Vancouver is one of the few cities where your choices for buying a new home are abundant. This is especially true in neighbourhoods that are growing and changing based on new community plans. In fact, across Metro Vancouver there are a great variety of brand new multi-family developments to choose from.
For example, there are 11 new home projects selling in the Westwood/Burke Mountain area of Coquitlam offering a wide selection of spacious single family and townhome options priced below $300 per square foot. In New Westminster, there are 7 new tower projects - many offering magnificent views of the Fraser River and the city. Burnaby currently has 20 new home projects selling while East Vancouver has 33 options! The new Canada Line has spurred Central Richmond’s development and we are seeing over 35 new home communities in the market. To top it off, there are over 65 new home options in all of Surrey offering a full range of styles, prices, finishes, amenities and completion dates.
Assuming you have narrowed down your selection to 3 or 4 new home communities based on price and size, here are two approaches that can help you make your decision easier:
- Comparison Checklist
Use this chart any way you like! Highlight the features that are a big priority for you or simply check off which options each home has. When you do your return visits to narrow down your choice, take this chart with you and be sure the sales associates are able to address each of the line items.
CLICK HERE to print a copy of the chart - Understanding your personal preferences
Future value – are there shops, services, schools or major transit hubs nearby or planned within the next few years? For example, neighbourhoods around the upcoming Evergreen Line will definitely see a rise in home values in the coming years.
Access to your home – Keep in mind how you like to access and leave home every day. Do you prefer direct access to a major road or being set deeper within a neighbourhood requiring access through a smaller lane?
Utility of the floorplan – instead of focusing solely on the finishes of the home, think about what you will need long term. Will that extra den or storage be perfect for your home office or hobby? Will you need that bigger entry or longer hallway to hang your coats or organize your shoe collection? Do you love to barbeque and need a big balcony?
Amenities – What is your habitual lifestyle? Do you need a gym close to home? Do you love hosting large parties and need a separate lounge area to make this happen?
What adds joy to your life – Certain features like innovative kitchen layouts, 12-foot ceilings, over-sized balconies, walk-in-closets, a particular view etc. could make your heart jump for joy. Be sure to listen to what you love because it’s your home and one of the biggest investments in your life.
