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INCENTIVES TO HELP YOU FINANCE A HOME
MARLENE EISNER
EDITOR
New Home + Condo Guide
EMAIL: marlene.eisner@nexthome.ca
TWITTER: @MarleneEisner
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If you’re looking for a new home and feel discouraged because you’re not sure how to save for a down payment, you’re not alone. In today’s market, having the five, 10 or 20 per cent needed for a deposit and down payment can feel out of reach for many people. And while it may seem as if amassing enough money is an impossible dream, there are some ways to help turn that dream into a reality.
First-time homebuyer incentives are government programs that have been specifically designed to help you save funds to finance your first home. On page 28, our industry expert, Brittany Reimer, shares six ways you can make saving for a home easier. Some programs offer tax-free benefits while others involve rebates, and you can even combine two programs to maximize your savings. While there are some restrictions and guidelines, it’s worth educating yourself to see what works best for you.
On May 20, the Canadian Home Builders’ Association B.C. hosted the 31st annual Georgie Awards. As always, New Home + Condo Guide was there. If you want to see what a winner looks like – and what you should be searching for in a new home – turn to page 22 and read about how it all went down. You will also find a link to see all the winning projects.
Hopefully, you’ll soon find the home you want to call your own. However, with the housing supply so tight, you may also find yourself in a multiple-bid situation. To help you come out on top, we’ve included an article on page 18 by our mortgage expert, Alisa Aragon-Lloyd, with tips on how to navigate a multiple-offer home purchase.
Correction: In our last issue, the 10 Minutes With Simon Chang and Fred Zhang from Evermark Real Estate Services had a number of errors. We have reprinted the correct version of the story. Please turn to page 14 to read about the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Burquitlam, its friendly vibe, convenient location and great housing options.
Thank you for picking up this issue of New Home + Condo Guide. Let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
+ How to prepare for a multiple-offer home purchase Page 18
+ get social Interact with us on social media: nexthome
#InsideVan
by MICHELLE HOPKINS
MOVE-IN-READY HOMES:
Pacific by Grosvenor is a 39-storey concrete tower offering 224 move-in-ready condos and townhomes. Grosvenor is currently offering new pricing, as well as a promotion on the remaining two- and three-bedroom homes, where purchasers can receive a five per cent credit off the listed prices. Inside each residence, Pacific features appliances by Wolf/Sub-Zero, and Miele, Italian-made Snaidero cabinetry, natural stone, and wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring. Located at the edge of Yaletown, in the heart of Vancouver’s newly renamed South Shore of downtown, Pacific’s shared amenities include a terrace, lounge and fitness centre. For more information, visit grosvenorpacific.com/
Free seminar on buying presale homes
For anyone new to real estate buying or interested in investing in presales, Ace Partners, in conjunction with Wesgroup, is hosting a free Presale Seminar and Penthouse Tour, Saturday, June 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Vancouver’s River District, 3538 East Sawmill Cr. Keynote speaker, Tori Dolmans, is a mortgage broker with three decades in the business. She will discuss the homeownership journey and what it entails. Wesgroup will feature a presentation with information about its upcoming presale projects, and lastly, attendees will be invited on a VIP tour of a new River District penthouse. Learn how to strategically buy presale real estate and learn mortgage necessities to secure a home and create financial security. Register at eventbrite.ca/e/presale-seminar-penthouse-tour-tickets-635972790737
PACIFIC
Vancouver
+DID YOU KNOW?
According to a new Statistics Canada study on mortgage-helper properties, in Vancouver, 16 per cent of all homeowners rent out a unit, with about 15 per cent in Surrey and around 14 per cent in Saanich, Colwood and Langford.
