This depends on your purpose. Buying for yourself or investing (aka. rent it out). If you are buying for yourself, don't wait. As soon as you have downpayment, start looking. No one can assure you now is a good time to buy or wait for a few year. Right now, interest rate is at its lowest comparing previous years. You can lock down a good mortgage rate. Housing price is as usual, continue to go up. For investment, this year is good for the same reason, the mortgage rate.
As for location, this is really up to you. Your price mark and your work distance will be your primary factor. but one thing I can suggest, if you can stay away from condo/apartment, stay away. condo/apartment has its growth limit. Townhouse/single family has more capacity to go up.
I am a licensed Realtor in Vancouver so if you need help in buying, I recommend you contact me directly for any further question.
Howie
howiejao@kw.com