67% of Agents Say Clients Are Paralyzed by U.S. Chaos: What Vancouver Buyers Need to Know Before the Crowd Moves

The Ownright Operators Report released May 26, 2026, reveals a striking shift in Canadian buyer psychology: 67 per cent of real estate agents report their clients are more risk-averse than at any point since before 2022. The survey, which collected responses from over 1,000 industry professionals nationwide, identifies U.S. political instability and recession fears—not interest rates—as the primary force keeping transactions on hold. Joel Fox, co-founder and chief operating officer of Ownright, the Ontario-based digital real estate law platform behind the study, notes that people currently active in the market display a level of unease not seen in recent years. This marks a significant departure from the pandemic-era urgency and even last year's rate-driven hesitation, suggesting a new phase where macroeconomic uncertainty overrides local market fundamentals.

For Greater Vancouver, this national sentiment carries specific weight. The region's market has historically been sensitive to international capital flows and cross-border economic shocks, making U.S. instability a particularly relevant concern for local buyers and sellers. While the survey does not break down regional data, the psychology of risk aversion manifests locally through extended due diligence periods, increased financing conditions, and buyers stepping back from competitive situations unless properties offer clear intrinsic value. Sellers are encountering a more skeptical buyer pool that scrutinizes inspection reports and strata documents with renewed intensity. This environment rewards preparation over speculation, as the era of fear-of-missing-out has given way to fear-of-making-a-mistake among prospective homeowners and investors alike.