Forever homes in Chilliwack
Noura Homes’ newest community, Marble Hill, is now selling. Located in Chilliwack’s Eastern Hillside neighbourhood, Marble Hill is a collection of 10, four- to six-bedroom custom residences, ranging from 3,500 to 4,450 sq. ft. “We are building forever homes and customizing them to suit each homeowner’s specific needs and personalities,” says Kyla McLeod, vice-president of sales and marketing at Noura Homes. Backing onto a green belt, each three-storey home has a basement, which can be converted into a fully contained suite. Prices start from $1.399M. Completion is set for early 2024. Visit nourahomes. com/property-item/marble-hill/
Phase two of hue
Marcon is selling phase two of its Port Moody project, hue, featuring two mixed-use, six-storey buildings offering 222 one-, two- and threebedroom market residences, some with rooftop decks. More than half of the homes are junior onebedrooms, which come with a wall of storage and side-by-side laundry. Within these homes, buyers can customize the space, with options to choose between a work desk or additional storage. There will also be rooftop amenities in both buildings, as well as a fully equipped gym, children’s playroom, dog wash and a workshop with bike repair station and communal tools. More than 80 per cent of the homes have sold. For more information, visit Marcon.ca/hue
– PORT
1. WEST 505 Nelson Street westbybeedie.com
2. SYDNEY 545 Sydney Ave. 778-948-0333 sydneybyledmac.com
3. VUE Foster Ave & Whiting Way vueliving.ca
4. SOPHORA AT THE PARK #101 - 1135 Pipeline Road 604-942-8416 polyhomes.com
Life at Queenston is about family and those precious, treasured moments as you watch your children grow. You’ve been looking for a place to lay down roots, a well-crafted, spacious home you can lovingly furnish and establish as a permanent home for your family. At Queenston, our limited collection of boutique townhome is nestled in the evergreen woods of Burke Mountain, a quiet, sought-after neighbourhood featuring the perfect mix of urban life and natural beauty.
QUEENSTON ON BURKE MOUNTAIN
YOUR URBAN OASIS
It’s true, life on the mountain is different. The air’s fresher, you’re surrounded by mature trees and parks, yet modern conveniences are all within walking distance.
And now there’s a new way to savour Burke Mountain. Say hello to Queenston, a boutique collection of just 23 three- and four-bedroom townhomes located
opposite Queenston Park and adjacent to the new Smiling Creek elementary School.
A HOME THAT FITS
“People love this part of Burke Mountain,” says Alisha Buksh, sales manager. “And because the site is on a slope, each plan feels just a little bit different. On opening day, one gentleman told us he was having a hard time choosing because there were so many great locations.”
She adds that Queenston represents one of the rare opportunities to purchase a townhome with an attached garage and more traditional, Craftsman-style architecture.
Annesley Homes and Tessera Homes HOME TYPE Townhomes
Inside, though, Queenston is pure 21st century. Open, sunny floorplans are ready for entertaining and distinctly family-friendly. Wideplank laminate flooring throughout main living areas marries durability with good looks, duo-tone cabinetry creates a contemporary vibe, plus there are modern roller shades throughout for privacy and safety.
Kitchens are designed to unleash your inner chef—quartz countertops, premium appliances, as well as oversized drawers and corner cabinet organizers. Many include pantries because after all, you can never have too much storage.
Upstairs, you’ll discover generously sized bedrooms including a master ensuite with large-format tiling, double vanity, and a frameless glass shower with spa-like rain showerhead. It’s the perfect place to start your day or unwind in the evening.
Visitors, Alisha notes, were also wowed by the size of the floorplans, from just under 1,400 sq. ft. to a downsizer’s delight offering more than 2,250 sq. ft. and the ambience of a single-family home.
Oh and here’s a cool bonus: Every Queenston home is prewired for an EV charger. Good for you and the environment, too.
CLOSE TO WHAT MATTERS
For convenience, Queenston’s got you covered. It’s a short walk to the village centre, where the newly opened Ibex Café + Kitchen is already a popular spot to grab drinks and a bite with friends.
The shopping mecca of Coquitlam Centre is barely a 10-minute drive, Lougheed Town Centre just a little farther. There’s easy access to the freeway or hop on the Evergreen Line for a car-free commute west to downtown Vancouver or south to Surrey.
All this plus a plethora of outdoor activities that await exploration just minutes from your front door.
