#302 1189 Howe St - Awesome priced studio, 408 sq.ft. with parking for $274,900, Today 1-3pm http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9031.html

#314 1220 E Pender St - BIG live/work loft at The Workshop for $449,000. Today 1:30 - 3:00pm http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-10514.html

#612 1238 Seymour St - Downtown two level bright loft for $369,000, Today 2:00-4:00pm http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-10516.html

True two level live/work loft. Bright, dramatic, modern and minimalist - all in one. This extremely open plan leaves endless room for your "lofty" dreams. This top floor loft features over 1100 sq.ft., over 19 foot ceilings, double height windows and a bright skylight. "The Workshop" is a ultra-solid concrete built, unique, high-quality, one-of-a-kind warehouse styled loft building located near Commercial Drive in Mount Pleasant. Enjoy the custom upgraded large kitchen, stainless steel appliances, plenty of built-in storage, and concrete floors. Live the loft lifestyle at The Workshop. Building information page: http://www.albrighton.ca/1220-e-pender-st-the-workshop.html

Video tour: http://video.pixilink.com/video/314-1220-e-pender-t/

Property Link with details on each place:

http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=991743551&s=BRC&t=BRC

GASTOWN
Koret Lofts in Gastown
#413 55 E Cordova -  It is next door to both a stairway, and a structural concrete wall making for extra sound insulation.  The suite shows beautifully, and it has plumbing in the entry storage area if you wanted to build a powder room.  This building has beautiful design and finish.  As I mentioned there will be less late evening noise.  This unit also has an owned parking stall which is rare in this building, adding great value.  This unit is very well priced.

#316 55 E Cordova - This is a similar unit to #413, with about 140 sq.ft. less space, and the parking stall that is leased in another local building.  Making the price less at $474,900.

#302 150 Alexander St - Gastown - This is away from some the Gastown action, but still down the street from a smaller bar.  This unit is really beautiful as it is in a heritage conversion building, and has beautiful Northern views.  The only Downside with Gastown water view units is you can hear the trains, which don't run too frequently, although there is an early morning commuter train that comes in around 5:30am - 6:00am.

#604 53 W Hastings - Paris Block - I've added this suite because it is beautiful inside.  It is located near Carrall so there are quite a few street people around, but you can see this is reflected in the price.  It has over 1000 sq.ft. and plenty of outdoor space.

CROSSTOWN
#5 - 2 550 Beatty St - Beatty Street will have much less noise than Richards Street.  There is one bar on this street named Chambar which may have some noise, I cannot tell, but if this is a unit that faces the back lane (which is a dead -end) then it should be much quieter.  The listing doesn't have any photos, so I've included this link which has some photos from the past when it was for sale in 2007: (email Paul Albrighton for link).  This was the first heritage-conversion loft building in Vancouver done around 1985 - so the hallways and lobby are dated.  There are some incredible units within this building.  

#307 546 Beatty St -  This is a large 900+ sq.ft. unit.  This unit also faces the back lane so it will be quiet.  The open concept design is very nice, and the kitchens and bathrooms are new.  The building was completed in 2008.  This unit is worth closer to $555,000 - $560,000.  Mind the photos, the loft is in desperate need of some good lighting.  

COAL HARBOUR QUBE
#1115 1333 W Georgia St - This is the architectural building I mentioned in Coal Harbour.  It was first built in 1969 as a modernist styled earth-quake proof building, as it is suspended from the top.  Here's my information page: http://www.albrighton.ca/the-qube-1333-w-georgia-st.html  This unit has 771 sq.ft. and nice North West views.  The high ceilings and open design make it very functional.  This unit is worth in the high $480's.  This is my favourite mid-range building in the city.  

#1414 1333 W Georgia St - This is the two bedroom, two bathroom plan.  It is also one level from the PH so it does command great value.  These units sell in the $650,000 range.

