New Zoning In City of North Vancouver is changing everything.
What has happened:
New Zoning allows many properties to new build up to 4 (in some cases 6 units) instead of just one single family home, suite and carriage home. Now there is potential for 4 distinct and different homes that can all be sold independently.
The allowable size has also increased dramatically. Instead of .5 FSR (floor space ratio), the available buildable size has increased to .85 fsr for four unit properties and 1.0 fsr for 6 unit properties. That is up to double the current size allowed.
With this type of huge increase, the biggest questions are:
Q. How fast does this go into play?
A. Immediately. Initially the zoning was being adopted on December 8th 2025 and then going into effect starting 2026, but the City decided to go forward immediately, in line with the adoption date.
Q. How long will it take before Buyers and Builders will be interested in these properties?
A. Could be immediate, however, with the conservative nature of the industry, it would not be surprising if they stall before paying full value.
Q. What if I don't want to sell?
A. Of course, you control the if and when on selling?
Q. Do all Realtors and public know about the new zoning?
A. The answer is no!! When this happens, I find it kind of heartbreaking to see people sell without knowing the change and leaving a lot of potential equity on the table. The Buyer wins, but the seller in this dynamic can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars. Smart builders, will be looking to buy up property that has been sitting on the market and not aware of the new zoning implications.
Q. What can I get for my house?
A. Great question. Depends is the quickest answer. There are a few things I would need to know before giving you an accurate assessment. Location determines what zone your property lies in and how much the increased zoning allows for. This an how close to a creek you are (we still need to consider about the setback restrictions). Don't worry though, once I have your address I'll do all the work and help you see what pricing looks like.
Q. Some people are saying prices are actually going down?
A. That's true. Last year they decrease across many markets and in some cases sale prices were over $200,000 below their tax assessed values. And there area some variables that we can know the impacts on. These include how builders respond to the new changes, how long it takes for builders to buy in, will there be further Governmental dynamics and Global for that matter, that impact the local markets.
Buy from my 36 years selling real estate locally, I feel this will increase the values in North Vancouver in 2026 in the City of North Vancouver. And as sites start to build out, it may impact the District of North Vancouver as well.
For more information, to to talk real estate or even get your home valuation, call Kevin Lynch
Kevin Lynch
Remax Crest Realty
604.307.9448