CHECK IT OUT
Even Queenston’s presentation centre has a unique character. “We designed an entire PC inside a truck that’s parked onsite,” Alisha explains. “It’s cute and quirky and it has everything you need—site plan, colour boards, renderings, a touchscreen showing the floorplans. It gives a playful twist to the customer experience.”
The Queenston mobile presentation centre is open by appointment at 3421 Queenston Avenue (just north of David Street) in Coquitlam. Visit queenstonliving.ca or call 604.259.7178 for to book your private, VIP tour.
BURQUITLAM COMES OF AGE
10 MINUTES WITH SIMON CHANG AND FRED ZHANG
by SUSAN M BOYCE
There’s something about Burquitlam. It’s more than the lush, green setting of this mature residential neighbourhood. It’s more than the feeling this is a true community rather than just a collection of homes and streets.
Burquitlam has ambience and character. People who move there tend to stay, and it’s one of the rare places where neighbours actually greet the folks who live on their street by name.
In this issue, we chat with Simon Chang and Fred Zhang from Evermark Real Estate Services about this thriving,
residential enclave located at the intersection of Burnaby and Coquitlam and only a five-minute drive to both New Westminster and Port Moody.
New Home + Condo Guide:
Not so long ago, many buyers had never heard of Burquitlam. Now it seems to be an area that’s attracting a wide range of people, from first time homeowners to young families and right-sizing seniors. What’s its new appeal?
Simon Chang: Over the past five or six years, the West Coquitlam
area around Lougheed Centre has seen huge, attention-grabbing development, so Burquitlam tended to be overlooked. But now that there are only a few cranes left at Lougheed, buyers are discovering how quaint and welcoming this neighbourhood is —definitely more of a boutique environment.
It’s one of those rare, residential pockets that’s perfectly situated. You’re on a plateau, so you often get great views. It’s close to all the amenities of Lougheed Centre, but you’re not in the middle of all the bustle and noise. And with
Burqville’s stacked townhomes.
the Evergreen Line within easy walking distance, you can now be in downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes or Surrey in 20, without needing to drive.
People also enjoy how lush and green Burquitlam is; parks and natural greenspaces are everywhere. If you like hiking or watersports, the trails on Burnaby Mountain, the beach at Rocky Point Park, and walking paths and athletic fields at Mundy Park are all a five-minute drive or less. In most other urban transit hubs, you have to travel much further to access these kinds of outdoor activities.
Plus, you’ve got great proximity to SFU and Douglas College—even BCIT and the UBC campus at Surrey City Centre are easily accessed.
NH+CG: Who’s buying in Burquitlam?
Fred Zhang: The profile has changed recently. A few years ago, it was mainly people in their 40s or 50s. Now we’re seeing lots 20- and 30-year-olds, especially among couples who’ve just gotten married and are looking for a place to put down roots while they raise a family.
Another thing we’ve noticed that’s interesting is that a high proportion of buyers expect to live in their home rather than use them as revenue property. For example, at the recently launched Burqville townhomes, more than 90 per cent of the folks who bought said they’re purchasing a home for themselves and their family.
NH+CG: What about return on investment?
FZ: Burquitlam is still emerging as a desirable community, so prices tend to be lower than in more built-up communities. And yes, that translates into the potential for higher-thanaverage growth on investment.
NH+CG: The area just south of Burquitlam, nearer to Lougheed, has recently seen huge growth in highrise towers. Burquitlam is also putting up towers, but there are also a number of townhome projects that fit more naturally
with the neighbourhood’s existing single-family orientation. What’s the reaction been to this housing type?
FZ: In a word, astonishing. For a lot of people, a townhome ticks all the boxes, and because there are only three projects offering a total of approximately 225 units currently underway, demand is high. When Burqville launched in mid-April, there were more than 2,000 people who had registered for the 50 homes, and over 700 tours took place within the first three weeks.
NH+CG: One of the buzzwords in residential construction is the “missing middle.” Do you believe townhomes are addressing this unmet market?
SC: Yes. Townhomes, in general, are more affordable than single-family housing, and many people simply don’t want to live in a condo, so a townhouse is the bridge.
