In northeastern B.C., $2 million can buy you an 11,000-square-foot lodge that sleeps 28 and boasts more than 100 acres of land. On Vancouver’s west side, it can buy you a teardown or a townhouse, but not much else.
This is not an exhaustive list of properties on the market currently, nor are the listings selected necessarily representative of the overall market in a given region. Properties listed here have been chosen, in part, because they have unique or distinguishing characteristics.
VANCOUVER, WEST SIDE
Starting in Metro Vancouver, where the benchmark price for a detached home was more than $1.8 million in March, there are hundreds of properties currently listed at or near the $2 million mark.
Within the city proper, however, offerings west of Main Street are overwhelmingly limited to condos and townhouses. The only detached homes available are either teardowns or properties located on leasehold land that isn’t technically part of Vancouver at all.
This seven-bedroom, five-bathroom, 4,200-square-foot home on Musqueam Drive is located – as the street name suggests – on Musqueam First Nation land.
Leasehold home on Musqueam Drive listed for $1,825,000
The $1,825,000 listing boasts of the property’s “park-like” landscaped yard with a pond, and the bedroom and bathroom totals listed include a basement suite.
Musqueam Drive home
The only detached home on the west side for less than $2 million that wasn’t a leasehold lot when CTV News looked Wednesday afternoon was this five-bedroom, two-bathroom house on West 62nd Avenue in Marpole, which is being offered for $1,890,000.
Like the Musqueam Drive property, this one is also divided into two suites, with three bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs. No images of the building’s interior were included in the listing.
Home on West 62nd Avenue in Vancouver
VANCOUVER, EAST SIDE
In East Vancouver, $2 million goes a little further. CTV News found 96 listings for detached homes between $1.5 million and $2 million on Wednesday afternoon, with many of them pitched as investment properties ahead of potential future redevelopment.
This property on Windermere Street two blocks west of Highway 1 has 13 bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across two suites in the main building and a laneway house.
Multi-unit property on Windermere Street.
Investors still seem to be the target market for the $1,999,999 listing, even if redevelopment isn’t imminent. The listing indicates that the property generates $6,000 per month in rental income.
Multi-unit property on Windemere Street.
SURREY
Outside the City of Vancouver, detached homes at the $2 million price point get more lavish.
This one on 141A Street has nine bedrooms and six bathrooms for $1,980,000, though some of those are again located in the “mortgage helper” basement suite.
House on 141A Street in Surrey.
Described in the listing as “perfect for growing families,” the property abuts McLeod Park and is a short walk from multiple elementary schools.
House on 141A Street in Surrey.
ABBOTSFORD
Outside Metro Vancouver, $2 million can be enough to buy a large family home, a substantial amount of land, or both.
Currently available in Abbotsford for $1,750,000 is a five-acre parcel of land on Sumas Prairie that is zoned for agricultural use.
“Whether you’re looking to start your own farm or simply want to enjoy the wide-open spaces that come with living in the country, this property offers plenty of possibilities,” the listing boasts.
An undeveloped five-acre parcel zoned for agriculture in Abbotsford.
Alternatively, $1,899,800 could buy a nine-bedroom, seven-bathroom home on Terminal Court in west Abbotsford, near the community of Aldergrove in Langley.
House on Terminal Court in Abbotsford.
The home features “over 4,700 square feet of luxurious living space,” according to the listing, which makes no mention of a secondary suite or “mortgage helper.” Instead, the home features “tons of room for the whole family,” including a rooftop patio.
Home on Terminal Court in Abbotsford.
KAMLOOPS
Luxury is similarly on offer in the Interior. In Kamloops, $1,995,000 is the current asking price for a seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home on Crosshill Drive in the Aberdeen neighbourhood, southwest of downtown.
Home on Crosshill Drive in Kamloops
The “breathtaking, custom-built dream home” has “spectacular mountain, river, and city views,” according to the listing, which also boasts of ceiling speakers and “smart toilets in every bathroom.”
Home on Crosshill Drive in Kamloops.
