Alex Chen
Verified WriterSenior Editor, North American PropTech
Vancouver-based market analyst covering the intersection of housing, capital, and software for over a decade.
Biography
Alex Chen is the Senior Editor for North American PropTech coverage at Vanhub News. Before joining Vanhub, Alex spent eight years on the data desk of a Toronto-based real estate research firm, where he led models on cross-border housing capital flows between Vancouver, Seattle, and the Bay Area. His reporting tracks how proptech startups, mortgage policy, and remote-work behaviour reshape urban housing supply.
Alex holds a B.Comm. (Real Estate) from UBC Sauder and is a CFA Level III candidate. He believes that market intelligence should be accountable: every chart he publishes links back to a primary source, and every forecast carries an explicit probability range. When he is not writing, Alex is usually reviewing CMHC quarterly disclosures or walking the Stanley Park seawall.
Latest stories by Alex Chen
Navigating Home Equity: HELOC vs. Mortgage Refinancing in Vancouver
Vancouver homeowners face critical decisions as they weigh Home Equity Lines of Credit against mortgage refinancing. Understanding the implications of each option is essential for effective debt management.
Mortgage Refinancing in Canada 2026: Breaking Fixed Rates for Savings
As interest rates stabilize in 2026, Canadian homeowners may find breaking their fixed-rate mortgages beneficial. Understanding the costs versus savings is key to making informed decisions.
Variable vs Fixed Rate Refinancing: Which Saves More by 2026?
Canadian homeowners face a pivotal choice in refinancing between variable and fixed rates. With projected economic shifts, understanding these options is crucial for long-term savings.
Unlocking Home Equity: Cash-Out Refinancing in Canada for 2026
Homeowners can access up to 80% LTV for cash-out refinancing in 2026, creating lucrative opportunities. Navigating tax implications and lender requirements will be crucial.
Unlocking Savings: The Ultimate Mortgage Refinancing Guide for BC Homeowners
BC homeowners can save thousands by refinancing their mortgages. Understanding the break-even math is crucial for making informed financial decisions.
Unlocking Savings: BC Property Transfer Tax Exemptions First-Time Buyers Overlook
First-time buyers in BC can save thousands by understanding Property Transfer Tax exemptions. Navigating these can make or break their home purchase experience.
Vancouver Real Estate Investment 2026: Trends in Institutional Capital Accumulation
Vancouver's real estate market is poised for a seismic shift as institutional investors prepare to invest $1.5 billion by 2026. This investment surge focuses on multifamily and commercial properties, driven by rising demand.
Build-to-Rent vs Buy-to-Rent: Fraser Valley's 2026 Yield Showdown
Fraser Valley's rental market is set for a pivotal shift, with Build-to-Rent properties projected to dominate yields by 2026. Investors need to recalibrate strategies to capitalize on changing dynamics.
Cascadia's Cross-Border Capital: Where Canadian Dollars Are Flowing
Cascadia's real estate markets are increasingly shaped by Canadian investment, with Seattle and Vancouver leading the charge. Understanding these trends reveals critical insights for future investment strategies.
CMHC's New Mortgage Insurance Rules: A Game Changer for Vancouver Investors
CMHC's updated mortgage insurance rules are altering the investment landscape in Vancouver, potentially reshaping strategies for investors. As affordability pressures mount, the implications for the market are profound.
Navigating Pre-Sale Condo Assignments in Metro Vancouver: Risks & Rewards
Pre-sale condo assignment sales in Metro Vancouver offer tantalizing profit potential, but they come with hidden risks. Investors need to understand the legal complexities and market dynamics before diving in.