Why Duplex Buyers in BC Keep Getting Burned

Picture this. You walk up to a clean side by side duplex. Fresh paint. Two driveways. It feels like freedom.
Most buyers stop asking questions right there.

Reality Check: You are still in a strata, even if it doesn’t look like one. That’s the law in BC.

Developers won’t volunteer this info. Most listing descriptions gloss right over it. And that’s how buyers get blindsided.

Myth vs Reality

Myth: A duplex with two separate titles is a freehold home.
Reality: The Strata Property Act says it’s a strata, full stop, because you share land or structure.

That tiny detail shapes everything. Insurance. Repairs. Liability. Even your ability to sell later.

Pro Tip: Always ask for strata documents, even if the seller insists there is “no strata.” There always is, the paperwork just isn’t done.

A Client Story That Says It All

A buyer I spoke with thought she scored the perfect half-duplex. Good price. Good area. Quiet neighbor.
Six months in, the roof leaked. The neighbor said it was “her side” so it wasn’t his problem.

She paid the full repair upfront just to stop the water, then had to chase him for the rest. That fight ate months of her life and thousands in legal fees.

This happens more than people think. The problem isn’t the neighbor. It’s the missing structure.

The Invisible Deals Holding These Homes Together

Most older duplexes run on handshake deals that were never written down. “We cut the grass, you fix the fence.” “We pay insurance this year, you take next year.”

Sounds friendly until someone sells, stops paying, or forgets the promises made decades ago. None of this stuff is enforceable. It’s not in the Land Title Records. It’s not in strata minutes because those minutes don’t exist.

Quick Stat: Almost every duplex in British Columbia shares key building components, but most have zero (0) formal systems for managing them.

The Money Fight No One Plans For

Buyers often think, “If something breaks, we’ll just split it.” That only works if everyone agrees and has the cash. Most don’t.

Without budgets, records, or a manager, even basic repairs turn into tension or full disputes. And yes, you can take your neighbor to court, but that’s slow and expensive. In the meantime, your place still needs repairs.

Pro Tip: Before buying, confirm how insurance is handled. If owners can’t agree, lenders get nervous fast.

The Resale Trap Most Buyers Never See Coming

Selling a duplex with missing documents is hard. Buyers get scared. Lenders get stricter. Lawyers start asking tough questions.

If there’s no insurance, no repair agreements, and no structure, you will be the one explaining it all. And that often means fewer offers and lower prices.

Did You Know?: A messy duplex setup can crush resale value faster than a dated kitchen ever will.

The Big Truth

A duplex may look like a detached home, but it doesn’t act like one. You share things. You rely on another household. And if the relationship breaks, the property does too. These issues aren’t rare. They’re built into the design.

Mindset Shift: Don’t buy the vibe. Buy the structure. The paperwork matters more than the paint.

Conclusion

Duplexes are exploding across British Columbia, and the rules that shape them are shifting fast. The Buyers who get ahead are the ones who understand what they’re walking into before they sign anything. If you want help looking at a duplex, or you just want a second set of eyes on a property, reach out and I’ll walk you through it with zero pressure.

What if I have any questions about moving to Surrey or White Rock, BC?

Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of South Surrey/White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the real estate market.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.