But one design—the stacked townhome over a garden flat that you see at Burqville—has only recently made an appearance in Burquitlam. We’ve seen it in places like Surrey, Langley, or Port Coquitlam for some time, but it’s a relatively new design in this area.
NH+CG: So, what does that look like and why are people enthusiastic?
SC: A stacked townhome is a twolevel unit above a single-level garden
suite; we call it “layered living.” Right away, the design means you’re appealing to a broader range of ages, genders, and ethnicities, so it creates a more family-focused environment than you typically see in a strictly highrise neighbourhood.
But what is most important, is the increased livability and cost savings. Think about it this way: Most presale prices are based on cost per square foot. So, if you have a 1,400-sq. ft., three-level townhome, you’re only getting about 475 sq. ft. on each floor, and you’re going to lose some of that for the staircases.
Now compare that to a 1,300-sq.ft., two-level unit with 650 sq. ft. per floor. Not only does each floor feel open and airy, but the space planning is also more efficient. We actually saw people bring out a tape measure because they couldn’t believe the measurements were accurate. And best of all, it’s going to cost you less, which can make a world of difference for a young family who’s struggling to make every penny count.
NH+CG: Any final thoughts?
FZ: Burquitlam is transforming into one of Metro Vancouver’s up-andcoming neighbourhoods. I believe it’s got a great future, and we’re both looking forward to being part of the evolution.
Simon Chang and Fred Zhang can be found at evermarkrealestate.ca.
Simon Chang and Fred Zhang.
BURNABY – NEW WESTMINSTER
BURNABY
9. AZURE AT SOUTHGATE CITY 7662 18th Street 604-544-8800 azureatsouthgate.com
10. THE STANDARD Metrotown thestandardbyanthem.com
19. MOODY ON THE HILL 228 6th Street moodyonthehill.com 778-895-5533
20. THE KEARY 230 Keary Street thekearybywesgroup.ca
21. TIMBER HOUSE 310 Salter Street timberhousebyaragon.ca
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MULTIPLE-OFFER HOME PURCHASE
Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking to buy a bigger house or downsizing, it is important to be prepared. Currently, we are in a sellers’ market, which means some properties are selling within a day of being listed.
When this happens, buyers compete through bidding, and a property’s asking price and what it
sells for are quite different. In most cases, the selling price will be well above and beyond the listed price.
When you enter a multiple-offer situation, you have less control, so you should prepare yourself by doing work upfront, and with the understanding that you might not get the property in the end.
During a multiple-offer situation, the seller is not obligated to negotiate or accept any of the offers. The seller is free to choose the best offer to negotiate and accept the one that best reflects their needs. While price is important, it may not be the only factor they consider. They
may also look at subject conditions, completion and possession dates. Here are some factors to consider to help you feel more in control when going into a multiple-offer situation:
GET
PRE-QUALIFIED AND SECURE A RATE HOLD BY A MORTGAGE EXPERT
One of the most important aspects of buying a home is knowing how much you qualify for. You will know what you are comfortable paying monthly, but also what the highest amount is that you can offer. Once you are qualified, the lender must still approve the property you are buying.
In addition, providing a pre-approval letter with your offer, increasing the amount of the deposit or any other unique circumstance that might influence your commitment to the transaction will help. A pre-approval letter can carry a lot of weight.
PREPARE AND HAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTATION READY
Provide your mortgage expert with all the documentation the lender is going to require upfront. Time will be of essence, so you don’t want the added stress of getting documentation when you are in the middle of negotiations and during the subject condition period.
HAVE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT
Choose an agent who has your best interests in mind. As a buyer, it is not
your job to seal the deal. It’s your agent’s responsibility to know what your limit is, and respect it. Don’t let your agent upsell you on the price and encourage you to go above your budget. It’s their job to research comparable properties in the area and advise you, but you are the one who makes the final decision. After all, it’s your money.
SET YOUR BOUNDARIES
Once you set your budget, stick to it. Determine exactly how much you can go over if you end up in a multiple offer. Don’t get sucked in by emotion and peer pressure, because in the end, it can cost you a lot more money.