POINT GREY
#201 4387 W 10th Ave - Roar One - This is the beautiful Point Grey loft building I mentioned.  It features very unique flexibility with the open loft style plan.  Larger units are priced closer to $750,000 which rarely come up.  The listing here has bad photos, here is a recent sale which had almost 1100 sq.ft, the photos show great: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-8962.html.  This unit (#201) has a similar plan, only smaller, and on the W 10th side, so there is some traffic and bus noise during the day.  

MOUNT PLEASANT
#404 138 W 6th Ave - This is another unique building in Mount Pleasant near some light-industrail buildings, so it should be very quiet at night.  This space is great with a large open two level layout, a city-view patio, and over 1000 sq.ft.  It probably needs some renovations.  It is worth closer to $610,000 - $620,000.

#308 256 E 2nd Ave - Jacobsen - Here is a two bedroom, two bathroom plan at Jacobsen, the new building we spoke of.  The finish and design are very nice, I'm sure you will like it.  This unit also has Northern views over E 2nd Ave.  E 2nd Ave is a busy street, so there will be some traffic noise, but not much pedestrian noise as the area is mainly residential and light-industrial.  This unit is worth closer to $550,000 - $565,000.

#301 2635 Prince Edward St - Soma Lofts - This is a very nice newer building, they are not real lofts, but condos with good layouts, and 10' ceilings.  Generally the floor plans at Soma Lofts are very good, and always feel bigger than they really are. This is just off Kingsway and 11th Ave, but in a quiet little tucked away area.  The build design and finish in this building are very good.

#1007 328 E 11th Ave - Uno - This is across the street from Soma Lofts.  This building just has a bit of a modern feel, but not lofts.  This unit is slightly pricy at $599,000 but offers plenty of space with over 1100 sq.ft. nice interior design, and in with some views.

From February 2009 Vancouver condo and loft sale prices have increased 19.7% on the Vancouver Westside and 15.3% on the Vancouver Eastside.  Certain segments of the Vancouver condominium market have now surpassed peak prices as seen in 2007. 

Demand remains strong in all price levels, as activity has been high with limited inventory.  The Olympics have just passed, and there are already signs of above-average inventory coming onto the market.  The Vancouver Westside market has become very challenging for purchasers as we have been in a sellers market since Summer 2009, so increased inventory could become beneficial by finally offering people good options to choose from, and to level off the aggressive price gains seen over the past year. 

Mortgage qualifications have been slightly tightened, as buyers will now have to qualify on five-year fixed rate instead of the previous three-year fixed rate (five-year fixed rates are slightly higher), this has a small effect on most buyers purchasing power, but is a positive sign to keep our market stable.  This will also ensure first-time buyers are staying within their limits and further avoid risk seen with interest rate increases.  

Pricing Chart for Great Vancouver - 10 Year Trend

Graph from Real Estate Board of Great Vancouver Feb 2010 Market Update.  Email paul@albrighton.ca for full pdf copy.

Written by Paul Albrighton March 2010

One of Crosstown's best Loft buildings - The Crane at 546 Beatty. Gorgeous heritage loft in the new Crane building in Crosstown. Large 1 bedroom, 2 bathroom boasting 10'8 ceiling heights high ceilings & brick walls, including European style kitchen with Bosch Stainless Steel appliance, Liebherr Fridge, La Torre facets & refurbished double hung sash windows & concrete polished floors. A perfect neighborhood on the cusp with the best of Gastown, Yaletown, Downtown...close to transportation & amazing restaurants + underground parking. Open concept ready for your custom ideas. Go to http://www.albrighton.ca/546-beatty-st.html for more information.  Closed in Dec 2009.

