Blu’s News : April 2026
Is Now the Time to Buy New?
Short answer?… it’s getting harder to argue against it.
For the past few years, “new” came with a pretty hefty premium. You paid for the shine, the warranty, the energy efficiency… and let’s be honest, the feeling of being the first one to cook in that kitchen. But right now? That gap between new and resale is shrinking fast. In some cases, it’s flipped entirely.
We’re seeing brand-new homes trading at pricing that’s on par with, or even below 15-20 year-old product. Same neighbourhood. Same square footage. Very different story.
So what’s changed?
1. The Price Gap Has Compressed (Big Time)
Developers have adjusted. Pricing has come down, incentives are back, and the days of “pay whatever it takes for new” are behind us – for now. When new product starts flirting with resale pricing, it changes the whole equation.
2. Incentives Are Doing Heavy Lifting
We’re not just talking about a fresh coat of paint and a handshake. Think meaningful dollars: price reductions, buyer incentives, creative structures. Real savings that actually move the needle.
3. First-Time Buyer Perks = A Quiet Game Changer
If you’re a first-time buyer, this is where things get interesting:
4. Lower Carrying Costs (The One People Forget)
New homes are more efficient. Better insulation, better systems, often lower strata fees tied to fewer immediate repairs. Over time, that matters. A lot.
5. Lifestyle Still Wins
Let’s not ignore the obvious – new just lives better. Cleaner layouts. More intentional design. Work-from-home spaces that actually work. Outdoor space that isn’t an afterthought. It’s not just newer, it’s smarter.
So… is now the time to buy new?
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for that moment where value and opportunity finally meet… this might be it, because when pricing adjusts, incentives show up, and tax advantages kick in, you don’t just have a good buying window. You have leverage. And these kinds of windows don’t tend to stay open very long.
Warmly,
Shawn Lee and the Blu Team
Short answer?… it’s getting harder to argue against it.
For the past few years, “new” came with a pretty hefty premium. You paid for the shine, the warranty, the energy efficiency… and let’s be honest, the feeling of being the first one to cook in that kitchen. But right now? That gap between new and resale is shrinking fast. In some cases, it’s flipped entirely.
We’re seeing brand-new homes trading at pricing that’s on par with, or even below 15-20 year-old product. Same neighbourhood. Same square footage. Very different story.
So what’s changed?
1. The Price Gap Has Compressed (Big Time)
Developers have adjusted. Pricing has come down, incentives are back, and the days of “pay whatever it takes for new” are behind us – for now. When new product starts flirting with resale pricing, it changes the whole equation.
2. Incentives Are Doing Heavy Lifting
We’re not just talking about a fresh coat of paint and a handshake. Think meaningful dollars: price reductions, buyer incentives, creative structures. Real savings that actually move the needle.
3. First-Time Buyer Perks = A Quiet Game Changer
If you’re a first-time buyer, this is where things get interesting:
- GST exemption on new homes (on qualifying properties).
- Property Transfer Tax (PTT) exemption thresholds that can eliminate or significantly reduce your closing costs.
4. Lower Carrying Costs (The One People Forget)
New homes are more efficient. Better insulation, better systems, often lower strata fees tied to fewer immediate repairs. Over time, that matters. A lot.
5. Lifestyle Still Wins
Let’s not ignore the obvious – new just lives better. Cleaner layouts. More intentional design. Work-from-home spaces that actually work. Outdoor space that isn’t an afterthought. It’s not just newer, it’s smarter.
So… is now the time to buy new?
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for that moment where value and opportunity finally meet… this might be it, because when pricing adjusts, incentives show up, and tax advantages kick in, you don’t just have a good buying window. You have leverage. And these kinds of windows don’t tend to stay open very long.
Warmly,
Shawn Lee and the Blu Team
Coral's In Full Bloom 🌸
This Spring, we’re coming in hot with major price drops and a $25,000 incentive on the next home sold. With new pricing landing right around $1,000/sq ft for brand new construction, the value here is real. Unit 121 is already gone… and the early birds get the worm (and the savings).
Our 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes start at $849,900 in a boutique community just steps from the heartbeat of Commercial Drive. Think private courtyard energy, rooftop sunset hangs, smart storage, bike lockers, and parking for select homes.
Our 2 & 3 bedroom townhomes start at $849,900 in a boutique community just steps from the heartbeat of Commercial Drive. Think private courtyard energy, rooftop sunset hangs, smart storage, bike lockers, and parking for select homes.
Quiet, efficient, and yes… a bit of a unicorn for East Van.
Out & About:
Art Vancouver
This must-see art fair takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre - East Building from May 28 - 31, 2026. Explore contemporary artworks and culture in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Deals & Dreams
Whether you’re searching for a stunning dream home or a deal too good to pass up, we’ve got you covered. Every month, we handpick the most breathtaking properties and unbeatable bargains on the market, bringing you the best of both worlds.
#607 – 668 Columbia Street, New Westminster
Deal alert at Trapp + Holbrook in New West. This 6th-floor stunner is move-in ready, freshly updated, and shows like new with high ceilings, great light, and a clean open layout that just works. Step out to a proper balcony with Fraser River and mountain views (not the peek-a-boo kind). Comes with parking and storage, solid concrete construction, and full amenities including a clubhouse and rooftop garden. Live-in buyer or investor… either way, this one is a real deal.
Deal alert at Trapp + Holbrook in New West. This 6th-floor stunner is move-in ready, freshly updated, and shows like new with high ceilings, great light, and a clean open layout that just works. Step out to a proper balcony with Fraser River and mountain views (not the peek-a-boo kind). Comes with parking and storage, solid concrete construction, and full amenities including a clubhouse and rooftop garden. Live-in buyer or investor… either way, this one is a real deal.
2723 W 30th Avenue, Vancouver
Perched above Arbutus Ridge in MacKenzie Heights, is one of the city’s finest residences. Designed by Juli Hodgson and Sean Best, it’s 5,000 sq ft of concrete, glass, and calm, featuring unreal views of the mountains and ocean. Schüco windows blur the lines, Dinesen oak warms it up, and even the tub gets mountain views. Then layer in a lap pool, wine cellar, gym, firepit terrace, and Japanese garden… and all for just a cool 15 million.
Perched above Arbutus Ridge in MacKenzie Heights, is one of the city’s finest residences. Designed by Juli Hodgson and Sean Best, it’s 5,000 sq ft of concrete, glass, and calm, featuring unreal views of the mountains and ocean. Schüco windows blur the lines, Dinesen oak warms it up, and even the tub gets mountain views. Then layer in a lap pool, wine cellar, gym, firepit terrace, and Japanese garden… and all for just a cool 15 million.
Agent of the Month:
Mustafa Akhtar
Mustafa Akhtar is a people person and it shows. He’s built his real estate game around connection, community, and collaboration (rare, we know). Fluent in Hindi and Urdu, he understands that where you live is where the heart is. Lately, he’s been brokering deal after deal in the West End, a neighbourhood he now proudly calls home. Equal parts strategist, connector, and Canucks die-hard, Mustafa brings good energy and sharp instincts to every move.
Local Spotlight:
Touk
New on Alberni (in the old Archer space) is the soon-to-be impossible-to-get-into Touk. Here Top Chef Canada Winner Chef Yen is serving up bold, modern Cambodian cuisine with a French bistro twist. Think bright herbs, big flavour, and local BC ingredients doing their thing. Lunch is easy (menu du jour), dinner leans to shareable with prix fixe and plates to pass. Familiar roots, with a totally fresh spin… this one’s def worth a reso.
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