When we use the word “bargain” in relation to Burnaby real estate, don’t laugh.
There are a few out there based on a certain metric. This month’s roundups of Burnaby’s bargain listings by roomvu, are listed well-below government assessed value, most are under $1 million, and fresh on the market. It’s the cream of the crop of home deals.
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How it works is the B.C. government analyzes and gives a price based on each property’s factors like size, layout, shape, age, neighbourhood, the condition of the property and more.
When listing prices appear lower than as compared to government value, these value-for-money homes set off alarm bells, demanding to be seen and bought.
This is a 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom Townhouse is listed for sale by agent Dennis Liuof Royal Pacific Realty (Kingsway) Ltd. They are asking $899900 while the assessed value for this property is $944000 .
This property features:No Strata Fee! Great location, close to Highgate, Metrotown, Crystal Mall, Library, skytrain stations. Minutes away from deer lake, SFU and BCIT etc. Quality 3 level heritage style Four Plex with great floor plan Liv/Din, Powder room, kitchen on the main floor, 1,400 sq ft 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms w/insuite laundry in 2nd floor, master bdrm w/ensuite on 3rd floor, open sundeck with view. Granite counter top in the kitchen & marble granite in all the washrooms, white kit cabinet. BEST corner unit w/view. BONUS – includes stainless steel appliances, full size washer & dryer, blinds & screens all in & secure garage.
This is a 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom Condo is listed for sale by agent Melissa Dhuu PREC*of Top Vision Realty Inc. They are asking $849000 while the assessed value for this property is $885000 .
This property features:The PARK in heart of Metrotown. This spacious 2 bedrm 2 bathrm 915 sf newly built condo is on the upper level facing south west with water, mountain, and city views. Steps to the mall, SkyTrain station and recreation centre. Easy to show.
This is a 6 bedrooms, 4 bathroom Semi-detached is listed for sale by agent Mick McLennanof RE/MAX All Points Realty . They are asking $1590000 while the assessed value for this property is $1601000 .
This property features:Attention Builders – This must be Sold with the 6544 Imperial address. With the movement of the property line, it will have the potential for 2 Duplex Lots. Under R5 Zoning, the property must have 60′ frontage & 7200 sq ft lot size. The present Duplex is currently tenanted with 1 side at $1600.00. The duplex is in good condition + there is a triple garage with lane access & a attached carport. The 2 properties (6544 & 6560 Imperial) together have a total of 15,063 sq ft & approx 147′ on frontage.
This is a 2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom Condo is listed for sale by agent Darin Germyn – PRECof Macdonald Realty (Surrey/152). They are asking $650000 while the assessed value for this property is $654000 .
This property features:Imagine waking up each day to a made-in BC experience of the sunny North Shore mountains smiling back at you. A large 2 bedroom bright corner unit with oversized windows in almost every room, offers gorgeous views of the bustling Metrotown area, North Shore Mountains and the valley showing nearly all of Burnaby. Featuring 2 patios, dedicated laundry room, generously sized bathrooms and all located in a well maintained rain-screened building. Just steps away to everything Metrotown has to offer including world-class shopping at BC’s largest shopping mall, every type of food/restaurant imaginable, transit and more.
This is a 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom Condo is listed for sale by agent Zhong Liuof Sutton Group Seafair Realty. They are asking $899000 while the assessed value for this property is $903000 .
This property features:
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! Residence at the Crystal, right above Crystal mall, convenience, mountain views, bright spacious floor plan, you can have it all. Featuring 3 bedrooms (2 ensuites), 3 full baths and a large den with windows which can be used as a 4th bedroom. Every bedroom including the den has mountain & city views. Amenities include indoor pool, hot tub, gym, and a caretaker. 2 side by side parking spots, and a storage locker.
MONTREAL – Two Quebec real estate brokers are facing fines and years-long suspensions for submitting bogus offers on homes to drive up prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Christine Girouard has been suspended for 14 years and her business partner, Jonathan Dauphinais-Fortin, has been suspended for nine years after Quebec’s authority of real estate brokerage found they used fake bids to get buyers to raise their offers.
Girouard is a well-known broker who previously starred on a Quebec reality show that follows top real estate agents in the province.
She is facing a fine of $50,000, while Dauphinais-Fortin has been fined $10,000.
The two brokers were suspended in May 2023 after La Presse published an article about their practices.
One buyer ended up paying $40,000 more than his initial offer in 2022 after Girouard and Dauphinais-Fortin concocted a second bid on the house he wanted to buy.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 11, 2024.
MONTREAL – The Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers says Montreal-area home sales rose 9.3 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with levels slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year.
The association says home sales in the region totalled 2,991 for the month, up from 2,737 in August 2023.
The median price for all housing types was up year-over-year, led by a six per cent increase for the price of a plex at $763,000 last month.
The median price for a single-family home rose 5.2 per cent to $590,000 and the median price for a condominium rose 4.4 per cent to $407,100.
QPAREB market analysis director Charles Brant says the strength of the Montreal resale market contrasts with declines in many other Canadian cities struggling with higher levels of household debt, lower savings and diminishing purchasing power.
Active listings for August jumped 18 per cent compared with a year earlier to 17,200, while new listings rose 1.7 per cent to 4,840.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 6, 2024.
