Investing in Kamloops Real Estate: Changes to the BC Strata Property Act

Buyers are investing in Kamloops residential properties as rentals. This has been going on for many years. The BC Government recently changed the rules for strata properties in BC. They removed the age and rental restrictions from the bylaws by changing the Strata Property Act.

In Kamloops we have a number of very desirable strata developments that investors often want to consider as a purchase. These properties have always been off limits to those buyers due to the rental restrictions in place. With the recent changes to the Strata Property Act this allows investors to consider nearly all strata developments in the Kamloops area. There are a lot of great properties that would make great investments and homes for tenants. We have a very low inventory of rentals in many areas of Kamloops so hopefully this will open up more options for those renters looking for a place to call home. 

Below is a list of several strata developments in Kamloops that previously had a rental restriction and are seen as a great place to invest due to their price point. Keep in mind that this does not apply to those properties that are age restricted to 55+ and this also doesn’t open properties up to short term rentals such as Air BnB or VRBO.

South Shore Strata Development Properties with Previous Rental Restrictions

Aberdeen

411 Aberdeen Drive: Forest Hills. This complex consists of split-level walk up designed homes which back on to a green belt and two storey style homes. They range in size from just over 1,300 square feet to around 2,100 square feet. The complex was built in 2006/2007.

1970 Braeview Drive: Braeview Place. This complex was built between 2005-2008. They are nicely oriented walk-up style homes with single or double garages. These homes makes great rentals as they are very efficient living with no yard maintenance at all. Located minutes to Aberdeen Mall and transportation.

1990 Pacific Way: Pacific Ridge. This strata development sits alongside Pacific Way just minutes from the main Aberdeen/Dufferin shopping district. The units range in size from around 1,000 square feet to over 2,000. The strata is divided into two sections, the older section built in the mid 1990’s and the newer section built around 2008.

1155 Hugh Allan Drive: Glendevon. Built in the 1980’s these townhomes have nice architectural features in their layouts. They all have a carport for covered parking and are centrally located to transportation and shopping.

1160 & 1170 Hugh Allan: Highland Vistas. This condo development has nice units that are often two bedrooms and one bathroom. They are not huge units making them great for rental properties due to the size. They are located close to transportation making it easy for students or seniors to get around. 

1120 Hugh Allan: Highland Ridge. The majority of the units in this condo development have sweeping views of the city of Kamloops and the North and South Thompson Rivers. These units range in size from one bedroom units to larger two bedroom, two bathroom condos.

To view all homes for sale in Aberdeen click here

Sahali

1570 Freshfield Drive: Summit Gardens. Located across the street from 1605 Summit Drive this strata development was built in the mid 1970’s however the units are larger than the Summit Drive units. The development has had a number of upgrades to the outside and a lot of owners have updated the inside of units.

1750 McKinley Court: McKinley Gardens. This strata townhouse development, built in the early 1990’s is nearly identical to the one located at 1775 McKinley Court. The units are a nice size, often over 1,500 square feet and all include a single car garage. There is a two-storey layout and level entry rancher layout in this development.

481 Monarch Court: Monarch Villas. Built in the late 1990’s Monarch Villas are nestled close to an elementary school, trails, and transportation. They are similar in size to the McKinley units but are just a bit newer.

1469 Springhill Drive: Springhill Gardens. These units were built in the early 1970’s and are very close to the Springhill/Summit intersection allowing for easy access to transportation and shopping. These townhomes all include covered parking and a bonus inground pool for those summer months.

1810 Springhill Drive: Gleneagles Manor. These units built in the early 1980’s have had a number of upgrades over the past few years (2020’s). Most units are the walk-up style however there are a few two-storey styled units. They are steps from the public bus stop and not far from city amenities.

1605 Summit Drive: Riverview Village. This strata development was built in the mid 1970’s. The units tend to be a bit smaller than those on Springhill, McKinley and Freshfield however they are often 2-3 bedrooms and are even 4-bedrooms in some cases. Located steps from the public bus stop and walking distance to TRU and shopping.

To view all homes for sale in Sahali click here.

