WEST COAST CONDO Spring 2018

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Showcasing the best of condo living in the Lower Mainland

Spring 2018

HOME ABOUT TOWN INSIDE A LOCAL CELEBRITY’S BEAUTIFUL CAMBIE TOWNHOUSE | 18

GROWTH POTENTIAL Which areas have seen condo prices soar – and which are next?

SECRET SPACES ALOFT Metro Vancouver’s buildings have cool things happening up top

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SPRING REFRESH Designers’ easy tips for bringing the season into your home

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T I M EL ESS D ES I G N • WO R L D C L A SS V I E WS • E L EG A N T H O M E S AT PAC I F I C A N D H O R N BY I N D OW N TOW N VA N CO U V E R

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FROM $2,875,900

FROM $2,250,000

VISIT THE SHOWROOM TODAY | 1050 HOMER STREET IN YALETOWN 604.227.3542 | GrosvenorPacific.com Pricing subject to change without notice. Rendering is an artist’s interpretation only and may not be accurate. E&OE.

More in Midtown.

Now Selling Penthouses & Townhomes.

Midtown Central, a collection of 35 modern homes in the heart of Mount Pleasant, is one of the only communities with rooftop decks to complement your home with expansive outdoor space. Featuring extensive landscaping, warm wood detailing and modern concrete planters, your private deck makes an ideal space for entertaining friends before you hit a local bar, restaurant or craft brewery – or all the above.

Plus, gas hook-ups for barbecues and outdoor heating make your deck the ultimate cozy hangout for long, lingering evenings watching the sun set over the city. It’s yet another way we’re offering more in Midtown.

CALL NOW 604.563.3330 SALES GALLERY LOCATED AT 2207 Cambie Street, Vancouver Open Monday to Friday from 12 – 5pm (Weekends by Appointment)

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with a Disclosure Statement E.& O.E.

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A feverish market for condos

2017

was quite the year for the Lower Mainland condo market, and it doesn’t look like that’s changing any time soon – new real estate taxes notwithstanding. Seemingly unaffected by an overall slowdown in home sales that started in late spring 2016 and was exacerbated by the foreign buyer tax, our condo market is truly a phenomenon unto itself.

Demand for condos in the Metro Vancouver area has soared unchecked, even as the supply of

available homes – both new and resale – has withered. That has caused benchmark condo prices to rise exponentially, especially in certain desirable spots. In this issue of West Coast Condo, we take a look at the hottest condo neighbourhoods of last year and consider where the trends might lie in 2018. Plus of course we have our regular City Snapshots, which dive into the latest condo market activity in your area.

Speaking of soaring: I’ve always had a thing for the tops of

buildings. It may sound odd, but that’s where all the good stuff happens – stunning architectural details, double-height terraces, community rooftop gardens, penthouse pools… you name it.

So we’re excited to publish our feature “Look up!” about the secret worlds above our heads, showcasing some amazing condo buildings in our region.

As we celebrate the start of spring, we are sharing tips for you on easy ways to transition your home décor from winter cozy to spring fresh in our “Spring Fever” feature. As ever,

our products page “WCC Loves” also has some fabulous, springinspired furniture and accessories direct from the 2018 BC Home + Garden Show. And you will be totally inspired by the light-filled gorgeousness that is the Cambie townhouse belonging to CBC radio personality Fred Lee and his husband, photographer Joshua McVeity. The couple invited us to tour their stunning home, and you too can take a peek inside, courtesy of Joshua’s beautiful images.

Enjoy, and have a fabulous spring season!

Joannah Connolly Editor-in-Chief, West Coast Condo Joannah Connolly is editor-in-chief of Glacier Real Estate, Glacier Media’s real estate division. Joannah writes and curates real estate news for Glacier Media’s local newspaper websites, including the Vancouver Courier, and is editor-in-chief of West Coast Condo, Real Estate Weekly Homes, Western Investor and Glacier Media’s special real estate publications. She appears regularly on radio, TV and conference panels discussing the Metro Vancouver real estate market.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS Susan M Boyce

Jill Lunde

Susan M Boyce is a Vancouver-born journalist who’s spent over 20 years writing about the local residential real estate scene. In addition to being a regular contributor to West Coast Condo and Real Estate Weekly, she is the author of the book Old Landmark, New Life: the Story of the Historic Bose Family Farm.

Vancouver born and bred, Jill Lunde has been writing on BC’s housing sector for many years. She’s old enough to remember when there was no rapid transit and no one lived (or wanted to live!) downtown. She lives with her husband, son and 20-year-old cat in a townhouse on the Fraser River.

Michelle Hopkins Michelle Hopkins is a freelance writer based in Vancouver, BC. She has extensive newspaper, magazine, web and corporate writing experience.

Michelle has always had a passion for interior design, so being able to write about renovations and home décor is the perfect fit.

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Showcasing the best of condo living in the Lower Mainland

PUBLISHER: Janai York

ADVERTISING SALES: 604.439.2647

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Joannah Connolly

DISTRIBUTION: 604.435.7977

SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Tracey Aussem, Lynn Fry, Jackie Mollenhauer, Igor Pogorelo

FAX: 604.439.2630

PRODUCTION: Darko Isic, Peter Gallagher DESIGNERS: Annette Spreeuw, Arslan Sultan

EMAIL: salessupport@rew.ca VANCOUVER HEAD OFFICE: 303 West 5th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V5Y 1J6

COPYRIGHT: West Coast Condo is published quarterly by Real Estate Weekly Partnership. Copyright 2018. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles and advertising that appear in each edition of West Coast Condo, the publisher may not be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may from time to time occur. No part of this publication may be quoted or reprinted in any medium without the express writtenpermission of Real Estate Weekly Partnership.

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SOUTH VANCOUVER STARTS HERE 3 6 3 CIT Y H O M E S | S H O P S | DAYC A R E | PAR K This new mixed-use community development brings new life and action to Fraser and Southeast Marine Drive, with smart city homes, generous green space, a daycare and neighbourly shops. With homes starting from $439,900, this is where South Vancouver begins. And it’s clearly moving up from here.

A NEW VISION FROM SERRACAN Find out more about this change-making community.

COMING MARCH. REGISTER TODAY.

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CITY LIVING

This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering can only be made with a disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make changes and modifications. Illustration is representational only and may not be accurate. E&OE

SPRING 2018

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WCC LOVES… OUR FAVOURITE SPRING-INSPIRED PRODUCTS FROM THE BC HOME + GARDEN SHOW

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HOT ’HOODS WHERE DID THE CONDO MARKET EXPLODE IN THE PAST YEAR – AND WHAT ABOUT 2018?

