SQ. FT. | CATEGORY |
|---|---|
| Under 400 sq. ft. | Pre-cozy |
| 400–700 sq. ft. | Cozy |
| Over 700 sq. ft. | Post-cozy |
To clarify this new rule, anything less than 400 sq. ft. falls into the category of “pre-cozy,” but may not be called “cozy,” while anything over 700 sq. ft. is considered “post-cozy” and may not be called “cozy” either. Only listings between 400–700 sq. ft. may be described as cozy.
According to our stats, there are around 4,736 listings on REW that currently contain the word “cozy.” When you consider there are about 41,872 listings in BC currently posted to our site, around 11% of listings contain the word “cozy.” Of these, 30 are less than 400 sq. ft. and 4,284 exceed 700 sq. ft., leaving 329 properties allowed to be called “cozy.”
“While I’ve found ‘cozy’ to be an incredibly useful and descriptive word in the past, I understand PHOOL’s new rule,” says a local agent who wishes to remain anonymous. “Going forward, I may turn to other options for pre-cozy properties, like ‘quaint,’ ‘comfortable,’ ‘relaxed,’ ‘snug’ or ‘comfy,’ while calling post-cozy properties ‘grand,’ ‘opulent,’ ‘expansive’ or ‘palatial.’”
Although PHOOL is instituting this rule, staff say they understand that this change cannot be made immediately. After a one-month grace period, any new listings containing the word “cozy” falling under 400 sq. ft. or exceeding 700 sq. ft. will automatically see this word replaced with a black censorship box, like this: ████.
When asked, representatives from rural BC voiced their displeasure at the new guidance, saying that no properties in Vancouver should be legally allowed to be called “cozy” at all, and that only cabins and cottages should be permitted to use this term.
Spokesperson Aye Pril from PHOOL says they are also looking at regulating the use of “lovely” and “gorgeous”, but as of now there are no firm plans in place.