South Kamloops, Downtown Kamloops

629 Lansdowne Street: Riviera Gardens. Located across the street from Lansdowne Village and the public bus loop this condo development is in a great location for those that want quick access to downtown amenities. The units range in size from a one to two bedroom unit. They all have secure parking.

436 Lorne Street: The Courtyard. 490 Lorne Street: Plaza Suites at the Station. 510 Lorne Street: Station Plaza. These condo buildings are all very similar. Located close to downtown amenities they all feature nice sized units ranging from one bedroom to larger two bedroom, two bathroom units. They often make a great home for those who are a bit older and want to be close to the hospital and downtown amenities.

900/950/970 Lorne Street: Park Place. This sought-after strata condo and townhouse development is one of the few in Kamloops with a number of amenities such as an indoor pool and hot tub, fitness room, meeting room/party room, sauna, dock on the river, workshop and more. The gardens are often very beautiful at Park Place and each unit has at least one underground parking stall.

683 Victoria Street: Monarch Place. This condo development is located close to downtown amenities with the majority of downtown shopping and transportation within a block or two of the development. The units have secure parking, and they are all above commercial space making them secure.

To view all homes for sale in South Kamloops Downtown click here.

Valleyview

1980 Glenwood: Glenwood Gardens. Located across the street from the newly renovated and built Valleyview Secondary School and minutes to the local elementary school. This development is great for families. It includes covered carport parking and an outdoor pool.

To view all homes for sale in Valleyview click here.

North Shore/North Side of Kamloops

Brocklehurst (Brock)

1697 Greenfield Ave: Glenwood Townhouses. These homes are located in a quiet Brock neighborhood and feature a smaller footprint with fenced yards and carports. Each unit is just over 1,000 square feet and are two and three bedrooms.

800 Southill Drive: Southill Gardens. The units in this development range from two bedrooms to four bedrooms. Each unit has 3 levels of living space. They all have small yards and a single carport. They are located steps to transportation and the Brock Shopping Center.

800 Valhalla Drive: Valhalla Place. These townhome units are known for their nice sized square footage and fenced yards. They offer good space for those who reside in them. Located steps to transportation and an elementary school. They are also walking distance to the North Shore shopping district.

To view all homes for sale in Brock click here.

North Kamloops (North Shore)

249 Kitchener Cres: Shoreline Place. This strata development is located beside the Rivers Trail and beach volleyball courts. There is easy access to the river year-round, steps to transportation and minutes to downtown Kamloops. This strata complex also includes an outdoor inground pool.

To view all homes for sale in North Kamloops North Shore click here.

There are a number of other properties throughout Kamloops that are suitable for an investor or buyer. A lot of these properties did not have rental restriction in place before the BC Strata Property Act amendment.

There are a lot of investors and buyers looking to purchase in around Thompson Rivers University (TRU). There are some great options in that area that range in age, size and location.

If you would like more information about all of the properties for sale contact us.

To search for Kamloops properties for sale click here.

5 Tips for Buying in the Kamloops Buyers Market.

Did you know that the Kamloops real estate market is trending towards a Buyers’ market! This is what we hear from the British Columbia Real Estate Association whose October 2022 statistics release states that provincially we are in a balanced market with some regional variations pushing into Buyers’ market territory.

MLS Residential Market Conditions BC 2022 BCREA Kamloops Real Estate

Provincially sales were down 45.8% year over year with active listings up 40.5% across the province.

It is a great time to buy, prices are coming down, there are a lot of homes to choose from and some sellers are getting more anxious to sell their homes. On the other hand, there is the belief that it may not be a good time to buy. Prices may fall further and the interest rates are higher than the historically low levels we saw in recent years. How do you know when the best time is to buy a home in Kamloops? Below there are five things to consider if you are trying to decide if now is the right time to purchase your own Kamloops property.