Modern one bedroom condo with over 770 sq.ft. and water views at The Qube. Live in Coal Harbour at "THE QUBE", an architectural landmark building stunning conversion of the WestCoast Transmission building. Spacious open floorplan this 771 SF 1 bedroom + den (can be converted to 2nd bdrm). Kitchen features stone slab counters, large centre island with breakfast bar, architectural series Kitchen Aid stainless steel appliances. Spa style bath features limestone vanity countertops with tile backsplach to match 9'6" ceilings throughout the unit, a movable ambient electric fireplace, 5 feet high tinted windows, 1 parking stall included, balance of 2-5-10 year New Home Warranty still in effect. Pets and rentals welcomed and concierge service. Close to the seawall, marina, restaurants, Stanley Park and shopping and more. Go to http://www.albrighton.ca/blogs/the-qube-vancouver-condos-for-sale-1333-w-georgia-st/.  Closed in December 2009.

bedrooms 

listed by Dexter Realty

Don't miss this opportunity to own a well-maintained concrete studio apartment for now only $279,000.   408 sq.ft. hardwood floors, outdoor balcony, located centrally Downtown.  Property Details: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9031.html .  Call for details.

Penthouse 603 55 E Cordova: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-2-135-V802137.html

This beautiful open concept contemporary loft is on the top level of 55 E Cordova.  The top level of this building is new concrete construction ontop of the 1910 restored heritage building, Koret Lofts.  This unit has a true loft feel with 14' ceilings, open concept bedroom, and polished concrete floors.  This unit has plenty of space, large ocean views, and a private rooftop patio.  Additionally it has a second parking stall, which is extremely rare for this building, as there is very limited parking for the number of suites in the building, and is approxiamatley a $50,000 add-on.

Afterwards we visited #411 at Koret.  This was a very cool plan in the heritage conversion portion of the building.  It was also renovated into a two bedroom unit, there is plenty of space at 1378 sq.ft. so a well thought out two bedroom plan was created.  The loft still had an open concept feel but with private bedrooms, which is rare. Property Details: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-2-135-V804182.html

Koret Lofts Building page. 

Finally we toured #407 546 Beatty St.  A 983 sq.ft. 2009 converted loft in Crosstown.  This unit offers great space for only $574,900, high ceilings, exposed brick, and concrete floors.  One of our client purchased the same style unit in November for $550,100.  Property details.  546 Beatty street listings and info page.

This great contemporary loft offered 1020 sq.ft. of unique open concept living.  A beautiful example of a loft in this building.  Exposed concrete, hardwood floors, and an open living area made for a  beautiful space.  With the right marketing this property received two offers within the first two days on the market, and was subsequently sold.

Further features included: Parking stall, custom lighting, open den/solarium, enlarged bathroom with two sinks, customized staircase with an architectural railing/wall, two private bedrooms, customized closets in the masterbedroom, and exposed concrete ceilings in the living room.  Priced at $529,000.  For more details on this loft visit: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9508.html

For more details on how to sell your loft visit: http://www.albrighton.ca/real_estate_marketing.html

View condo with large patio for sale at Legacy #2401 2225 Holdom Ave

Welcome to your exclusive MODERN view condo in North Burnaby. This well laid out plan leaves plenty of room for entertaining and enjoy 180 degree views from your private 250sq.ft.+ (approx) patio. This spacious one bedroom plan has a den with a closet that could be used as a second bedroom. Fine materials are used, such as modern wood cabinetry, floor-to-ceiling glass, built-in fireplace, and granite countertops. Rare large floor plan at the architecturally special building called, “Legacy”. Building amenities include a large exercise centre, hot-tub, sauna, steam room, private 4th floor rooftop garden, parking, and storage. Connected to a Skytrain station, commute to Downtown in less than 25 mins. 

More pictures and details: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9720.html

Original buliding at 18 W Hastings Street is going to be converted to rental "micro-lofts" offering 270 sq.ft. bacholar units, which should fetch $750/mn for rent.  This is a great idea, as we are making use of old Vancouver buildings, and adding some affordable rentals to our city.  Most larger cities, such as Toronto have a much larger market of small studio style suites to offer more affordable rentals within the city core, cutting down travel times, and allowing entry-level Downtown workers to live and work in the same nieghbourhoods.  Developers Reliance Properties and ITC Construction Group are behind the project, which was approved by city council in 2008.