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WCC COMMUNITY WERE YOU THERE? A LOOK BACK AT RECENT HIGH-PROFILE DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY EVENTS

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LOOK UP! ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS ATOP HIGH-RISES, AND THE WONDERFUL COMMON (AND PRIVATE) SPACES THEY CREATE

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HOME ABOUT TOWN VANCOUVER’S MAN ABOUT TOWN, FRED LEE, GIVES US A TOUR OF HIS FABULOUS CAMBIE TOWNHOME

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SPRING FEVER THREE LOCAL DESIGNERS’ DELIGHTFUL DÉCOR TIPS ON BRINGING THE SEASON INTO YOUR HOME

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vancouver 28 / burnaby 29 / north shore 30 / new west 31 richmond & south delta 32 / surrey 33 / tri-cities 34 WCCONDO.COM

WHITE ROCK FROM A WHOLE NEW VIEW

E S TAT E S E R I E S E X CLUSIVELY ON FLOORS 14–22 3 B ED + DEN | OVER 2,000 SF F R OM $1,760,000* FosterMartin.ca

604 531 7111

*Prices ices quot qu quoted ed d eexclude xclude xclu l de ttaxes axes are subject sub bject to av availabi avai availability lability lity at the h time of visi visitt an aand/or to o chan cchange ge wi w without ithout itho h ut n notice. otice. otic e P Photo Photos hotos an and nd rende re renderings ndering ringss are are an artist’ artist’s ist’s conception onception and are intended as a general reference only. E.&O.E. Sales and Marketing by Fifth Avenue Real Estate Marketing Ltd. fifthave.ca

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WCC LOVES...

French Press Linens

O u r s p r i n gt i m e-i n s pi r ed pic ks f ro m t h i s y e a r ’ s B C H o m e + Ga r d en S h ow

by Michelle Hopkins

THERE IS SO MUCH to look forward to during spring – longer days, warmer weather and the sweet smell of spring blossoms. Here’s another, new decor inspirations for your condo. Whether it’s new decking on your patio or some beautiful linens for your dining room table, West Coast Condo rounded up five key pieces that captured

The perfect sp spring soiree requir beautiful requires n’est-ce pas? linens, n’e Impress your guests while dining in style with French Press Linens’ selection of eco-friendly cloth dinner napkins. These embroidered napkins come in an array of choice, offering classic designs, amusing wine quotes or you can personalize them just the way you want.

$40 set of four | French Press Linens frenchpresslinens.ca

our attention at this year’s 47th Annual BC Home + Garden Show.

Cedar Rim Nursery Ltd. Bring a touch of the outdoors with one of the hottest plants out there – Tillandsia. Dubbed the air plant, these exotic, colourful plants are foolproof for even the most neglectful gardener.

They don’t require any soil and very little care. Mist them every couple of days, and give them a good soaking every two weeks. Can it get any easier?

$3.98-$39.98 | Cedar Rim Nursery, 7024 Glover Road, Langley cedarrim.com

Pearl Sinks Inspired by vie de cuisine, the CUVI sink infuses versatility and creativity into any condo kitchen.

The set includes a fully modular single-bowl kitchen sink, dish rack, cutlery rack and two roll mats.

Unusable space above the sink can now be used as a colander, drying rack or cooling station for your pots and pans. As for the drying mat, simply roll it up when finished and tuck it away in your cabinet. What’s not to love?

$1,399 | Pearl Sinks, 1231 Burdette Street #120, Richmond pearlsinks.com

Duradek Quartz Vinyl Decking Does your deck flooring look a little dated and drab? Transform and breathe new life onto your deck with Duradek Arctic Quartz and Desert Quartz vinyl decking. This new flooring comes in a cool new multi-tonal off-white and greys. Not only is it durable, it adds depth and style to any outdoor space.

$6-9/sq.ft. installed | Duradek Canada Ltd., 8288 – 129 Street, Surrey | duradek.com

Expand Furniture Living in a small space shouldn’t have to mean feeling cramped. For today’s urban dwellers, there’s the Stratus Modular Sofa. Not only is it stylish, but can transform your space to suit any occasion. The modular sofa, which consists of two single chairs, two corner pieces and an ottoman, can be bought in individual pieces. So, your sofa can expand as your space does.

$2,495 for Stratus Sofa – Modern Modular Sectional Set of Five ($500 per piece) | Expand Furniture, 108-2050 Scotia Street, Vancouver expandfurniture.com

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comfort. warmth. value. modern. peace of mind. community. nest. convenient. familiar. carefree. belonging. conďŹ dent. investment. family. security. home.

COMING SOON TO COQUITLAM.

75 WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY HOMES REGISTER NOW marcon.ca/reganwest This is not an offering for sale as such an offering can only be made when accompanied by a disclosure statement. E&OE. Marcon Regan West (GP) Ltd.

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THE HOTTEST ’HOODS A look at where condo prices soared the most in the past year – and some predictions for 2018

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017 was a remarkable year for the Lower Mainland condo market, by anyone’s standards. While higherend detached home prices flatlined following 2016’s lateyear market slowdown and the introduction of the foreign buyer tax, condo prices kept skyrocketing.

Across all of Greater Vancouver in December 2017, the benchmark condo price was$655,400 – 25.9% higher than a year previously. And in the Fraser Valley, the condo benchmark price was up a staggering 40.5% year over year, and currently climbing around 4% every single month.

But taking a more neighbourhood-level approach, where were the really hot spots for condos over the past year?

And where might 2018 see some further rising prices – despite the expanded foreign buyer tax and other demand-suppression measures introduced this year?

Let’s take a look.

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2017’S HOT SPOTS

Mount Pleasant and Main Street Strictly speaking, these are three MLS®-defined neighbourhoods – Mount Pleasant East and West, and Main Street. But as they are such close neighbours, and certainly attracting the same type of buyers, it’s worth looking at them in the same glance. If you ask anyone where the year’s hippest Vancouver ’hood is, they’ll point in the direction of where tech hubs, art schools, craft breweries, boutique stores and local artisans are setting up shop. Combining condo sales across the three neighbourhoods, median sale prices rose a massive 36.9% as of December 2017 versus one year before.

Langley The Fraser Valley condo market was nothing short of scorching last year, with Langley a key player. In December 2017, there were 69 condo sales, which is up from 28 units the same month one year before. The median price of those sales rose from $252,500 to $372,250 in the same period – a jump of more than 47%.

Admittedly, this is starting from a much lower, more affordable base than many Metro Vancouver regions – but that just means there was a lot more room to grow. And there’s still even more room to grow this year.

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Whistler In the doldrums just a few years ago, Whistler real estate has been recovering rapidly these past years. Ski-lovers clearly saw the opportunity and started buying. There are too few sales per month to identify annual median price rises, but the benchmark price of a Whistler condo in December was up 26.5% year over year – and the threeyear increase is a whopping 102%. Compared with five years previously, prices are up 125.5% – in 2012, a typical Whistler condo cost just $233K, compared with $507,500 in 2017. But it’s also worth noting that prices are only 30% higher than a decade ago.

