When buying a condo or townhome in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, one detail that often gets overlooked is balcony exposure. The direction your balcony faces can have a real impact on natural light, temperature, views, and even long term comfort.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each cardinal direction to help buyers make a more informed decision.

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North Facing Balconies

Pros

    •    Cooler temperatures year round, especially in summer

    •    More consistent, indirect light without glare

    •    Often preferred by buyers who work from home or want minimal heat

    •    Great for plants that do not need direct sunlight

Cons

    •    Limited direct sunlight, especially in winter

    •    Can feel darker during Vancouver’s grey months

    •    Less appealing for buyers who prioritize sunshine

Best for: Buyers who value cooler spaces, low glare, and consistency.

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East Facing Balconies

Pros

    •    Morning sun and natural light without afternoon heat

    •    Bright early in the day, cooler in the evenings

    •    Ideal for breakfast or morning coffee

    •    Often considered a balanced exposure

Cons

    •    Little to no sun in the afternoon or evening

    •    Can feel shaded later in the day

Best for: Early risers and buyers who want light without overheating.

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South Facing Balconies

Pros

    •    Maximum sunlight throughout the day

    •    Bright interiors, especially in winter

    •    Often helps with heating costs during colder months

    •    Highly desirable for resale

Cons

    •    Can get very hot in summer

    •    More sun exposure means potential fading of furniture

    •    May require blinds or air conditioning

Best for: Buyers who love sunlight and bright living spaces.

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West Facing Balconies

Pros

    •    Afternoon and evening sun

    •    Great for sunsets and evening use

    •    Warmer feel later in the day

Cons

    •    Can be the hottest exposure in summer

    •    Glare in the evenings

    •    Higher cooling needs during heat waves

Best for: Buyers who are home in the evenings and enjoy outdoor time later in the day.

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Corner and Mixed Exposures

Many units offer corner or multiple exposures, which can provide the best of both worlds.

Pros

    •    More natural light throughout the day

    •    Better airflow and cross ventilation

    •    Often feels more open and spacious

Cons

    •    Typically priced higher

    •    Can have varying heat levels depending on layout

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Final Thoughts

There is no universally “best” balcony direction. The right choice depends on lifestyle, schedule, and personal comfort. Someone who works nights may love a west facing unit, while someone working from home might prefer north or east exposure.

When viewing properties in Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, it’s always worth stepping onto the balcony at different times of day or asking about sun patterns before making a decision.

If you have questions about how exposure affects specific buildings or neighborhoods, I’m always happy to help

Condo amenities can be a huge selling point, but they also play a major role in monthly strata fees and long-term maintenance costs.

High-end amenities like 24-hour concierge services, indoor pools, and saunas come with significant ongoing expenses. Concierge services require staffing, benefits, and management. Pools and saunas not only have high operating costs for heating, chemicals, and insurance, but they also carry a higher risk of water damage over time. Leaks, moisture issues, and major repairs can lead to costly special assessments if not properly maintained.

Other popular amenities like rooftop patios, BBQ areas, and common lounges also require regular upkeep. Exposure to the elements means faster wear and tear, and shared BBQ spaces add cleaning, safety, and replacement costs.

On the other hand, simpler amenities tend to be far more cost-effective. Playgrounds, open green spaces, bike rooms, and pet wash stations offer great lifestyle value with much lower maintenance and repair risks. These amenities often enhance livability without significantly impacting monthly fees.

When buying a condo, it’s important to look beyond the marketing brochure. Understanding which amenities you will actually use and how they affect strata fees can help you make a smarter long-term decision.

If you’re comparing condo buildings and want help breaking down strata fees and amenities, I’m always happy to walk you through the details.

BC Assessments have just been released, and it is important for homeowners to understand what these numbers actually represent. A BC Assessment is not the same as an active or achievable sale price in today’s market.

BC Assessment values are created by assessing thousands of homes at once, without ever stepping inside the property. They do not account for renovations, updates, condition, layout, or unique features that can significantly impact a home’s true value. Two homes with the same assessment can sell for very different prices once these factors are considered.

Another key point is timing. BC Assessments are based on market data from July 1 of the previous year. That means the value you see today is already outdated and does not reflect current market conditions, buyer demand, or recent sales trends.

Most importantly, BC Assessments exist for property tax purposes, not for pricing homes for sale. Market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay today, based on current inventory, interest rates, location, and the specific details of your home.

If you are curious about what your home could realistically sell for in today’s market, a detailed market analysis based on recent comparable sales is far more accurate than relying on an assessment value.

When you buy a new home in British Columbia, you’re protected by the 2/5/10 home warranty, a mandatory insurance program designed to give buyers peace of mind and real protection after closing.

Here’s what each part of the warranty means:

2 Years of Protection

For the first two years, your new home is covered for:

    •    Defects in materials and labor (things like drywall cracks, flooring issues, paint problems).

    •    Violations of the BC Building Code.

    •    Defects in the building envelope (windows, doors, roofing, water penetration).

This means if something goes wrong with the workmanship or basic functionality of your home in the early years, the builder or warranty provider will step in to fix it.

5 Years of Protection

For five years, the structure of your home is covered.

This includes major structural components like:

    •    Floor systems

    •    Load-bearing walls

    •    Foundations and footings

If these structural elements fail or pose safety concerns, that repair cost is covered under the warranty.

10 Years of Protection

For ten years, your new home is protected against major structural defects.

These are the big, foundational issues that threaten the overall safety and stability of your home.

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What This Means for Buyers

Buying a new home is one of the biggest investments most people make. The 2/5/10 warranty helps reduce risk by ensuring you’re covered if serious problems arise after you move in.

The warranty is automatic and included with new home purchases from registered builders, so you don’t have to apply for it yourself.

This coverage provides confidence and financial protection so you can enjoy your new home without worrying about unexpected repairs.