On March 10, 2025, the Province of British Columbia introduced major updates to the BC Building Code (BCBC) 2024, setting higher requirements for building safety, accessibility, and climate performance. These updates are intended to make buildings more resilient, inclusive, and aligned with BC’s climate goals. Here's a brief synopsis of the changes

🏗️ Seismic Design Provisions: Building for Resilience

With seismic risks top of mind in areas like parts of the Lower Mainland, the updated code includes stricter seismic design standards.

• Goal: Prevent structural collapse during earthquakes

• How: Updated design criteria reflect the latest scientific data and seismic hazard maps

• Who it affects: New builds in higher-risk seismic zones, including Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland

The Province is also exploring mass timber construction as a cost-effective way to meet these new requirements.

♿ Adaptable Dwelling Units: Making Homes More Inclusive

The BCBC 2024 now requires certain residential buildings to include adaptable units—homes that can be easily modified to meet the needs of people with mobility challenges, whether due to aging, injury, or illness.

Here's what’s required:

• 1 in 5 units in larger residential buildings must be adaptable

• 1 in 5 ground-level units in small apartment or condo buildings must meet the standard

These units must include:

• Wider doorways and accessible travel paths

• Turning space in kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms

• Lower placement of light switches and controls

• Reinforced bathroom walls for future grab bar installation

🌱 Zero Carbon Step Code: Tracking GHG Emissions

For the first time, the Zero Carbon Step Code has been introduced into the BC Building Code. While it starts out as voluntary, all new buildings must now meet Level 1, which includes:

• Measuring and reporting operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

• Using approved tools and energy models during design

• Preparing for future, stricter levels on the road to zero-carbon buildings by 2030

Municipalities like Vancouver are already requiring more than the minimums, mandating even higher ZCSC levels for new developments.

🔌 What About Net-Zero?

The BC Energy Step Code, which works in tandem with the Zero Carbon Step Code, continues toward a goal of net-zero energy-ready construction by 2032.

Here’s the timeline:

• 2022: All new homes must be 20% more energy efficient than before

• 2027: Step up to 40%

• 2032: Net-zero energy-ready becomes the standard

Together, these codes push the building industry toward homes and buildings that use less energy and produce fewer emissions, without sacrificing comfort.

🕰️ Transition Period & What’s Next

Projects that began design work before March 8, 2024, may still use the previous (2018) code—as long as they apply for a building permit by March 8, 2027.

If you're applying for permits on or after March 10, 2025, these new rules apply in full.

🌱 Zero Carbon Step Code: Tracking and Reducing GHG Emissions

The BCBC 2024 incorporates the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC)— a voluntary standard designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new buildings. As of March 10, 2025, all new buildings must meet at least Level 1 of the ZCSC.  

What Level 1 Requires:

• Measurement and Disclosure: Builders must measure and report the expected operational GHG emissions of the building, based on energy usage and fuel types.

• Tracking Systems: Buildings must include systems to monitor and report emissions going forward. This ensures that ongoing performance is aligned with design expectations.

These Province says these requirements lay the foundation for future steps toward zero-carbon buildings by 2030 and net-zero energy-ready buildings by 2032. Municipalities have the option to mandate higher levels depending on local climate action plans—with Vancouver already requiring more.

What do you think? It’s obvious this will increase construction costs and ultimately cost more for the end user. Do you think it’s worth it? Maybe there are ways to mitigate extra costs through grant programs and tax incentives?

In a surprising turn, Metro Vancouver’s real estate market is presenting a rare opportunity — yet many buyers are sitting on the sidelines.

The latest data from the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) shows that March 2025 was the slowest March for home sales since 2019, despite a significant increase in listings and improved conditions for buyers.

🏡 Sales Hit a Multi-Year Low

Only 2,091 homes sold in March — a 13.4% decrease from March 2024 and 36.8% below the 10-year seasonal average. That’s a major slowdown, especially for a time of year when we typically see activity picking up.

So what’s going on?

📈 Listings Are Rising — A Lot

While sales are down, supply is way up.

• 6,455 new listings came online in March — a 29% increase from last year and 15.8% above the 10-year average.

• Total active listings now sit at 14,546 — nearly 38% higher than a year ago and almost 45% above the 10-year average.

This means more choice for buyers — and, in many segments, more leverage too.

⚖️ A Balanced Market (With Buyer-Friendly Pockets)

The sales-to-active listings ratio — a key indicator of market pressure — currently sits at 14.9%, suggesting a balanced market overall. But when we break it down by property type:

• Detached homes: 10.3% (buyer's market territory)

• Attached (townhomes): 21.5% (borderline seller’s market)

• Apartments: 16.2% (balanced)

Historically, ratios below 12% lead to downward pressure on prices, while sustained levels above 20% push prices up.

💵 What’s Happening with Prices?

Prices have remained relatively flat year-over-year, with some slight month-over-month gains as the spring market approaches:

• Detached homes:
  Benchmark price = $2,034,400
  ↑ 0.8% from March 2024 | ↑ 0.4% from February 2025

• Townhomes:
  Benchmark price = $1,113,100
  ↓ 0.8% from March 2024 | ↑ 0.2% from February 2025

• Apartments:
  Benchmark price = $767,300
  ↓ 0.9% from March 2024 | ↑ 1.0% from February 2025

The market most closely resembles early 2023 — a slow start, followed by more activity in late spring and summer. Whether that pattern repeats will depend on how buyers respond to these favorable conditions.

🎯 What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, especially those who’ve been waiting for prices to stabilize or selection to improve, this is the window. Mortgage rates are among the lowest we’ve seen in years, prices have eased, and there’s more inventory than at any point in nearly a decade.

For sellers, the key is pricing and presentation. While the market is balanced overall, detached homes are feeling pressure — but well-prepared properties in sought-after locations are still moving.

🤝 Let’s Talk Strategy

Thinking about buying, selling, or maybe both? Timing plays a big role — and knowing what’s happening in your part of the market can really help you make the right move.

If you're curious about how this all fits into your plans, I'm always up for a chat.

📩 Reach out anytime — even if you're just starting to explore what’s possible.