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Your parents have lived in their Vancouver home for 40 years.

The kitchen hasn’t been renovated. The closets are full. There’s furniture in every room and decades of personal belongings to sort through.

Now you’re responsible for preparing the property for sale.

Where do you even begin?

One of the biggest concerns families have when selling an estate property in Vancouver is whether the home needs to be completely cleaned, updated, or emptied before a Realtor can come and assess it.

Mark Hammer of Hammer Group Realtors has a reassuring answer.

“Absolutely not. I’ve seen everything.”

You Don’t Need to Be Embarrassed About the Condition of the Home

Many homes involved in estate sales have been owned by the same family for several decades.

Some have been meticulously maintained but never renovated. Others have deferred maintenance, older finishes, or rooms filled with belongings.

For families, these properties are often much more than real estate.

They’re homes filled with memories.

When Martine Perron asked Mark whether families should feel embarrassed if the property looks old or cluttered, he didn’t hesitate.

“Absolutely not. I’ve seen everything.”

Mark isn’t coming to judge the home.

He’s coming to evaluate what needs to be done to market it effectively.

Should You Renovate an Estate Property Before Selling?

Not every older Vancouver home needs a renovation before going on the market.

In fact, spending money on improvements without first understanding the property’s market value and likely buyers can be an unnecessary expense for an estate.

Mark explains his approach:

“We assess what minor things can be done to get top dollar for the property, and what we need to do with our marketing.”

The word minor matters.

Before recommending work, Mark looks at the property, its condition, comparable homes, and the competition.

The goal is to determine which improvements, if any, could help the home present better to potential buyers.

Depending on the property, that might mean cleaning, removing excess furniture, making small repairs, or simply presenting the home accurately in its existing condition.

These are possibilities to evaluate, not automatic requirements.

The Goal Is to Avoid Creating More Work for the Estate

Selling a parent’s home can already involve a long list of responsibilities.

Families may be sorting through belongings, coordinating with relatives, handling estate paperwork, and trying to understand the costs of selling.

Adding an unnecessary renovation project may only make the process more complicated.

Mark describes his role this way:

“My job is to go in and evaluate what we need to do to make the home show its best without creating a lot of work for the estate.”

That is an important distinction.

Preparing an estate property for sale should be about making thoughtful decisions, not automatically doing as much work as possible.

What If the Home Needs Decluttering?

Decluttering is one of the most common challenges families face when selling an older home.

After decades of ownership, there may be furniture, clothing, paperwork, household items, and other belongings throughout the property.

Some families live nearby and have time to manage the work.

Others live outside Vancouver, have demanding schedules, or simply don’t know where to start.

When Martine asked whether Hammer Group has contacts to help with decluttering, Mark answered:

“We’ve got everybody at the push of a button.”

That means families can discuss what services might be useful instead of trying to find every professional themselves.

Depending on the situation, the preparation plan may involve cleaners, decluttering services, tradespeople, or other professionals.

Of course, personal belongings and important estate documents should be reviewed by the appropriate family members or estate representatives before anything is removed.

Should You Empty the House Before Calling a Realtor?

No.

One of the benefits of having Mark visit the property before major work begins is that he can help identify what actually needs attention.

You may discover that certain improvements aren’t necessary.

Or you may learn that a relatively small amount of preparation could make a meaningful difference in how the property is presented.

Mark explains:

“When we see the property, we’re really going there to see what we need to do to market the property.”

The first walkthrough is an assessment, not a final inspection of a home that must already be ready for sale.

What Happens After the Walkthrough?

Mark provides a detailed marketing evaluation and a plan for the property.

He reviews the recommended preparation, the timeline, and how the home will be marketed.

This helps families understand what needs to happen before listing and what can wait.

For estates involving several family members, having a written plan can also make discussions easier.

Instead of guessing which repairs or services are needed, the family has a proposed approach to review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing an Estate Home for Sale

Do I need to renovate my parents’ house before selling it?

Not necessarily. The decision depends on the property’s condition, buyer expectations, comparable sales, and the cost of the proposed improvements. A Realtor can help assess whether the work is likely to be worthwhile.

Can you sell an estate property as-is in Vancouver?

Yes, properties can be marketed in their existing condition. However, sellers still have applicable legal and disclosure obligations. Selling as-is does not automatically remove those responsibilities.