Source, Online Vancouver Sun Article: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Drawings+reveal+inside+look+Vancouver+micro+lofts/2483582/story.html

Here's our latest Downtown, Vancouver Loft video:

Property Details: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9508.html

737 sq.ft. for $495,000

Listed by Century 21 Intown.

MLS Details: http://mlslink.mlxchange.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=371903429&s=BRC&t=BRC

Contact Paul Albrighton for more details, photos, and availability on this listing. 604 315 5574.

I expect this listing to sell this week.  Listings in 2009 all sold within one day or one week at the Waterfall building.  This iconic Arthur Erickson building is a timeless piece of art.  These spaces are zoned live/work so they make perfect space for studio/offices while being in a unique residence. Click here for more building information and photos: http://www.albrighton.ca/1540-w-2nd-ave-waterfall-building.html

Rare opportunity, approx 1100 sq.ft. custom designed contemporary loft.  This unit has been opened up and customzied - from an open plan kitchen/living room, large bathroom, custom staircase, to two private bedroom supstairs.  The materials used and retained are simply beautiful.  Hardwood oak floors have been used on the main, the drywall work and staircase are a work of art, while the original concrete ceiling has been maitained for a beautiful contemporary loft look.  This corner unit also pours plenty of light into the spacious living area.  Off of the main area is a bright den/office with great views of the city.  Click here for more details, photos, and video: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-9508.html

DETAILS

Approx 1100 sq.ft.

2 bed/1 bath

$529,000

#502 1238 Seymour St

Currently some highlight loft buildings that offer live/work status are:

1529 W 6th Ave, W6 lofts on Granville. 

These were built in 1996 and offer live/work zoning.  These units have an open courtyard, so guests or clients can get in the elevator or walk the stairs directly to your front door.  There are some of these properties not on the mls or on the website here, so contact Paul directly for more information on the availability.  Current listings on the site: http://www.albrighton.ca/south_granville_and_kits_lofts.html#24

350 E 2nd Ave - Mainspace lofts in Mount Pleasant

1220 E Pender - The Workshop lofts

141 Water St - Gastown office space/live/work space for sale

Rarely available - This unit place has nearly 1500 sq.ft. listed at $549,000 - currently used an office and storage space this unit has plenty of potential for a design office or art gallery.  Call for details.  Listing page: http://www.albrighton.ca/property_detail-1-135-8495.html

53 W Hastings - Paris Block in Gastown/Crosstown Vancouver

Paris Block lofts are beautiful.  Contemporary styling in a restored heritage building.  Salient Developments did a beautiful job making this building beautiful inside out.  From great architecture, high end kitchens to retaining the original brick and wood beams - not details have been missed.  Currently there are a couple listings where you could run a great design office out of: http://www.albrighton.ca/gastown_lofts.html#107

256 E 2nd Ave - Jacobsen ground level live/work units - great space and access

Jacobsen have beautiful newly built contemporary live/work lofts.  Some units offer two level of living.  The stylish polished concrete floors and European styled kitchens/baths are unique and worth a look.  Look for ground floor units at the building page: http://www.albrighton.ca/256-e-2nd-ave-jacobsen.html

55 E Cordova - Koret Lofts- live work lofts with great architecture

My Favourite Gastown building! Beautiful architecture, exceptional engineering/upgrading and finish quality.  This is a great building.  Featuring open concept lofts that offer great space for live/work or just stylish living.  See the building page with a full fresh list of the loft listings at Koret: http://www.albrighton.ca/55-e-cordova-koret-lofts.html

Downtown Townhouses - Select ones

There are few bulidings that allow for live/work zoning in Downtown Vancouver within residential buildings/towers.  Contact Paul for more details.

Contact Paul Albrighton to help buy or sell your live/work loft unit.  604 315 5574.