The appeal of investing in the Sunshine Coast

We are seeing an increase in activity as we move into spring and more investors looking on the Coast.

Vancouver has long been a favourite city for real estate investors, but prices and taxes are forcing buyers to consider other markets. But before buying in Squamish or Kelowna, they are now considering BC’s Sunshine Coast.

Despite being only 30 kilometers away from downtown Vancouver, prices for detached homes on the Sunshine Coast are nearly a third of what they are in the Lower Mainland. Condos can still be purchased for less than $350,000.

Between July 2017 and July 2018, Sunshine Coast housing prices increased by nearly 21 per cent. At the same time, the rental market is tight meaning revenue properties rarely sit empty.

We are also seeing families looking for homes with the goal of being in and settled over the summer holidays, ready to start the school year from their new home.

A lot of these buyers have the intention that at least one of the parents will commute part time and therefore tend to gravitate to the Gibsons area, if they can afford it.

Daily commuters will tell you that last 25 minutes of their two-hour journey is the hardest. Driving to Sechelt in traffic isn’t fun, especially when you’re caught behind someone enforcing their own 60 kph speed, and you just want to get home. As such, Gibsons tends to be the first choice for people employed off Coast if they can afford it.

Besides proximity to the ferry, Gibsons is well known as having the best drinking water in the world as well as being the most liveable community in the world. Most recently it won the Open for Business award from Small Business BC.

According to Small Business BC, the award showcases initiatives put forward by local governments that have contributed to the success of local businesses.

Of specific interest were the significant investments being made in land development, including housing and commercial projects. It’s projected that these developments will inject hundreds of millions in investment and employment into our community.

Also highlighted was the growing tech community which Small Business BC says is attracted to our firbreoptic internet, our quality of life, and the relative affordability of our community, especially when compared to Vancouver.

Many people who move here also consider buying a business to avoid the commute.

I can’t imagine a better place to own a business than on BC’s spectacular Sunshine Coast. We have a low crime rate; warm, sunny summers; and some of the mildest winters in Canada.

The lifestyle is amazing, the community is supportive, and potential is unlimited.

To see a list of businesses currently available for sale on the Sunshine Coast visit https://www.truebluerealty.ca/tonys-commercial-listings

There are some great businesses for sale as well as empty commercial space for rent.

Tony Browton is an award-winning Realtor who lives and works on BC’s Sunshine Coast. 

His weekly blog can be found here http://www.truebluerealty.ca/blog