Should I hire cleaners before the first Realtor visit?

You don’t need to. Mark can assess the property first and help identify what preparation would be useful.

What if family members disagree about renovations?

A detailed market evaluation and written preparation plan can give everyone the same information about the property’s condition, competition, and proposed work. Decisions must ultimately be made by those with the appropriate legal authority.

Let Mark See the Home Before You Start Spending Money

If you’re preparing to sell your parents’ house, an inherited property, or an estate home in Vancouver, don’t assume you need to renovate or empty the entire property before speaking with a Realtor.

As Mark says:

“Absolutely not. I’ve seen everything.”

Hammer Group Realtors can help evaluate the property, identify practical improvements, and coordinate the next steps.

Contact Mark Hammer to arrange an estate property walkthrough and discuss how to prepare the home for sale.

For more advice, watch our Handling an Estate Sale in Vancouver video series.

This article is for general information and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified BC lawyer for questions about estate administration, property disclosure, or legal authority to sell.

Published September 2026 | Hammer Group Realtors

When someone passes away and leaves behind a property, the executor may face an important decision: should the estate rent out the vacant home while waiting for probate or preparing it for sale?

At first, renting the property might seem like a practical solution. The estate could collect monthly income to help cover property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses.

However, renting out an estate property in British Columbia can introduce legal responsibilities, additional expenses, and complications when it comes time to sell.

For executors planning to sell an inherited property, understanding these risks before signing a tenancy agreement is essential.

1. Can an Executor Rent Out an Estate Property in BC?

Yes, an executor may be able to rent out an estate property, depending on their legal authority, the circumstances of the estate, and any instructions contained in the will.

However, the decision should not be made without considering the estate’s long term objectives.

An executor is responsible for managing estate assets and acting in the interests of the beneficiaries. Creating a new tenancy may complicate the sale if the property is ultimately intended to be sold and the proceeds distributed.

Before entering into a rental agreement, executors should consult their estate lawyer to confirm their authority and understand the potential consequences.

2. Selling a Property Does Not Automatically End a Tenancy

One of the biggest misconceptions about renting an estate property is that the executor can simply ask the tenant to leave when the home is ready to sell.

In British Columbia, that is not how residential tenancy laws work.

Under the Residential Tenancy Act, tenants have legal rights that continue even when ownership changes.

An executor generally cannot end a tenancy simply because the estate wants to list the property, sell it, or distribute the proceeds to beneficiaries.

If a property is sold with an existing tenancy, the buyer may become the new landlord.

This can create challenges when potential purchasers want a property they can move into immediately.

3. What Happens If the Buyer Wants to Move Into the Property?

If the estate sells a tenanted home to someone who intends to occupy it, specific legal procedures must be followed.

Under BC’s current tenancy rules, a qualifying purchaser may request that the seller issue a notice to end the tenancy for purchaser occupancy.

The process generally requires:

• A firm purchase agreement with all conditions satisfied.
• A written request from the purchaser.
• A valid three month notice generated through the Residential Tenancy Branch portal.
• Compensation equivalent to one month’s rent.
• Compliance with the applicable dispute resolution procedures.

The purchaser or qualifying family member must also intend to occupy the property in good faith.

These requirements can affect the completion date, possession date, and overall sale process.

Source:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreements

4. Could an Estate Face 12 Months of Rent in Compensation?

Potentially, yes.

This is an important financial risk that executors should understand.

Under Section 51 of BC’s Residential Tenancy Act, additional compensation equivalent to 12 months of rent can apply when a tenancy is ended for landlord or purchaser occupancy and the legal requirements are not fulfilled.

For applicable notices, the property must generally be occupied for the stated purpose for at least 12 months, beginning within a reasonable period.

There are limited exceptions involving extenuating circumstances.

For example, if monthly rent is $3,000, the potential additional compensation could reach $36,000.

Importantly, this compensation is not automatically payable simply because an estate rents out a property and later sells it. It arises under specific circumstances involving the termination of a tenancy. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the landlord or purchaser.

For executors, this is another reason to obtain legal advice before creating a tenancy or making commitments about vacant possession.

source”https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreements

5. Renting the Property Can Make Preparing and Marketing It More Difficult

Selling an estate property often involves more preparation than a typical residential sale.