  1. Timing the BOTTOM is very difficult for many reasons. The timing of the bottom of the market is different in every region. Just because the market has bottomed in one region of BC doesn’t mean that the same is happening here in Kamloops. There are many different factors that go into the state of every market. Waiting for the absolute bottom often causes buyers to miss it and get stuck in the upswing of the market, making purchasing a home more difficult. Buy a home because you need to or because you have found the right one for you, not because you are waiting for the bottom. Often the bottom is only seen in the rear-view mirror.
  2. Often the best places in Kamloops sell FIRST. If you find a home in Kamloops that is perfectly suited to your needs and desires, then buy it! When that perfect home comes along, and you chose to wait it can be scooped up from under you. Often if a home is desirable to you, it is also very desirable to others looking. Buyers must put some value on a home that meets or exceeds their needs that is not a monetary value. Desirable homes in desirable areas in a down market hold their value much better than less desirable homes in less desirable areas. You can check out up to date information here with new listings posted daily.
  3. Find a home you can GROW with. Think long-term when purchasing your Kamloops home. Find a place that you can see yourself in for years to come. The Real Estate market is cyclical with ups and downs. If the market is on the decline now, there is no telling when that will change. We all wish that we had a crystal ball to predict the future, but that just isn’t the case. Over the long-term real estate has proven to be a good investment, so thinking long term will help with your decision.
  4. Use TECHNOLOGY in your Kamloops home search. The internet has a wealth of information on home buying. Realtors have access to private client search databases which can help you research and buy in the Kamloops market. Use the internet to your advantage! Talk to our Team today about setting up a private client search tailored to your specific criteria. Keep track of new listings in the Kamloops area that match your criteria. You also get access to the sale prices of those homes. This makes it very easy to make an informed decision about your Kamloops home purchase. We would be happy to set up your Kamloops real estate search for you!
  5. BUYERS AGENTS are there to help you! Find yourself a good buyers’ agent who will help you search through all the listings in the Kamloops area. A buyers’ agent will find the best suited homes for you. There are other advantages of having your own buyers’ agent including: they arrange appointments for you which work for your schedule, they have local knowledge which can prevent you from unknowingly making a bad purchase, they keep you up to date on current Kamloops market conditions, prepare a comparative market analysis on any home you may be interested in purchasing, and finally negotiate a favorable contract. Most people are not well versed on contract negotiation and buying real estate, having an agent on your side is always beneficial. Don’t forget, the best part about having your own representation is it is FREE! We have a number of Buyers’ Agents to choose from. It is great to work with someone you trust and enjoy spending time with. Read about our Agents here.

There are many factors that go into your decision to purchase a home in Kamloops. Buyers have their own personal reason for purchasing and you can’t time the market. Become an informed buyer, help yourself in this dynamic market. Remember, knowledge is power!

Contact us anytime to set up a personalized search. We are here to answer any question you have.

Are you looking for more information about Buying a home in Kamloops? View our Buyer resources here.

Are you a Seller and you are trying to decide it now is the right time to sell? We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation home evaluation. Contact us anytime!.

 

New Condo, Strata and Multi-Family Developments in Kamloops

Kamloops has seen a lot of growth over the past few years. This has resulted in a number of new condo, strata and multi-family developments in Kamloops. There is a need for housing throughout the city for current and new residents of the city. Below is a short recap of some of the new townhouse, condo and strata developments in Kamloops.

Batchelor Heights

Casa Landing, 2045 Stagecoach Drive: Casa Landing is located in Batchelor Heights, above the North Thompson River, where you can enjoy gorgeous sunrises from your deck in this contemporary home, with gorgeous views of the valley and river.

Casa Landing ranges from 2, 3, or 3+ den bedroom units, it is fully landscaped with irrigation, and is equipped with a gas BBQ hook-up. Consisting of 34 homes for sale in the strata development, there are 8 unique floor plans to suite any family.

Casa Landing is located on Stagecoach Drive. Within the strata is an outdoor common area where you can lounge under a pergola, admire the beauty of the garden boxes or share a coffee and heartfelt moment with your neighbours at the picnic table. This townhouse development is located among pre-existing single family development. Casa Landing is just around the corner from Saddleback Park, is close to BC transit bus services and a few minutes drive to North Shore shopping and amenities. To find out more about the townhouses for sale, click here.

To learn more about Batchelor Heights real estate, click here.

