For over a decade, presale condos were the obvious choice in Vancouver real estate. Buyers could lock in a unit at today’s price and, by the time it completed, watch values climb by 20% or more. It felt like free money. Fast forward to 2025, and the story looks very different. Developers are now pricing projects at levels that reflect future gains, not today’s market realities. Meanwhile, resale condos, especially newer ones — are becoming the smarter, more cost-effective option.

So, is it better to buy a presale or resale condo in Vancouver in 2025? Let’s dig into the truths the market is showing us right now.

Why Presales Used to Be a No-Brainer

Back in 2010–2015, buying a presale condo in Vancouver was almost like printing equity. Developers launched projects at conservative price points, leaving room for natural market appreciation. Buyers who put down a deposit often saw double-digit increases before they even picked up their keys.

This created the perception that presales were a safe, low-risk way to get ahead in the Canadian housing market.

What’s Changed in 2025

Today’s presale landscape is far less buyer-friendly. Developers are no longer underpricing units. Instead, they are pricing in future appreciation, meaning they launch projects at valuations that already assume the market will rise.

For example, presale condos in Burnaby and Coquitlam are frequently listed above comparable resale units just a year or two old. In other words, instead of buying below market and riding the appreciation wave, buyers are being asked to pay tomorrow’s price today.

That shift has tilted the balance toward resale condos, which often deliver better value.

The GST Cost That Buyers Forget

One of the biggest financial differences between presale and resale condos is the GST tax.

• Presales: Buyers must pay 5% GST on top of the purchase price. On an $800,000 condo, that’s an extra $40,000.
• Resales (even 1-year-old units): No GST applies, since the first owner has already paid it.

Despite new tax rules around exemptions and rebates, this distinction is huge. A nearly new resale condo can save you tens of thousands of dollars compared to a presale unit in the same neighbourhood.

Why Buyers Still Consider Presales

Presales aren’t without merit, they just come with more caveats now. Benefits include:

• Lower deposits upfront: Many developers accept 5–10% to start, with the balance spread out over construction.
• Brand-new product: Modern amenities, fresh interiors, and full 2-5-10 warranty coverage.
• Time to save: If your completion is in 2027, you have years to build savings or stabilize income.

These perks still matter, particularly for first-time buyers who value flexibility or investors with long horizons.

Why Resales Look More Attractive in 2025

Resale condos, especially those 1–5 years old, offer clear advantages this year:

• No GST: Avoid the 5% premium baked into presales.
• Immediate possession: Move in or rent out right away.
• Negotiation room: Unlike developers, resale sellers may be motivated and open to offers.
• Transparency: You can see the finished product, review strata documents, and assess the neighbourhood.

In today’s market, where affordability is stretched and developers hold firm on pricing, resales often come out ahead.

Vancouver Market Example

Take Brentwood and Lougheed, two of Burnaby’s hottest markets. Presale condos are being launched at premium pricing, while comparable 1–2 year-old resale units in the same towers can be purchased for less, with no GST attached.

That math is pushing many buyers to question whether presales are truly worth it in 2025.

The Bottom Line

Ten years ago, presales were the clear winner. In 2025, the dynamic has flipped. Developers are protecting their margins by pricing projects at future values, leaving less upside for buyers. Meanwhile, resale condos — particularly nearly new units, offer lower costs, no GST, and immediate certainty.

So, is it better to buy a presale or resale condo in Vancouver in 2025? For many buyers, resale is finally taking the lead.