The home may need cleaning, repairs, painting, landscaping, staging, or removal of personal belongings.

When a property is vacant, the executor and real estate team generally have more flexibility to coordinate this work.

Once a tenant moves in, access must follow BC tenancy laws.

For example, landlords generally need to provide at least 24 hours of written notice before entering the property for showings, unless the tenant agrees to the entry.

Tenants also have the right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment of their home.

Province of British Columbia

This can make coordinating contractors, photography, property viewings, and open houses more complicated.

A vacant property may also be easier to stage and present to prospective buyers, particularly when the target audience is families or individuals looking for a home to occupy.

source:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreements

6. What If the Estate Property Already Has a Tenant?

This is a different situation from introducing a new tenant into a vacant estate property.

If the deceased owned a rental property with an existing tenant, the tenancy generally continues.

The executor must respect the existing rental agreement and comply with BC’s Residential Tenancy Act.

The property can still be sold, but the marketing strategy and purchase contract must account for the tenancy.

For some investment properties, an established tenant may be attractive to potential buyers.

For other properties, particularly family homes, the existing tenancy may affect the type of buyer interested in purchasing.

An experienced estate REALTOR® can help evaluate the property’s likely buyer audience and develop a marketing strategy that respects the tenant’s rights.

7. What Should Executors Do Instead of Renting a Vacant Estate Home?

If the estate’s objective is to sell the property, consider developing a property management and sale preparation plan before creating a new tenancy.

A practical approach includes:

1. Review the estate’s objectives. Confirm whether the property will be sold, transferred to a beneficiary, or retained as an investment.

2. Speak with the estate lawyer. Understand the executor’s authority, probate requirements, and any restrictions affecting the property.

3. Arrange an initial property evaluation. Determine the property’s current market value and identify which improvements are worth completing before listing.

4. Maintain the property. Keep insurance, utilities, heating, landscaping, and essential maintenance in place. Confirm that the insurance policy provides appropriate coverage for vacancy.

5. Develop a selling timeline. Coordinate property preparation, probate requirements, marketing, and the expected completion date.

Early planning can help executors avoid unnecessary expenses while keeping the estate moving toward its intended outcome.

8. Why Involving an Estate REALTOR® Early Matters

Executors often contact a REALTOR® only after probate has been completed or the property is ready to list.

However, obtaining real estate guidance earlier can help prevent costly decisions.

For example, a property evaluation may reveal that the home requires very little work before selling. In other cases, minor improvements could improve its presentation and marketability.

A REALTOR® experienced in estate transactions can also help executors understand how an existing tenancy, property condition, location, and current market conditions may affect the selling process.

Hammer Group Realtors has more than 30 years of Vancouver real estate experience and has handled over 50 estate transactions.

The team works with executors, trustees, trust companies, and families throughout Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, helping coordinate property preparation, marketing, vendor services, and the sale process.

The goal is to reduce the real estate workload for those responsible for managing the estate while providing clear information throughout the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting and Selling Estate Properties in BC

Can I rent an inherited house while waiting for probate in BC?

Potentially, yes. However, the executor should confirm their legal authority and consider whether creating a tenancy could complicate the estate’s eventual sale. An estate lawyer should be consulted before entering into a rental agreement.

Can an executor evict a tenant to sell an estate property?

No. Selling a property does not automatically provide legal grounds to terminate an existing tenancy. BC’s Residential Tenancy Act sets out specific circumstances and procedures for ending residential tenancies.

Does a tenant have to leave when an estate property is sold?

Not automatically. If a buyer purchases the property as an investment, the existing tenancy may continue. If the purchaser intends to occupy the home, specific legal requirements must be satisfied.

Is it easier to sell an estate property vacant?

A vacant home generally provides greater flexibility for preparation, staging, photography, and showings. However, the appropriate selling strategy depends on the property’s condition, existing tenancy arrangements, and intended buyer audience.

Should I contact a REALTOR® before probate is completed?

Yes. An initial property evaluation and preparation plan can help executors understand the home’s potential market value, anticipated expenses, and appropriate selling timeline. The legal requirements for listing, contracting, and completing the sale should be confirmed with the estate lawyer.

Selling an Estate Property in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland?

Managing an estate property involves important decisions, and some can have significant financial consequences.