CONSIDER DOING A HOME INSPECTION AHEAD OF TIME
The buyer could consider your offer more readily if it doesn’t include a “subject to inspection” clause.
DO AN APPRAISAL AHEAD OF TIME
This is particularly important, especially if you are paying above the asking price, as lenders will give you funds based on the appraised value. If you end up paying a lot of money for the property and the appraised value is a lower amount, you will have to come up the funds to make up the difference. In addition, lenders don’t only look at the value of the home. They also consider the economic life of the property, which can have an impact on the amortization period based on the age of the home.
BE FLEXIBLE
Winning a multiple-offer situation might be as easy as agreeing to the seller’s conditions, such as closing dates, buying the property “as is” or even tightening the subject removal dates. This is important if the seller has already bought another property and is anxious to move on. By agreeing to make the transaction as easy as possible, it could mean winning over a more generous offer. Buying a property “as is” and limiting the subject conditions (such as requesting that a missing knob or
floor tile be replaced), it might work in your favour. If your agent is aware of any information about the seller’s situation and if you can be flexible in any way, take advantage of this opportunity and it might help you get your offer accepted.
WRITE IT DOWN
Perhaps you might want to write a quick letter to the seller explaining who you are and why you want to buy their home. Buying and selling a home is an emotional time for everyone, especially if the seller has lived there for a long time and raised a family. Sometimes, it’s not just about the highest offer; it can certainly also be about an emotional connection. Even though your offer might be lower than the others, a seller might feel a strong connection to your story and decide that it’s not about the money but about someone who will really appreciate a great home!
KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO WALK AWAY
Multiple offer situations can be stressful, and sometimes listing agents strategically set the price of the home below market value to start a bidding process. Make sure you stand firm.
FINDING YOUR HOME
Buying a home is a great investment, and you must be smart about it. In the end, it’s about being comfortable with what you are paying a month and happy with the decisions you make. And, it’s about finding a home that will be a great place to start building equity and creating memories.
Alisa Aragon-Lloyd has been a mortgage expert for more than 11 years. She has her own company, Bridgestone Financing Pros, powered by DLC Origin Mortgages and is on the board of directors for the Homebuilder Association of Vancouver (HAVAN) and an award-winning member.
+MORE
nexthome.ca/news/advice
VANCOUVER – DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
1. CLARIDGE HOUSE 498 West 41st Avenue
604-941-8305 polyhomes.com
2. GRYPHON HOUSE 6191 West Boulevard 604.620.8295 gryphonhousevancouver.com
3. WEST WIND 2620 Acadia Road 604-260-8446
5. AMBER
604-871-8600 aragon.ca/amber
6. THESIS W 49 Ave & Cambie St liveatthesis.com
7. SHIFT 35th Ave & Quebec St. aragon.ca/shift
8. THE CONSERVATORY
10. GRACE Ash & W30th gracewestside.com
11. FORM 1558 West 6th Ave formbyanthem.com
12 PARK 1698 West Georgia Street anthemproperties.com
13. GRYPHON NOVA Oak & 67th
Residences at Courtyard Cottages in Southlands are clustered around an inviting gathering space.
THE 31ST ANNUAL GEORGIE AWARDS
CELEBRATING BC’S RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE
BY SUSAN M BOYCE
For more than three decades, the Canadian Homebuilders’ Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC) annual Georgie Awards have honoured this province’s top builders, renovators, designers, and marketers. And 2023 was no exception.
This year’s theme at the May 20 gala event was a whimsical trip to the Emerald City in the Land of Oz. The sell-out crowd was treated to a dazzling trapeze performance by Destineak and the now traditional humour of long-time emcees Todd Talbot (host of HGTV’s Love It or List It) and Erin Cebula (ET Canada). A preceremony video featured Neil Moody, CEO of CHBA BC going undercover as a befuddled restoration painter
prepping the Yellow Brick Road’s entry gate, while Laura Sew, senior director of events and education programs, played an enthusiastic gardener ensuring the gardens lent a playful twist to the festivities.
