BC island is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. If you’re considering building or purchasing a single-family home on BC island, there are a few things you need to know first. We’ll take a look at what single family homes in BC have in common, how much they cost to buy or build, and why they are a better option than another type of living arrangement.

What is a Single-Family Home?

The term “single-family home” is a phrase you’ll come across often when searching real estate listing or browsing the market. The definition of a single-family home in BC Island is quite simply a structure that is used as a single dwelling unit. While the definition is simple, there are a few characteristics that make a single-family home what it is, and if these criteria are not met, then your property is not technically a single-family dwelling.

1. No Common Walls. A single-family home is a detached stand-alone property. It does not connect to other homes via wall or roof and is independent from any surrounding houses.
2. Land. A single-family home is never placed on a shared property. instead, it resides on its own parcel of land with a fair bit of distance between it and another property. this often includes a backyard and front yard within the city limits, and can include acres of land if out in the countryside.
3. Entrance and Exit. The single-family home’s entrances and exits lead directly onto the outdoor space of the property. they provide direct access to the street, as opposed to apartment buildings through which you travel down hallways, stairs or elevators, and lobbies to reach the street.
4. Utilities. All utilities servicing the property service only that property. They cannot be shared in any way with any other property and are the sole responsibility of the homeowner. This applies to garbage and recycling pick up, sewage, energy and power, water, and any other essential service.
5. One Owner. A single-family home is designed for one family to live in, so it makes sense that these types of properties only have one owner with undivided interest in the home. The home provides residence to only one family or person at a time and is not shared.
6. Single Kitchen. A single-family home only has one kitchen. You may have a carriage house or in-law suite on your property and still be classified as a single-family home, but if you add a second kitchen, that addition will change the home’s zoning classification.

Why Choose a Single-Family Home BC Island?

Many people follow the adage “the bigger the better” when it comes to buying or building a home, but that isn’t often the case. Many other housing options are viable, such as a townhouse, apartment, or duplex, but there are many reasons that a reasonably-sized single-family home is a drastically better way to go.

• Privacy. When you choose to purchase a single-family home, you’re virtually guaranteed to have a yard and a fence for privacy. Single-family homes are built on independent plots of land and provide a desirable distance from other properties and nosy or annoying neighbors.
• Extra Storage. Single-family homes are often accented with a garage, a shed in the backyard, an attic, or a combination of these. All of the space on your property is yours to do with as you please, and you won’t have to share communal spaces or limit your belongings to a smaller property.
• Architectural Styles. A single-family home on BC Island can resemble a variety of housing styles including ranch house, colonial, modern, mid-century modern, contemporary, Georgian, Victorian, and more. A single-family home will stand out and be different from its neighbors, allowing you to express your personal style and have your home reflect your lifestyle.
• Worthwhile Investment. Single-family homes are worth much more than condominiums, apartments, and townhouses since they are separate properties. Even though it will take a while to pay off the mortgage, once finished you’ll have a valuable property on your hands and drastically reduced housing costs.
• Room for Expansion and Renovation. Your choices are severely limited when living in a townhouse or apartment complex, but when you live on a single-family property your choices are nearly endless. You can add a second story, build a guest house, or add an addition onto your home without having to worry about space, shared walls, or co-owners of the property.

Cost of a Single-Family Home BC Island

When calculating costs of your single-family home on BC Island, you have to consider the cost of the home itself, utility costs, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Single-family homes are often priced much higher than apartments or townhomes, so you’ll have to account for a larger down payment, a higher mortgage rate, and more interest paid in the long run when calculating the cost of your home. The size of the lot will also affect the price of the home, so if you want to save a bit of money or pay less upfront, choose a smaller lot.

Since your home is an independent property, you’ll have to pay your own utility fees, which might be higher than you’re used to if you’re moving from a shared building. Along with this greater independence, you’ll also be responsible for any maintenance on the home, which can come as a shock to some homeowners who are used to living in a condo or apartment building that takes care of maintenance and repairs for you.

The average price of a single-family home on BC Island currently sits around $800,000, but there are many ways to reduce the cost of a single-family home build. 

That’s a Wrap

Well, now you know everything you need to know about choosing a single-family home on BC Island. It’s definitely a great choice to begin or expand a family, and there are numerous features of single-family home living that will make you glad you chose to stray away from shared living arrangements. If you’re ready to build your single-family home, we want to hear from you!