The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver recently did a Survey on the 2006 residential home buyers and home sellers. 1000 buyers and sellers were surveyed.

Characteristics of Home Purchased/ Sold
 
Just over half of respondents (54%) both bought and sold a home or property in 2006. 44% only bought and 2% only sold a home or property.
 
Approximately one-third of buyers are first-time home owners.
 
A total of 7% of home buyers bought a new home. Among those who bought a new home, approximately six-in-ten purchased the home pre-completion.
 
Most homes bought and sold in the Greater Vancouver region were a principle residence rather than vacation home, investment property or second home.
 
Approximately half ( 52%) of those who sold a detached single family home bought the same type of home, with 28% purchasing a condo and 16% a townhouse.
 
Under half ( 43%) of condo sellers bought another condo, with 32% purchasing a detached home and 22% a townhouse.
 
Townhouse sellers are more inclined to buy a detached home ( 52%) than another townhouse ( 22%) or condo (25%).

source ~ Mustel Group Survey for REBGV

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