Vancouver Real Estate: Condos and Houses for Sale in British Columbia

Downtown, Yaletown and Coal Harbour are condo-dense, with waterfront views. Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant and Main Street offer character and cafés, Kerrisdale and Dunbar are family west-side areas, and Shaughnessy holds some of the most expensive houses. East Vancouver is cheaper but gentrifying. The SkyTrain and bus network, plus the SeaBus, connect the region, and Vancouver International Airport is in Richmond.

Nature access is the draw: mountains, beaches and the seawall. Rain is frequent in winter. Earthquake risk and the cost of insurance and strata fees deserve attention.

For surrounding cities see Surrey, and for other markets compare Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Hamilton.

The federal ban on non-Canadians buying residential property in urban areas applies to Metro Vancouver and has been extended to the start of 2027 at the time of writing, with exemptions for some work-permit holders, students and permanent residents. British Columbia also imposes a 20% Foreign Buyers Tax in designated regions, a Speculation and Vacancy Tax on certain owners and a property transfer tax. Verify all rules with a Vancouver lawyer before offering.

• Strata review. Review minutes, depreciation reports and special levies.
• Property transfer tax. BC charges tiered tax on the price, with exemptions for some first-time buyers.
• Rental restrictions. Many strata corporations restrict rentals.

See our Canada consultation guide, financing guide and the Canada overview.

Condos built in the 1980s and 1990s on the coast had water-ingress problems, so read the depreciation report and ask about past remediation. Check strata fees, insurance deductibles and any pending special assessment. Use the mortgage calculator to see how rates affect your monthly payment.

Vancouver has a mild, wet climate, with grey winters and dry summers. Public schools are well rated in many west-side catchments, and catchment boundaries can influence prices. Cycling and walking are common in the inner city, while the North Shore and suburbs depend more on cars. Many buyers also compare Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey for lower prices, but the commute across bridges can be slow at peak hours. Visit areas at rush hour before deciding.

Vancouver's land is limited by the mountains, ocean and farmland reserve, which supports long-term prices, but high interest rates and affordability constraints can slow sales. Rental demand is strong, though rent regulation limits increases on existing tenancies. Buyers should plan for holding costs, including strata fees, property tax and insurance.