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows Surprised? So are we. But in Maple Ridge, famous for its gorgeous provincial park, the condo benchmark price

in December 2017 was 35.5% higher compared with one year previously. In Pitt Meadows, it’s rising even faster at 36.1% up year over year. That said, like Langley, these are areas that are starting

from a much lower price baseline than many of the other regions on this list – Maple Ridge’s condo benchmark price was still a quite affordable $282,200, as of the end of last year.

Burnaby East Burnaby North and Burnaby South may be among the hottest spots in the Lower Mainland for new condo construction – both areas are seeing monumental growth in new homes and masterplanned communities.

But for resale prices, the eastern part of the city has seen the sharpest price rises, increasing 28.8% between December 2016 and December 2017, to a steep $681,400. No doubt the Evergreen Line SkyTrain extension has helped boost demand in this area.

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Surrey Sure, Surrey isn’t exactly a neighbourhood – more of a huge, and rapidly growing, metropolitan centre – but so many of its neighbourhoods outperformed the Fraser Valley average, we had to give it just one entry in this list. Benchmark condo prices in Cloverdale in December were up a massive 44.8% year over year and in North Surrey, up 44.6%.

In Surrey Central, typical prices were up a staggering 45.6% – and climbing between 3% and 5%, every single month. So if you want to buy a home in this exploding city, don’t hang around.

NEIGHBOURHOODS TO WATCH IN 2018 Coquitlam Buoyed by new transit links in the Evergreen Line SkyTrain extension, yet still relatively affordable, Coquitlam is seeing a huge ripple effect as young buyers look further east to buy a home. Our sister website REW found that views-per-listing in North Coquitlam more than tripled in a year, Q3 2017 vs Q3 2016. Look out as this could well translate to an increasing rush in sales and steepening price rises over the next year.

Port Moody The other hotspot in the Tri-Cities is Port Moody.

Not only has it benefitted from the Evergreen Line effect like Coquitlam, above, but the waterfront city is also anticipating a population boom. To match the anticipated demand, developers are building new homes like never before. Expect this to turn Port Moody into a thriving centre, with 2018 just seeing the beginning of this new phase.

Abbotsford Speaking of ripple effects, another further-east city to look out for is Abbotsford. An area that has struggled in terms of perception of being too far to commute to Vancouver, and a little too rural to be exciting, things are changing rapidly. The city’s innovative Abbotsfwd revitalization plan is coming to fruition, creating an urban hub in its own right

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City of Port Moody Official Community Plan – and let’s not forget Abbotsford has amazing transport links. Add all that together and you get a desirable city for professionals and young families to call home.

Hastings Hastings-Sunrise has been touted as the new Main Street for a few years now – and although

that’s been slow to happen, we still believe. The reason for this delay is likely its awkward transit – there’s no SkyTrain. But this area is so close to downtown Vancouver and home to so many craft breweries, artist studios and small galleries, we think gentrification is inevitable.

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NOW SELLING

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PRESENTATION CENTRE: #201 – 1020 AUSTIN AVENUE, COQUITLAM T: 604 917 0176

MOVE-IN THIS SPRING

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Where the city does its thing and nature does the rest.

Move-in Ready North Shore Homes 1, 2 and 3 Bedrooms

Register Now marineandfell.com 604.770.1966 This is not an offering for sale. Such offerings can only be made by way of disclosure statement. Marine + Fell is developed by Anthem 725 Marine Developments LP. E.&O.E.

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GVHBA Legends of Housing dinner

Urban Development Institute panel events

On January 31, 2018, a soldout crowd of GVHBA members at the Delta Hotels Burnaby Conference Centre were treated to an evening of hardearned-lessons from some of the industry’s leading lights: Anthem Properties CEO Eric Carlson; Geller Group president, urban planner and architect Michael Geller; and Macdonald Development Corporation president Rob Macdonald. The lively panel discussion was moderated by Kirk LaPointe, editor-in-chief of West Coast Condo’s sister publication Business in Vancouver, and preceded by a lavish dinner.

It was back down to business with the Urban Development Institute’s events in the New Year, with several major panel luncheons – although there was also plenty of opportunity for networking with old and new colleagues. The UDI’s events included the ever-popular annual forecast luncheon, which was held at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Vancouver on January 18, at which Kevin Layden of Wesbild, Ward McAllister of Ledingham McAllister and Todd Yuen of Beedie issued their predictions for the year, moderated by Jon Stovell of Reliance Properties. There was also a well-attended pre-budget pundit discussion called “The Buzz on BC Politics, Election and Budget” on February 15 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, featuring Keith Baldrey of Global News, Mike Smyth of The Province and Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun.

1. (Left to right) Kirk LaPointe, Eric Carlson, Rob Macdonald, Michael Geller, Michelle Sparrow (Councillor, Township of Langley), Bob de Wit (CEO, GVHBA), Larry Clay (president, GVHBA and Clay Construction)

2. Networking in the Legends Art Gallery, sponsored by National Home Warranty, Aviva Insurance

3. (Left to right) Sunny Goel (Convoy Supply Ltd), Emilia Coghill (ROCKWOOL) and Grat DeBoer (Pacific Valley Siding) 4. Listening to stories of business successes and hard lessons learned, told by the GVHBA panel of housing “legends”

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5. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver was the lavish setting for UDI’s February luncheon “The Buzz on BC Politics, Election and Budget”

6. Current UDI chair Jon Stovell, president of Reliance Properties, chats with panellist Keith Baldrey of Global News and Anne McMullin, UDI president and CEO (and panel moderator), ahead of the “Buzz on Politics” discussion

7. Ward McAllister of Ledingham McAllister captured the crowd’s

attention at the annual UDI Forecast Lunch

8. The always-sold-out Forecast Lunch event is a fantastic place for networking and meeting new

colleagues

9. West Coast Condo editor-in-chief Joannah Connolly and Western Investor editor Frank O’Brien ponder the panel’s predictions

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RESIDE is an exclusive collection of one, two and three bedroom homes with a coveted Westside Vancouver address. With all-concrete construction and some of Vancouver’s best shopping close by, RESIDE is sure to satisfy even the most discerning homeowner.

NOW SELLING in the Winona Park neighbourhood.

RESIDE. ON THE WESTSIDE.

Sales Centre: 688 SW Marine Drive Vancouver BC Open daily Noon to 5pm except Fridays residebymarcon.ca 604.325.8111 Artists renderings are representations only. E.& O.E. Marcon W63 (GP) Ltd.

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LOOK UP!

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h e to p s o f M e t r o Va n c o u v er ’ s c o n d o b u i l din g s is wh er e a l l t h e c o o l s t u ff h a p p en s – b ot h in a rchi t e ct u re a n d ro o f to p a m eni t ies

King George Hub in Surrey has covered 39th-floor roof terraces, internally clad with wood and punctuated by skylights

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A R C H I T E CT U R A L D E TA I L S

by Susan M Boyce

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igh above the streets of Metro Vancouver, there are wonderful things happening. Gorgeous architectural detailing, doubleheight terraces, hidden rooftop spaces. Sometimes a glimpse of leafy treetops or an elegant narrowing at a building’s summit hints at these enchanted spots, but most often pedestrians scurrying along the street below never notice their existence.

