Latest Sims Real Estate Group Listing Videos & Blog Posts on Vancouver Island, BC.

You've found that Vancouver Island is the perfect place for you to live, but you are not sure exactly where on this large island you want to find your dream home. There's good news - most areas of the island offer key opportunities for home buyers. Whether you want to find a destination to relax and retire or you want to raise your family here, there's a neighbourhood right for your needs.  For those who wish to live on the water, there are some areas of Vancouver Island the present the very best opportunities.

Nanaimo

Perhaps one of the best areas to buy a home if you want to live on the waterfront is Nanaimo. This is a large town in a beautiful bay. It provides for some old, fishing-village style properties that are perfectly suited for those looking for a historically charming home to live in. On the other hand, along the hills overlooking the bay are numerous new developments with luxury homes, condos, and townhouses. Any of these could be your perfect waterfront property.

Lake Cowichan

You do not have to live right on the waterfront to enjoy the benefits of Vancouver Island. Some choose waterfront surrounding a lake. Lake Cowichan is an excellent choice for a number of reasons. For example, it is the perfect place to call home if you want more remote areas to live in, more natural opportunities, and more space. Lake front properties can be just as beautiful and even more luxurious. That is why this area is growing in popularity both by those looking to buy a home to live in and those looking for a home to rent out during tourism season.

Vancouver Island has the water you need. There are many areas throughout the island and around its coastline that can be perfectly suited for most people. Take the time to get to know the area before you buy a home here.

Vancouver Island is a treasure located in British Columbia. The fact is, it is just 55 km away from the city of Vancouver and close to Victoria. It is home to some of the most beautiful natural elements. However, it is also a growing and diverse community that has become quite modern. If you are thinking about purchasing real estate here to use as a rental property, it helps to get to know the area's market well. In some neighbourhoods, rental property in Vancouver Island is the perfect investment for the right person.

Take a Look at Real Estate Trends

For those planning to purchase real estate on Vancouver Island, but are unsure which region to do so in, make your first step a consideration of the region's real estate trends. Vancouver Island's Nanaimo and Parksville areas are popular areas for families, but both areas also have a strong tourism focus. If you hope to rent to one of these two sectors, you are likely to find opportunities here. The more inward you go from the coastline, the more family-centric the area is. The Downtown waterfront communities, on the other hand, are quite heavily tourism-focused.

Home prices in these areas are on the rise. With the growing demand for single family homes in these areas, investing in an affordable, 2 or 3 bedroom home could be an ideal choice. Along the waterfront, condos overlooking the waterfront are growing in popularity. You will see home prices in this area are growing along with this demand. However, larger homes, including estates in areas of Nanaimo are also popular for those looking for second homes and luxury properties. These properties have helped to drive up the area's overall home prices.

To find the ideal property to purchase as a rental work closely with a Vancouver Island real estate agent. This allows you to consider all of the comps for the neighbourhoods you are considering buying into carefully.

Vancouver Island is one of the most popular places to buy a second home, retire, or even just get away from the big city to raise a family. Take into consideration all that one area of Vancouver Island has to offer. Parksville is a busy and vibrant city. It is the best option for those who are looking for an active lifestyle. Whether you want to spend your days shopping, enjoying artisan foods, or just enjoying the water, Parksville has something to offer to you.

The Beauty Of the Area

There are many benefits to living in Parksville, but one of the best is the outdoor access. Whether you want to enjoy the numerous beaches here or you plan to spend your weekends hiking through MacMillan Provincial Park, there is always going to be an adventure here. Parksville Qualicum Beach, as it is formally called, offers everything from sailboats to sea kayaking. You can fish, enjoy water sports, or spend some time exploring the various attractions in nearby Comox Valley and Port Alberni. Those who wish to relax as a part of their lifestyle will appreciate this area.

Where to Buy

Parksville is a large community with various neighbourhoods to choose from. You can purchase a home in the Fairwinds community, for example in Nanoose Bay. This is especially beneficial to those who want to be near the oceanfront and the best golf in the area. For a more rural lifestyle, check out Coombs, Horne Lake, or Whiskey Creek. Finding larger properties to invest in, including to build your own home, is an option here.

Large estates, traditional single family homes, condos, and much more are options in Parksville. You just need to make the decision as to what type of home is right for your unique needs. Luckily, Vancouver Island real estate agents can help you to find the perfect home for every one of your needs.