AND THE WINNERS ARE… Century Group was this year’s big Georgie winner. The Tsawwassenbased company garnered top honours in five categories – more than any other company – by converting all
PHOTO BY MK PHOTOMEDI
PHOTO BY MK PHOTOMEDI
The 2023 Georgie Awards.
five of their finalist positions into gold. Among their wins was the prestigious Residential Community of the Year grand award for its innovative Southlands Tsawwassen masterplanned community.
Bob Ransford, vice-president of development at Century Group, credits his team’s focus on thinking outside the box, and the city of Delta’s willingness to support Century Group’s design vision as contributing factors. “We’ve created the complete opposite of what you normally see when you have urban development adjacent to an agricultural area. At Southlands, we’ve been able to integrate agriculture right into the community, including a farmers’ market, where local farmers can sell their produce.”
He’s also delighted the community’s Courtyard Cottages –just one of a diverse range of home types – was named Best Single-Family Home Production Development. “It’s a new type of housing for this area, one where detached cottages share a common courtyard. We’ve already got plans for two more strata plans of the same type.”
Following a strong showing at the HAVAN Awards, Landmark Premiere
Properties’ dazzling Foster Martin midrise in White Rock got the nod twice, including Best Multi-Family Mid/High Rise Development. Newcomer One-of-One Building Collective also wowed the judges twice with its East Kootenay project, The Ridge House.
Long-time participants, Adera and Miracon both took home a gold, along with CCI Renovations’ Hatha House, an innovative reimagining of the classic guest cottage/artist studio.
“As we gather to celebrate, let us take a moment to acknowledge the progress we’ve made together in the
face of the challenges over the last year,” Moody noted. “As an industry, we’ve adapted to changing market conditions, supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, and high interest rates. The projects that are finalists for the Georgie Awards projects are a testament to the residential construction industry’s strength, resilience, and commitment to excellence.”
For more information about the Georgie Awards and to view all winning entries, visit georgieawards.ca.
Left: Southlands Allotment Gardens beside the White Barn.
Below: Hatha House by CCI
NEW TO THIS CANADA? HERE’S HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGEI
https://bit.ly/35S2sEc
CREATE WEALTH THROUGH REAL ESTATE
https://bit.ly/wealththroughrealestate
DEBUNKING PRECONSTRUCTION MYTHS
https://bit.ly/3HH5Dfw
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE CONTRACT IS SIGNED https://bit.ly/presalecontract
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2. LUXE LANSDOWNE Lansdowne Road & Number 3 Road luxelansdowne.com
3. PARK RESIDENCES II AT MINORU PARK 6333 Mah Bing Street 604-563-8899 parkresidences.ca
4. RC RICHMOND 6331 No. 3 Road 604-788-6608
5. GALLERIA 8555 Capstan Way 604-233-7748 concordgalleria.com 1
FIND YOUR NEXT HOME
This page features a few of the latest properties to keep your eye on in the Metro Vancouver area.
PREVIEWS & REGISTRATIONS
CEDARBROOK
Home type: Townhomes
Developer: Westbow Group
On the map: Chilliwack Web: liveatcedarbrook.ca
Info: Cedarbrook townhomes in Chilliwack offer the perfect balance of urban living and the great outdoors, complete with stunning views and an abundance of natural beauty, right at the doorstep. Designed with functionality and style in mind and spanning across 18 buildings, these homes feature open-concept layouts, 10-ft.-high ceilings, and large windows to let in plenty of natural sunlight. The exterior colour palette is inspired by the colours found in nature, for a seamless blend between the homes and the surrounding landscape. Register today.
Info: Located along the banks of the Fraser River in South Coquitlam, Fraser Mills will be the city’s first and only waterfront community. When complete, the 96-acre neighbourhood will be home to a collection of residences, restaurants, shops, extensive greenspace, plazas and an aquatic and community centre. Register today.