A growing trend throughout the region’s increasingly urban landscape, these beautiful and functional spaces at the tops of buildings are often home to amenities that have evolved far beyond “state-of-the-art gym” or “party lounge” that became de rigueur for any self-respecting multi-family development. Today, high-level private amenities are a showcase of creativity and innovation, gathering places that introduce a new social ambiance into the condo lifestyle.

When complete, Second + Main’s terraced outdoor spaces will include two kitchens, two dining areas, a fireside lounge and garden plots

Sky parks Modeled after Vancouver’s West End parkettes – where spontaneous outbreaks of chess, music, and debate are everyday occurrences – M3 in Coquitlam’s new downtown introduced a new view on amenities. The concept?

A two-level atrium with soaring, floor-to-ceiling stained glass art wall, mini-grand piano lounge, and multiple indoor/outdoor spaces.

“A pocket-park in the sky,” is how Jason Turcotte, Cressey’s vice president of development describes it. And while he’s keeping details under wraps, he says Cressey will be expanding

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the concept at the upcoming Hensley in Burquitlam.

For Solterra Developments, it was the glitz and glam of Las Vegas that inspired one of the company’s most popular highrise amenities – an outdoor theatre where residents can enjoy sporting events or the latest, silver screen blockbuster with family and friends. First introduced at Keefer Block in Chinatown, this under-the-stars feature continues turning heads Milano in Burnaby.

“Successful amenities create

CASCADING TERRACES IN RICHMOND Hoping to redefine West Coast Modernist architecture is the soon-tobe-landmark Cascade City in Richmond. This underdevelopment condo building

by Landa Properties is at Richmond Oval’s waterfront village, and is currently preselling its luxury condos.

These condos are, of course, stunning in themselves – but this development is all about that cascading, layering architecture of terraces. The individual condo’s decks drip languorously down towards a fifth-floor communal podium rooftop, where residents and guests can enjoy the fully landscaped gardens or gather and relax around the outdoor seating areas.

“The smooth forms, horizontality and the layering connects with the river landscape,” said Arno Matis, principal, Arno Matis Architecture, one of two architectural firms that designed the building. “We looked into the past to rediscover what West Coast Modernism was… Then, using new technology, we created modernistic architecture not found in Richmond or Vancouver, which I think will [showcase] really iconic pieces of design.”

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Solterra Developments’ Milano rooftop in Burnaby was inspired by the glamour of Las Vegas, and includes a communal outdoor movie theatre

spaces that homeowners will actually use rather than something that just adds to the strata fees,” says Laura Rizzo, Solterra’s vice-president of marketing. “It’s one of the reasons why community garden plots are also so successful.

People get involved beyond just gardening as they sharing and learning about where their food comes from.”

Focus on community Located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Create Properties’ Second + Main also focuses on enhancing a sense of community within community. When complete, the building’s terraced outdoor spaces will include two kitchens, two dining areas, a fireside lounge, and garden plots all strategically placed to maximize the dazzling North Shore and East Vancouver views.

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The upcoming Etoile in Burnaby has two towers that overlook a 50-foot swimming pool plus hot tub and sundeck on the podium rooftop

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Altus at SOLO District in Burnaby has 5,000 square feet of nightclub-style space named Club 55, which is 55 storeys above ground

“Mount Pleasant is a friendly, outgoing neighbourhood, and the amenities are specifically designed to reflect this community spirit,” notes Lindsay McIver, marketing director with Magnum Projects Ltd. Of course, there’s always the allure of simply lounging by the poolside with drink of choice in one hand, reading material of choice in the other. In which case, Etoile upcoming in Burnaby might just be the perfect secret spot. Two towers overlooking a 50-foot swimming pool plus hot tub and sundeck on the podium rooftop, with breathtaking views of the downtown Vancouver skyline – these residences are poised to raise the bar on resort living in Burnaby’s Brentwood neighbourhood.

And if you think that rooftop terraces are too exposed and only usable in summer months, you can think again – at least, if you’re buying a home at King George Hub in Surrey. This condo tower development has stunning covered 39th-floor roof terraces, clad internally with wood and punctuated by skylights, with sweeping views of the Fraser Valley.

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Too cool for school For sheer cool, Altus at SOLO District boasts an impressive 5,000 square feet of nightclubstyle space named Club 55 in honour of its location 55 storeys above ground. Did we mention the views? They’re insane. Okay, here’s more – outdoor kitchen/ BBQ, wet bar, multi-sport court, and tables… lots of tables, including poker, pool, family-style dining.

And if calling a world-class university home makes your heart beat a little faster, here’s cool option. Terraces at the Peak brings indoor-outdoor integration to Burnaby Mountain’s UniverCity neighbourhood. Over 3,250 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities designed with healthy living first and foremost, here you’ll find the distinctly Scottish-inspired Highlands Social Lounge adjacent to outdoor amenities including a kid’s play area and outdoor entertaining lounge.

So the next time someone says “look up,” don’t expect Superman, but if you pay attention you might discover a secret hideaway that takes city living to new heights… literally.

SKY-HIGH HIGHLIGHTS Other awesome tops-of-buildings include: Living Shangri-La Vancouver’s tallest tower is topped off by a huge glass wall that soars above its roof, creating an architecturally iconic silhouette. This wall is both beautiful and functional, as it protects the rooftop terrace from the elements. Unlike most of the buildings in this article, this terrace is private. The upper floor of the two-storey penthouse offers access to the 3,000-square-foot outdoor space with its own full-length swimming pool, hot tub, patio and garden, which has tall trees that are visible to the public against the glass wall, offering extra privacy for the lucky resident.

The Melville A 42-storey tower in Coal Harbour, the Melville’s defining architectural feature is its roof, which honours its West Coast locale with a magnificent glass sail. Like the glass wall atop Living Shangri-La (above), this sail also acts as a windbreak for the building’s luxurious rooftop patio, which has sweeping 360-degree views of the city, lounging areas, an outdoor pool and hot tub.

The Charleson Onni Group’s under-construction Charleson development in Yaletown is set to be a stunning tower in its own right, but also boasts a pool and hot-tub deck, plus a rooftop garden with a fire pit, dining and BBQ areas, children’s play area and even small garden plots for green-thumbed residents.

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H O M E

T O U R

HOME ABOUT TOWN Vancouver’s “Man About Town” Fred Lee and his photographer husband Joshua M CVeity invite us inside their beautiful Cambie townhouse

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ucked away off the Cambie corridor, the parkside townhouse belonging to Fred Lee, CBC Radio One personality, national newspaper columnist and UBC alumni relations manager, is a chic, contemporary, Parisianinspired home. From the outside, natural stone, black planters, wrought iron fencing and metal awnings complement a classic, timeless European-

ALL PHOTOS: JOSHUA MCVEITY

style structure.

