Housing prices in Canada have been on a relentless upward trajectory, making the dream of owning a home increasingly elusive for many. From bustling urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver to smaller cities across the country, Canadians are feeling the squeeze of high housing prices. Homeownership affordability has deteriorated to record lows – by the end of 2023, the average Canadian household needed to spend over 60% of its income on ownership costs, double the traditional affordability benchmark of 30%. This affordability crisis is the result of multiple factors converging over recent years, from surging demand to constrained supply and everything in between. Below, we explore the key reasons housing prices keep climbing in Canada, and what it means…

934 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Vancouver is one of the most desirable cities in Canada, attracting homebuyers from all walks of life with its stunning natural scenery, vibrant communities, and long-term real estate value. In 2025, the city's housing market remains competitive, but with the right guidance, there are still excellent opportunities for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors. Whether you're looking to settle down, raise a family, or make a smart investment, understanding the city's top-performing neighbourhoods is crucial. This year, we're highlighting five areas in Vancouver that stand out for their lifestyle benefits, property value, and future growth potential.

1. Kitsilano – The Lifestyle Hotspot

Kitsilano, affectionately known as "Kits," consistently ranks…

3839 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Thinking of buying a home in Vancouver? You're not alone. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to get into the market or someone upgrading for more space and lifestyle flexibility, understanding the different types of homes available in Vancouver is a must. Each housing option comes with its own benefits and trade-offs, and choosing the right one can have a huge impact on your day-to-day living and long-term financial health. So, let’s break everything down in a way that makes sense.

1. Single-Family Detached Homes

Single-family detached homes are considered the traditional ideal for many families. They offer complete independence since the building stands alone on its own piece of land, with no shared walls or communal areas. These homes…

505 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Are you planning to sell your condo in Vancouver? Whether you’ve owned your apartment/condo for a few years or it’s been your long-time home, getting it ready for sale is a big move — and doing it right means more money in your pocket and less stress overall.

Hi, I’m Adam Chahl, an award-winning Vancouver Real Estate Agent with Oakwyn Realty. I’m also a proud member of the Medallion Club, which recognizes the top 10% of agents in Vancouver. Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of sellers just like you maximise their sale price, streamline their move, and feel confident at every step of the process.

Here are my five must-know tips for selling your condo the smart way.

1. Price Your Condo Right From the Start

If your listing price is too high,…

699 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Looking for a rental home can feel like diving into a sea of listings, confusing lease agreements, and unresponsive landlords. Every ad seems perfect until you make contact, only to find out it's already gone—or worse, was never real to begin with. But what if there was a smarter way to rent—a way that not only saves you time and stress but actually gives you the upper hand? That’s where working with a real estate agent makes all the difference. With professional insight, trusted contacts, and experience with the rental process, agents are your inside edge.

Let’s break down why teaming up with a professional to rent your next home might be the best decision you make.

1. Access to More Rental Properties Than You’ll Find Online

Sure, you can scroll…

407 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

When buying a home, many people focus on the kitchen, bathrooms, and overall living space. However, the attic is often overlooked, even though it plays a crucial role in the home’s structure, energy efficiency, and air quality. If you're considering purchasing a home with an attic, a thorough inspection is essential to avoid costly repairs and ensure a safe living environment. Below are the key reasons why an attic inspection should be at the top of your home-buying checklist.

1. Identifying Potential Problems

Insulation Issues

Attic insulation is critical for maintaining a home's temperature and reducing energy costs. Insufficient or damaged insulation can cause heat to escape during the winter and trap heat during the summer, making the…

331 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Vancouver's real estate market is one of the most dynamic in Canada, and presale condos continue to attract investors and homebuyers alike. But what exactly makes presale condos in Vancouver such a desirable option? From potential appreciation to lower upfront costs and modern features, presale properties offer a range of advantages that stand out in the real estate market.

Let’s dive into why new Vancouver presale condos are appealing and how they fit into the city's ever-evolving housing landscape.

1. Lower Upfront Investment & Flexible Payment Plans

Unlike purchasing a fully built apartment/condo, buying a presale condo requires only a deposit, typically ranging from 5% to 20%. This allows investors to secure a property at today's prices…

426 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The real estate market is shifting in 2025, and homeowners are looking for ways to increase their property value to maximize their home equity. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to improve your home’s market value, strategic upgrades can make a significant difference. A well-maintained home not only attracts more buyers but also ensures a higher home appraisal when it's time to refinance.

If you're thinking about boosting your property’s worth, here are the top seven upgrades that will bring the best return on investment in 2025.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen for Maximum Returns

A kitchen renovation remains one of the smartest ways to improve home value. According to Redfin estimates, a remodeled kitchen can yield an ROI of up to…

512 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Buying or selling a home in Vancouver can feel overwhelming. The real estate market in the city is highly competitive, and navigating it without expert guidance can be challenging. A Vancouver real estate agent brings knowledge, experience, and negotiation skills to ensure a smooth process while maximizing your investment. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading, or selling a property, working with a professional can save you time and money.

Meet Adam Chahl – Your Trusted Vancouver Realtor

Adam Chahl is an award-winning Vancouver real estate agent with PLACE Real Estate Team - Oakwyn Realty. As a Medallion Club member (awarded to the top 10% of agents in Vancouver), Adam has helped countless clients navigate the real estate market with…

358 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

March 12, 2025

The Bank of Canada lowered its overnight policy rate by 25 basis points this morning from 3 per cent to 2.75 per cent. In the statement accompanying the decision, the Bank noted that trade tensions will slow momentum from robust GDP growth observed in the second half of 2024, though how much the economy might slow is complicated by the uncertainty from a rapidly evolving policy landscape. On inflation, the Bank expects prices to rise slightly above their 2 per cent target as the GST tax break ends and forecasts that core inflation will remain above 2 per cent due to persistently elevated shelter costs.

Thanks to tariffs, the Bank of Canada is faced with heightened uncertainty and an economy that may be set to slow down rather than…

306 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post