Buying a house can be a daunting experience. There are many things to consider, from getting a mortgage to ensuring that the house is up to the standards of the local housing market. One of the most important things to remember is that if you are considering buying a property, then it is important to find out which is the cheapest real estate in BC for 2016.
Quesnel
Located around 53rd parallel north, Quesnel is one of the most affordable cities in British Columbia. With its close proximity to nature, great schools, and excellent opportunities for employment, it is easy to see why many young people choose to start their lives here.
Quesnel’s population grew 18% between 1996 and 2011, but the area’s housing shortage is still a concern. In fact, the City of Quesnel commissioned an Affordable Housing Strategy in 2010, which identified a deficit of affordable housing units. It also found that the growing senior population is a key factor in the need for affordable housing.
The need assessment also notes that there aren’t enough diverse types of housing in the area. In particular, it found that there aren’t many accessible bachelor units, and there is a lack of affordable housing in the area for seniors.
According to BC Housing, 39 percent of Quesnel renters spend at least 30% of their income on housing costs. This is due in large part to the lack of multi-family developments in the area.
The City of Quesnel encourages mixed-use in designated areas. In addition, the municipality has a goal to provide a safe community for residents. To that end, it is trying to install traffic calming devices on a major arterial street.
The City of Quesnel’s Affordable Housing Needs Assessment includes a thorough review of demographics and housing conditions. It also includes information on the implications of affordable housing for the city.
Quesnel’s housing prices are lower than those of Vancouver, Campbell River, and Nanaimo. It is also one of the most affordable cities in Canada.
Quesnel also has a reputation for its sports teams. There are soccer, lacrosse, and football leagues, as well as minor baseball and roller derby.
Powell River
Located just a few hours north of Vancouver, Powell River is known for its cheaper real estate. This area was once a thriving pulp and paper mill. It now produces specialty papers.
The mill has been downsized and laid off hundreds of employees. Powell River is now working to diversify its local economy. It’s increasing its focus on ecotourism.
The city is also investing in recreation. Powell River has a number of hiking trails, tide pools and sandy beaches. It also offers sailing and fishing. It is home to the Pacific Region International Summer Music Association.
Powell River was named the Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004. The city is home to the Patricia Theatre and Vancouver Island University. Its population is estimated to increase by about 3,000 residents by 2040.
The area has several housing projects underway. These include a new housing complex, which will include two apartment blocks, two townhouses, a multipurpose room and 24 rental units. It is expected to be finished in summer 2022. It will be operated by the Powell River Inclusive Housing Society.
Another new project is the Powell River Affordable Housing Project. The project will include 40 one- to three-bedroom homes. It will be located at 4872 Ontario Ave. The homes will be offered at an affordable price of $450,000.
The region has also seen an increase in the number of building permits. It racked up $14.1 million in building permits last year. These permits were mostly urban residential.
The region’s real estate board has seen a wave of young people leave Metro Vancouver and relocate to Powell River. It’s estimated that 50 to 55 per cent of these buyers are from the Lower Mainland.
Williams Lake
Compared to other cities in British Columbia, Williams Lake has a very affordable housing market. The cost of housing in Williams Lake is averaging around $213,143. This cost represents a small percent of the average household income in the region.
In 2016, the cost of housing in Williams Lake was 4% lower than in the Lower Mainland. This is attributed to the fact that the cost of housing is primarily driven by house prices.
The average price of a home in Williams Lake is the lowest of any community in the province. The city also has an abundance of amenities to attract people. These include a range of dining options, including Ken’s Restaurant, Ken’s Chinese, and New World Coffee and Tea House.
The City of Williams Lake has a sister campus of Thompson Rivers University. There are a range of degree programs, from trades to health to marketing. The city also has the second largest rodeo in Canada.
The city has a very friendly social atmosphere. Williams Lake is a small town with a big community. However, crime has been on the rise in recent years.
The city is home to the Cariboo Forest Research Institute, which promotes hiking, biking, and wildfire recovery. The institute also offers training programs.
The city is also home to the Academy of Learning, a college that offers courses in marketing, business, accounting, and health. The city has a Walmart and Save-On Foods store in the downtown core.
The City of Williams Lake has a population of 11,420. The city is also home to the second largest rodeo in Canada, the Williams Lake Stampede.
The city has a low time-to-buy score of 4.4. First-time buyers must save at least $6,587 for a down payment.
Dawson Creek
Whether you are a first-time buyer or an experienced homebuyer, the Dawson Creek, BC housing market is a great place to find affordable properties. This BC city is home to several affordable subdivisions and cheap houses.
It is an agricultural community with a diverse local economy. It also offers sweeping views of the countryside.
It is home to many lakes and rivers. There are several attractions and activities that make this an ideal place to visit. It also has an abundance of wildlife.
The cost of living is also very affordable in this city. The average household spends less than half of the average cost of living in BC. This includes taxes, mortgage, utilities, and utilities.
Dawson Creek is an affordable city to live in and has many amenities to offer. The local economy is diverse and the downtown is cozy. It is also home to several new subdivisions, including Manor Heights, Crescent View, Harvest View, and Sunset Ridge.
Another attraction in Dawson Creek is the heritage interpretation village. It also has an annual rodeo, fall fair, and art gallery.
The Dawson Creek housing market has been stable in recent years. However, property values have been plateauing due to the slowdown in the oil and gas industry.
The average home in Dawson Creek is priced at $307,000. This is more expensive than the average home in most cities in BC, but it is still affordable. You can find cheap houses for sale in Dawson Creek, BC online or in your local area.
One of the largest improvements in affordability last year was in Terrace. This city is located in northern BC and is an obvious choice for a new home buyer.
Vancouver
During this past December, Vancouver home prices dropped 8.1 percent from the 10-year average. This is the lowest decline since June 2012, and the first time prices have dropped more than ten percent in a decade. However, prices are still well above the 10-year average.
In January, the benchmark price for a detached home in the Greater Vancouver area was $1,483,500. That’s double the price of a detached home in Calgary, and more than double the price of a detached home in Montreal. In fact, the price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver is higher than any city in Canada, and is more than twice as expensive as the price of a detached home in Greater Toronto.
Vancouver is a city that has become expensive for young people and renters alike. The price of a detached home in Greater Vancouver has almost doubled in the past decade, and the benchmark price of an attached unit is almost twice as high.
Homeowners have gained significant wealth through their homes’ value, thanks to low property taxes and the principal residence capital gains tax exemption. The tax system encourages speculation in residential property, which has driven up prices. However, unsavory characters are also to blame for Vancouver’s messy real estate market.
In December, the average price of all homes in B.C. was $847,600. The MLS(r) Home Price Index composite benchmark price represented a 17.8 percent increase over December 2015.
This means that Vancouver had more than 36.9 years of rent to equal the price of a detached home. That’s about as long as Seattle, which has 14.5 years of rent to equal the price of he average house.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.