Real Estate in North Vancouver

Vancouver’s property prices have been rising steadily over the last few years. This has been true of North Vancouver as well as other areas. This year, 2007 is already proving to be an active year in real estate in most of B.C.

The figures below are a summary of North Vancouver, showing the four main types of property. Within each type there will be a variety of sizes and other factors affecting the price, however the average prices are an indication of the market in North Vancouver. The figures come from the MLS®

* DOM = Days on market

This table indicates that North Vancouver's property market is divided between family houses and apartments. Detached houses still represent the majority of property in North Vancouver; the high number of apartments sold are probably the result of the active condo market.

The section below gives a brief sketch of the main areas of North Vancouver, as defined by properties sold. We have provided statistics on property sales within these areas.

Central Lonsdale

This area extends from the Upper Levels Highway to the north, west to Mahon Park, east to Moody Avenue and south to Keith Road. The area is set out in a grid pattern, with Lonsdale Avenue being the centre, and numbered streets running east-west. So Lonsdale Ave marks the division between east and west.

Lonsdale Avenue runs north to south and has the bulk of the shops and facilities in the area. These amenities are one reason for Lonsdale's popularity. It's mix includes large stores (Safeway, London Drugs), banks, snowboarding shops, coffee shops, restaurants and music shops, as well as the Centennial Theatre.

The number of medium to high rise apartments bordering Lonsdale Avenue characterize the area. This higher density living being more popular with the younger population of Lonsdale.

If you want to find an apartment for sale in Lonsdale, you can use the MLS® search provided by Sue Gerryts of Macdonald Realty:

Lower Lonsdale

This area, also centered around Lonsdale Avenue, extends to Keith Road to the north, Bewicke Avenue to the west, Moody Avenue to the east and the Burrard Inlet and Lonsdale Quay to the south.

The Lower Lonsdale area is undergoing extensive redevelopment. There are new high rise buildings and more planned around the Versatile Shipyards Site alongside Lonsdale Quay. This mixed use development, called The Pier, has began construction in 2004, with the first stage now complete.

High rise apartments in Lower LonsdaleThe area features the Lonsdale Quay and Market, and the seabus terminal. Along the Esplanade, there are shops, restaurants and a movie theatre, with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and businesses in the neighbouring streets.

Upper Lonsdale

This area extends north from the Upper Levels Highway in the south. The grid pattern of Central Lonsdale gives way to more variety and houses take over from apartments.

The area's appeal is more to families.

Lynn Valley

This area is centered around the Lynn Valley Centre, which is at the meeting point of the areas two major roads: Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road.

This area is a family oriented area, featuring family homes rather than apartments. Townhouses are also available and offer more affordable accommodation for young families starting on the housing ladder.

Also in the area is the Karen Magnussen Recreation Centre, with it's wave pool, arena, and weight room.

Open Houses

When you are in Vancouver, one good way of exploring the real estate market is to go to Open Houses. You can visit these on your own, but bear in mind that you should get a realtor to act as your agent when you are ready to buy. You are strongly advised not to engage the same realtor who is listing the house you want - there is an inherent conflict of interest in this. See our page on house buying for more.

You can find open houses in the local real estate papers (free) or via the link below:

North Vancouver Open Houses