The city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island provides a wide range of benefits for its residents. In this area of British Columbia, you will find that the most dominating presence here is the beautiful elements of nature. From the mountains that tower above the city to the waterways filled with sailboats, it can be a relaxing and enjoyable place to call home. If you are considering buying real estate in Nanaimo, it pays to get to know this portion of Vancouver Island closely.

It's Location and Geography

The most prominent component of Nanaimo is the outdoor elements it has to offer. It is about 110 km to the northwest of Victoria and just 55 km west of the city of Vancouver. This provides residents with easy access into the bigger cities nearby. Commuting into these areas is possible as well. Additionally, the city sits along the water. This provides individuals with access to the waterfront, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, Protection Island, Gabriola Island, and Newcastle Island.

City Life

Nanaimo is quite a modern town though it has elements that help it to seem like a smaller community. It has a strong service, tourism and retail industry present. And, the area continues to be an important mining area. The area has been called Innovation Island as well. This is due to the numerous programs and educational foundations present here. There is plenty of shopping, high-quality schools, and various restaurants and lifestyle centres present here as well. It is for all of these reasons that individuals find Nanaimo an ideal place to call home.

Buying real estate in Nanaimo is not complex, as there tends to be a steady amount of inventory available. Yet, getting to know the individual neighbourhoods and the real estate market here can be challenging. That is why it pays to work closely with area real estate agents to secure your next purchase.

Home buying on Vancouver Island can provide for some exciting opportunities. Many of those who purchase property here strive to find that treasure that offers access to all of the desirable amenities as well as incredible access to the outdoors. Tofino can offer these things to many home buyers. If you are considering real estate here, there are a few key reasons to make Tofino your neighbourhood of choice.

The Shore Condos - 368 Main Street, Tofino, BC

A Hip, Trendy Place to Call Home

View from The Shore Condos - 368 Main Street, Tofino, BC

There is something fun and alluring about Tofino. It is more of a resort town than most of the region. It is also not the place to go if you are looking for a lot of buildings and indoor activities. Rather, this is an outdoor place to enjoy. It is perfectly suited for those looking for a home that gives them access to surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. There are some impressive beaches here, which is why it attracts a large number of tourists each year.

Yet the community itself is welcoming and quite small. You'll find smaller shops, a walkable downtown area, and a few regional offerings. There are things to do here including exploring Ahousat parks and gardens.  There are also a number of galleries and local artisan shops here as well.

Real estate options here include single family homes and lofts. You will find spacious estates, especially for those looking for a more remote location to call home. Real estate offerings here include mostly ranch and bungalow style homes. Yet, you will find a number of different options to consider.

Vancouver Island real estate offers something for everyone. For those buyers looking for an outdoor-centric place to call home, Tofino could be the best choice. A more remote and quaint community, tucked into the waterfront and out of the way of commercialism, it is the type of place you will find both a home to raise your family and a retreat.

Vancouver Island used to be much more remote than it is today. It also has a wide range of people calling it home. Many buy a home to live in and raise their family in here. It is also possible to find real estate that is prime rental property especially in the more tourism-driven towns along the coastline. Second home buying and retirement homes are also a popular investment. Nevertheless, the single family home is not the only option any longer. Many areas of Vancouver Island are seeing a surge in the number of condos being built here.

Pacifica Condos - 38 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC

There are Advantages to Condo Buying on Vancouver Island

The Beacon Condos - 154 Promenade Drive, Nanaimo, BC

Condos provide a more affordable opportunity to buy real estate on Vancouver Island. It is a popular area to call home, but new developments are limited in some areas. And, for those who want to be in the heart of one of the many smaller communities here, condos provide the best way to do so. Why buy real estate on Vancouver Island?

• Condos provide some of the best access to the waterfront views here. If you want to have a home that's in the heart of a downtown area, with a waterfront view, you need a condo.
• Condos in redeveloped buildings and industrial spaces are growing in demand. These are a trendy option that really provides an opportunity of modern lifestyles.
• Condos are affordable. As many areas of Vancouver Island's real estate grows in value, condos remain the simplest, most affordable option for those buying into the area.
• They make ideal rental options in many of the tourist areas. If you want to generate a second income, doing this here makes sense.
• Condos are available. Inventory of these properties is growing.

Vancouver Island is a place to call home and, with the availability of condos here, it is easier than ever to have access to the home you desire in the heart of it all.