Before renting out a vacant estate home, consider how that decision may affect the eventual sale.

Hammer Group Realtors works with executors, trustees, and families to simplify the real estate component of estate administration.

From initial property evaluations and preparation recommendations to coordinating vendors, marketing, and completing the sale, the team provides experienced guidance throughout the process.

Early involvement. Clear direction. One accountable real estate team.

Contact Mark Hammer and Hammer Group Realtors to discuss your estate property.

Website: www.hammergrouprealtors.com 

Video: https://youtu.be/NamlZMiWirI?si=6i4ZJE_5UGw_gRKV

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. BC tenancy regulations and estate requirements may change. Consult a qualified estate or tenancy lawyer regarding your specific circumstances.

other source: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/tenancy-agreements

When an aging parent moves into care or a family member passes away, one of the first questions families often ask is: Who has the authority to sell the home?

In British Columbia, selling a property under a power of attorney is different from selling a property through an estate. The most important distinction is whether the registered homeowner is still alive.

Power of Attorney can provide authority to sell a home

A power of attorney may allow another person to manage or sell the owner’s property while the owner is alive, depending on the authority provided in the document.

There’s different type of Power of Attorney with specific limitations and therefor, if the plan is to sell the home, the Power of Attorney chosen should be the one that give that specific authority.

Power of Attorney have expiration date. In addition, when the owner passes away, the power of attorney ends. Responsibility then shifts to the person legally authorized to administer the estate, such as an executor or court-appointed administrator.

The probate process may be required to confirm that authority before the property transaction can be completed.

Watch: Power of Attorney vs Probate in BC

In this episode of Handling an Estate Sale, Mark Hammer and Martine Perron explain the practical difference between selling a home under a power of attorney and selling an estate property through probate.

The video also discusses what could happen if the homeowner passes away after accepting an offer but before the transaction is completed.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows one person, called the attorney, to make certain financial and property decisions for another person, called the principal.

Despite the name, the person acting as the attorney does not have to be a lawyer.

An enduring power of attorney may continue to be effective if the homeowner becomes mentally incapable. However, the document must provide the necessary authority, and special signing and witnessing requirements may apply when it will be used for a real estate transaction.

The attorney must act within the authority provided by the document and in the best interests of the homeowner.

Most importantly, a power of attorney can only be used while the homeowner is alive. Under section 30 of British Columbia’s Power of Attorney Act, an enduring power of attorney terminates when the adult who made it dies.

There is also specifications that needs to be done when listing the home under a POA.

What is probate?

Probate is the court process that confirms the validity of a will and recognizes the authority of the person applying to administer the estate.

If there is a will, that person is commonly called the executor. If there is no will, or the named executor cannot act, someone may need to apply to become the estate’s administrator, also called the personal representative.

A court-issued representation grant provides the personal representative with authority to administer the estate covered by the grant. The powers and responsibilities of personal representatives are addressed in British Columbia’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act.

Probate is not the person selling the home. The executor or administrator sells the property on behalf of the estate, subject to the will, the law and any legal requirements affecting the transaction.

Power of attorney versus probate

Situation	Who may have authority?	Important consideration
The homeowner is alive and capable	The homeowner or a properly authorized attorney	The power of attorney must permit the transaction and not expired
The homeowner is alive but incapable	An attorney acting under a valid enduring power of attorney	The document and its signing requirements should be reviewed
The homeowner has passed away with a will	The executor or other authorized personal representative	A grant of probate may be required
The homeowner has passed away without a will	A court-appointed administrator	A grant of administration may be required

Every situation is different. Families should have the documents and the property title reviewed by a qualified BC estate lawyer or notary before making decisions.

What happens if the homeowner dies before the sale completes?

This can become complicated quickly.

The power of attorney terminates when the homeowner dies, even if an offer has already been accepted. However, the death does not necessarily mean that the existing contract simply disappears.

The agreement, title and circumstances of the estate must be reviewed immediately. The estate may require a grant of probate or another legal step before the transaction can be completed.

If this happens, the family should contact the conveyancing professional and an estate lawyer immediately. Do not assume that the person who held the power of attorney can continue signing documents after the homeowner’s death.

Should families start preparing before probate is completed?

Families can often begin discussing the property, gathering information and creating a real estate plan before probate is completed.

