Surrey’s Housing Crisis: Are These “Affordable Homes” Really Worth It?

Housing in BC has become increasingly expensive, with many families struggling to find affordable homes. To address this, the BC government has launched a new initiative focused on small-scale multi-unit housing. But is this new approach really going to make a difference?

In this post, we’ll explore how this initiative aims to simplify the housing process, cut costs, and speed up development—and whether these new “affordable” homes are truly a good deal for homebuyers. Let’s dive in.

My name is Darin, the team leader with the Germyn Group, with Macdonald Realty, a REALTOR in Surrey, British Columbia.

If this is your first time reading our blogs, we are here to educate you on everything there is to know about living in Surrey or White Rock, British Columbia. If you’re looking to make a move in the next 9 days, 90 days or 9 months, shoot us a text, give us a call, or book an in-person zoom meeting with us so we can learn a little bit more about your situation and let you know what we can do to help you. This way, we can make sure your move to Surrey or White Rock is a smooth one

The Problem: Why is Housing So Expensive in BC?

Over the past few years, BC has seen housing prices skyrocket. Builders face endless red tape, high costs for designs, and lengthy approval processes from municipalities. This affects everyone, from families looking for homes to builders trying to meet demand.

The BC government recognized the need to simplify the process and has come up with an innovative solution: standardized small-scale multi-unit housing designs.

The Government’s Solution: Standardized Housing Designs

In an effort to reduce costs and streamline approvals, the BC government has introduced free, pre-approved housing designs for properties that will house duplexes, triplexes, and even quadplexes. These designs aim to fast-track the approval process for builders and homeowners, making it easier and cheaper to build new homes across the province.

But there are some concerns. Can these standardized designs actually work in a province as diverse as BC, with its variety of lot sizes and housing styles? Will homeowners and builders embrace these designs, or will they feel like they’re sacrificing customization and quality for speed?

What Will These Affordable Homes Look Like?

One of the main goals of these new housing designs is to offer flexibility. The designs allow for customizable floor plans, different roof styles, and exterior finishes to fit various neighborhoods.

For example, a property might have a basic first level, a customizable mid-level, and a different roofline to give the home a unique look while still following the government-approved template. The idea is to keep the homes adaptable but affordable.

The Big Question: Will It Work?

There’s skepticism in the community, particularly around whether municipalities will support these designs and fast-track approvals. The idea is to make the process quicker and more efficient, but for this to work, municipalities must get on board and allow for rapid development.

There’s also a question of whether homeowners will find these homes appealing. Are these homes going to meet the needs of today’s buyers, or will they feel too “cookie-cutter” for those looking for something special?

What This Means for You

If you’re looking to buy a home in BC, these new designs could make it easier and more affordable to own a property. However, there are still many questions to answer. Will these homes blend well into existing communities? Will they truly offer a more affordable option for families?

One thing is certain: This initiative could drastically change the housing market in BC, but it all depends on how it’s received by builders, municipalities, and homebuyers like you.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of small-scale multi-unit housing designs in BC could be a game-changer in addressing the housing crisis. While the idea has promise, only time will tell whether it will be embraced by the public and local governments.

If you’re interested in learning more, we’re offering 20 free spots to our BC Home Buyers Course—a $350 value. The course will help you navigate the home-buying process like a pro, and it’s packed with video content, PDFs, and practical advice.

Click the link here for yours, and have a great Halloween!