Inspired by Formwerks Architectural’s founder Jim Bussey’s love of Old World architecture, the 1,200-squarefoot home exudes European elegance throughout. It’s evident in the foyer and bathroom’s Carrara marble black-and-white mosaic, the marble gas fireplace surround that anchors the living room, and the European laminate hardwood flooring with custom handcrafted flush nosing on the stairwells.

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by Michelle Hopkins

We both fell in love with the gas fi replace, the French doors that open onto the terrace and all the natural light that floods in – Fred Lee, CBC radio personality

“After living downtown for more than 20 years in onebedroom condos under 600 square feet, moving to the ’burbs into a larger, twobedroom home has taken some getting used to,” says Fred, whose public moniker is Man About Town. “With my social engagements, we are out all the time so I had to get use to a longer commute.”

That is precisely why Fred and his husband, photographer Joshua McVeity, wanted their

garden home to reflect a sense of calm and serenity – an oasis they can retreat to from “our crazy, busy lives.”

Calm blues and whites The high ceilings, big windows and harmonious spaces are the foundation for which the couple, married three years, took their interior décor cue from. Evoking the sea and skies, the living room’s blue-and-white palette brings comfort and

SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS In Fred and Joshua’s understated dining room, the most prominent piece is the deeply hued, multilayered resin painting by local artist George Vergette.

“We really love to support local artists,” says Fred. “Another local artist we like is internationally renowned Andrew Lewis, whose Espresso painting in the kitchen is very distinctive.”

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style that’s cool, calm, and so sophisticated.

“We both fell in love with the gas fireplace, the French doors that open onto the terrace and all the natural light that floods in,” says Fred. “This past summer, we had the doors open as much as possible truly bringing the outdoors in.”

In the open-concept home, the sleek, elegant kitchen blends modern and classic elements, such as the vintage inspired pendant lighting above the island, which fits seamlessly with the integrated fridges, Carrara marble slab backsplash and white quartz countertops.

Fred admits that since moving in seven months ago, they have yet to use their Bertizzoni-Italia Masters Series gas range or the dishwasher. “Neither of us cooks… when we entertain, we offer drinks and appetizers to our guests,” Fred confesses.

“Probably the most used area of the kitchen is my desk area.”

In the master bedroom, the soothing palette of colours – white, cool grey and black – is

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perfect for creating a relaxed and calming environment.

The eye is soon drawn to the geometric rug and the photograph of McVeity’s grandfather Robert McCance and his 1947 Kodak Bantan camera that adorn one of the bedside tables.

Tranquil space The couple converted the second bedroom into a den/ media room. Besides the living room, this is one of their favourite rooms to relax with a good book or enjoy a little television. Inspired by the warm salty breezes and ocean blue skies of Maui, this space is decorated in a white theme – with pops of ocean blue coming from the cushions and turquoise blue glass vase, as well as from the large landscape painting showcased by soothing hues of blue and white. The room also moonlights as a guest room with its comfortable couch, which doubles as a bed for guests.

Throughout the residence are elements of what this couple treasures – from furniture to artwork and family mementos, such as the collection of prized old Kodak cameras Joshua inherited from his grandfather, the replica Croaley turntable that Fred gifted to Joshua, and their wedding photo taken on the beach in Maui.

The whole effect is one of simplicity, softness, lightness and magic.

WHERE TO BUY Living room: Custom convex mirror by Matthew Buck – Reflecting Design Ltd Baxter sofa – Bayside Furniture Accent pillows – Pottery Barn Occasional dark grey chair in shiny brass by Mermelada Estudio and Ernest chrome bar cart – both CB2 Geo Tables – Parliament Interiors Dining room: Resin and text artwork – local artist George Vergette (Gallery Jones) Custom mirror – Framehouse Boutique (2344 Yukon Street) Random Moooi light by Bertjan Pot – Inform Interiors

Connecting agents to the community Show current and future clients that you mean business

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D ES IG N

I N S P I R AT I O N

SPRING FEVER Eight expert décor tips to ready your condo for spring

by Michelle Hopkins

KRISTINA HIBBS

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he winter frost and snow have melted and the signs of spring are starting to blossom everywhere.

This season is a time of renewal, rebirth; a time for new beginnings.

What better way to welcome spring than by making a few décor changes in your condo?

West Coast Condo attended the 47th Annual BC Home + Garden Show at BC Place Stadium (February 21 to 25), to glean some insider spring décor ideas from local award-winning designers.

“The easiest way to bring spring into your home, and revitalize the mood, is through bright splashes of colour, whether that’s in your throws, pillows or art. Then, balanced it out with some organic accents, such as plants,” says Jamie Banfield, principal designer at Jamie Banfield Design.

Another simple fix, says Kristina Hibbs of Marie Joy Design, are decorative pillows.

It’s easy to give your home frequent updates by having a “pillow wardrobe” for various seasons, just like you do for your clothing. “This is such an easy way to change up your condo without spending too much,” says Hibbs.

Kendall Ansell, interior designer and founder of Kendall Ansell Interiors likes to welcome spring into her bedroom. “Every season, I like to change up my bedding.

In the spring, I choose white, replacing my dark winter quilts and bedding, which can feel and look heavy,” says Ansell.

Here these talented local designers reveal more of their top spring décor tips.

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1. Coffee table spread “The cheapest and easiest way to brighten up your space is doing a fresh spread on your coffee table, or hutch, or even a tray on your couch if you have a smaller space. So, layering with a fun coffee table book about travel, cooking, or something you love adds a fun detail to your space. Then add a candle – we love Vancouver Candle Company for their simplistic and chic packaging. Finally, some fresh florals, this can be simple eucalyptus, which we love for the smell as well, or more elegant roses, that’s the fun; you can change it up each week.”

2 3. Layer upon layer “Layering different textures, patterns and tones adds depth to any couch, and you can always switch them up and use them on your bed as well.”

2. Colour coding “If you have a smaller space and you’re comfortable getting your hands a little dirty, paint your baseboards and casings in the same colour as the space. This creates a sense of unison and the illusion of larger space. The final detail is to add some fresh linen drapes to your windows, to let that spring light filter through and soften your space up.”

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KENDALL ANSELL 4. A lick of paint “Paint is a quick fix. The mood of a room can change dramatically with a can of paint. Choose whites, off-whites and creams for a light and airy look. Then, introduce soft blue hues, classic greys and hints of yellow to freshen up and bring life to your room after the dark wintry months. Adding an accent hue works really well together with your white walls; instantly livening up your space.”

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5 5. Lighten up “Break out of your winter rut by replacing your darker accent pieces, such as canisters, candle holders and vases, with brighter, lighter ones.”

