“But My BC Assessment Says…” a phrase we hear often and understandably so. BC Assessments offer a useful reference point, but they don’t always align with what’s happening in the market right now.
In this post, we’ll look at this month’s closed sales, comparing sale prices to BC Assessment values.
Everybody knows Sunshine Coast for its picturesque nature, and what better way to immerse yourself in its natural beauty than to spend a night (or more) in nature? The great thing about the Sunshine Coast is we’ve got something for everyone – whether you’re bringing the kids for their first camping trip or you’re the type who likes to disappear into the woods for a week. Just hop on the ferry at Horseshoe Bay from Vancouver and you’re in a different world. Here’s our take on four spots we love, from the easy ones right up to the adventures that’ll test your stamina.
There is nothing that compares to taking a dip in fresh ocean water however, sometimes we all need a quiet day at the lake. Take a look through some awesome lakes to visit on your next escape from the busy beaches of the Sunshine Coast.
Sakinaw Lake is truly a lake lover’s paradise! Rent a cabin along the lake with your friends and family to enjoy the calm waters of Sakinaw Lake. Bring your boat to get some water skiing or wakeboarding practice around the waterski course or bring your paddle board and explore the lake. One of the most unique things about Sakinaw lake is it connects to the Salish Sea on one end.
Take a trip to Ruby Lake and enjoy some of the clearest and warmest waters on the Sunshine Coast! Rent a canoe, paddleboard, kayak or launch your boat and spend the day exploring the lake. If you are planning to stay awhile, book a tent, cabin, or cottage at the Ruby Lake Resort only a short 2-minute drive away from the lake.
Other notable lakes in the Pender Harbour area:
If making a trip up to Pender Harbour is a little too far for the day, take a trip to Trout Lake located just past Sechelt. This lake is great for fishing, swimming, and floating around. On your trip, you may spot one or two turtles, just remember to admire from afar.
The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful place all year round however, the summertime is when the Coast truly shines. With warm days, beautiful beaches, established festivals, and scenic trails, the Sunshine Coast can truly be experienced throughout the summer months. Discover some great events in Sechelt and Roberts Creek to add to your summer bucket list!
Take part in Canada’s longest-running literary festival of Canadian writers and readers at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Written Arts. From August 7 to 15, 2021, enjoy opportunities to listen to some talented writers from all over the country at Rockwood Center in Sechelt, B.C.
Another fantastic arts festival happening in Sechelt this summer is the Rogue Arts Festival. Festival-goers get to enjoy live music, unique visual art, delicious food, and vendors all while being surrounded by the beauty of the Sunshine Coast.
Saturday, July 24, 2021, get a group of your 5 closest friends together and enjoy live music and a delicious multicourse meal at the One Tiny Farm in Roberts Creek. Help raise money while enjoying a wonderful meal!
As we continue to follow the re-opening plan set out by the Government of British Columbia, residents can start safely traveling within Canada. Visitors are allowed to get back to exploring their favourite spots in the beautiful Sunshine Coast again! Let’s discover some activities that you should add to your Sunshine Coast bucket list for this summer!
Head over to the sandy beaches of Porpoise Bay Provincial Park with the family to catch some rays! Whether you are looking to swim, paddle, or sit on the beach, this lake-like beach will be perfect for you and your kids. If you are interested in staying overnight, book one of the reservable camp spots just minutes away from the beach.
Take a quick 4km walk through an easy trail to Smugglers Cove to learn about the history of the park and how it got its name, Smuggler Cove. Along the way, you will be able to learn about the animals that currently still live here. Hikers will be rewarded with a beautiful look out onto the Georgia Straight.
Visit one of the most beautiful acts of nature and one of the great whitewater wonders of the world at Skookumchuck Narrows. After walking 4km through the trail, you can view the tides change twice daily. This unique tide change creates rapids perfect for professional extreme kayaking and diving.
If you have some time on your hands, try hiking the 180KM backcountry Sunshine Coast Trail. This beautiful trail travels through lakes and forests to 14 huts along the Coast. If you don’t have a full eight days or just want to get a taste before committing to the lengthy hike, try doing one of the day hikes to the huts!
As the Metro Vancouver market eases, Sechelt continues to experience more affordable housing options compared to most communities on the Sunshine Coast. As Sechelt offers fantastic education options, access to other community amenities, nature, and affordable housing, there is no way you won’t fall in love with this neighbourhood! If you are a first-time buyer searching for housing on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt may be the perfect community for you.
