If you are wondering what the market is doing right now, you are not alone. It is the question we hear most from buyers and sellers. As South Surrey and White Rock realtors, we like to answer it with real numbers rather than headlines, so here is a plain-language look at the latest data and what it may mean for you.
Source: Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB), September 2026 statistics, released in early October. FVREB reports South Surrey together with White Rock, so some figures cover the wider area. All prices are MLS® Home Price Index benchmark prices, which describe a typical home, not any one property.
The Big Picture
Across the Fraser Valley, the board recorded 922 sales in September. That is 2 per cent below August and 4 per cent below September of last year. The composite benchmark price fell about 1 per cent from August and about 7 per cent from a year ago. The board's own commentary describes buyers as cautious, with sellers facing more pressure to stand out.
More Choice for Buyers
More sellers came back to the market after a quieter summer. The board reported 2,818 new listings in September, up 19 per cent from August but 18 per cent below September of last year. Active listings were essentially unchanged at 9,763, which is 31 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average. In plain terms, buyers have more homes to choose from than they typically do at this time of year.
What We Are Seeing in South Surrey and White Rock
For South Surrey and White Rock, the detached-home benchmark price in September was $1,612,500, down about 7.4 per cent from September of last year. Townhome and apartment benchmark prices were also lower over the year across the board's reporting areas, with condos seeing the largest declines. In White Rock, the board recorded 30 sales in September.
These are area-wide benchmarks. Individual streets, buildings, and homes can perform very differently, which is why local knowledge and a current market evaluation matter so much.
What It May Mean for Buyers
More choice and more time. Higher inventory can mean less pressure and more room to negotiate on some homes.
Cautious does not mean easy. Well-priced, well-presented homes still draw interest, and weaker demand does not mean every home is a bargain.
Do your due diligence. More choice makes it easier to be selective, so take the time for inspections, strata document reviews, and financing.
Avoid trying to time the bottom. No one can predict exactly where prices will go. A better question is whether a specific home suits your needs and budget for the long term.
What It May Mean for Sellers
Price to today's market. Homes sold last year or last spring are not always the best guide. Current competing listings and recent sales matter most.
Preparation matters more. When buyers have more options, condition, staging, photography, and presentation make a bigger difference.
Be patient and flexible. Showings and offers may take longer, so plan your timeline accordingly.
Consider your own goals. If you must sell, a clear plan helps. If you have flexibility, there is no rule that says you must list at any particular time.
A Note on Reading Market Stats
Benchmark prices are a helpful guide, but they are not a prediction and they are not a valuation of your home. A market evaluation by a realtor, which looks at recent comparable sales, current competition, and your home's condition, is a much better tool for deciding on a price. Remember too that statistics are a snapshot of a past month and can change as new data is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a buyer's market in South Surrey and White Rock? The board's data shows more inventory and softer prices, and its commentary says conditions favour buyers across the Fraser Valley. Conditions vary by property type and neighbourhood, so ask your realtor about your specific segment.
Should I wait to buy or sell? That depends on your situation. We would rather help you plan around your goals and finances than guess at the market. A conversation about your timeline is the best starting point.
Where can I see the official numbers? The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board publishes monthly statistics on its website, typically in the first few days of the following month.
The Bottom Line
The numbers show a market with more choice and softer prices, and the right move depends on your home, your goals, and your timeline. If you would like to talk through what this means for you, we would be glad to help.
This post is general information based on publicly reported statistics and is not a forecast, appraisal, or financial advice. Market conditions change, and results vary by property. Speak with your realtor about your specific situation.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.