Market & Pricing
What is the average home price in Burnaby?
Burnaby home prices vary by property type and neighbourhood. Detached homes typically range from $1.3M to $3.5M+, with properties near Deer Lake and Burnaby Mountain commanding premium prices. Condos range from approximately $450K to $1.2M, with Metrotown and Brentwood high-rises at the top. Townhomes range from $800K to $1.5M.
Is Burnaby a good investment for real estate?
Burnaby is one of Metro Vancouver's strongest real estate markets. Its central location between Vancouver and the suburbs, two SkyTrain lines (Expo and Millennium), major employment centres like Metrotown and Brentwood, and proximity to Simon Fraser University and BCIT all drive consistent demand. The ongoing redevelopment of Metrotown and Brentwood adds significant growth potential.
Are there affordable homes in Burnaby?
While Burnaby is generally premium-priced due to its central location and transit access, affordable options exist. Older condos in Edmonds and along Kingsway start around $450K. Studios near Metrotown SkyTrain can be found under $500K. Townhomes in less transit-centric areas offer mid-range pricing. BC's first-time buyer programs can help make Burnaby homeownership more accessible.
How much have Burnaby home prices changed recently?
Burnaby has seen consistent price growth driven by its central location, transit connectivity, and ongoing development. Metrotown and Brentwood condos have appreciated significantly as new towers are built. Detached homes near parks and quieter neighbourhoods remain in high demand. Contact Rose Marie Manno for the most current market data and analysis.
What are property taxes like in Burnaby?
Burnaby property taxes are set by the City of Burnaby and are generally competitive within Metro Vancouver. The city benefits from a strong commercial tax base anchored by Metrotown and other business centres, which helps moderate residential rates. The BC Home Owner Grant can reduce your annual property tax bill.
Neighbourhoods & Lifestyle
What are the best neighbourhoods in Burnaby?
Burnaby offers diverse neighbourhoods. Metrotown is the urban hub with high-rise condos and major shopping. Brentwood is being transformed with The Amazing Brentwood development. Edmonds offers more affordable options near SkyTrain. The Heights features character homes and a village-like high street. Deer Lake provides a tranquil setting near the lake and arts centre. Burnaby Mountain is home to SFU and surrounding residential areas.
What is Metrotown like?
Metrotown is Burnaby's urban centre and one of the densest neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver outside downtown Vancouver. It is anchored by Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest mall in BC. The area features dozens of high-rise condo towers, restaurants, services, and direct SkyTrain access. Condo prices range from $450K for studios to $1M+ for larger units. It appeals to young professionals, investors, and those seeking urban convenience.
What is Brentwood like?
Brentwood is undergoing a massive transformation centred around The Amazing Brentwood development, a mixed-use complex with luxury condos, retail, dining, and entertainment. The Brentwood Town Centre SkyTrain station on the Millennium Line provides excellent transit. New high-rise towers are changing the skyline. The neighbourhood appeals to urban-minded buyers seeking modern living with direct SkyTrain access.
What is Burnaby Heights like?
Burnaby Heights is a charming neighbourhood centred along Hastings Street, known for its village-like atmosphere with independent shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes. The area features character homes on tree-lined streets with views of the North Shore mountains and the harbour. It offers a more established, quieter alternative to the high-rise living of Metrotown and Brentwood.
What is Deer Lake like?
Deer Lake is one of Burnaby's most desirable residential areas, centred around Deer Lake and Deer Lake Park. The area features the Burnaby Village Museum, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and beautiful walking trails. Properties include a mix of older character homes and luxury renovations, with prices typically ranging from $1.5M to $3.5M+. It offers a tranquil, nature-oriented lifestyle within an urban setting.
What is Edmonds like?
Edmonds is a diverse, evolving neighbourhood in south Burnaby. It offers more affordable housing options compared to Metrotown and Brentwood, with condos, townhomes, and older detached homes. The Edmonds SkyTrain station and Edmonds Community Centre are neighbourhood anchors. Highgate Village nearby adds shopping options. It is popular with first-time buyers and families seeking value with transit access.
What is the population of Burnaby?
Burnaby has a population of approximately 260,000 residents, making it the third-largest city in BC after Vancouver and Surrey. The city is diverse and multicultural, with strong Asian, South Asian, and European communities. Population growth is concentrated around SkyTrain stations, particularly Metrotown and Brentwood.
What shopping is available in Burnaby?
Burnaby offers world-class shopping. Metropolis at Metrotown is the largest mall in BC with over 400 stores. The Amazing Brentwood features premium retail and dining. Lougheed Town Centre and Highgate Village provide additional options. Crystal Mall and other specialty centres serve diverse communities. Burnaby Heights has charming independent shops along Hastings Street.
Schools & Families
What schools are in Burnaby?
Burnaby is served by the Burnaby School District (SD41). Major secondary schools include Burnaby North, Burnaby South, Burnaby Central, Byrne Creek, and Moscrop. BCIT (British Columbia Institute of Technology) is a major post-secondary institution. Simon Fraser University sits atop Burnaby Mountain. Private options include St. Thomas More Collegiate and Our Lady of Mercy.
Is Burnaby good for families with children?
Burnaby is excellent for families. The Burnaby School District (SD41) offers strong programs. The city has an extensive park system including Central Park, Deer Lake Park, and Burnaby Lake Regional Park. Community recreation centres, libraries, and family programs are abundant. Neighbourhoods like the Heights, Deer Lake, and Edmonds are especially popular with families.
Transit & Commuting
How far is Burnaby from Vancouver?
Burnaby directly borders Vancouver and is one of the closest suburbs. Metrotown is about 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain. Brentwood is roughly 15 minutes by Millennium Line. By car, most Burnaby neighbourhoods are 15-30 minutes from downtown Vancouver depending on traffic. This proximity is a major advantage for Burnaby residents.
Is there SkyTrain access in Burnaby?
Yes, Burnaby has excellent SkyTrain coverage with stations on both the Expo Line (Metrotown, Royal Oak, Edmonds, Patterson, 22nd Street) and the Millennium Line (Brentwood Town Centre, Holdom, Sperling-Burnaby Lake, Lake City Way, Production Way-University, Gilmore). This extensive transit network makes Burnaby one of the most transit-connected cities in Metro Vancouver.
What are the commuting options from Burnaby?
Burnaby offers the best commuting options in the region. Two SkyTrain lines provide rapid transit. Extensive bus networks serve all neighbourhoods. Highway 1, Kingsway, and Marine Drive provide road connections. The BC Parkway cycling route connects Burnaby to Vancouver and New Westminster. Many residents can walk to SkyTrain stations, reducing their reliance on cars.
Buying Tips
What should I know before buying in Burnaby?
Key considerations include understanding the significant differences between Burnaby's neighbourhoods, evaluating proximity to SkyTrain (which significantly impacts price), checking development plans near your property, understanding strata rules and rental restrictions for condos, and considering the trade-off between newer high-rise condos and older character homes. Rose Marie Manno can help you navigate Burnaby's diverse market.
When is the best time to buy a home in Burnaby?
The Burnaby market is competitive year-round due to high demand. Spring (March to May) has the most listings. Fall and winter can offer slightly less competition. New condo developments in Metrotown and Brentwood launch regularly. Given Burnaby's strong fundamentals and central location, timing is less critical than finding the right property. Rose Marie Manno can help you strategize.