Vancouver’s real estate market is famous for high demand and high prices. With vacancy rates near historic lows (around 1.6% in 2024), investors and homebuyers often wonder: “Should I buy a tenanted property?” In other words, is it wise to buy a condo or house that already has tenants living in it, or should you insist on a vacant purchase?

This article breaks down the pros and cons of buying a tenanted property in Vancouver, explains the BC tenancy rules you need to know, and offers tips for first-time buyers and real estate investors. We’ll look at how owning a rental income property in Vancouver with existing tenants (an occupied unit investment) can provide immediate cash flow but also brings legal obligations. By the end, you’ll have a clear…

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Buying a home in Vancouver is a major milestone. Whether you’re a first-time buyer stepping into the market, an investor adding to your portfolio, or a legal professional advising clients, one concern always lingers: what happens if the home has serious defects after the deal closes?

With Vancouver’s unique housing stock — from older character houses to brand-new condos — the risks are real. The city’s coastal climate, history of building envelope issues, and rapid pace of construction all mean that Vancouver real estate defects can surface unexpectedly. From the infamous leaky condo Vancouver crisis to hidden water damage in homes, buyers have learned the hard way that a dream purchase can quickly turn into a financial and emotional burden.

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Downsizing – selling a larger home and moving into a smaller residence – is a common choice for retirees, empty-nesters, and professionals over 50. In Vancouver, downsizing to a condo in Vancouver means trading stairs and lawns for elevators and shared services. Many older adults make this move when their children have left home or to enjoy a simpler lifestyle. Vancouver’s real estate is very expensive, so downsizing can free up equity and greatly reduce monthly costs. The city is also adding more high-quality downsizing options – modern condos and townhouses with thoughtful layouts, elevators, and age-friendly amenities – making now a good time to consider a move.

Condo living for downsizers in Vancouver offers clear perks. Condominium living is a…

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Vancouver’s skyline reflects a bustling condo market. The Greater Vancouver real estate market has shown signs of cooling in 2025: after years of rapid growth, average condo prices have dipped modestly (around –3 to –4% year-over-year) as inventory rises. By mid-2025 the benchmark apartment price in Vancouver was about $744K, with an average sale price around $786K. In this climate of higher supply and softer prices, buyers must decide carefully whether a pre-sale condo or a resale condo in Vancouver is the better investment. Each option has distinct pros and cons of pre-sale condos versus resale units, and the right choice depends on your timing, budget, and goals.

Vancouver’s Condo Market Snapshot

Vancouver’s condo market has been in flux. In…

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Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it’s already affecting real estate in Canada. From rising insurance costs to new building codes and a surge in sustainable housing, the property landscape is changing. Home buyers, investors, and the general public are witnessing how extreme weather and environmental concerns are reshaping where and how Canadians live. This article explores the multifaceted impact of climate change on Canadian real estate, focusing on sustainability efforts, insurance challenges, and evolving building standards. We’ll look at concrete data and recent trends to understand what’s happening and how the industry is responding.

Climate Change Threats to Canadian Real Estate

Canada’s vast geography means climate change…

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Canadian retail sales decreased by 0.8 per cent to $69.6 billion in July compared to the previous month. Compared to the same time last year, retail sales were up by 4.0 per cent. Furthermore, core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobile items, were down 1.2 per cent month-over-month. In volume terms, adjusted for rising prices, retail sales decreased by 0.8 per cent in July.

Retail sales in British Columbia were down 0.8 per cent in July from the previous month and rose by 7.6 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver, retail sales were down 1.6 per cent from the prior month and were 8.9 per cent above the level of July 2024.

July's report contributes to a broader trend of sizeable monthly volatility in Canadian…

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Property transfer tax (PTT) in British Columbia is a one-time provincial tax paid when real estate changes ownership. This tax can add tens of thousands of dollars to your closing costs, especially in high-price markets like Vancouver. Fortunately, several property transfer tax exemptions exist to help certain buyers reduce or avoid this expense. In 2025, British Columbia expanded some of these programs – including higher value thresholds – making it easier for eligible buyers to save money. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain how PTT works in BC, outline the major exemptions (such as the first-time home buyer tax exemption and new-home exemptions), and clarify who actually qualifies for each program. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a repeat…

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Choosing the right real estate agent is a critical step in your home buying or selling journey. This is especially true in a competitive market like Vancouver, where local conditions can vary greatly by neighborhood and property type. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or a home seller, you’ll want a Realtor who has the right mix of experience, local knowledge, and professional skills to guide you. In this friendly and conversational guide, we’ll explore exactly what local experience and skills you should require when choosing a Realtor in Vancouver. By the end, you’ll know what questions to ask and what qualifications to look for to ensure you have a trustworthy professional on your side.

Before diving into details, keep in mind that…

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Canadian housing starts decreased 16 per cent from the previous month, totalling 245,791 units in August at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR). Starts were up 15 per cent from the same month last year. Single-detached housing starts decreased by 2 per cent from last month to 55,271 units, while multi-family and other starts decreased by 20 per cent to 190,519 units (SAAR).

In British Columbia, starts fell by 19 per cent from last month to 46,274 units (SAAR) in all areas of the province. In areas of the province with 10,000 or more residents, single-detached starts increased by 7 per cent to 4,284 units, while multi-family starts fell by 22 per cent to 39,480 units month-over-month. Starts in the province were 34 per cent above the levels from…

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Buying a condo in Vancouver means you’ll become part of a strata – essentially a community of owners who share building expenses and rules. One key aspect of condo ownership is understanding the strata fees you’ll pay regularly and the possibility of special assessments (also known as special levies) that can arise unexpectedly. These costs significantly affect Vancouver condo costs and overall condo ownership expenses, so every buyer should be well-informed. In this guide, we’ll break down strata fees and special assessments in clear terms, explain how they work under Vancouver’s system, and offer tips for prospective buyers to avoid unexpected condo costs.

Understanding Strata Fees in Vancouver

Strata fees (often called maintenance fees or condo…

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