Wesbild's townhouse project at 3643 Litchfield Ave. in Coquitlam's Burke Mountain neighbourhood is nearing completion, with first homes potentially ready for occupancy in the fall. The 35-unit development is entering a market where few new projects are available, capitalizing on a shift away from small investor condos toward ground-oriented family living.
Market shift to end-users
According to Lilian Arishenkoff, senior vice-president of development at Wesbild, the market has moved to an end-user focus. “The market has shifted to an end-user market and that’s why our townhome project is receiving so much attention,” she said. First-time buyers, young families, and retirees increasingly prefer ground-oriented living, seeking outdoor space, a front door, and a garage—features often missing in condos.
The Towns at Burke units range from 1,400 to 1,600 square feet with three-bedroom layouts. Starting prices are approximately $999,000 up to $1.2 million, making them eligible for the new GST rebate. The project is located near forested trails and a future elementary school site.
Demand for townhomes confirmed by research
A May 2026 report by Rennie Intelligence, titled Homes of Tomorrow, commissioned Angus Reid Group to survey 1,400 renters, past buyers, and future buyers in Metro Vancouver, Greater Victoria, and the Central Okanagan. The report found that “over half of all end-user buyers identifying townhomes as their preferred choice,” underscoring strong demand for ground-oriented housing.
This shift comes as developers face record numbers of completed but unsold condo units. Andy Yan, director of Simon Fraser University’s City program, analyzed Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data on unabsorbed housing inventory. In May 2026, Metro Vancouver had 4,376 unabsorbed apartment units, compared to 515 semi-detached units and 861 unattached row houses—indicating a significantly lower overhang for townhouse-style homes.
Developers pivot to townhouse rentals
Upfield Capital, a Vancouver real estate investment firm, is pivoting to townhouse rentals. Co-founder Rob Greer noted, “This is new for sure. It’s been on our mind for the last year.” He explained that while municipalities previously pushed for rental condo projects with extra density, an oversupply of those units has emerged, prompting a shift toward ground-oriented rental options.
The trend reflects broader changes in buyer preferences, as end-users seek more space and amenities than typical condos offer, while still being priced competitively with smaller units.