This June, detached homes in Sechelt sold for an average price of $766,600, a 0.2% decrease from May, however a 35.3% increase from last year. With 2 months in a row hovering at a 30% sales ratio, there is a steady stream of demand for detached homes in the area.
Townhomes for sale in Sechelt had an average sale price of $602,100, a 0.3% decrease from May 2021 however, a 35.9% increase from June 2020. Apartments in Sechelt did not see a significant increase in overall price throughout the last year. In June, apartments had an average sale price of $556,700, a 14.9% increase from last year.
The Sunshine Coast is a fantastic place for nature lovers, adventurers, and individuals looking for an escape from the city life however, the outstanding dining options are often overlooked. Visitors and locals come together to enjoy established, delicious, and unforgettable food at some awesome spots throughout the Coast. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, a complete dine-in experience, or something in between there is something on this list for every type of food lover. Next time you’re in the area, give one of these places a try.
Get a true taste of Gibsons and the Sunshine Coast with deliciously fresh seafood and other local friendly food and drink. Located near the water and across from Smitty’s Marina, a working wharf where you can see fresh catch be unloaded right in front of you! Whether you are looking for a refreshing B.C. oyster or a classic burger and fries, Smitty’s Oyster House will have you coming back for years!
A Roberts Creek classic, The Gumboot, is a family-friendly, extremely delicious, restaurant that will leave you happy and full. The Gumboot prides itself on its diverse menu created with fresh, local ingredients that are flexible for every dietary need. If you are looking for a wrap or dessert on the go, head over to the next store to check out the Gumboot Cafe!
Nothing beats a classic burger, fries, and a milkshake especially entering the summer months. PKLS burgers have a simple menu where you can’t go wrong. Whether you looking for a cheeseburger, veggie burger, or just a side of fries, PKLS in Sechelt has got you covered. Next time you’re in the area, don’t let the line intimidate you – it is well worth it!
British Columbians are lucky to have a vibrant, safe, and beautiful place to call home all year round throughout every stage of life, including retirement! A popular trend among retired homeowners is to escape the Vancouver city life and settle somewhere a little more quiet and relaxing. An outstanding spot many consider is the Sunshine Coast, more specifically Sechelt. Check out three reasons why Sechelt is the perfect place to find the home of your dreams entering this new chapter of your life.
Despite Sechelt being the largest town on the Sunshine Coast, homes in the area remain more affordable for homeowners to find their perfect home within their budget. As of May 2021, the average selling price of a detached home was $768,400 compared to the average selling price of a detached home in North Vancouver, which had an average selling price of $1.9M this May 2021.
Living on the Sunshine Coast feels like being on a faraway vacation from Downtown Vancouver. With quick access to the water, trails, and quieter neighbourhoods, Sechelt is truly a dream. However, having easy access to family, friends, and downtown Vancouver life is still important for some residents. With a quick 40-minute ferry ride, you can be in West Vancouver in no time. Also, residents don’t have to worry about driving around the Coast if there is a medical emergency as Sechelt has the only hospital on the Coast.
Since Sechelt is an affordable, laid-back, community with quick access to Vancouver, many retired individuals and couples come to Sechelt. In fact, more than a quarter of the residents in Sechelt are over 65 years old. This has created a great community of residents in a similar stage of life who are welcoming and ready to share this journey with you!
Sechelt remains an affordable neighbourhood on the Sunshine Coast and a great investment for first time buyers, individuals looking to relocate, or retire. As both Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast continue to grow as sought-after communities, housing prices continue to rise. Discover how the past year has affected final sale prices in homes in Sechelt.
Despite Sechelt having the largest town on the Sunshine Coast, the average selling price of detached homes in the area remains more affordable than other less populated areas like Pender Harbour and Halfmoon Bay. This May 2021, detached homes in Sechelt sold for an average price of $768,400, a 39.8% increase from last year. Last May, the average selling price of a single family home in Sechelt was $549,500.
Homeowners on the Sunshine Coast have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning nature that is found in every community on the Coast. Whether you are looking for water or mountain activity or simply a stunning view, the Sunshine Coast can deliver. With the ongoing pandemic restrictions, limited indoor activities are allowed however, exploring nature in a COVID friendly way is encouraged and the perfect way to spend your day. Check out this compiled list of trails on the Sunshine Coast to get outside and enjoy everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
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