.
“The key is knowing which incentives are meaningful and which are just marketing. Some are worth tens of thousands, others far less.”
How to Take Advantage of Vancouver Presale Incentives
- Track projects that genuinely offer incentives.
Use our dedicated Vancouver Presale Incentive Grid to see projects that currently have meaningful offers. - Compare the real value, not just the headline.
A slightly lower deposit may matter less than a genuine price credit, an upgrade package, or included parking.
Look at the full cost of ownership, not just the marketing line. - Work with a presale specialist who speaks to developers daily.
Incentives change frequently. A connected Realtor can verify what is current, negotiate extras,
and flag projects where incentives may mask deeper issues. - Stay informed as conditions shift.
Sign up for presale updates from Mike Stewart to receive a curated summary of active incentives by city,
project type and completion date.
What This Signals About the Market
The surge in incentives is not just a marketing tactic; it is a clear signal that the balance of power has tilted,
at least temporarily, towards buyers. Developers need firm contracts to satisfy lenders and keep projects moving.
Buyers who are well briefed can use this pressure to improve their own position.
Check out Mike’s interview with News1130 on the presale market in 2026.