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JAMIE BANFIELD 6. Springtime scenes “Carve out a sunny nook to refresh and recharge with a mini tabletop green scape. Or, rejuvenate a spare dresser, bookshelf, sofa table or walls with some accent art, such as framed photographs or art work showcasing your favourite spring scenes.

A symmetrical grouping of prints turns a blank wall space into a conversation piece. With a few simple supplies, you can make a series of prints like these, customized to your colour and style preferences.”

8. Bring in the outdoors “Bring Mother Nature inside.

Hanging herb gardens on the ceiling or wall, or adding a cluster of small pots of greenery on a side table are easy and low-maintenance ways to add a freshness to any room without any fuss.”

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8 7. Ambient lighting “Lighting creates atmosphere.

Take your sparkly Christmas lights and repurpose them into a different setting. String them on your deck or vertically from the top to the bottom of your balcony to create ambience.”

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CI T Y

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VANCOUVER

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Brand new and amenities to buy for 1. SECOND + MAIN

2. CAMBIE GARDENS

3. AVENUE ONE

Developer: Create Properties and Northchild Developments Address: 1847 Main Street Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 233 Number of bedrooms: Studio, 1, 2 and 3 Square footage: 479 to 999 Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: secondandmain.ca Info: These smartly crafted homes in a 12-storey tower share a great location, a quick walk from Olympic Village and sits at the gateway to Mount Pleasant.

Developer: Onni Group of Companies Address: Cambie and West 57th Avenue Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 2,160 Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: onni.com/cambiegardens Info: This ambitious 25-acre community will transform this south Vancouver neighbourhood. Plans include a 2.5-acre park, commercial and retail space, and a brand new SkyTrain station.

Developer: Concord Pacific Address: West 1st Avenue and Cook Street Housing type: Condominiums and townhouses Number of units: 247 Number of bedrooms: 1 and 2 Square footage: 448 to 1129 Starting price: $550,000 Current status: Selling Website: www.avenueone.ca Info: A park-front property with unrivaled views of the city plus a private water garden and all the amenities of southeast Vancouver at your doorstep.

RESALES

No chill for condo prices

A HOT SPOT MIRAJ HAMMAM SPA At Miraj Hammam Spa, which is modelled after traditional Turkish and French bathhouses, guests begin with a cleanse in the steamy hammam, followed by a full-body exfoliating gommage treatment on Jerusalem gold marble), and topped off with a massage.

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lthough sales of condos in Vancouver proper fell yearover-year in January, to 348 units compared with 383 the previous January, prices did not see a similar fall.

The median sale price of those 348 condos sold January 1 and 31 was $796,500, up more than 27% from the previous January’s median of $626,000.

Vancouver townhouse sales in January matched those of the same month a year earlier, at 38 units sold. However, the median sale price in that time rose from $1,061,500 to $1.2 million, a rise of 13%.

An unbelievably spectacular, two-level penthouse in Coal Harbour’s exclusive Three Harbour Green building was by far the priciest condo sale in January, at $11.7 million. This 3,155-squarefoot home, boasting expansive terraces and double-height ceilings, sold for $180K under asking after a surprising 256 days on the market.

Somewhat more moderately priced, although still the priciest Vancouver townhome sale in January, was the $2.82 million sale townhomes in Yaletown.

This three-storey, four-bedroom townhouse just steps from the

North False Creek seawall sold after 16 days for $68K below its list price.

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348 $796,500 38 $1,200,000

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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BURNABY

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A home in an urban hub 1. VITTORIO

2. 3355 NORTH ROAD

3. ETERNITY

Developer: Polygon Homes Address: 6060 Marlborough Ave. Housing type: Condominiums and townhouses Number of units: 263 Number of bedrooms: 2 and 3 Square footage: 784 to 1,367 Starting price: $872,800 Current status: Selling Website: polyhomes.com/ community/vittorio Info: This collection of high-rise residences is located in Burnaby’s Metrotown. The residents-only Vittorio Club is an urban oasis with a media and billiards lounge, meeting rooms, gym and central courtyard.

Developer: Onni Group of Companies Address: 3355 North Road Housing type: Condominium Number of units: 540 Number of bedrooms: Studios, 1, 2 and 3 Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: onni.com/3355northroad Info: This new community located within the Lougheed Town Centre will encompass an exceptional balance of architecture and urban convenience.

Developer: Dimex Group Address: 5309 Lane Street Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 112 Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: dimexgroup.com/ project/eternity Info: A hop, skip and a jump away from Metrotown, Eternity offers great proximity to shopping and transit. An added bonus: three dedicated electric vehicles will be shared among residents.

RESALES

Burnaby condo sales holding firm HOT SPOT OUI COFFEE HOUSE Not just your average coffee joint, Oui Coffee House serves cheese plates, wine, and beer, as well as expertly crafted espresso drinks and pastries, making it the perfect spot for a first date that goes from coffee to cocktails. Oui’s featured drinks for kids (hot chocolate, steamed milk, and smoothies) make it a fun location for parentkid dates, too.

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here were 142 Burnaby condos exchanging hands on the Multiple Listing Service® in January, just three units more than the same time last year, as the rising interest in the city’s real estate market was perhaps offset

by January’s new mortgage rules.

That rising interest was much more evident in soaring condo prices, with the median sale price of those 142 units at $622K, which is nearly 29% higher than in January 2017.

Burnaby’s townhome sales saw a more dramatic volume increase,

with 40 sales in January compared with 28 in January 2017. But the median sale prices of those units saw a relatively modest year-overyear increase, up 6.1% to $702,450 from $662,000 the year before.

The median sale price per square foot of Burnaby’s January condo sales was $745, compared with a median of $633 per square foot of the 40 townhouses that sold.

Of all the 142 January condo sales, with no ultra-high-end sales that month, the priciest was a relatively modest $1.18 million sale of a 34th-floor sub-penthouse

in Burnaby South’s Forest Glen neighbourhood.

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142 $622,000 40 $702,450

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBUARY 28, 2018

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NORTH SHORE

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Lessons in master planning 1. MAPLEWOOD GARDENS

2. PARK WEST AT LIONS GATE

3. THE TRAILS

Developer: Darwin Properties Address: North Vancouver’s Maplewood neighbourhood Housing type: Condos and townhouses Number of units: 505 market residential & 58 affordable rental Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Rezoning application submitted Website: www.darwinconstruction.ca/maplewoodgardens Info: Maplewood Gardens is a proposed mixed-use development that will transform the Maplewood community along Dollarton Highway in North Vancouver.

Developer: Pacific Gate Developments Address: 1633 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 258 Number of bedrooms: 1, 2 and 3 Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: parkwestliving.ca Info: Residents in Park West’s two distinct towers will enjoy unrivalled luxurious resort-style amenities (outdoor pool; piano lounge; chef’s kitchen; fitness area; etc., etc., etc.), world-class views in every direction, plus direct access to Park Royal and the Lions Gate Bridge.

