House for Sale in Vancouver: Condos vs. Detached Homes – Which is Right for You?

As you browse for a house for sale in Vancouver, one key decision is whether to pursue a condo or a detached home, since they differ widely in cost, lifestyle and long-term value. In early 2025 the average Vancouver detached house was about $2.0M CAD versus roughly $805K CAD for a condo, so condos (around $700–800K for first-time buyers) are much cheaper upfront, while houses (often $1.2–1.5M CAD) cost significantly more. Condos typically sit in central locations with amenities like gyms and pools, and require little maintenance (strata fees cover building upkeep). By contrast, detached homes provide more space and private yards, but they also carry higher utility and repair costs since owners must handle all upkeep. Investors note houses tend to appreciate faster over time (reflecting scarce land), though condos in prime spots still build equity in Vancouver’s strong market. Affordability remains a challenge – a late-2024 report found a Vancouver household needed ~96.7% of its income to afford a typical home – so many buyers are drawn to lower-priced condos despite tradeoffs. In summary, condos win on upfront affordability and urban convenience, while detached houses win on space, privacy and long-term land value; weighing these pros and cons against your budget, maintenance tolerance and lifestyle (downtown vs suburban) will help determine which property type is right for you.