Downtown, South Kamloops

The Walk on 9th: 1393 9th Avenue: The Walk on 9th is perfect for active and artistic downtown Kamloops living. Close to The Sagebrush Theatre, these two-bedroom townhouses for sale some featuring an additional den space have an open concept main floor with powder room, insulated garage and in suite laundry.

 The Walk is a fully landscaped townhouse development, includes central A/C, high efficiency natural gas furnace, heated garage, central vacuum, gas stove hook-up and lots of extras to choose from. Peterson Creek Park is right outside your front door with over 10km of trails; this multi-use path will bring you to the top of Summit Drive where you can find majority of Kamloops large chain stores, mechanical shops, restaurants, and more! To find out more about the townhouses for sale, click here.

The Lightwell, 444 St Paul Street: The Lightwell is a new condo development in the Downtown Kamloops core. It will feature 144 residential condos ranging in size from studio to three bedroom, two bathroom units. There will also be a commercial component of this development with 12,000 square feet of commercial space. The Lightwell is located walking distance to all downtown amenities, hospital, professional offices and shopping.

This development will feature a common area which is a centrally located ‘lightwell’ courtyard. Other features include bike storage, storage units, nice sized patios, secure underground parking, gorgeous north and southern views, high end finishings and a common rooftop deck for residents. This project has proven to be very popular with a large number of units under contract shortly after the Lightwell’s release to the general public. Click here to view the available Lightwell units for sale.

The Marquess on Lorne, 604 Lorne Street: The Marquess of Lorne, found on Kamloops historic Lorne Street, is a mixed-use strata development being built in downtown Kamloops. Close to Riverside and Pioneer Parks, The Marquess will be constructed in two phases, with The Marquess West being the first to be built. Consisting of 10 one- and 17 two-bedroom suites for sale, you can enjoy the river and city views from your glass-paneled balcony.

Located in the West Waterfront area of Kamloops, The Marquess of Lorne is within walking distance to a menagerie of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment downtown.  This development will include just under 3500 sq. ft. of commercial space, underground parking, and state of the art HVAC systems.

Featuring solid maple cabinetry, soft close doors and drawers, and an individualized front entrance, you can experience 19th century living in modern times at The Marquess of Lorne. To find out more about the units for sale, click here.

Victory Place, 227 Battle Street: Victory Place is one of Downtown Kamloops’ newest condo developments. It is located in a prime location for walking distance to local shops, downtown amenities, the Hospital, grocery shopping, farmers market, and professional services.

Victory Place is a modern condominium development new to the real estate market consisting primarily of luxurious 2-bedroom condos for sale. There is a mix of single level and two-level condo units in Victory Place. Each unit ranges in size from just over 900 square feet to as large as just under 1,300 square feet. The units for sale include underground parking, a fully equipped kitchen, are pet friendly, and allows rentals. This condo development is a great addition to Downtown Kamloops, allowing its residents easy access to all the city has to offer. Click here for units currently for sale.

To learn more about South Kamloops and Downtown real estate, click here.

North Kamloops/North Shore

The Station, 280 Tranquille Road: The Station, located on Tranquille Road in the Kamloops North Shore district, was the first condominium development in Kamloops to feature micro suites for sale! Centrally located and only 10 minutes from Downtown Kamloops, the Station provides easy access to many of the North Shore amenities. There were 3 floor plans available for purchase in the Station which is now the home to a number of residents. There is secure parking, scooter and bike storage, as well as a community terrace and patio.

Resting in the center of The Tranquille Market Corridor, The Station is close to plenty of restaurants, shops, larger grocery chains, parks, trails, professional services, and the YMCA. BC Transit services this area with regular and accessible bus service. To find out more about the units that are available for sale click here.

Huston Place, 766 Tranquille Road: Huston Place, located on Tranquille Road, is at the center of it all. This condo will have 28-units for sale and is just a short stroll away from the Thompson-Nicola Regional library, medical services, banking, shopping, and a transit hub with a route to most areas of Kamloops. Whether you need groceries, gifts, lunch, or a coffee, the North Shore has everything you need.

