The real estate landscape in Coquitlam has reached a unique tipping point. While the condo and townhouse segments remain relatively balanced, the detached home market is firmly in buyer territory. If you have been waiting to trade your strata property for more space and land, the current conditions offer a powerful financial advantage. 

1. The Power of the Mortgage Helper

One of the strongest arguments for moving into a detached home right now is the rental income potential. In Coquitlam, a 2-bedroom basement suite currently rents for approximately $2,300 to $2,700 per month. 

• Mortgage Coverage: At a $2,300 rental rate, this income can effectively cover roughly $450,000 in mortgage principal (depending on current interest rates).

• Strata Savings: By moving out of a condo or townhouse, you immediately eliminate monthly strata fees, which can range from $300 to $600+ depending on the building. These savings can be redirected toward your increased property taxes and insurance (for a guide to all associated costs, see this article on the true cost of homeownership). 

2. Market Conditions: Buyers Hold the Leverage

As of December 2025, detached home inventory has increased significantly.

• Price Adjustments: Benchmark prices for detached homes in several Coquitlam neighborhoods have seen annual decreases of 3% to 5%. For a detailed breakdown of local market stats, check the latest Greater Vancouver Market Report Infographics.

• Negotiating Power: With properties sitting on the market for an average of 30 to 33 days, buyers have more room to negotiate price, subjects, and closing dates than they have in years. 

3. Calculating the Total Cost of Ownership

While the mortgage-helper suite and strata savings are huge wins, it is important to factor in the change in carrying costs:

• Property Taxes: Detached homes typically face higher annual property taxes than condos. Coquitlam's 2025 tax rates saw an average municipal increase of roughly 6.83%.

• Insurance: Unlike a strata where your fees cover the building's exterior, as a detached homeowner, you are responsible for the entire property's insurance, which has seen upward pressure due to rising construction costs.

The Bottom Line

The "buy low" opportunity for detached houses is here. By leveraging the high rental demand in Coquitlam and the current lull in house prices, you can secure a long-term asset that pays for a significant portion of its own costs.

If you are interested in exploring specific listings that fit this profile, you can search all active listings on my website here. 

When you’re house hunting in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody, it’s easy to focus purely on square footage, bedroom counts, and benchmark prices. These numbers are vital, of course, but a house is just a structure. What makes it a home is the community that surrounds it.

The Tri-Cities area is more than just a convenient commute into Vancouver; it's a vibrant collection of unique neighborhoods each offering a distinct West Coast lifestyle.

Let’s take a break from the market analysis and explore some of the local gems that make living here so exceptional. Showcasing these amenities not only highlights the quality of life here but also underscores the long-term value of investing in a location you love.

🌲 Coquitlam: Nature Meets Urban Convenience

Coquitlam boasts an incredible balance of suburban comfort and natural wilderness, offering ample opportunity to disconnect from the hustle without leaving the city.

Featured Gem: Mundy Park

Mundy Park is Coquitlam's largest urban park and a true local treasure. Forget the gym membership; this park offers a vast network of shaded trails perfect for trail running, dog walks, or a peaceful afternoon stroll.

• Why we love it: It features two lakes (Mundy Lake and Lost Lake), a fantastic playground and water park for the kids, and even a designated off-leash dog area. It’s an everyday escape right in your backyard.

Community Highlight: Coquitlam Crunch

This beloved uphill trail is Coquitlam’s version of Vancouver's Grouse Grind. It's a challenging workout that offers fantastic views of the surrounding area. It embodies the active, outdoor-focused lifestyle many Tri-Cities residents cherish.

🍺 Port Moody: The Seaside Vibe & "Brewery Row"

Port Moody offers a charming, artistic, and seaside village atmosphere. It perfectly blends industrial roots with a lively cultural scene, all accessible via the Evergreen Extension.

Featured Gem: Brewery Row (Murray Street)

This is arguably the most famous local attraction for adults! Within a few blocks along Murray Street, you can hop between award-winning craft breweries like Yellow Dog Brewing, Moody Ales, and Parkside Brewery.

• Why we love it: It’s a perfect gathering spot on a sunny weekend afternoon. Many breweries are family- and dog-friendly, feature local food trucks, and foster a strong sense of local community that residents deeply value.

