Freehold vs Strata Ownership in Vancouver: What’s the Real Difference?

Vancouver’s housing market presents buyers with a crucial choice: freehold vs strata ownership. These terms describe different ways you can own property, each with its own advantages and obligations. For many Vancouver home buyers, understanding the real difference between freehold and strata is essential before making an investment in Vancouver real estate.

Understanding Property Ownership Types in Vancouver

In British Columbia, the types of property ownership in BC include freehold, leasehold, and strata title. Most properties fall into one of these categories. Each type gives you different rights and responsibilities.

• Freehold (Fee Simple) Ownership: You own the property outright — the land and the building — indefinitely. This is…

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Vancouver Real Estate Guide: Comparing Laneway Homes, Duplexes, and Detached Houses

If you’re exploring the Vancouver real estate market, you’ve probably come across terms like laneway home, duplex, and detached house. These are some of the most common Vancouver housing types, each offering unique benefits, challenges, and investment potential. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or a homeowner considering redevelopment, understanding these types of homes in Vancouver is key to making an informed decision.

This guide breaks down the differences between laneway homes in Vancouver, duplex homes, and detached houses—covering costs, zoning, lifestyle advantages, and what kind of buyer each option fits best.

1. Overview of Vancouver Housing Types

Vancouver’s property market is one of the most dynamic in Canada. With…

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Greater Vancouver Real Estate Statistics - September 2025

Fall Market Favours Buyers

VANCOUVER, B.C. – October 2, 2025

Another Bank of Canada rate cut and easing prices helped home sales registered on the MLS® in Metro Vancouver* edge higher relative to September last year.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,875 in September 2025, a 1.2 per cent increase from the 1,852 sales recorded in September 2024. This was 20.1 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,348).

“With another cut to Bank of Canada’s policy rate behind us, and markets pricing in at least one more cut by the end of the year, Metro Vancouver homebuyers have reason to be optimistic about the fall market,” said Andrew Lis, GVR’s director of economics and data analytics.…

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Provincial Sales Up in August, But Some Regions Still Sluggish

BCREA August 2025 Market Update

BCREA Reports August 2025 MLS® Market Activity

Vancouver, BC – September 11, 2025. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) reports that 5,961 residential unit sales were recorded in Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems in August 2025, up 0.5 per cent from August 2024.

The average MLS® residential price in BC in August 2025 was down 1.4 per cent at $926,335 compared to $939,376 in August 2024.

The total sales dollar volume was $5.5 billion, down 0.9 per cent from the same time the previous year. BC MLS® unit sales were 24.2 per cent lower than the ten-year August average.

“We continue to see significant regional disparity in the market, with the Lower Mainland lagging behind the rest of…

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What to Ask When Touring a Property: A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a home is an exciting journey, especially in a vibrant market like Vancouver. But amid the excitement of house hunting, it's crucial to stay focused and ask the right questions during each property tour. This ensures you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises later. In this touring-a-home guide, we’ll outline key questions to ask when buying a house and important things to look for when buying a house. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, an investor, or an experienced mover, these tips will help you create a comprehensive home tour checklist and confidently evaluate any property.

Before the Tour: Be Prepared

Successful home tours start before you walk through the door. Preparation helps you use your visit time wisely. Here…

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How to Maintain Your Luxury Home Like a Pro: Expert Tips for Long-Term Value

Owning a luxury home in Vancouver is a point of pride and a significant investment. Between the stunning ocean views and vibrant city life, Vancouver offers an incredible backdrop for luxury living. However, preserving the value of a multi-million-dollar estate requires more than admiring the scenery – it demands proactive and knowledgeable maintenance. The good news is that taking care of your high-end property not only keeps it beautiful for your family’s enjoyment, but also safeguards its long-term market value. Every bit of care you invest now pays off when it comes time to sell or simply enjoy worry-free luxury living.

In this guide, we’ll walk through expert maintenance tips – from the exterior facade to the kitchen appliances – to help you…

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What’s My Home Worth? 7 Easy Ways to Find Out Without Guessing

Knowing your home’s value is crucial—whether you’re thinking about selling, refinancing, or just curious. In a market like Vancouver, where prices shift with demand, interest rates, and seasonal trends, you don’t want to guess. You want real, useful data.

Good news? There are several easy ways to find out what your property is worth without needing to be a real estate expert. Let’s break it down—method by method.

1. Use Online Home Value Estimator Tools

Let’s start with the quickest method: online estimators. These tools use recent sales, market trends, and public data to give you a fast, no-cost estimate of your home’s current worth.

You simply type in your address, confirm some details, and in seconds, you get a rough valuation. These…

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Think You Don’t Need a Realtor in Vancouver? Think Again.

In Vancouver’s high-stakes real estate market, it’s tempting to think you can handle buying or selling a home on your own. There are plenty of listings online, videos on how to sell your house, and forums full of advice. But while it might seem like a smart way to save on commission, going without a real estate agent can cost you much more in the end.

Let’s break down why having an experienced realtor is one of the smartest moves you can make—whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or seller.

Vancouver’s Market Isn’t Simple

Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in Canada. Detached homes often cost well over $2 million, and even a basic condo can be close to three-quarters of a million dollars. With so much on the…

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Think You’re Ready to Buy in Vancouver? Check These 7 Must-Have Requirements First

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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Greater Vancouver Real Estate Statistics - June 2025

Home Sale Trend Stabilizing in June

VANCOUVER, BC – July 3, 2025

After a turbulent first half of the year, home sales registered on the MLS® across Metro Vancouver* are showing emerging signs of a recovery, down ten per cent year-over-year – halving the decline seen last month.

The Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 2,181 in June 2025, a 9.8 per cent decrease from the 2,418 sales recorded in June 2024. This was 25.8 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,940).

“On a trended basis, signs are emerging that sales activity is rounding the corner after a challenging first half to the year, with the year-over-year decline in sales in June halving the decline we saw in May,” said …

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