Huston Place will have studio, 1- and 2-bedroom units for sale, with or without a den, noise reducing construction, in-suite laundry, and is pet friendly. This modern and elegant condo has a community amenities room with its own bathroom, scooter parking, and secure bike storage allowing for easy access to Tranquille Road and freeing up space in your unit.

You can choose between 2 different color palettes that combine stunning quartz counters in both the kitchen and bathroom, custom cabinetry in the kitchen and stainless-steel appliances. To find out more about the units for sale, click here.

The Tapestry on Spirit Square, 107 Yew Street: The Tapestry on Spirit Square is one of the Kamloops North Shore’s newest multi-family condo development. Located in the heart of the North Shore, less than 10 minutes from Downtown Kamloops, The Tapestry has a number of amenities at its doorstep.

This 38-unit development is now for sale and has many different sized units for sale that will fit any buyer’s needs. The units for sale in The Tapestry include smaller studio apartments to larger 2 bedroom and den units. Unique to this development are the loft suites which are 2 level units and feature roof top patios. Real estate in this area of the city has become quite popular over the past few years.

The Tapestry is steps to the Tranquille Market corridor of North Kamloops where you will find a number of local restaurants, unique shops, shopping, banking and professional services. There is also very good transportation through this region of the city. This condo development is steps to MacDonald Park, McArthur Island Park, the Rivers Trail, pickle ball, community gardens, the library and the YMCA. Presale units are now available for purchase. To learn more about this development contact us.

To learn more about North Kamloops real estate, click here.

Pineview Valley

Foxtain Views, 1701 Foxtail Drive: Foxtail Views, located in Pineview Valley, delivers panoramic views, hiking trails, parks and is close to Kamloops city amenities. Pineview Valley Park and Python Lake are just a short stride from this townhouse development. These trails are easy and have a park and playground, an outdoor rink, picnic areas and are dog friendly, making Foxtail Views perfect for families.

Foxtail Views will be a 32-unit townhouse development with three different floor plans that include 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans, 2 bathrooms, a Samsung appliance package and options to upgrade. The townhouses for sale will have an open concept main floor, rec room downstairs and a walk-out basement to a deck.

Foxtail Views is surrounded by nature, where you can have the best of both worlds – nature and convenience right outside your door! To find out more about the units for sale, click here.

Mountainview Place, 1880 Hugh Allan Drive: Mountainview Place at the Landing is a 60-unit condo development, located 4.4km from Thompson Rivers University.  Located in Pineview, with 3 different open-concept floor plans and in-suite laundry, you can enjoy everything that Mountainview Place has to offer.

Mountainview Place has every amenity to suit all lifestyles. It includes fully equipped amenity rooms including a gym and Pilates/Yoga studio. Get together with your family and friends and book the Theatre & Rec room to use the big screen for any movie or game night; and don’t forget to head up with your group to BBQ Common Area for all your grilling needs. This condo development also includes a Business center and Study.

Mountainview Place is centrally located to restaurants, shopping and includes an underground parking area that is large enough to fit full-sized trucks. There is also a secure bike and scooter room as well. Pineview has regular service by BC transit which is located steps from this condo development. To find out more about the units for sale, click here.

To learn more about Pineview Valley real estate, click here.

Valleyview

Arlington at Orchards Walk, 200 Grand Boulevard: Orchards Walk was historically Jimeva Farms, which operated as an apple orchard, and is now the home to a number of Kamloops residents. Real estate in this area has been developed over the past ten years. This development is located in an area of Kamloops known as Valleyview and is 10 minutes from downtown Kamloops city centre. Orchards Walk has easy access to the Trans Canada Highway #1 and is serviced by BC transit. It is surrounded by the hillside, creating a serene oasis, while still being close to the city.

The newest phase of Orchards walk that is for sale is called the Arlington. Arlington at Orchard’s Walk will feature multi-leveled townhouses with full length driveways, a garage, and mountain views. These 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom homes have open concept living. Orchards walk is within walking distance of the Orchards Walk Plaza, which includes a pharmacy and medical clinic, a daycare, and is close to two bus routes. The Orchard Walk Plaza will also soon include a community amenities center.