Community Highlight: Rocky Point Park

With its scenic pier views, walking trails, famous ice cream shop, and outdoor concert venue, Rocky Point Park is the heart of Port Moody’s summer scene. It offers easy access to the water for kayaking or paddleboarding, epitomizing the laid-back West Coast lifestyle.

🛶 Port Coquitlam: The Riverside Charm

Often the "value proposition" of the Tri-Cities, Port Coquitlam offers beautiful, family-oriented neighborhoods and incredible river access, often at a more accessible price point than its neighbours.

Featured Gem: The Traboulay PoCo Trail

This flat, 25.3-kilometre loop trail encircles the entire city of Port Coquitlam, following the Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers. It's a meticulously maintained urban sanctuary perfect for serious cyclists, casual walkers, and nature lovers.

• Why we love it: It feels secure and accessible year-round, connecting multiple parks and neighbourhoods. It’s a fantastic amenity that promotes health and connectivity across the city.

Community Highlight: Leigh Square Community Arts Village

This vibrant hub hosts year-round events, including farmers' markets, summer concerts, and community festivals. It fosters a small-town community feel right in the middle of a growing urban center.

Invest in More Than Just a House

Real estate is about finding the perfect base for your life. When you’re considering moving to or within the Tri-Cities, these local gems translate directly into quality of life, community engagement, and long-term neighbourhood desirability.

As a local realtor who lives, works, and plays here, I'm ready to help you find a home that fits your lifestyle goals—not just your budget.

Ready to find your perfect Tri-Cities neighborhood? Reach out today and let’s schedule a coffee (perhaps near Brewery Row!) to discuss your needs.

If you’re preparing to list your home in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody right now, you might notice a shift in the local landscape. The "go-go" seller's market we saw just a year or two ago is cooling, and the inventory of available homes is on the rise.

For sellers, this new reality presents a challenge: how do you ensure your home stands out and sells efficiently, rather than "sitting pretty" on the MLS for months?

The answer boils down to two critical factors: competitive pricing and exceptional presentation (staging).

The Problem with 'Sitting Pretty'

In a balanced or buyer-leaning market like the Tri-Cities is currently experiencing, time on market matters more than ever. When a listing goes stale—meaning it sits unsold for 30, 60, or even 90+ days—buyers start to ask questions: What’s wrong with the house? Is the price too high?

Stale listings often lead to lowball offers and a loss of negotiating power. The initial wave of excitement when a new property hits the market is your best window of opportunity; if you miss it by being overpriced, you’re often playing catch-up for weeks.

Factor 1: The Art of Competitive Pricing

Pricing your home effectively isn't about guessing; it’s about analyzing data and understanding current demand.

📈 Price to the Current Market, Not Last Year's Peak

We’ve likely moved past the peak pricing of early 2022. Your home's value today is determined by what comparable properties are selling for now, not what your neighbour achieved a year ago. We need to price for where the market is going, not where it's been.

🎯 The Goal: Attract the Right Buyers Immediately

In a high-inventory market, buyers have choices. Pricing your home competitively—often right at or slightly below the current fair market value—creates urgency. It ensures your property appears within the search parameters of serious buyers and their agents, driving viewings and, ideally, competing offers.

📊 A Data-Driven Approach

As your realtor, my strategy involves a detailed comparative market analysis (CMA). We look closely at active listings and recent sales in your specific Tri-Cities neighbourhood to find that sweet spot that maximizes your return while minimizing your time on the market.

Factor 2: The Power of Professional Presentation (Staging)

If pricing gets buyers to look online, staging gets them through the door—and makes them stay.

In a market crowded with listings, homes that present beautifully in photos and feel welcoming in person have a massive advantage. Staging is no longer an optional luxury; it’s a required marketing expense.

• It's About Depersonalization: Staging helps buyers visualize themselves living in the space, rather than just viewing your current home.

• It Highlights Potential: Stagers know how to arrange furniture and lighting to emphasize flow, space, and architectural features, minimizing flaws.

• It Boosts Perceived Value: A well-maintained, staged home suggests a well-cared-for home overall, giving buyers confidence in their investment.

The Bottom Line

Selling successfully in today's Tri-Cities market requires a proactive strategy.

Don't let your valuable asset 'sit pretty' on the market, losing momentum and value with every passing week. By combining a data-driven, competitive pricing strategy with professional staging, we can position your home as the premier choice for buyers right now.

Ready to discuss your Tri-Cities home sale strategy? Contact me today for a personalized consultation and market analysis.