Vancouver West

Vibrant and diverse area with affluent neighbourhoods suited for families and young professionals alike. Tons of parks, recreation and outdoor activities available as well.

• Quintessential Vancouver
• Close to education, parks and recreation
• Luxurious homes, well-built
• East Van has smaller lots
• Brings different demographics
• Expensive

Lots of densification over the last ten years with the introduction of condo towers along the Cambie corridor, townhouse developments along Granville and Oak, and duplexes scattered throughout. The West Side is more accessible now and we’re seeing lots of younger demographics moving in.

More density. New zoning regulations by the city encouraging multiplex builds and the BC government introducing additional densification via TOAs (transit-oriented areas) will further add homes to the West Side and make housing more accessible.

Mostly condos and townhouses along the Cambie corridor, and to a lesser extent along Granville, Oak, and a few other arterial roads. Detached still represents the largest portion outside of Downtown though.

Absolutely. Lots of inventory on the market right with comparatively less sales. This means buyers have a lot of options and we can sometimes find good deals if we know where to look.

You’ll find a variety of different aged homes in each area. It’s not uncommon to find something built in 1940 right next to a brand new 2024 build.

Quality builds, school catchments and parks, vicinity to public transit (Cambie corridor), less density in certain areas, views.

It’s easier now to buy in the West Side because of the added densification and influx of townhomes, duplexes and future multiplexes. Whereas previously you’d need to dish out on average $3 million or more for a detached house, you can now buy into the West Side for the mid-$1.5 million range.

Buyers generally buy into the West Side as a long term decision. Although the bulk of property value appreciation has already happened, buying anything in Van West with land will always be a good idea in my opinion. If you’re willing to play the long game, the property will likely appreciate in the end.

Be aware of future densification projects that will change the surrounding environment of certain areas. Some people who buy into an area expecting not to have a lot of neighbours may be in for a rude awakening when they find out there will be 30 new high rise towers coming up in the future (like the Jericho Lands).

Lots of young professionals are moving into condos in the Cambie corridor, but detached homes are abundantly purchased by families. Given their price point, it’s quite difficult for young, single demographics to afford them.

Shaughnessy’s zoning now will allow for multiplexes to be developed. One of the biggest concerns for multiplexes is being able to fit enough parking for all the units, and the wide lots in Shaughnessy are suited for this. But practically speaking I’m not sure if a lot of multiplexes will come up because of the outright cost of the land in the area, which means higher prices for the completed projects. I think it’s a tall order to ask someone to pay $2.5 million for a 1,500 sq. ft. multiplex with only one parking spot.

East Van has many more duplexes because of the nature of their lot sizes and the lower cost of construction for the types of materials used in East Van. It’s very easy to build a front-back duplex unit on a 33 ft. wide lot and they sell for price ranges that are more affordable. The West Side is seeing a large influx of duplexes as well, but most are side-by-side units on 45 ft. and above lots. The Cambie Corridor is seeing [lots] pre-zoned to build townhouses which means we will see more of those in the near future as well. Overall, the West Side is going to see lots of densification and housing will be more accessible in the near future.