The Arlington at Orchards walk is a bare land strata development which includes yard maintenance, road maintenance, water, and sewer charges in the monthly fee. Owners will experience a lock and go lifestyle. Currently in Orchards Walk, Courtland Park and Braeburn have been the home to residents for years. Other developments soon to come to this area are Monarch, Belmont, Tydeman and Cameo homes. This community has developed over the years to be a highly sought-after area of Kamloops to live. Having over 27,500 square feet of commercial space is a great benefit to the residents of Orchards Walk with amenities steps from home. To view homes for sale in Orchards Walk click here.

To learn more about Valleyview real estate, click here.

Enter To Win A Week Long Holiday ~ We Are Giving Away 2 Resort Vacation Certificates!

Resort Vacation Giveaway! Contest Kirsten Mason Team Century 21 Real Estate MLS Listing home 2018 may 31 best top agent realtorThe Kirsten Mason Team at Century 21 Desert Hills Realty is presently running a contest to win one (1) of two (2) Resort Vacation Certificates plus $100 spending credit. The contest will run until May 31st, 2018 at 11:59pm. Information is included below with instructions on how to enter our great contest!

TO ENTER THE CONTEST YOU MUST:

contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent
Comment on our Facebook or Instagram CONTEST post and include:  where you would go on holidays and tag who you would bring with you
AND

contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent

Like our page Team page – any team member of the Kirsten Mason Team! It is that easy!
Link to The Kirsten Mason Team Facebook page: LINK
Link to the Kirsten Mason Team Instagram account: LINK 
Visit The Team Members on Facebook!
 contest kirsten mason team century 21 holiday vacation resort give away 2018 best top realtor agent FACEBOOK page
Visit the Resort Vacation Certificate Website to view the holiday options: https://www.resortcerts.com/century21

 

resort vacation certificate contest website information kirsten mason team century 21 contest deadline may 31, 2018

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

– Only One (1) entry per person.
– You must be 18 years or older to enter.
– Contest only open to Canadian Residents.
– Past and Current clients qualify for two (2) entries. You must have purchased or sold a home with a member of the Kirsten Mason Team to qualify OR are presently working with a member of the Kirsten Mason Team. You must contact your Agent on the Kirsten Mason Team to receive your second entry.
– Resort Vacation Certificates Do Not include Flights
– Certificate must be redeemed and accommodations must be booked before the Expiration Date (Book by Date) on your certificate. You may be able to search for accommodations up to 12 months in advance depending on the certificate type. Travel must be completed within 12 months from the date you booked the accommodation.
– With a Resort Vacation Certificate the program offers a world of vacation options in desirable locations across six continents, so everyone can find a destination that speaks to them. Some of our most popular locations include Orlando, FL; Branson, MO; Myrtle Beach, SC; Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and Canadian Rockies, Canada.
– Destinations and travel times are subject to availability and confirmed on a first come, first served basis. Offer includes only accommodations and specifically excludes travel cost and other expenses that may be incurred. Promotional discounts and offers may not apply to all properties. Offer may not be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon. Other restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited by law. Some resorts require that an all-inclusive fee be paid. Additional taxes may apply.
–  Resort Vacation Certificates are redeemable for a 7 night stay at vacation rental properties worldwide designed to be used for off-peak travel, although accommodations may be available throughout the year.  Peak seasons can vary according to destinations and dates. All accommodations have a fixed check-in day. Our inventory is an aggregation of diverse vacation rental properties from leading property management companies, developers, condominium and housing associations around the world and range from studio apartments and resort condos to  2+ bedrooms single-family homes, villas and cottages. Many offer living rooms, dining rooms, fully-equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
–  For an additional dollar amount, typically ranging from $220 USD to $1,400 USD, you may be able to access additional inventory and reserve a one week (7 nights) stay for a higher redemption fee depending upon the property and dates selected. The upgrade fee is for the entire week, not per night or per person. IMPORTANT: Peak seasons can vary according to date and destination.
– To receive the $100 spending credit you must send confirmation in writing from your booked holiday (by email or mail).
Contact us anytime to get more information regarding this contest or Kamloops Real Estate. 

 

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