West Vancouver, British Columbia is a scenic coastal community in Canada that offers an exceptional quality of life. In recent years, many people – from local homebuyers and growing families to international investors and retirees – have been drawn to this area. Unlike a typical real estate article full of numbers, this post will explore the lifestyle perks, amenities, and sense of community that make West Vancouver so attractive.

To give a quick overview, here are some of the key reasons why residents love living in West Vancouver:

  • Breathtaking Scenery and Parks: Nestled between the ocean and mountains, West Vancouver boasts stunning views and countless parks and trails for an active outdoor lifestyle.

  • Safe, Family-Friendly…

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Canadian prices, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose 2.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in March, down from a 2.6 per cent increase in February. Month-over-month, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the CPI was unchanged in March.

The overall slowdown in headline CPI is largely driven by lower gasoline prices, with the CPI excluding gasoline rising by 2.5 per cent in March.

Shelter price growth continues to cool, as mortgage interest costs were up 7.9 per cent, marking the nineteenth consecutive month of deceleration. Similarly, rent was up 5.1 per cent year-over-year in March, down from 5.8 per cent in February.

In British Columbia, consumer prices rose 2.6 per cent year-over-year, down from 3.0 per cent in February.

The Bank…

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The Bank of Canada held its overnight policy rate at 2.75 per cent this morning. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that pervasive uncertainty makes it unusually challenging to project GDP growth and inflation in Canada.

The Bank sees two potential scenarios for the Canadian economy:

  • High but limited tariffs that temporarily weaken growth
  • A protracted trade war that causes both a full recession and inflation to rise above 3 per cent

The Bank is already seeing signs of a slower economy due to the impact of uncertainty on consumer and business confidence. However, it expects tariff-driven supply chain disruptions will put upward pressure on prices later this year.

Perhaps most importantly, the Bank ended its…

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Date: April 14, 2025

Canadian housing starts fell by 3 per cent to 214,155 units in March at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Compared to the same month last year, starts were down 12 per cent.

Single-detached housing starts remained flat month-over-month at 49,667 units, while multi-family and other starts declined by 4 per cent to 164,484 units (SAAR).

British Columbia Highlights

In British Columbia, total housing starts rose by 5 per cent month-over-month to 31,145 units (SAAR), covering all regions across the province.

In urban areas with populations of 10,000 or more:

  • Single-detached starts increased by 3 per cent to 3,866 units.
  • Multi-family starts grew by 6 per cent to 25,302 units.

Overall, British…

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British Columbia’s housing market has been on a roller coaster in recent years, leaving many to wonder: will home prices finally go down in 2025? This guide examines the latest data and forecasts – focusing on B.C. – to help both buyers and sellers navigate the 2025 housing market. We’ll look at recent price trends (2023–2024), supply and demand indicators, mortgage rate forecasts, and what they all mean for home prices in the year ahead. This is a data-driven analysis (no wild guesses or expert hype) to give you a clear picture of risks, opportunities, and timing considerations in British Columbia’s housing market.

Recent Market Trends: 2023–2024 Recap in B.C.

Over the past year, Canada’s housing market – and B.C. in particular – experienced a…

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In the ever-changing housing market, many buyers and investors are searching for smart ways to stretch their dollars, boost cash flow, and build long-term equity. One option that keeps rising to the top of that list? Duplex homes.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an experienced investor, or someone trying to house extended family, a duplex house might offer just the right blend of affordability and opportunity. But is it really worth it?

Let’s break it all down—floor plans, square footage, garage space, and that all-important return on investment.

What Is a Duplex?

At its core, a duplex is a single structure split into two separate units. Each unit usually has its own entrance, kitchen, living room, bath, and bedrooms. From the outside, it…

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Selling your house is all about making strategic renovations that boost your property’s appeal and market value without breaking the bank. Not all home improvement projects are created equal – some upgrades can significantly increase your home value and attract potential buyers, while others might only recoup a fraction of their cost. In fact, the average remodeling project adds only around 60% of its cost to the home’s value, so it’s crucial to focus on high-ROI improvements. The good news is that a handful of home improvements consistently deliver strong returns at resale. From curb appeal enhancements to kitchen and bathroom updates, the following seven upgrades will help you maximize your sale price and get the best return on your investment.

1.…

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Weak Canadian Job Creation Is The First Fallout From The Trade War

Today’s Labour Force Survey for March was weaker than expected. Employment decreased by 33,000 (-0.2%) in March, marking the first decline since January 2022. The drop followed minimal change in February and a streak of growth in November, December, and January, totaling 211,000 (+1.0%).

The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older—fell by 0.2 percentage points to 60.9% in March. This partially reversed a 0.3 percentage point increase seen between October 2024 and January 2025.

Private vs. Public Sector Employment

Private sector employment dropped by 48,000 (-0.3%) in March, following minimal movement in February and a total increase of 97,000 (+0.7%)…

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Real estate investing can be one of the most rewarding paths to financial growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor or buying your first rental property, holding real estate long term comes with plenty of benefits—but also a list of key considerations you can't afford to ignore. This article breaks down what you need to think about to make smart decisions for your investment property.

1. Location Still Rules Everything

No surprise here: location is still king in real estate. A great location increases your property's value over time, brings in better tenants, and lowers your vacancy rate. Look for areas with strong job growth, access to transit, good schools, and future development plans. Desirable neighborhoods with proximity to employment…

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If you've been feeling like your house just doesn’t work the way it used to—or doesn’t feel quite right anymore—you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where their home no longer matches their lifestyle, or worse, starts to feel like a burden instead of a place of comfort. Whether you’re dealing with broken cabinets, peeling paint, or just an outdated kitchen, recognizing the signs that it’s time for a renovation can save you a lot of time, money, and stress down the road.

So how do you know when it’s the right time to jump into a renovation project? Let’s dive into five clear signs that your home is asking for a change—and how to make it happen without losing your sanity or your savings.

1. Your Home No Longer Matches Your Lifestyle

Your…

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