Requirements for the lot:
- good natural lighting
- close to nature, parks
- walkable/bikable to groceries
- commutable to North Van and Downtown Vancouver
- 2/3 bedrooms for our use
- a good financial investment
We’re looking for people in a similar life situation who are happy to take on a bit more risk for a better living situation. It is important that you are a proactive and respectful communicator and are currently in a good financial situation (perhaps you already own an apartment and are looking for more space). You are likely reading this because you are interested in creative solutions for affordable housing, even if it is not the easiest way and have a clear idea of your own values and what you’d like to get out of this experience.
The process we envision:
1. Initial meet-ups to see if we are a good fit.
2. Establishing expectations, agreeing on a timeline and process. Talking through “what if” situations (e.g. what if one party wants to sell).
3. Financial Planning (arranging sale of existing properties, applying for Mixer Mortgage etc).
4. House-hunting and purchasing.
5. Renovations if needed to improve sharing of house.
6. Living happily in our new space!
7. (Optional long-term): Saving and planning for rebuild, rebuild, potential sale of additional units.
If this sounds like a collaboration you’d be interested in, please reach out so we can establish an initial meeting.
Nice to haves:
- double car garage for workshop space to facilitate ease of renovations and customizations
- access to hiking/mountain bike trails from front door
- well-situated site
Looking to Partner Up for
East or North Vancouver Home
Creative and hardworking couple (with a small sweet beagle and baby on the way) seeking partners to co-purchase a house in East Vancouver (Hastings-Sunrise/Commercial Drive area) in the next few years. Budget $1.7M if costs are shared 50:50. For us, this concept is more interesting and provides more autonomy and value than the alternative of purchasing a larger apartment or townhouse.
Short-term we would be open to cost-effective renovations to optimize sharing of the space with respect to each parties need for privacy/openness to sharing.
Long-term we would love to build a dream duplex - fourplex house on the lot.
Architecturally, we would prioritize good light entering interior spaces, efficient heating/cooling, social spaces, connection to the garden. With the province’s new flourplex affordable housing legislation, building more units could allow both parties to financially benefit.
About us:
Aged 28, 32. A teacher and an engineer.
Interests: child development, architecture, art, new technologies, films, family meals.
Hobbies: hiking, mountain biking, time in nature, cooking a variety of cuisines, attending East Van Culture Crawl, travelling, road trips, gardening.
We are both practical people and have experience remodelling our current apartment (kitchen, bathroom, flooring, building custom cabinets, designing and building a wall-bed) and have access to a workshop in Surrey with CNC for future projects.