KENNEDY
Home type: Townhouse
Developer: Royale Properties
On the map: Maple Ridge Web: kennedytownhomes.ca
Info: Nestled near Golden Ears Mountain Range with an easy commute to Vancouver and the rest of the Fraser Valley, Kennedy offers contemporary living spaces with exceptional detailing. Three-bedroom
townhomes incorporate open spaces and top-quality materials and finishes, complete with smart technology and room to work from home. Final release coming soon. Register today.
MOONLIGHT SONATA
Home type: Townhomes
Builder: Symphony
On the map: Burnaby Web: moonlightsonata.ca
Info: Moonlight Sonata is a collection of 130 two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes just east of Willingdon near parks, schools, transit, and shopping. A standalone amenity building offers a fully equipped gym, entertaining kitchen and lounge, meeting rooms, and a rooftop deck. As well, each townhome has its own heat pump, an eco-friendly alternative to conventional heating/cooling systems. Register today.
BUILDERS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PREVIEW REGISTRATION, NEW RELEASE OR SITE OPENING IN THIS FEATURE, KINDLY EMAIL THE DETAILS TO EDITORIAL@NEXTHOME.CA
MOONLIGHT SONATA
HOT PROPERTIES
SURREY – LANGLEY – ABBOTSFORD –
MISSION
SURREY
1. PIANO 105A & City Parkway concordpiano.ca
2. PARK GEORGE 9908 King George Blvd 604-583-9866 parkgeorge.com
3. DISTRICT NW University Drive & 105 Avenue thind.ca
4. CENTURY CITY HOLLAND PARK 13583 98 Avenue centurycitysurrey.com
5. PURA 105 Ave & 132 St mypuracondo.com
6. AMAYA LIVING 106 Ave & 140 St amayaliving.ca
7. SEQUOIA 133 Street & 104 Avenue Sequoiawestvillage.ca
LANGLEY
8. ALDERGROVE TOWN CENTRE 3100 272 Street atcliving.com
9. HAYER TOWN CENTRE 76 Avenue & 200 Street 604-800-9662 hayerbuildersgroup.com
10. THE HIVE AT WILLOUGHBY 206222 80 Avenue 778-686-8572 thehivewtc.com
11. WESTBROOKE AT WILLOUGHBY 604-385-3540 foxridgehomesbc.com
12. HEATH 80 Ave & 206 St heathliving.com
ABBOTSFORD
13. THE RAIL DISTRICT 2774 Montrose Avenue 604-850-0040 raildistrict.ca
GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Looking to buy your first home? It’s certainly no easy feat. Luckily for new homebuyers in Canada, numerous government incentives are available to help make purchasing a first home a little bit easier.
Read on the discover the latest addition to government incentives — the First-Time Homebuyers Savings
Account (FHSA). Then, for everyone new to the homebuying journey, we revisit a few other ways to save so that you have all the information you need before you get started.
THE FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT (FHSA)
In April of this year, the government announced its latest incentive for first-time homebuyers, the First Home Savings Account (FHSA). With this account, new homebuyers can save up to $40,000, tax-free. Contributing to the FHSA is tax deductible, and qualifying withdrawals to buy a home
are tax-free. Contributions can’t exceed $8,000 per year and if you don’t end up buying a home, any accumulated funds can be transferred to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or registered retirement income fund (RRIF). To open an FHSA, you must be a Canadian citizen at least 18 years of age and have not lived in a qualifying home in the previous four calendar years.
THE HOME BUYERS’ PLAN (HBP)
The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) is a federal government-run program that allows first-time homebuyers to
withdraw up to $35,000 from their RRSP, tax-free, to buy or build a home for themselves or a relative with a disability. Keep in mind, while the HBP increases your home-buying budget, it reduces your RRSP, which can affect your potential tax-sheltered investment. As well, you must repay the amount withdrawn within 15 years. If you don’t end up paying it back, it will be counted as income and taxed by the Canada Revenue Agency. To qualify, you must be a resident of Canada, have an RRSP with sufficient funds, and plan to use the home as your principal residence within a year of building or buying it.
THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER INCENTIVE
The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is another federal governmentsponsored program that helps first-time homebuyers reduce their monthly mortgage payments by providing a shared-equity mortgage with the government of Canada. The
program offers five per cent or 10 per cent for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a newly constructed home, five per cent for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a resale (existing) home, and five per cent for a first-time buyer’s purchase of a new or resale mobile/ manufactured home.