That planning may include:

• Confirming who has legal authority
• Reviewing the property title
• Understanding the likely selling expenses
• Maintaining insurance, heat and electricity
• Deciding what to do with the contents
• Identifying repairs or preparation that may be needed
• Establishing a potential pricing and marketing strategy
• Creating a communication plan for family members

However, the authority to list, sign or complete a sale should always be confirmed with the appropriate legal professional.

How Mark Hammer and Our Team Help Families Handle an Estate Property

The legal work belongs with your lawyer or notary. Our role is to help your family understand and manage the real estate side of the process.

Mark Hammer has extensive experience helping Vancouver families prepare and sell estate properties. Martine Perron, a Realtor on the Hammer Group team, has also completed the professional development course Navigating Transactions Involving Powers of Attorney and Executors to deepen the team’s understanding of the issues that can arise during these transactions.

We can help your family:

• Assess the property and its current condition
• Determine what preparation may be worthwhile
• Identify the likely buyer for the home
• Establish a pricing and marketing strategy
• Create a realistic selling timeline
• Keep family members informed throughout the process
• Coordinate with the lawyer or notary handling the estate
• Connect you with trusted professionals when additional help is needed

Our professional connections include lawyers, notaries and other service providers who may be needed to prepare, maintain or sell an estate property. We can help you identify whom to contact while ensuring that legal, tax and financial questions remain with the appropriate professionals.

Even if the home will not be ready to sell immediately, having an action plan can make the responsibilities, costs and next steps feel much more manageable.

If you are preparing to sell a family home or estate property in Vancouver, contact Mark Hammer and the Hammer Group Realtors team to create a clear, step-by-step real estate plan.

Call or text Mark Hammer
Hammer Group Realtors

Frequently asked questions

Does a power of attorney continue after someone dies in BC?

No. An enduring power of attorney terminates when the person who granted it dies. Authority over the deceased person’s estate then shifts to the appropriate personal representative.

Is an executor the same as someone with power of attorney?

No. An attorney acts for a living person under a power of attorney. An executor administers a deceased person’s estate according to the will and applicable law.

Can an executor sell a house before probate is completed?

It depends on the property, how title is registered, the terms of the will and the transaction. An executor may have responsibilities beginning at death, but a grant of probate may be required to complete a property transfer. Obtain legal advice before listing or accepting an offer.

What happens when there is no will?

Someone may need to apply to the court for a grant of administration. If approved, that person becomes the administrator with authority to deal with the estate.

Helpful British Columbia resources

• BC Power of Attorney Act
• BC Wills, Estates and Succession Act
• BC Government probate forms
• People’s Law School: Probating a Will in BC
• People’s Law School: Probate and Administration Forms

Important legal disclaimer

This article and video provide general real estate information for British Columbia and are not legal, tax, accounting or estate-planning advice. Estate matters are fact-specific, and the applicable requirements may change.

Mark Hammer, Martine Perron and Hammer Group Realtors are not providing legal advice. Before listing, selling or signing documents for a property under a power of attorney or as part of an estate, consult a qualified British Columbia estate lawyer or notary and obtain tax or accounting advice where appropriate.

The Team Behind The Modern On Heather

When we introduce a new construction project to our clients, one of the first questions we want buyers to ask is:

Who is actually building it?

Finishes, floor plans and renderings matter, but the builder behind a project matters just as much. Their experience, attention to detail and the way they stand behind their work can make an enormous difference, both while a home is being built and years after the keys are handed over.

That is one of the reasons we’re excited to be working with Paramax Homes, the builder behind The Modern on Heather, a collection of boutique luxury townhomes in Vancouver.

And our relationship with Paramax is more personal than most.

We Know Their Work Firsthand

Before working together on The Modern on Heather, we already knew what it was like to live in a Paramax home.

Gary Tiwana and Paramax built our own home in Mount Pleasant.

That experience gave us the opportunity to see the things buyers don’t necessarily notice during a 30-minute showing: how a builder communicates, how problems are handled, how much thought goes into the details and whether the quality you see on the surface carries throughout the home.

Gary is meticulous.

He’s also someone we have found to be dependable, straightforward and willing to go beyond what is expected to get something right.

One of the things we particularly appreciate about his homes is his ability to introduce unique features that immediately elevate a space. Rather than simply repeating the same formula from one project to the next, there is thought behind how a home will look, function and feel.

