Dr Sam Mehrbod’s Blog
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Vancouver announces housing development acceleration plan
The City of Vancouver aims to approve 83,000 new homes in the next decade, a 15% increase from previous targets. The updated plan includes 74% new homes for renters, 15,500 below-market rate homes, and 40% suitable for families. A Three-year Action Plan will implement over 50 actions, such as creating the city's first Official Development…
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Rent Decreases Only in Vancouver This Year
Vancouver's rent prices are doing something different than other major cities in Canada. Vancouver is the only city among the top 10 most expensive where rent prices decreased yearly.
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Vancouver Real Estate Sees Record Inventory Surge
Greater Vancouver Real Estate’s predicted Spring boom looks like a bust, with minimal price movements in May.Home prices in Greater Vancouver ↑ 0.5% MoM and ↑ 2.3% yearly to $1.2M.
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Vancouver Eco-Friendly Timber Towers to Soar Higher
Vancouver council approved changes to building rules, allowing mass-timber buildings up to 18 storeys.Mass-timber construction, using engineered timber components, replaces concrete and steel.
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Vancouver Far Behind on Building New Homes
Vancouver is falling short of provincial housing targets. The city needs to complete 29K new residential units by 2028.
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Metro Vancouver Landlords May Hike Fees Instead of Rent
Metro Vancouver landlords can now clearly outline optional service costs separately from rent, making budgeting easier.Renters must be notified of changes, and if a service is withdrawn, the rent should decrease accordingly.
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Confusing Market: How Can a Mortgage Broker Help?
Mortgage brokers can search a wide network of lenders to find you the best rates and terms, saving you money. An experienced broker will listen to your needs and goals, then tailor a home loan solution that fits your situation.
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Vancouver drops below Calgary in world’s most livable cities
Vancouver drops to seventh while Calgary rises to fifth in the Economist Intelligence Unit livability rankings. Vancouver's lower score is attributed to an acute housing crisis affecting infrastructure. Calgary outperforms Vancouver in stability and infrastructure, with lower housing costs. Vancouver excels in culture and environment metrics. Despite the ranking change, Vancouver still performs well globally…
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Vancouver housing starts dip, contrary to national trend
CMHC reports national housing starts in May rose 10% from April to 264,506 units, driven by Montreal and Toronto increases. Montreal saw a 104% surge, Toronto 47%, while Vancouver dropped by 32%. Urban housing starts in Canada were up 11% to 246,111 units, with multi-unit starts rising 13% and single-detached starts up 2%. Rural starts…
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Vancouver Staff Oppose First Right to Buy by Law
Vancouver City staff advise against a bylaw giving the city first right to buy properties.Proposed "pre-emptive right bylaw" requires property owners to offer sales to the city first.