Rental Market Forecast for Chilliwack and Abbotsford: What’s Ahead?

Rents in Chilliwack and Abbotsford are expected to keep rising as population growth sustains demand, even with new rental construction.

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Will new rental construction bring rents down in Chilliwack and Abbotsford? This forecast expects sustained rental market growth over the next five years. Construction may stabilize rents, but growing populations are expected to keep demand strong. What keeps rental demand strong? Abbotsford and Chilliwack are among BC’s fastest-growing cities, with expected population increases of over 15% by 2030 (Statistics Canada). That means more demand for housing. Economic diversification and infrastructure investments also continue attracting renters from Metro Vancouver. Vacancy rates, currently around 1.3–1.5%, are expected to remain tight because demand is steady. Persistent rental shortages are anticipated to support continued rent increases. How much could rents rise? Annual rental rate increases are expected to average 3–5%, driven by tight supply and strong demand. The counterweight is new rental construction. It may stabilize rents, but growing populations are expected to prevent significant declines. Stabilizing rents and lowering them are different outcomes. These remain expectations, rather than guarantees. What does this mean for investors? Tenants increasingly expect amenities