More Than 20 Years of Building Experience

Gary Tiwana, President of Paramax Homes, has been building luxury custom homes since 2002 and has completed more than 100 distinctive homes.

His background combines construction with architecture and design. Coming from a family of builders, Gary also holds a diploma in architecture, something that helps explain the strong design component we see throughout Paramax projects.

Paramax describes its approach as creating homes around the homeowner’s lifestyle, needs and vision rather than simply building to a predetermined formula.

That philosophy is something we’ve seen firsthand.

The Details Matter

There is a difference between adding expensive finishes to a home and actually designing a home well.

The second is harder.

It means thinking about how rooms connect, how people move through the home, where storage belongs, how natural light enters a space and which architectural or design feature will make a room feel special.

Those are often the details we notice in Gary’s projects.

Sometimes it’s a feature you didn’t expect. Sometimes it’s a small design decision that makes a room function better. Other times it’s a detail that immediately gives the home character.

Those decisions are particularly important in today’s Vancouver new-construction market, where buyers aren’t simply looking for something new. They’re looking for homes that feel considered.

A Hands-On Approach From Design to Completion

Paramax provides a full-service building process that can include architectural design, interior design and landscape design, as well as permitting, approvals, construction, finishing and inspections.

Their team includes project managers, site assistants, designers, estimating and accounting professionals, as well as a dedicated maintenance team.

Communication is also built into their process. Homeowners have direct access to the team during construction and receive updates as the project progresses.

From our own experience, this is an important part of working with Gary. Clear communication and reliability matter enormously when you’re building a home, especially when there are dozens of decisions being made along the way.

Building With the Long Term in Mind

Paramax is also a Built Green member and incorporates resource-efficient and environmentally responsible building practices. Depending on the project, the company can build toward standards including LEED, Net-Zero Ready and Passive House.

Their involvement doesn’t necessarily end when construction does, either.

Paramax maintains a post-construction maintenance team and provides new-home warranty coverage, giving homeowners a point of contact after they move in.

For buyers considering new construction, we think that relationship after completion is worth asking about. A beautiful home on possession day is important. Having a builder who continues to stand behind the home matters too.

From Custom Homes to The Modern on Heather

Paramax built its reputation primarily through luxury custom homes in West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Vancouver.

Now we’re getting to see that experience translated into boutique multi-family housing with The Modern on Heather.

The project brings many of the qualities we associate with Paramax’s custom homes into a collection of Vancouver townhomes: thoughtful layouts, elevated finishes, attention to detail and features designed around how people actually live.

For us, there’s also a certain full-circle element to the project.

We trusted Gary and Paramax with our own home.

Today, we’re working with them to introduce their newest homes to our clients.

And when we’re talking to buyers about The Modern on Heather, we’re not simply repeating what we’ve been told about the builder.

We’ve experienced their work ourselves.

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Considering a Home at The Modern on Heather?

If you’re considering new construction in Vancouver, we can walk you through The Modern on Heather, the available homes, floor plans, finishes and what we believe buyers should look for when comparing new developments.

We can also tell you more about our firsthand experience with Paramax and Gary’s work.

Contact Hammer Group Realtors to arrange a private showing or learn more about available homes at The Modern on Heather.

A Few Fun Facts About Gary

He grew up with a guru. Gary grew up around a guru, and if you spend any time with him, his calm nature makes a lot of sense. He is incredibly grounded and rarely seems rattled, even when there is a lot happening around him.

He is genuinely kind. Gary is the type of person who is always willing to help. He takes great care of his friends and family, and that generosity extends to the people he works with.

He loves great food. Gary appreciates a really good meal and, even more, enjoys sharing it with other people.

He loves treating people. Whether it’s taking friends out for a great dinner or doing something thoughtful for someone, Gary is incredibly generous.

Calm might be his superpower. Construction comes with plenty of unexpected situations, but Gary has a way of staying calm, working through the problem and focusing on getting things done properly. It’s one of the qualities we appreciate most about working with him.

Baby boomers may shape Vancouver’s housing future because many are choosing to age in place instead of selling their detached homes. That choice affects how many family sized homes become available in neighbourhoods like Point Grey, Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Kitsilano, and the broader Lower Mainland.

