Is Buying a Home in Vancouver Worth It in 2026? (Rent vs Buy Math)

Are you struggling to decide between buying a home or continuing to rent in Vancouver? In 2026, the Vancouver real estate market has shifted, and the "Rent vs. Buy" debate is more complex than ever. With mortgage rates stabilizing around 4% and rental vacancy rates hitting 3.7%, the math has changed for many families in British Columbia.

In this video, Vancouver Realtor Simon Lu breaks down the hidden costs of renting, the long-term benefits of homeownership, and the specific "break-even" points for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom condos in the GVR area. We look at the real numbers: from $2,400 monthly rents to the equity built through forced savings in a mortgage.

What you’ll learn in this video:
The 2026 Reality: Current rent prices for 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and detached homes in Vancouver.
The 100% Interest Trap: Why renting is effectively paying 100% interest with zero equity.
Buying Costs: A side-by-side comparison of a $500,000 condo mortgage vs. monthly rent.
Break-Even Timelines: When it makes sense to stay a renter vs. when to commit to buying.

Contact Simon Lu & the Team at Happy Homes Vancouver:
📧 Email: info@happyhomesvancouver.com
📱 Text/Call: 778-688-6838
📍 Serving: Vancouver, Coquitlam, and the Lower Mainland.

#VancouverRealEstate #RentVsBuy #VancouverHousing2026 #SimonLu #HappyHomesVancouver #MovingToVancouver #realestatemath

0:00 - Should you Buy or Rent in Vancouver? 0:54 - Meet Simon Lu: Vancouver Real Estate Expert 1:37 - The Real Cost of Renting in Vancouver (2026 Data) 2:35 - Rent Increases 2:51 - Longterm Uncertainty 3:38 - Hidden Costs of Renting: Moving, Storage, and Pet Fees 4:30 - Lifestyle Compromises to Stay Affordable 5:18 - The Opportunity Cost of Renting (Equity vs. Interest) 5:52 - Buy vs. Rent: Side-by-Side Monthly Comparison 6:48 - The 5-Year Ownership Shift (Math Breakdown) 8:06 - Short-term verse Long-term Scenerios 8:28 - Inflation Protection Factor 9:21 - Why You SHOULDN'T Buy (Flexibility & Upfront Costs) 9:50 - Should You Buy or Rent? 10:36 - Conclusion: Simon Lu: Vancouver Real Estate Expert