In many parts of B.C., a detached home for around $400,000 is out of reach–yet for well-appointed condominiums in many regions, that is still a very attainable, attractive price point. Here are some of the values we found across the province.
By Right Sizing Staff
Kitimat
This booming community is located on the north coast of B.C. at the head of the Douglas Channel, with a population of 8,000. Kitimat is thriving with the development of a planned $40-billion LNG export facility, which is the largest private sector investment in Canadian history. Recent listing: Live in Riverbrook Estates, a thoughtfully designed master-planned community situated minutes from shops, schools and recreation, with river access for fishing. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom 1,024 sq ft townhomes start at $399,900 presale ($391/sq ft).
Powell River
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Powell River is within a temperate rainforest on a sheltered stretch of Pacific Ocean, and offers a blend of outdoor adventures and cultural amenities. Recent listing: This three-bedroom, three-bathroom ocean-view duplex has an open-concept floor plan, marble counters, a master bedroom with walk-in closet and ensuite–and includes a spacious, level backyard with mature trees. MLS®14795. $449,900, 1,940 sq ft ($232/sq ft).
Gibsons
Located at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, Gibsons–best known as a town of artists and fishing boats–is growing, due to its proximity to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, only a 45-minute ferry ride away. Recent listing: Enjoy coastal living at The Residences at Touchstone Village Centre in a one-bedroom-plus-den with contemporary interiors featuring soft-close cabinetry, a chef’s kitchen for entertaining, in-floor radiant heat and a frameless shower. $374,000, 664 sq ft ($565/sq ft).
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is located on the west side of Vancouver Island, with a total regional population of 31,000. It’s known for the highest vertical-drop waterfall in Canada and is known as a salmon fishing hotspot. Recent listing: This immaculate three-bedroom, two-bathroom rancher in a new subdivision near Kitsuksis walkway offers black walnut cabinets, stainless appliances and a master bedroom with an ensuite that includes a frameless glass shower. (Property no longer available). $399,000, 1,485 sq ft ($269/sq ft).
Langford
The City of Langford, a 15 minute drive from downtown Victoria, is considered the urban core of the West Shore and has a young, growing community of more than 25,000 residents. Recent listing: One-bedroom plus den with a large covered balcony, great views and a fireplace in Bear Mountain Resort & Village features concierge service and a movie theatre, fitness facility with squash and tennis plus owners’ lounge. A Jack Nicklaus golf course, hiking trails, restaurants and cafés are nearby. (Visit Bear Mountain for availability). $435,000, 789 sq ft ($551/sq ft).
White Rock
Located 45 kilometres from Vancouver and five minutes to the Canada-U.S. border, White Rock has a year-round moderate climate and a two-and-a-half kilometre waterfront. Recent listing: Live in the heart of White Rock in this one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite with a bright kitchen, high-end appliances and hardwood flooring. Amenities include a gym and meeting room, plus walkability to shops, transit and elementary schools. (Property no longer available). $458,000, 640 sq ft ($716/sq ft).
Kamloops
Kamloops, the meeting point of the South Thompson and the North Thompson Rivers, is named after the Secwepemc word T’kemlups meaning “the meeting of two rivers.” Business, lifestyle and educational opportunities come together here to make a great community. Recent listing: This three-bedroom, three-bathroom centrally located, open-concept town home has a master bedroom with ensuite bathroom and his-and-hers closets, finished basement with recreation room, excellent storage space and is close to local amenities. (Property no longer available). $374,900, 1,810 sq ft ($207/sq ft).
Chilliwack
Chilliwack isn’t just a Canadian classic-rock band–it’s a growing agricultural community with a revitalized historic downtown, known for its affordability housing. Recent listing: Live at BASE 10, Chilliwack’s neweset master-planned community, with modern architecture and designer finishes. This three-level, three-bathroom, three-bedroom-plus-den town home with spa-like ensuite is close to shopping, recreation and schools. MLS®R2429817. $469,9000, 1,487 sq ft ($316/sq ft).
Langley
Nearly 147,000 residents call Langley call Langley home, thanks to its affordability and proximity to Vancouver. Langley is experiencing a housing and infrastructure boom, including the highly anticipated Langley Airport and $40-million Langley Memorial Hospital expansion. Recent listing: This one-bedroom, one-bathroom-plus-den with open floor plan comes with stainless appliances, granite countertops, nine-foot ceilings, glassed-in solarium, bathroom with separate tub and shower and parking for two cars. (Visit Yorkson Park for availability). $425,000, 739 sq ft ($575/sq ft).
Radium Hot Springs
Best known for its natural hot springs, this area boasts child-friendly pools, world-class hiking trails, golf, river paddling and Lake Windermere water sports in the summer. Ski resort Panorama is only 30 minutes away. Recent listing: New town homes in Phase 13 of The Residences at Bighorn Meadows Resort offer spectacular golf and mountain views from two separate decks within two-bedroom, two-bathroom units with electric fireplaces. Resort amenities include a pool, two hot tubs, a fitness room, an owner’s lounge and a playground. $389,900, 1,100 sq ft ($354.45/sq ft).
Vernon
Considered the northern hub of the Okanagan Valley, Vernon attracts young couples, families, singles and active retirees, for its affordability and outdoor recreational opportunities. Recent listing: A lakefront two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in The Strand has Okanagan Lake access, an indoor pool, hot tub, underground parking and professional resort management, plus mountain views, too. Picture yourself summering here with family and friends. (Property no longer available). $349,000, 944 sq ft ($351.11/sq ft).
Kelowna
The heart of the Okanagan Valley provides all-season recreation, from warm sandy beaches and water sports in the summer to skiing, snowmobiling and boarding at Big White Ski Resort during the winter. Recent listing: A brand new, stylish two-bedroom, two-bathroom corner unit located in Lower Mission Green Square’s VERT condominiums offers top amenities, making it an excellent investment property. (Visit VERT for availability). $429,999, 900 sq ft ($478/sq ft).
Osoyoos
Live in a beach town, surrounded by living desert, vineyards and located next to the warmest freshwater lake in Canada. Recent listing: This two-bedroom, two-bathroom suite with lake and pool views is located at Watermark Resort, the local hotspot. Amenities include and outdoor saltwater pool and hot tubs, a tapas patio bar and walkability to the town’s dining and shopping. MLS®180755. $365,000, 843 sq ft ($432/sq ft).
Rossland
This alpine town, located halfway between Vancouver and Calgary on Highway 3B, has a population of 3,557 and no traffic lights and sprawling malls. Recent listing: Enjoy panoramic views of Red and Granite Mountains from this two-bedroom, top-floor suite located in Eagle’s Nest, at the base of Red Resort. It includes in-floor radiant heat, a flagstone fireplace, two elevated decks and a Jacuzzi. MLS®2431796. $385,000, 749 sq ft ($514/sq ft).