KELOWNA
In Kelowna, this luxury home listed for $1,980,000 has five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus a gym on the lower level and “a self-contained nanny suite.”
Kelowna luxury home
Located in a subdivision called Iron Horse Estates in the Southwest Mission neighbourhood, the home also features “a king-sized primary suite with private patio,” from which residents can view Okanagan Lake.
Kelowna luxury home
Interestingly, Kelowna also sees a few listings in the $2 million price range that qualify as teardowns, including this “development opportunity” on Belaire Avenue in the Central City neighbourhood for $1,998,000.
KOOTENAYS
In Nelson, $1,919,000 could buy seven acres of currently undeveloped lakefront property on Kootenay Lake. The lot features 700 feet of waterfront, and could be developed as an RV park or a residential subdivision, according to the listing.
Land for sale on Kootenay Lake.
For those who prefer their lakefront property already developed, there’s this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home on Sproat Drive, which is currently available for $1,980,000.
Home on Sproat Drive in Nelson.
“The unique layout includes a tucked-away one-bedroom legal suite on the main floor, a double attached garage, and a beach-accessible bathroom,” the listing reads, adding that the property has its own beach.
View from the home for sale on Sproat Drive in Nelson.
PRINCE GEORGE
In northern B.C.’s largest city, there aren’t many properties currently listed for between $1.5 million and $2 million. A CTV News search on Wednesday afternoon yielded just six, the most expensive of which was a 12-unit apartment building on Upland Street for $1,799,000.
Apartment building for sale in Prince George.
The 12,000-square-foot complex has a new roof and brought in more than $144,000 in revenue last year, according to the listing.
The single-family home closest to our $2 million target price is located several kilometres south of the city along Highway 97. The asking price is $1,795,000.
With just three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house is modest in comparison to the Okanagan offerings, but it comes with more than 37 acres of land, some of which is zoned for “small holdings” use.
Home south of Prince George.
The property also includes a three-bedroom, one-bathroom mobile home with a basement, “a detached double garage, a pole barn and a massive shop,” according to the listing.
The home south of Prince George is located on roughly 37 acres, some of which is zoned for “small holdings” use.
VICTORIA
While B.C.’s capital has a housing market nearly as expensive as Metro Vancouver’s, there are still detached homes to be had here for roughly $2 million, though many of them have secondary suites.
Such is the case with this listing on Cornwall Street in Fairfield for $1,800,000, which has five bedrooms and four bathrooms spread across a main living area and a garden level suite.
Home on Cornwall Street in Victoria.
In a similar vein, interested buyers with $2 million could own both sides of this duplex in James Bay, which the listing says rents for a combined $9,000 per month.
Duplex in James Bay.
NANAIMO
Listings in the Harbour City include a land assembly of three adjacent lots on Bowen Road west of the Departure Bay ferry terminal for $1,980,000.
Together, the three homes occupy more than 22,000 square feet and could be redeveloped into a multi-family residential or commercial building, according to the listing.
Those looking for a home rather than an investment opportunity may prefer this nearly five-acre property in the Regional District of Nanaimo outside the city.
Regional District of Nanaimo house
On the grounds surrounding the three-bedroom, three-bathroom home are “a large gravel space for a riding ring,” an 810-square-foot shop and horse stalls, according to the listing. The asking price is $1,950,000.
The home includes horse stalls and a riding ring.
NORTH ISLAND
Properties in the neighbourhood of $2 million are harder to find on the North Island, but there were a few intriguing options when CTV News searched Wednesday afternoon, including this property featuring both a house and a waterfront cabin on Quadra Island.
Quadra Island property
The $1,900,000 property is a little more than an acre in size and located “right across from Rebecca Spit Provincial Park and close to all the services in Heriot Bay,” according to the listing.
View from the Quadra Island property.
Elsewhere on the North Island, $1,800,000 can buy 90 acres of land on Quatsino Sound that has frontage on both Hecate Cove and on Colony Lake.
“There are many layers of value including possible subdivision potential, timber, and significant conservancy values,” the listing reads.
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.
