British Columbia Canada, and more particularly Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, has a wide variety of property types for owners to choose from. Below is a list of the most popular styles of homes. Learn the difference between condos, townhouses, semi-detached properties, detached houses, laneway homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes. Also, watch our video to discover the pros and cons of each type of property.

Types of Properties Available in Metro Vancouver BC Canada

Condominiums or Condos

Condos are multi-unit buildings (also called Strata Corporations) where each unit's owner also owns a share of the common property (such as the gardens, hallways, amenity centre). Buildings are generally available as a low-rise or high-rise. Some complexes have amenities for the owners such as a gym, pool, meeting rooms, party room, guest suite or a concierge. Owners pay a monthly strata fee to repair and maintain the building. Each condo complex has their own set of by-laws or rules which the owners must follow.

Condos are typically the most economical homes for sale and an excellent option for first time home buyers. Due to the ease of maintenance, and the "lock and go" lifestyle, they're a great option for vacation homes or for people who are often out of town.



Townhouses

Townhouses are multi-unit buildings (also called Stratas, with monthly fees) where each townhome has a separate owner who shares the common property (such as the gardens, hallways, amenity centre). Townhouse complexes have a separate entrance per unit, are typically side by side with one or two attached walls. Some townhome complexes have amenities for the owners such as a gym, pool, meeting rooms or party room. Owners pay a monthly strata fee to help run and maintain the building. Each townhouse complex has their own set of by-laws or rules which the owners must follow.

Townhouses are typically more expensive than a condo but less expensive than a detached house. They are an excellent option for someone who wants a bit more space, more privacy and a yard.



Semi-Detached Properties

Semi- detached homes are multi-unit buildings having at least one shared wall and typically have two to four units with separate ownership. Generally the owner is responsible for their own home but all the owners share in the cost or work to maintain the common areas and insurance. Semi-detached homes have a separate entrance per unit. Common examples are half duplexes, or individual units within a triplex or fourplex. The person on Title would only own one of the units.

Semi-detached homes are an excellent option for someone who wants a yard with more space and privacy, where a detached house is not suitable or affordable.



Detached Houses

Single family detached homes, or houses, are free standing homes with no shared walls. The owner is responsible for the maintenance of their own home and the land upon which it stands.

Detached homes are more expensive but provide the owner more space and privacy, a nice yard and more freedom to make their own decisions regarding the structure and land.



Houses with Laneway Home

Houses with Laneway structures have a smaller free standing home off the back lane, called a laneway house. Both are owned by one owner and cannot be sold individually. The owner is responsible for the maintenance of both homes and the land upon which they stand.

Houses with laneway homes are great options for people who want a separate private home for their parents, adult children, nanny, caregiver or as a rental property.


 

Duplex, Triplex and Fourplex

Duplexes, Triplexes and Fourplexes are multi-unit buildings with at least one shared wall. The person on Title would own the entire building. A duplex has two units (triplex has three, fourplex has four).

Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes are an excellent option for investors who want to rent each unit, or for someone who wants to live in one unit and rent the others.



Related Articles