The Metro Vancouver real estate market is showing signs of cooling especially in the condo and townhouse sectors. According to Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, condo sales dropped 18.8% year-over-year and townhouse sales declined 10.3% in May 2025. This trend reveals that sales activities are down and inventory is at its highest in nearly five years. So, what does this mean for strata properties and for sellers wanting to list in the current market? In this competitive buyer-driven market, first impressions matter more than ever and that’s where professional landscaping will have a major impact on your property value.
1. Curb Appeal is the New Differentiator
With thousands of active listings across the region and properties sitting on the market for 30+ days, buyers are taking their time and judging every detail.
For strata owners, well-maintained and thoughtfully designed landscaping offers a high return-on-investment and is the way to differentiate a condo building or townhome complex. Think about this, when buyers pull up to a condo tower or walks through a townhouse courtyard, the landscape is the first thing they see, right? They are looking for indicators like is it weed-free? Are the pathways clean? Are the hedges shaped and nothing is overgrown? These small cues signal larger things: that there is attention to maintenance, pride in ownership, and an overall importance is put on quality in that community.
2. In a Slow Market, Presentation is Everything
As we all know, in a hot Greater Vancouver market, units practically sell themselves. But today’s buyers are cautious and that means presentation is everything. Just like staging an interior, the exterior needs to be “staged” year-round too. Poorly maintained grounds give the impression of neglect and can create doubts about how well the rest of the building is cared for. You don’t want potential buyers to feel that way, especially in a buyer’s market.
Strata corporations should be investing in a professional landscape company that has:
- Seasonal maintenance schedules – including tasks like spring clean-ups, summer lawn mowing, fall leaf removal, winter prep, etc.
- Lawn care program – a healthy turf requires consistent attention
- Plant and bed maintenance – shrubs, perennials, and groundcover all require specific pruning, deadheading, and fertilizing, as well as general weeding in beds.
- Tree care and pruning – regular inspections, structural pruning, deadwood removal, and risk assessments should be addressed annually
- Pest and disease management -preventative care is best, but when pests or disease show up, your landscape provider should be taking quick action to notify council.
- Irrigation monitoring and adjustments – irrigation systems should be inspected regularly to catch leaks, clogs, or broken heads and should include system shutdown/startup for winter and spring.
- Site inspections and reporting – regular site visits by your account manager should be built in to ensure quality control and to document deficiencies or issues.
As an owner, it’s important to make sure your strata council has hired a professional landscape company because these details help units show better in open houses, sell faster, and retain your property value.
3. Landscaping as an Investment, Not a Cost
With the current economic uncertainty, many strata councils understandably look to trim their budgets and often landscaping can become a target.
But it’s important to remember that a tired or overgrown landscape can actually drag down property values and slow sales. In contrast, professional landscaping:
- Enhances property perception
- Supports resale values
- Improves safety and usability
- Reduces long-term maintenance costs
Think of it this way: landscaping is like a 24/7 open house. That is, it’s always on display and shapes how your property is perceived by buyers.
4. Buyer Expectations Are Changing
Today’s buyers are looking for more than just square footage. They want a lifestyle and livability in the place they buy. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, quality landscaping can increase a home’s value by up to 15% and speed up the sale process by as much as 6 weeks even in a soft market. So, curb appeal sells! A condo with a lush, green rooftop or a townhouse with common green spaces offers more than aesthetics; it delivers mental wellness, social connection, and a sense of place that buyers are seeking.
Key Takeaway
Landscaping may not be an option listed on MLS, but it’s the first and last impression that shapes how buyers feel about a property. So, in a market with a combination of more listings and cautious buyers, landscaping is no longer a background detail; it’s a frontline selling tool! For strata corporations, maintaining high landscape standards is one of the smartest ways to protect your property’s curb appeal, value, and competitive edge.
Need Help?
At Para Space Landscaping, we know that in a buyer’s market, the small details can make a big difference. Our team works with strata councils, property managers, and developers to maintain and enhance outdoor spaces that add real value, both visual and emotional. Whether it’s improving curb appeal, refreshing tired beds, or building a greener and more inviting community space, we’re here to help!
Contact us today to get started.
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