Vancouver is famous for its beautiful mountains and ocean views – and for its rainy weather. If you’re a homeowner or property manager in Vancouver, you know that all that rain can spell trouble for basements. In fact, Vancouver receives about 1,189 mm (nearly 47 inches) of rain per year, falling over roughly 160 days of wet weather annually. That’s a lot of moisture, and without proper precautions, you could end up with a basement flooding situation. A wet basement isn’t just an inconvenience – it can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and costly repairs if water damage is not prevented. The good news is that with some smart strategies, you can flood-proof your basement and keep it dry even during Vancouver’s heaviest downpours. This article will…

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Probate is a term that often comes up when discussing wills and estates. In simple terms, probate is the legal process of confirming a will’s validity and the executor’s authority to manage the deceased person’s estate. In British Columbia (including Vancouver), probate is handled through the Supreme Court of BC. Once a grant of probate is issued, the executor has the court’s approval to access and distribute assets like bank accounts, real estate, and investments according to the will.

For many Vancouver property owners and investors, understanding probate is an important part of estate planning. One common question that arises is: When is probate not required? While many estates do need to go through this court-supervised process, there are specific…

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Downtown Vancouver’s skyline and waterfront – a vibrant real estate market that attracts local and international investors.

Investing in a rental property in Vancouver is an exciting idea for many first-time investors, local residents, and even international buyers. Vancouver’s housing market is often described as dynamic and valuable, with homes in high demand. But if you’re considering buying a home to rent out, you probably have a lot of questions. Will the rental income cover my mortgage? What about maintenance costs and tax obligations? Is the long-term return worth the upfront investment? In this blog post, we’ll have a conversational look at the pros and cons of owning a rental property in Vancouver. By the end, you should have a clearer picture…

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Date: June 16, 2025

Canadian housing starts were largely flat from the previous month, totalling 279,510 units in May at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were up 4 per cent from the same month last year.

Single-detached housing starts decreased by 6 per cent from last month to 55,161 units, while multi-family and other starts rose by 1 per cent to 224,350 units (SAAR).

British Columbia Highlights

In British Columbia, housing starts fell by 29 per cent from last month to 37,455 units (SAAR) across all areas of the province.

In areas with populations of 10,000 or more:

  • Single-detached starts increased by 2 per cent to 3,657 units.
  • Multi-family starts fell by 33 per cent to 31,987 units month-over-month.

Overall,…

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Buying your first rental property can be a smart way to build income and long-term financial security. In Canada, with rising housing demand and more people choosing to rent, investing in a rental property has become a popular move among professionals, retirees, and couples. Whether you're thinking about a small apartment or a detached house, the key to success is doing your homework. This guide will walk you through 10 essential tips to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

1. Know Your Finances First

Start by understanding your financial situation. Do you have enough income to support a mortgage, plus extra for maintenance and vacancies? Most lenders in Canada require at least a 20% down payment for rental properties.…

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Vancouver, BC – June 12, 2025. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 6,945 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in May 2025, down 13.5 per cent from May 2024. The average MLS® residential price in BC in May 2025 was down 4.2 per cent at $959,058 compared to $1,001,341 in May 2024.

The total sales dollar volume was $6.7 billion, a 17.1 per cent decrease from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 26 per cent lower than the ten-year May average.

“All regions of BC have seen declining home sales activity through the first five months of the year with more expensive markets slowing the most,” said BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson. “Given that…

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Planning to move to Vancouver? Whether you're arriving from across Canada or overseas, one thing is clear—finding the perfect home in this city is no small feat. With limited land, high demand, and a constantly shifting real estate market, buying a home here can feel like decoding a puzzle. That’s where a licensed real estate agent becomes your secret weapon.

Why the Vancouver Market Is Unique

Vancouver is one of the most sought-after cities in Canada, and with good reason. From the seawall to ski hills, this city offers a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. But that appeal comes with a price. The average detached house in Greater Vancouver is now over $2 million, and even condos average close to $800,000.

Add to that the complexity of navigating…

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Living in a Vancouver condo offers convenience and an exciting urban lifestyle – but it also comes with its own set of considerations. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor looking at properties in the city, or a newcomer to Canada eager to call Vancouver home, it’s important to go in with eyes open. Vancouver’s real estate scene is unique, from its strata bylaws to its high-rise buildings by the harbour. Here are five key things to remember (and thoroughly evaluate) if you plan to live in a condo in Vancouver.

1. Strata Fees and Ongoing Costs Are Part of the Package

One of the biggest adjustments for new condo owners is budgeting for strata fees (also known as condo maintenance fees) and other ownership costs. In Vancouver, these monthly…

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Vancouver, a coastal gem on Canada’s west coast, is consistently rated as one of the top cities in the world to live. Its mix of urban conveniences and stunning natural surroundings — from ocean views to mountain backdrops — draws people from across Canada and around the globe.

If you’re considering making Vancouver your home, there are some key things to keep in mind. This guide covers five crucial aspects to remember as you settle down: housing availability, cost of living, job opportunities, community life, and the daily living experience. Whether you’re moving from elsewhere in Canada, coming as an international student or expat, or relocating with family, these insights will help you prepare for a smooth transition and make the most of what this…

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Canadian employment was virtually unchanged from the previous month, gaining 8,800 jobs to reach 20.978 million in May. The employment rate held steady at 60.8%, while the unemployment rate increased by 0.1 points to 7.0%.

Average hourly wages saw a 3.4% year-over-year increase, rising to $36.14 in May. Additionally, the total hours worked rose by 0.9% compared to May of the previous year.

British Columbia Employment

Employment in B.C. rose by 0.4% to 2.963 million, with a gain of 13,000 jobs in May. In Metro Vancouver, employment increased by 0.9% to 1.715 million.

Despite job gains, the unemployment rate in B.C. rose by 0.2 points to 6.4%, while Vancouver's unemployment rate climbed 0.3 points to 6.6%.

Market Implications

May's…

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