What is the rental vacancy rate in Vancouver right now?
The vacancy rate is the share of rental units sitting empty in Vancouver. A low number means rentals are scarce — which pushes rents up and can push renters toward buying.
Rental Vacancy · Vancouver CMA (CMHC, annual)·Updated Jan 2025
3.7%
Updated annually · ▲ 2.1 pp vs last year
The percentage of rental units in Vancouver that are currently empty. A low vacancy rate means rentals are scarce, which puts upward pressure on rents and can push renters toward buying.
Recent trend
Last 24 months
What this means for Vancouver right now
As of June 2026, Vancouver's strongest market signal is Hold at 69% — Buy 55%, Hold 69%, Sell 41%.
Market conditions currently favour holding — inventory is balanced and supply and demand are in balance.
What this means for you
If you're buying
A tight rental market (low vacancy) often nudges renters into buying, adding demand. A looser market eases that pressure.
If you're selling
Low vacancy supports rental demand and can make income properties more attractive to buyers.
Vancouver market context
Canada's most expensive market, shaped by tight supply and high entry costs.
Unemployment Rate · British Columbia (Statistics Canada)
6.2%
Common questions
Is now a good time to buy in Vancouver?
As of June 2026, Vancouver's strongest market signal is Hold (69%). Market conditions currently favour holding — inventory is balanced and supply and demand are in balance. Not financial advice.
What is a healthy vacancy rate?
Around 3% is generally considered balanced; below that, rentals are tight and rents tend to rise.
How often is the Vancouver vacancy rate updated?
CMHC publishes it once a year, so it changes annually rather than monthly.
Wondering if it's a good time to buy in Vancouver?