Developer: Wall Financial Address: 543 East 1st Street, North Vancouver Number of units: 300-plus Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: thetrails lowerlonsdale.com Info: Another masterplanned community, this time in the growing Moodyville neighbourhood.

The Trails, a mix of traditional row houses and stacked townhomes, is the first phase. Once complete, the site will be over 8.5 acres located within a few blocks of Lower Lonsdale’s shops and transit hub.

RESALES

A region of two cities

A HOT SPOT THE HIVE NORTH SHORE CLIMBING GYM AND HIVE YOGA Owned and operated by climbers, The Hive is part neighbourhood hangout, part climbing gym, and part yoga studio. More than that, though, it’s the place to go to discover that your potential is boundless, whether you’re young or old and whether you’re a novice or an experienced climber (or yogi).

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lways tending towards the pricier side, North Shore condo sale prices rose to a median of $734,950 in January 2018 among 98 units sold – a price that is 17.6% higher than that of one year previously.

This annual percentage increase – although still steep – is lower than most other Metro Vancouver cities simply because last year’s prices were higher in the first place, and had less room to grow.

That said, the two distinct cities that make up the North Shore vary dramatically, with median prices of the 79 condo sales in

North Van markedly cheaper at $670,000. That compares with the whopping $1,449,000 median sale price among the remaining 19 condos sold in West Van. The priciest condo to sell that month was unsurprisingly in West Van – a 1,600-square-foot unit in the Arthur Erickson-designed Evelyn building, boasting 980 square feet of outdoor living space on those famous cascading terraces. It sold for $2.78 million, $100K under asking, after 131 days listed.

Of the 24 resale townhomes sold on the North Shore in January (which is notably higher

than the 15 sales of one year previously), the median price was $1,005,000 – a very muted 1.5% higher than a year previously.

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98 $734,950 24 $1,005,000

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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NEW WESTMINSTER

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Discover the Royal City’s diversity and charm 1. EWEN

2. RIVER MEWS

3. STAGE

Developer: Berar Group Address: 843 Ewen Avenue Housing type: Townhouses Number of units: 67 Number of bedrooms: 2 and 3 Square footage: 1,278 to 1,663 Starting price: $676,000 Current status: Registration Website: ewenliving.com Info: Nestled in the heart of Queensborough, Ewen is within walking distance to all the neighbourhood amenities, which means shops, restaurants, schools and parks are all at your doorstep.

Your new home has all those Craftsman details you love: pitched gable roofs; mullioned windows; coloured exteriors; and exceptional stone and woodwork.

Developer: CMS Development Address: 620 Salter Street Housing type: Townhouses Number of units: 54 Number of bedrooms: 3 Square footage: 1,348 to 1,555 Starting price: High $700s Current status: Preconstruction; selling Website: TBA Info: Your morning Starbucks fix is just an eight-minute walk from your new River Mews home. Located in the popular Queensborough neighbourhood, these townhomes are also close to grocery shopping, restaurants, schools, parks, and playgrounds. Sales started in January and should be ready for move in next year.

Developer: Domus Address: 813 Carnarvon Street Housing type: Condominium Number of units: 204 Number of bedrooms: 1, 2 and 3 Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Preconstruction; sales pending Website: domushomes.ca Info: Stage condos will be available in a 29-storey tower or a six-storey low-rise. Soaring over the city’s up-and-coming downtown community, many units will have great views of the Fraser River and all residents will have easy access to SkyTrain, quaint neighbourhood shops, and river parks and walks.

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All sub-$1m strata unit sales

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HOT SPOT ECLIPPS HAIR CAFÉ Some of the staff at Eclipps Hair Café has been here since it opened in 1994, and this salon’s clients keep coming back, because they know they can trust the talented stylists here to keep them looking their best, whether they want to keep their look classic or to stay on top of trends.

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howing that there are still areas where you don’t need a million bucks to buy a home, there was not one condo or townhome sale over $1 million in New West in January..

The priciest of the 70 New West condo sales that month was the $937K deal for a three-bedroom corner unit in Bosa’s Viceroy building in Uptown New West.

This luxurious unit sold for $22K under asking after 70 days listed.

Just three grand more than that figure was the priciest townhouse sale of the month – a threebedroom, 1,811-square-foot home

in New Westminster’s Fraserview neighbourhood, which sold for $9,900 below its price tag after 49 days.

Even though prices didn’t breach $1 million, they’re still rising rapidly. Of the city’s 70 condo sales in January, the median price was $500,500.

That’s a huge leap nearly 26% over the $397,450 of January last year.

Townhome median selling prices saw an even steeper trajectory, although it’s tough to assert this is a trend when we’re only talking about 12 sales. Still, of those, the median price was $765,172, which

is a jaw-dropping 33.8% higher than the $572K median sale price of one year previously.

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70 $500,500 12 $765,172

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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CI T Y

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RICHMOND & SOUTH DELTA

PRESALES

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Discover living on the sunny side of life 1. PELICAN COVE AT TSAWWASSEN SHORES Developer: Aquilini Development Address: 1875 Tsawwassen Drive North Housing type: Townhouses Number of units: 62 Number of bedrooms: 2, 3 and 4 Square footage: 1,270 to 1,699 Starting price: $619,900 Current status: Selling Website: tsawwassenshores.com Info: Enjoy ocean-side living at the latest Tsawwassen Shores’ master planned community. These homes are leasehold, which the developer says means an approximately 20% lower per-square-foot price.

2. ALFA

3. HAMILTON VILLAGE

Developer: Anderson Square Holdings Ltd. Address: Buswell Street and Anderson Road, Richmond Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 109 Number of bedrooms: 1, 2 and 3 Square footage: 516 to 1,572 Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: liveatalfa.com/home Info: Alfa’s homes combine practical floor plans with eco-friendly infrastructure and contemporary elegance. Designed by award-winning architect Andrew Chung, the development is a stunning landmark that steps back as it rises 15 storeys.

Developer: Townline Address: Oris Consulting Ltd. Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 77 Number of bedrooms: 1 and 2 Square footage: 764 to 1,027 Starting price: $638,800 Current status: Selling Website: hamiltonvillage.com Info: A new urban village close to countless luxuries yet miles from the noise and stress of city life.

Hidden away in a small pocket of East Richmond, Hamilton Village residents will enjoy walkable boulevards, tree-lined paths, and a signature High Street.

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A hot winter in the South

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HOT SPOT VIOLET HILL FASHION BOUTIQUE Located in the heart of Steveston Village, Violet Hill’s boutique store has repeatedly been voted “Best Fashion in Richmond” thanks to its stylish collection of carefully sourced women’s apparel. As well as their bricks-and-mortar location, Violet Hill has a mobile fashion truck that can be booked for events.

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he famously sunnier municipalities of Richmond, Ladner and Tsawwassen kept the heat going in the January condo and townhome resale market.

The region’s 175 condo sales in the first month of this year were only six units higher than in January 2017, but the median price of those sales soared nearly 32% year over year, to $580,000.

