Buying your first home in Vancouver is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a process that requires careful preparation. Vancouver’s housing market is among the most expensive in Canada. Before you jump into this competitive market, make sure you meet these seven must-have requirements. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you’re truly ready to purchase a property and turn the keys on your first Vancouver house.

1. Sufficient Down Payment and Savings

Buying a home in Canada means you’ll need to have a down payment saved. The minimum down payment depends on the purchase price of the home:

  • 5% for homes up to $500,000

  • 10% on the portion above $500,000 up to $999,999

  • 20% for homes priced at $1 million or more

    …

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July 16, 2025

Canadian housing starts were largely flat from the previous month, totalling 283,734 units in June at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were up 18 per cent from the same month last year. Single-detached housing starts increased by 1 per cent from last month to 56,645 units, while multi-family and other starts were flat at 227,086 units (SAAR).

In British Columbia, starts rose by 72 per cent from last month to 67,029 units (SAAR) in all areas of the province. In areas of the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts increased by 1 per cent to 3,880 units, while multi-family starts rose by 85 per cent to 60,314 units month-over-month. Starts in the province were 64 per cent above the levels from June…

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Date Published: July 15, 2025

Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 1.9 per cent on a year-over-year basis in June, up from a 1.7 per cent increase in May. Month-over-month, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI was up 0.2 per cent in June.

Upward pressure on headline inflation was largely driven by a slower fall in gasoline prices year-over-year compared to May, along with higher price growth for durable goods (2.7 per cent). Additionally, shelter price growth continues to cool, with prices growing by 2.9 per cent in June, slightly down from 3.0 per cent in May.

Furthermore, the CPI excluding energy rose by 2.7 per cent in June. Food purchased in grocery stores rose at a slower pace of 2.8 per cent year-over-year…

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Vancouver, BC – July 14, 2025

The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 7,162 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in June 2025, up 1.3 per cent from June 2024. The average MLS® residential price in BC in June 2025 was down 4.2 per cent at $954,065 compared to $995,614 in June 2024.

The total sales dollar volume was $6.8 billion, a 3 per cent decrease from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 23 per cent lower than the ten-year June average.

“Many regional housing markets across BC remained resilient through the second quarter, with only the Lower Mainland falling below sales activity from the previous year,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson.…

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Date: July 11, 2025

Canadian employment increased by 0.4 per cent from the previous month, gaining 83,000 jobs to reach 21.061 million in June. The employment rate rose by 0.1 points to 60.9 per cent, while the unemployment rate fell by 0.1 points to 6.9 per cent.

Average hourly wages rose 3.2 per cent year-over-year to $36.01 last month, while total hours worked increased by 1.6 per cent compared to June of the previous year.

Provincial Highlights: British Columbia

Employment in B.C. rose by 0.2 per cent to 2.968 million, gaining 5,000 jobs in June. Employment in Metro Vancouver rose by 1.1 per cent to 1.735 million.

The unemployment rate in B.C. fell by 0.8 points to 5.6 per cent, while Vancouver's unemployment rate fell by 0.6…

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Welcome to White Rock — a city where the ocean breeze meets laid-back living, and every day feels like a vacation. Tucked into the southern edge of Metro Vancouver, this coastal community has earned its reputation as a true gem in British Columbia. But what exactly makes White Rock different from every other city in the province?

Whether you’re a local Canadian looking for a new place to settle, a retiree searching for the ideal seaside town, or just curious about life outside the city buzz, this guide will show you why White Rock stands out. Spoiler: it's more than just the famous white rock on the beach (though that’s definitely worth seeing).

Life by the Sea: The Magic of White Rock’s Waterfront

Few places in Canada offer the kind of…

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Langley, British Columbia blends small-town charm with big-city convenience. It's nestled in Metro Vancouver but feels a world apart from the hustle of downtown. For retirees thinking about quality of life, access to care, and community support, Langley has become a strong contender.

This guide explores whether Langley is a good place to retire. We’ll look at lifestyle, services, senior housing options, activities, healthcare, and how Langley compares to other BC retirement spots like Vancouver and Kelowna.

A Comfortable Lifestyle for Seniors

Langley offers a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle that suits many seniors. It has green spaces, local events, and friendly neighborhoods. The climate is mild, encouraging year-round outdoor…

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If you’re a young professional looking to plant roots in Metro Vancouver, Coquitlam might just be the city you’ve been searching for. It offers a balance of lifestyle, affordability (relative to Vancouver), and access to both nature and city life. Whether you're renting your first condo, buying your first home, or just trying to cut down your commute without giving up weekend hikes, this guide breaks down what life in Coquitlam really looks like for young professionals.

1. Welcome to Coquitlam

Coquitlam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Metro Vancouver. It’s part of the Tri-Cities area along with Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. What makes Coquitlam stand out is its unique blend of urban convenience and outdoor beauty. You'll find condos steps…

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Ladner is a historic seaside town in Delta, BC, about 30 minutes south of Vancouver. What began as a fishing village has grown into a relaxed, small-town community that blends waterfront charm with access to big-city opportunities. It's quiet, scenic, and full of friendly people—so the question is: does it work for young professionals?

Let’s break it all down—housing, lifestyle, commute, affordability, and what it’s really like living in Ladner as a young professional.

Community and Lifestyle

At the heart of Ladner is Ladner Village, a quaint town center with tree-lined streets, patios, local cafés, and family-run restaurants. On sunny days, you’ll see people walking their dogs, grabbing coffee with friends, or visiting the Ladner Village…

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Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, celebrated for its cobblestone streets and historic brick storefronts. As a vibrant downtown district, it blends heritage charm with modern shops, restaurants, and tech startups. Vancouver itself is known as a top student city with strong education and business sectors—and Gastown sits right in the middle of it all.

For college students—both local and international—Gastown offers a mix of culture, convenience, and opportunity. But is it the right fit for student life? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Gastown during college, along with insights on housing, co-op programs, education, part-time work, and student support.

Pros of Living in Gastown

Unique Character and…

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