Because it is a shared-equity model, the government shares in both the upside and downside of the property value. This entails a potential increase or decrease of up to eight per cent per annum on the incentive amount from the advance date until repayment. The incentive must be repaid after 25 years or when the property is sold, based on the market value of the home at the time of repayment. To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or resident with an annual income below $120,000 ($150,000 for certain cities) and borrow no more than four times your income (or 4.5 times in specified cities). You must also be a first-time homebuyer and meet the minimum down payment requirements using traditional funds.
THE GST/HST NEW HOUSING REBATE
The GST/HST New Housing Rebate provides up to a $6,300 rebate on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for new homes. Homebuyers who purchase a new-build home, preconstruction, or make substantial renovations to an existing home can apply. You must complete an application form and provide supporting documents, and the rebate can be claimed within two years after the construction date.
THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS’ TAX CREDIT (HBTC)
The First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC) is a government initiative that provides eligible firsttime homebuyers with a $10,000 non-refundable income tax credit, resulting in tax savings of up to $1,500. To be eligible, the home must be registered in the buyer’s name, and
they must be a first-time homebuyer who will use the property as their primary residence. The HBTC can be combined with other government programs, such as the Home Buyers’ Plan, the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, and the GST/HST New Housing Rebate. Some provinces also offer home-buying programs.
LAND TRANSFER TAX REBATES
First-time homebuyers in Ontario, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and the city of Toronto can apply for land transfer tax rebates. The rebates are available on the provincial and municipal levels, depending on where the property is located. The maximum rebate amount is $4,000 in Ontario and $4,475 in Toronto, while the rebate amount in British Columbia varies depending on the purchase price of the property. To qualify, the buyer must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must be purchasing their first home. The amount of the rebate varies depending on the purchase price and the location of the property.
CONSULT WITH A PROFESSIONAL
With all these incentives available, it is important to note that eligibility requirements, program details, and availability may vary by province or territory. If you’re interested in one of the above options, consult with a financial advisor or mortgage professional to determine which programs you may be eligible for, and the ones that best suit your needs.
Brittany Reimer is managing director of MLA Canada’s Fraser Valley branch. Brittany uses her experience, relationships and passion for the real estate marketing industry to help push MLA into a new frontier.
NORTH SHORE
1. PARK WEST 1633 Capilano Road parkwestliving.ca
2. EXECUTIVE ON THE PARK 660 Clyde Avenue 604-926-2398 executiveonthepark.com
3. HAWKSLEY 3963 Uplands Way liveathawksley.com
4. BADEN PARK 904 Lytton Street badenparkbyanthem.com
BC 99 & Copper Dr 604-980-0016 britanniabeachliving.com
8. SEA AND SKY 604-559-7918 hellosquamish.com
9. REDBRIDGE 1606 Scott Crescent redbridgesquamish.com
10. FINCH DRIVE 1050 Finch Drive 778-990-1129
DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE
THESE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS ARE PROUD OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE AND CREATING GREAT COMMUNITIES
NEW HOME & CONDO DEVELOPMENTS
These listings are meant to offer a comprehensive overview of new home and condo developments currently being marketed throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
ABBOTSFORD
Court MR
604-621-5888 Now Selling
Downtown Gate TH 604-357-1943 Coming Soon
Falcon Ridge SF 604-309-0540 From $789,000
High Street Village LR/TH highstreetvillage.ca Coming Soon
JEM LR jemliving.ca Coming Soon
McKenzie Mews TH mckenzie-mews.com Coming Soon
Montvue LR montvueliving.ca Coming Soon
Onyx at Mahogany LR 778-255-7099 Now Selling
The Peak at Mountainview TH mymountainview.ca Call
The Rail District TH raildistrict.ca Register Now
BURNABY
O2 Metrotown HR o2metrotown.com Now Selling
Azure at Southgate HR azureatsouthgate.com Now Selling