January 2018’s 65 townhome sales in the region slightly lagged January 2017’s 69 transactions, but median prices rose to

$879,869 from $696,000 the year before. That’s a jump of more than 26%.

The priciest townhome sale of the month across those three areas was a brand-new, 1,959-square-foot, four-bedroom home in Steveston. It was listed at $1,488,888 and sold for $1,405,000 after 35 days on the market.

Topping the price list of the 175 condo sales was a two-level, end-unit “villa” condo at the chi-chi River Green waterfront development in Richmond. It sold

for $1,850,0000, $38,800 under asking, after 19 days,

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175 $580,000 65 $876,869

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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SURREY

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Easy access to rapid transit 1. GEORGETOWN

2. ASPIRE

Developer: Anthem Properties Address: 13645 102nd Avenue Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: TBA Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Presales Website: anthemproperties.com/ properties/surrey-city-centre Info: Georgetown is Anthem Properties’ new 10-acre mixeduse community in Surrey City Centre. Eight towers ranging from six to 40 storeys are planned; these will rise above 180,000 square feet of commercial, retail and public space.

Developer: Suraj Home Builders Address: 137A Street Housing type: Condominiums and townhouses Number of units: 104 Number of bedrooms: Studio, 1 and 2 Square footage: 543 to 1,436 Starting price: TBA Current status: Presales Website: surajgroup.ca/ upcoming-aspire Info: These elegantly designed homes will be just steps from Surrey City Centre and all its amenities. Suraj Home Builders promises sophisticated finishes and open-concept living.

3. CANOPY AT TYNEHEAD PARK Developer: Streetside Development Address: 162A Street, north of 96 Avenue Housing type: Townhouses Number of units: 302 Number of bedrooms: 2, 3 and 4 Square footage: 1,230 to 1,780 Starting price: TBA Current status: Registration Website: www.streetsidebc.com/ projects/canopy Info: With Tynehead Park as your backyard, these townhomes are part of a new community that will include a clubhouse. Enjoy quick access to Highway 1, Guildford Town Centre and local schools.

RESALES

Great-value strata homes in Surrey

F HOT SPOT ELEMENTS RACETRACK AND CASINO Elements Racetrack and Casino features standardbred harness racing from September through May and a casino that’s open year round. There are several restaurants to choose from here, including the Homestretch, which is open during live racing events for top-notch trackside dining.

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or those despairing of getting into the Metro Vancouver property market – fear not – just buy a condo in Surrey. This rapidly growing metropolitan region is a vibrant urban hub in its own right, and in January this year, the median sale price of a condo was just $411,000 (and starting at around $205K).

However, low-priced areas in our typically expensive region usually see the steepest rises – that $411K median is a whopping 38% higher than in January 2017.

But that’s across the whole region, including North Delta, South Surrey and White Rock.

Breaking out the better-value

Central and North Surrey areas, which comprise 165 of the region’s 238 condo sales, the median price drops to $392K. The region also holds among the best-value townhouses, with a median sale price in January of $600,000 among its 189 sales (three more homes than in January 2017). Those prices are catching up with other Metro Vancouver regions, though – the median sale price one year previously was $115K lower at $485K, which means it’s up nearly 24% year over year.

But the region’s priciest attached home sale in January was a condo. Predictably located

in desirable White Rock, this contract assignment for an asyet-unbuilt ocean-view apartment took just 12 days to sell for exactly its list price of $2,595,000.

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238 $411,000 189 $600,000

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

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TRI-CITIES

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Masterplans offer a mix of amenities 1. VILLAGE AT FRASER MILLS

2. WYNWOOD GREEN

3. HENSLEY

Developer: Beedie Living

Developer: Anthem Properties Address: 585 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 379 Number of bedrooms: 1, 2 and 3 Starting footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Sales pending Website: wynwoodgreen.ca Info: Wynwood Green’s two concrete “towers in the park” are inspired by mid-century architecture. The complex is bordered by a golf club and is close to biking and walking paths as well as within easy access of the Evergreen SkyTrain line.

Developer: Cressey Address: 430 Westview Street, West Coquitlam Housing type: Condominiums Number of units: 272 (33-level market tower & 22-level rental) Starting footage: 530 and up Starting price: $482,999 Current status: Under construction Website: cressey.com/hensley bycressey Info: Residents at Hensley will enjoy a ground-level health club with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and cabanas, plus steam and sauna rooms and a fully-equipped fitness centre.

Address: United Boulevard and King Edward Street, Coquitlam Housing type: Condominiums and townhouses Number of units: 3,700 Number of bedrooms: TBA Square footage: TBA Starting price: TBA Current status: Sales pending Website: villageatfrasermills.com Info: This masterplanned former industrial site is Coquitlam’s first and only proposed waterfront community. When complete, it will host over 4,000 homes, restaurants, shops, parks and trails.

RESALES

Ever-green light for home values

B HOT SPOT BREW STREET CRAFT AND KITCHEN With 100 beers on tap to choose from, Brew St. is Port Moody’s go-to for its wide selection of craft beer. A cozy atmosphere and good late-night eats round this spot out to make this the perfect place to catch the game. Brew Street is also open for brunch on weekends and holidays.

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WEST COAST CONDO

oasting the best value for condos north of the Fraser, the Tri-Cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are nevertheless increasingly popular for young buyers. Our sister publication REW.ca reports some neighbourhoods have seen the biggest annual increase in user views per home listing in the entire Lower Mainland, thanks to new Evergreen Line transit connections. And that translates to rising prices.

The $530,000 median condo sale price in January 2018 may seem relatively reasonable compared with other cities, but it’s

nearly than $100K higher than the $430,750 of one year previously, which is an annual rise of 23%.

Tri-Cities condo sales figures in January this year, at 140 units, were a little lower than January 2017, but only by eight units.

Townhouse sales in the Tri-Cities tell a similar story, with 42 sales in January compared with 46 the same month last year. The median price of those 42 transactions was $736,500 – up 24% from a year earlier.

But there is still relative value to be had. All of the Tri-Cities’ attached homes sold for $1 million that month – a $938,800

unit in North Coquitlam was the priciest condo sale. This two-bed penthouse went for $9K over asking after 32 days.

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A T

A

G L A N C E

CONDO SALES JANUARY 1-31, 2018* MEDIAN SALES PRICE TOWNHOUSE SALES JANUARY 1-31* MEDIAN SALES PRICE

]

140 $530,000 42 $736,500

*REGISTERED ON MLS® BY FEBRUARY 28, 2018

WCCONDO.COM

AS YOUR LIFE EVOLVES, SO DO YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

HOMES | TOWNHOMES | CONDOMINIUMS A STORY OF SERVICE AND RESULTS BUILT ON REFERRALS AND REPEAT CLIENTELE WESTSIDEREALTY.CA | 4381 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver | 604.222.3750