In the quest to find cities where renters can enjoy the best of all worlds, a recent study analyzed 24 metrics across three key categories—Housing & Economy, Quality of Life, and Community. The study ranked the 100 largest cities in Canada to determine which ones offer the most to their renters.
Here are the top 10 cities that emerged as the best for renters in 2024:
St. John’s, NL
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, stand out as the top city for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning natural beauty, and welcoming community, St. John’s offers an exceptional quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing, a robust economy, and low unemployment rates, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching living experience. Its rich history, picturesque harbour, and dynamic arts scene further enhance its appeal, ensuring that renters can enjoy both comfort and excitement in this charming coastal city.
Sherbrooke, QC
Sherbrooke, Quebec, emerges as a leading city for renters in Canada for 2024, offering a blend of affordability and quality of life. Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and strong community spirit. The city provides affordable rental options, low living costs, and a thriving local economy, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both comfort and economic stability. With its rich history, numerous parks, and dynamic arts and education sectors, Sherbrooke presents an inviting environment for renters looking for a well-rounded lifestyle.
Québec City, QC
Québec City, the capital of Quebec, stands out as a premier destination for renters in Canada for 2024. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage, this city offers an exceptional quality of life. Renters benefit from affordable housing, excellent public services, and a robust economy. The city’s charming streets, historic sites, and diverse culinary scene provide a unique living experience. With top-notch education institutions, numerous parks, and a strong sense of community, Québec City is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic and fulfilling lifestyle.
Trois-Rivières, QC
Trois-Rivières, nestled between Montreal and Quebec City, emerges as a top choice for renters in Canada. This historic city, known for its picturesque riverside views and rich cultural scene, offers an appealing blend of affordability and quality of life. Renters in Trois-Rivières enjoy reasonable housing costs, a low unemployment rate, and a vibrant community atmosphere. The city’s well-preserved historic sites, bustling arts community, and excellent educational institutions make it an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Saguenay, QC
Saguenay, located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, is a prime destination for renters seeking affordable living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its picturesque fjords and vibrant cultural scene, Saguenay offers residents a high quality of life with lower housing costs compared to major urban centers. The city boasts a strong sense of community, excellent recreational opportunities, and a growing economy. For those looking to combine affordability with a rich cultural and natural environment, Saguenay stands out as an ideal choice.
Granby, QC
Granby, nestled in the heart of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, offers renters a delightful blend of small-town charm and ample opportunities. Known for its beautiful parks, vibrant cultural scene, and family-friendly environment, Granby provides an exceptional quality of life. The city’s affordable housing market and strong sense of community make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live. With its renowned zoo, bustling downtown, and numerous outdoor activities, Granby is a hidden gem that caters to a diverse range of lifestyles.
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton, the capital city of New Brunswick, offers renters a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful riverfront, and welcoming community, Fredericton provides an excellent quality of life. The city boasts affordable housing options, scenic parks, and a strong educational presence with institutions like the University of New Brunswick. Its rich cultural heritage, coupled with a thriving local economy, makes Fredericton an attractive destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Saint John, NB
Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest city, is a coastal gem known for its stunning waterfront and rich heritage. Nestled on the Bay of Fundy, it offers renters an affordable cost of living with a unique blend of historic architecture and modern conveniences. The city’s vibrant uptown area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while its scenic parks and outdoor spaces provide ample opportunities for recreation. Saint John’s strong sense of community and economic growth make it an inviting place for those looking to enjoy both urban and natural beauty.
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Saint-Hyacinthe, located in the Montérégie region of Quebec, is a vibrant city known for its strong agricultural roots and innovative spirit. Often referred to as the “Agricultural Technopolis,” it is home to numerous research centers and educational institutions. Renters in Saint-Hyacinthe benefit from a high quality of life with access to excellent local amenities, including parks, cultural events, and a thriving local food scene. The city’s affordable housing and close-knit community atmosphere make it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
Lévis, QC
Lévis, located on the southern shore of the St. Lawrence River across from Quebec City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Known for its picturesque views and well-preserved heritage sites, Lévis is a city where history meets contemporary living. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent public services, green spaces, and cultural activities. The city’s affordable housing options and strong sense of community make it a desirable place for renters looking for both tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.
This category looked at factors such as average rent, housing costs, rental availability, and unemployment rates. Québec stood out with 10 cities ranking at the top, demonstrating strong economic stability and affordable housing options, which are critical for renters looking for cost-effective living conditions.
Québec again led the pack in this category, with five cities in the top 10. Ontario followed closely with three cities. British Columbia excelled in walkability, with four cities achieving the highest walk scores, while Caledon topped the list for its extensive green spaces. These factors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, making these cities attractive for renters.
Victoria, BC, emerged as the leader in this category due to its rich array of restaurants, museums, and educational institutions, offering a vibrant community life. St. John’s, NL, and Vancouver, BC, also ranked highly. Québec City, QC, and Lévis, QC, scored the highest in life satisfaction, reflecting a strong sense of community and well-being. Additionally, Saskatoon, SK, and Oshawa, ON, were noted for having residents with lower stress levels.
For a comprehensive view of the rankings and detailed interactive visuals, you can visit the full study by Point2Homes.
While no city can provide a perfect living experience for every renter, the cities highlighted in this study come remarkably close by excelling in key areas such as housing affordability, quality of life, and community engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for renters seeking the best places to live in Canada in 2024.
