The Five Minute Guide to Exactly What You Need to Look for in a Vancouver-area Investment Property

Marci • May 20, 2014

When purchasing an investment property in Vancouver, it’s important to ensure that the property you purchase satisfies certain criteria. There are many different types of properties in all sorts of configurations, and not all of them are optimal investments. It can take some digging to find the right investment property for you. If you’re about to buy into the Vancouver real estate market, your ideal property will differ depending on whether you’re buying real estate for your own housing needs or as an investment. Here’s what you should look for in a property if you want to turn your real estate purchase into a source of income.

The Potential To Generate Multiple Rental Incomes

If you are looking for a rental investment property, you should do your research to discover how your rental income can cover your monthly mortgage costs. This will vary depending on the area and the type of property you purchase, but generally, buildings that offer more than one rental unit will significantly increase your rental income. For example, you may wish to purchase a home with a basement suite, so that you have two separate rental incomes, or even a duplex or triplex.

Future Development: Indications of Financial Profitability

When you are purchasing in an area that is still experiencing plenty of growth, you want to do your research and attempt to estimate what the area will look like in five to ten years. This will help you to get a better idea of how high property values in the area might rise in the future. If you are purchasing a condominium in a building that offers a great view, you want to ensure that there are no ongoing development projects that will obstruct that view. Similarly, if you are looking to invest in a detached home, nearby developments can significantly increase the value of the area as a whole.

Location: Nearby Amenities and Schools

If you want to ensure that you will be able to sell your investment property easily, quickly, and for the price you will want in the future, you should do your research on the area itself and assess which amenities are in the neighbourhood. If you are buying a two-plus bedroom house in a family-oriented area, do your research as to what schools are nearby, and what the demographic of these schools are. Homes in neighbourhoods across Vancouver that offer highly reputable schools tend to be more popular with buyers, which ultimately drives up the value of the home.

Initial Cost: Finding A Bargain

If you are in the market for the option to purchase, renovate, and sell your investment property in a relatively short period of time, you certainly want to ensure that you are getting a good initial price on the purchase of the home. Getting a bargain by opting for a foreclosure might be a good opportunity to find a steal, or simply opting to negotiate on a home that hasn’t sold because it shows poorly might significantly increase your chances of making a short term financial gain.

The best thing you can do when purchasing your investment property is be diligent with your research, and have as much foresight as you can manage in terms of future profitability. This can significantly increase your chances of investing wisely, bringing your financial dreams much closer to becoming your reality. Having an open mind to different kinds of investment properties can also be an advantage, and of course, asking your trusted real estate advisor is always recommended. Contact us by email at marci@askmarci.ca and let us help you connect with an experienced Realtor who can help you find your next investment property.

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How Property Type and Condition Influence Mortgage Financing

By Marci Deane • September 30, 2026
Why the Property Matters When You’re Qualifying for a Mortgage When qualifying for a mortgage, lenders typically look at four core areas: Income Credit Down payment or equity The property itself Most buyers focus heavily on income, credit, and savings—and for good reason. But even if those boxes are checked, the property can still determine whether a mortgage is approved. Why Lenders Care About the Property From a lender’s perspective, the property is the collateral for the mortgage. In the unlikely event of default, they need to know the home can be sold quickly and at fair market value to recover their funds. Because of this, lenders are careful about the condition, value, and marketability of any property they finance. Homes that are in poor repair, unconventional, or overpriced can raise red flags—even when the borrower is well qualified. Appraisals Are Always Part of the Process Every mortgage requires an appraisal to confirm value. Insured mortgages (through CMHC, Sagen, or Canada Guaranty) often use an automated valuation model completed online. Conventional mortgages typically require a full, on-site appraisal by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not optional and happens after an offer is accepted—not at the pre-approval stage. Why Pre-Approvals Aren’t a Guarantee A pre-approval is a great first step, but it only assesses you, not the property. Once you’ve made an offer, the lender must approve the specific home you’re buying. Understanding this upfront helps avoid surprises and confusion later in the process. The Risk of Buying Without a Financing Condition In competitive markets, buyers sometimes remove financing conditions to strengthen their offer. However, this comes with risk. If the appraisal comes back low—or the lender is concerned about the property’s condition—you could be denied financing after the offer is firm. In that scenario, your deposit may be at risk. Buying a Home That Needs Work If you’re considering a property that isn’t in perfect condition, there are solutions. A purchase plus improvements program allows you to buy a home and include renovation costs in your mortgage. The process is structured and requires planning, but it can be an excellent way to turn a fixer-upper into a great long-term investment. Final Thoughts Mortgage approval isn’t based solely on your finances—the property matters just as much. Knowing this ahead of time helps you make smarter offers, reduce risk, and plan more effectively. If you’re buying a property that needs work or want clarity on how a lender may view a specific home, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.

What You Need to Know About Mortgages and Parental Leave

By Marci Deane • September 23, 2026
If the title of this article caught your attention, chances are your family is growing. Congratulations. If you’re thinking now is the right time to move into a home that better fits your growing family—but you’re unsure how parental leave affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage—you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news. Qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave is possible when it’s done correctly. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, lenders can often qualify you based on your return-to-work income , as long as you can provide documentation confirming you have guaranteed employment waiting for you. A word of caution If you walk into a bank branch and disclose that you’re currently on parental leave, there’s a chance the bank will only allow you to qualify using your parental leave income. That can significantly reduce your borrowing power. Parental leave income is typically limited to 55% of your previous earnings, up to a weekly maximum. Qualifying on that amount alone can restrict your options and impact the type of home you can purchase. Why lender choice matters One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is choice . You’re not limited to one lender’s rules or products. Some lenders will allow you to qualify using 100% of your confirmed return-to-work income , which can make a meaningful difference in your approval amount and overall options. What you’ll need to qualify Most lenders will require an employment letter that includes: Employer name (preferably on company letterhead) Your job title Original start date (to confirm probation has been completed) Confirmed return-to-work date Guaranteed salary upon return Lenders want reassurance that your income will resume once parental leave ends. You may also be asked to provide income history from the past couple of years, which is standard for most mortgage applications. One important note Whether or not you actually return to work after parental leave is entirely your decision. From a mortgage perspective, qualification is based on having a confirmed position available to you at the time of approval. If you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave—or anything mortgage-related—please connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.

Need Funds Between Buying and Selling? Here’s How Deposit Loans & Bridge Financing Help

By Marci Deane • September 16, 2026
You’ve outgrown your current home. It no longer fits your life, so moving makes sense. And you’re not interested in juggling two properties. Selling first and buying something new feels like the right move. Ideally, you want possession of the new home before leaving the old one. That overlap makes moving easier, reduces stress, and gives you time to paint, renovate, or settle in before the boxes arrive. But there’s a common challenge. What if the down payment for your next home is tied up in the equity of the one you’re selling? That’s where bridge financing comes in. How bridge financing works Bridge financing temporarily unlocks equity from your current home once it has a firm sale . It bridges the gap between selling your existing property and purchasing your next one, allowing you to use that equity toward your down payment. What about competitive markets? In a hot market, a strong offer often means a larger deposit . If you don’t have that cash sitting in your account, but you do have equity, a deposit loan can help you compete with confidence. The non-negotiable requirement To qualify for bridge financing or a deposit loan, your current home must have a firm, unconditional sale . No firm sale = no bridge or deposit loan. Lenders need certainty to calculate available equity and manage risk. Bottom line A firm sale is the key that unlocks bridge financing and deposit loans. If you’re planning a move and want to understand how these options could work for you, let’s talk. I’m always happy to walk you through your options and help you plan your next step with confidence.