Condos & Townhouses
Surrey & Fraser Valley
Strata properties come with unique considerations that go beyond the unit itself. With over 30 years of experience, I help buyers navigate strata documents, fees, bylaws, and find the right condo or townhouse for their needs.
Condo vs. Townhouse: Understanding the Difference
Both condos and townhouses are strata properties, meaning you share ownership of common areas and pay monthly strata fees. However, they offer very different lifestyles. Condos are typically apartment-style units in a larger building, offering lower maintenance and often access to amenities like gyms and rooftop patios. Townhouses provide more space, multiple levels, and often include a small yard or patio — closer to the feel of a detached home.
In the Fraser Valley, condos tend to be more affordable and are concentrated around urban centres and transit hubs. Townhouses are popular in suburban neighbourhoods and appeal to growing families who want space without the cost of a detached home. The buying process is similar for both, but the strata documents deserve careful attention.
Choosing between the two comes down to your budget, lifestyle, and plans. I walk every buyer through the pros and cons based on their specific situation — there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Strata Document Checklist
What every buyer must review before purchasing a strata property
Strata Minutes & Bylaws
Review at least two years of strata council meeting minutes to identify ongoing issues, disputes, or upcoming special levies. Bylaws tell you what you can and cannot do — pets, rentals, renovations, and more.
Depreciation Report
A professional assessment of the building's major components and their remaining lifespan. This document reveals future repair costs and whether the strata is financially prepared to handle them. Buildings without a current report are a red flag.
Contingency Reserve Fund
The strata's savings account for major repairs. A healthy fund means the strata has been planning ahead. A low fund often signals upcoming special levies that could cost you thousands of dollars unexpectedly.
Strata Fees & Insurance
Monthly strata fees cover shared maintenance, insurance, and amenities. Understand exactly what is included. Check the building's insurance deductible — some buildings carry deductibles of $100,000 or more, which owners may need to cover personally.
I review every strata document package with my buyers and flag anything that could become a costly problem down the road.
New Construction vs. Resale
Benefits of Buying New
Benefits of Buying Resale
Best Areas for Condos & Townhouses
Where to find the best selection and value across the Fraser Valley
Surrey City Centre
The highest density of condos in Surrey, centred around the SkyTrain station. Excellent transit access, growing amenities, and strong rental demand. Ideal for first-time buyers and investors.
Learn MoreFleetwood
One of the most popular areas for townhouses in Surrey. Established neighbourhood feel with good schools, parks, and shopping. A strong choice for young families looking for space without detached home prices.
Cloverdale
A mix of newer condo developments and townhouse communities with a village atmosphere. Growing rapidly with new builds offering modern layouts and finishes at competitive prices.
Grandview Heights
Premium townhouse community in South Surrey with newer builds, walking trails, and proximity to Morgan Creek. Higher price point but excellent quality and strong appreciation.
Learn MoreLangley
Willoughby and Murrayville offer a wide selection of newer condos and townhouses. The SkyTrain extension is boosting interest and values. Good value relative to Surrey for comparable product.
Learn MoreAbbotsford
The most affordable entry point in the Fraser Valley for condo and townhouse buyers. Newer developments in the University District and Mill Lake area offer modern living at lower prices.
Condo & Townhouse Price Ranges in 2026
A practical look at what strata properties cost across the Fraser Valley right now
Surrey City Centre Condos
One-bedroom condos near King George SkyTrain run roughly $450,000-$550,000, two-bedroom units $600,000-$750,000, and newer concrete high-rises with views command $750,000-$900,000+. Strata fees average $0.55-$0.65 per square foot. Strong rental demand makes this area popular for both end-users and investors.
Cloverdale & Clayton Townhouses
Modern three-bedroom townhomes typically range from $800,000 to $1,050,000 depending on age, square footage, and finishes. Many have double garages and small fenced yards. Strata fees commonly run $250-$400 per month. Family-friendly, well-served by schools, and consistently high resale demand.
Willoughby & Walnut Grove (Langley)
Townhomes range from $750,000 to $1,000,000, with newer end units and larger floor plans pushing to $1.1M+. Some of the best newer-build townhouse inventory in the Fraser Valley with the SkyTrain extension boosting both prices and rental demand.
Abbotsford & Chilliwack
The most affordable strata properties in the region. Condos start around $350,000-$450,000, townhomes from $550,000-$750,000. Newer developments in the University District (Abbotsford) and Promontory (Chilliwack) offer modern layouts at the best price-per-square-foot in the Fraser Valley.
Pro tip from 30+ years in strata sales
A low strata fee is not always a good sign. Buildings that under-collect now usually face large special levies later. I would much rather see a healthy strata fee with a strong contingency reserve and a clear depreciation report than a cheap fee in a building that has been kicking the can down the road. The cheapest building today is often the most expensive one in five years.
Condo & Townhouse FAQs
The questions buyers ask me most about strata properties
Both are strata-titled in BC, meaning you own your unit and share ownership of common property through a strata corporation. A condo is typically an apartment-style unit inside a larger building, with shared interior hallways, elevators, and amenities. A townhouse is a multi-level home that shares one or two walls with neighbouring units and usually has its own front door, attached garage or carport, and a small private yard or patio. Townhouses generally feel more like a detached home; condos generally cost less for the same number of bedrooms.
Related Buyer Services
Other ways I help buyers across the Fraser Valley
First-Time Buyers
Programs, grants, and step-by-step guidance for new buyers.
Learn MoreInvestment Properties
Rental homes, multi-family, and secondary suites for investors.
Learn MoreLuxury Homes
Estate properties in Morgan Creek, Grandview Heights, and White Rock.
Learn MoreRelocating to BC
Moving from Alberta, Ontario, or Vancouver? Remote-buyer support.
Learn MoreFind Your Perfect Condo or Townhouse
Let's talk about what you are looking for — size, location, budget, and lifestyle. I'll find options that fit and make sure you know exactly what you are buying, strata and all.
(604) 679-1304