Many older Vancouver homeowners are not rushing to downsize.
That means fewer detached homes may come to market for younger families.
Demand is shifting toward duplexes, townhomes, laneway homes, and other missing middle housing.
The key question is not just how many homes Vancouver builds. It is also who decides to move, when, and why.

Why do baby boomers matter so much to Vancouver housing?

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, own a significant share of established family homes. In Vancouver’s west side neighbourhoods, many of these homes sit on quiet streets close to schools, parks, community centres, and long standing social networks.

For younger families, these homes are often exactly what they want. The challenge is that many are not available.

Statistics Canada recently reported that millennial homeownership rates in Vancouver were 13.3 percent lower than baby boomers at a comparable life stage. That gap helps explain why younger buyers feel pressure even when market activity appears slower.

Why are many older homeowners staying put?

The easy assumption is that retirees will sell the family home and move into a condo. In reality, the decision is more personal and more complicated.

Many older homeowners stay because:

• Their mortgage is paid off
• Their neighbourhood feels familiar and safe
• Friends, doctors, shops, and family are nearby
• Condo prices are still high
• Strata fees reduce the financial appeal of downsizing
• A smaller home may not feel like a better home

CMHC notes that housing preferences do change as households age, but aging in place remains an important trend to watch as Canada’s population gets older.

What does this mean for younger Vancouver families?

For buyers in Point Grey, Kerrisdale, and nearby west side communities, the issue is not always demand. It is suitable supply.

A family may be able to find a one bedroom or two bedroom condo, but the search becomes harder when they need three bedrooms, outdoor space, storage, and access to schools.

That is why more buyers are looking at:

• Duplexes
• Townhomes
• Laneway homes
• Larger condos
• Multiplex style housing
• Renovated character homes with suites

This is the real pattern interrupt in Vancouver housing. The next family home may not be a traditional detached house.

Is downsizing really the right word?

Not always.

Many older homeowners are not looking to “downsize.” They are looking to rightsize. That might mean a spacious condo, a single level townhome, or a low maintenance home with room for grandchildren, hobbies, guests, and daily comfort.

Developers, planners, and homeowners should pay attention to this. If the next generation of seniors does not want tiny condos, then Vancouver needs more age friendly homes that are practical, attractive, and well located.

What could happen next?

If more baby boomers decide to sell, Vancouver could see more family homes return to the market. That would help younger buyers who have been waiting for detached or larger ground oriented homes.

If most continue aging in place, competition for family oriented homes may stay strong, especially in established neighbourhoods with limited land and strong school catchments.

CMHC has also noted that delayed projects, high costs, and weaker confidence can affect new housing supply, particularly in higher priced markets like British Columbia. BCREA continues to track housing conditions across B.C. through its market data and housing monitor tools.

What should homeowners and buyers take from this?

For older homeowners, the question is not simply “Should I sell?”
It is “What housing setup gives me the best next 10 years?”

For younger families, the question is not simply “Can we buy detached?”
It is “Which type of home gives us the space, location, and lifestyle we actually need?”

That conversation matters more than ever in Vancouver.

FAQ

Are baby boomers causing Vancouver’s housing shortage?

Not directly. Housing supply is shaped by zoning, construction costs, interest rates, development timelines, immigration, household formation, and policy. But baby boomer housing decisions affect how often established family homes become available.

Why are older homeowners not downsizing faster?

Many have strong financial and emotional reasons to stay. A paid off detached home in a familiar neighbourhood can feel more secure than buying a condo with strata fees and less space.

What is missing middle housing?

Missing middle housing includes duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, multiplexes, and similar homes that sit between condos and detached houses.

Is aging in place bad for the market?

No. Aging in place can be the right personal decision. The challenge is that Vancouver also needs enough housing options for seniors who would move if the right alternative existed.

What should I do before selling a long held family home?

Speak with a local Realtor before making assumptions about value, timing, tax considerations, preparation, and buyer demand. In areas like Point Grey and Kerrisdale, small details can make a significant difference.

Thinking about whether to stay, sell, rightsize, or help family enter the market? Contact Mark Hammer for a practical, local conversation about your options in Vancouver’s west side and the Lower Mainland.

Also watch this youtube video here: https://youtu.be/vbKfFi1pf5c?si=cG8pbXXLqPrxRwS5