Dr Sam Mehrbod’s Blog

  • Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley homebuyers still hesitant despite Bank of Canada rate cuts

    Homebuyers in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley remain hesitant despite recent Bank of Canada rate cuts. July 2024 saw home sales drop 5% in Metro Vancouver and 7% in Fraser Valley compared to previous months, with both regions experiencing significant increases in available listings. Benchmark home prices have slightly decreased, with the overall price in…

  • Check out this open house Listing Address: 906 909 MAINLAND STREET

    This Great one-bedroom suite with den faces the courtyard in everyones favourite place at Yaletown park 2 .Good-sized insuite storage. Amenities include gym, media room, meeting room, guest suite, storage and concierge. Must see this great home. Good for investors and first-time buyers. Walking distance to all top restaurants( Blue water, Elisa, cactus Club, earls,…

  • Vancouver’s Iconic Views: Protected or Sacrificed?

    Vancouver’s Iconic Views: Protected or Sacrificed?

    Vancouver’s revised view-protection rules now include fewer protected views, impacting city skyline and development. These changes could result in 20 million square meters of additional development over the next century.

  • Why Is Vancouver Property Investor’s Safe Bet?

    Why Is Vancouver Property Investor’s Safe Bet?

    Private investors continue to see Vancouver as a low-risk, high-reward property market opportunity. Vancouver's capitalization rates are among the lowest in Canada, indicating strong potential returns on investment.

  • Vancouver Faces Housing Market Challenges Amid Rising Costs

    Vancouver's housing market is facing challenges due to rising home prices and increased property taxes, which have risen by 7.5% recently, with another hike proposed for 2025. Many development projects have stalled as costs soar and prices fall, making them financially unviable. Local leaders are considering slowing population growth to manage infrastructure demands, but aging…

  • Vancouver Wants Housing Plan Disclosure Order Quashed

    Vancouver Wants Housing Plan Disclosure Order Quashed

    Vancouver was ordered to disclose rental housing plans under the Freedom of Information Act. The city withheld information citing harm to financial, economic, and third-party interests.

  • What Vancouver’s empty home tax really means for Canada’s housing supply

    The Canadian housing market is struggling with a supply-demand imbalance, leading to higher property prices, rents, and homelessness. Policymakers are using short-term measures like vacant property taxes, such as Vancouver's increase from 1% to 3%, which has improved housing availability but not reduced rental prices. A comprehensive strategy, including supply-side measures and affordable housing initiatives,…

  • New Sunrise Village affordable homes being built in Vancouver

    Construction has started on 146 new affordable rental homes at Sunrise Village in Vancouver, located at 2924 Venables St. The project will feature two six-storey buildings, replacing a 64-unit low-rise. It will provide 82 net-new affordable units, with former tenants given the right of first refusal. Set to open in 2027, the development will include…

  • Housing construction slowdown hitting Vancouver

    Housing construction in the Vancouver area has significantly declined, with a 15% drop in new housing starts in July 2024 compared to the previous year. Factors such as high interest rates, rising construction costs, and permitting delays are hindering development, despite government efforts to increase housing supply. Predictions indicate further declines in housing starts, with…

  • Where to Buy a Home for Under $1M in Metro Vancouver

    Where to Buy a Home for Under $1M in Metro Vancouver

    In Uptown, New Westminster, the benchmark price is $617K, with a 5-yr price growth of 29%. Mid Meadows in Pitt Meadows offers homes at $787K, showing a 33% increase over 5-y.