Univer-City Living: Luxury residences on the UBC and SFU campuses

When you think of “living at university,” it probably brings to mind images of keg parties, Kraft Dinner and all-nighters spent studying and guzzling coffee. But in Metro Vancouver, there is a much different side to living on campus, one that emphasizes proximity to nature, culture and a sophisticated lifestyle that doesn’t include the freshman fifteen. For at least a decade, investors have known about the revenue and income potential of buying student accommodation, but this is not the only real estate available on the campuses of Simon Fraser University on Burnaby Mountain, and University of British Columbia campus in Point Grey.

Recent additions to these two neighbourhoods have included luxurious new homes, perfect for young families, retirees, or anyone wanting to live close to the energy and amenities of these great schools. Of course, these homes also have great rental potential, and so are a perfect investment now, and for the future.

UniverCity at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is one of the most progressive and exciting new communities in the Lower Mainland with over 5,000 residents. A collection of condos and townhouses located atop Burnaby Mountain in north central Burnaby, UniverCity has breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and the inlet. Designed to be a sustainable and mixed-use neighbourhood, UniverCity is built on the principles of environment, equity, economy and education.

With all the amenities one could ask for in a complete community – from shops, services, a grocery store, elementary school and a daycare, more and more people are looking to call UniverCity home. Located steps away from SFU campus, residents are given access to the facilities including the art gallery, aquatic centre, library, health and athletic facilities, and a very well stocked bookstore. Residents also enjoy access to one of the largest and most beautiful projected wilderness areas in the Metro Vancouver region right outside their doorstep. UniverCity offers direct transit links to SkyTrain and is an easy trip to neighbouring city centers with access to Highway 1 and Lougheed Highway.

Currently, Mosaic is selling Hamilton on University Crescent, thoughtfully designed homes in a 12-storey concrete tower that are perfectly suited for university faculty, staff and anyone seeking the conveniences of everyday necessities and the proximity to university life. Hamilton is only minutes from the popular Burnaby Mountain trails and the local Aquatic and Fitness Centre. The amenities at Nesters Market and University High Street shopping are also only a short walk away. Intergulf’s Terraces at the Peak follows their tradition of building excellence at UnverCity that began in 2004 with Novo. Now in an established community, homes at Terraces at the Peak capture the West Coast’s most coveted views. Witness the sun rise over Howe Sound and set upon Burrard Inlet, gaze at the towering North Shore mountains, and watch the Downtown Vancouver city lights shimmer below – your perspective is stunning in all directions.

At the spectacular campus of the University of British Columbia in West Point Grey, Wesbrook Village is a safe and quiet residential neighbourhood is within walking distance to the bus stops, Save-On-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, coffee shops, restaurants, and shops. It is a quiet and safe neighbourhood. The cost of buying a home on UBC leasehold lands is much lower than buying a freehold property in the westside of Vancouver. Hence, it is more affordable for homeowners. Investors can also enjoy a higher rate of return on their rental properties because of the lower cost of capital.

The UBC campus offers tremendous education opportunities as well as a long list of leisure amenities such as the state-of-the-art Aquatic Centre, the Museum of Anthropology and the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. Top primary and secondary educational institutions are also nearby, including the new Norma Rose Point Elementary School. This westside address also provides privileged access to Kitsilano, Kerrisdale and downtown Vancouver in just minutes, offering an ideal balance of local merchants and global styles.

At Ivy on the Park, The Wall Group of Companies has created an oasis that is appealing for many different types of buyers. “Most of our Purchasers are local residents and many of them are end-users,” says Mimi Chau, Real Estate Advisor at rennie. “Some of these Purchasers were owner-occupants at Binning Tower by Wall Financial, which is situated next door to Ivy on the Park and was built about five years ago. These particular Purchasers wanted to upgrade to a nicer home and found it at Ivy on the Park! There are also some young families whose children are either going to the elementary schools nearby or just starting their studies at UBC. Some of our homes were also bought by UBC faculty staff and members who want to live close to the campus. A small percentage of the end-users are retirees who are drawn to the natural surroundings of Wesbrook Village. There are also a number of investors who had bought the smaller homes (studios, one-beds, and two-beds) as rental properties, as there’s a strong demand for rental housing among UBC faculty members and employees as well as UBC students.”

Living at Ivy on the Park offers many benefits, including membership in the university neighbourhoods association (UNA). There is also the una access card, which provides free access to the UBC Library, Vancouver Public Library, UBC Botanical Garden, Nitobe Memorial Garden and Museum of Anthropology, plus preferred rates at UBC Athletic and Recreational Facilities and other venues.

At Polygon’s Conservatory, your “front lawn” is a network of meticulously landscaped urban parks throughout Wesbrook Village, with water features, greenways, gathering squares, outdoor seating and children’s play areas all connected together. You will not find a similar park on Vancouver’s westside. Your backyard is 763 hectares of pristine forest known as Pacific Spirit Regional Park, featuring 33 different walking trails that weave through the majestic trees.

There’s also a University District in Central Surrey, one of Canada’s fastest-growing municipalities. Now open by appointment, and set to take advantage of all that Surrey City Centre has to offer, Bosa’s next phase at University District will include two towers plus ground-oriented townhomes. With over 700 suites, including one, two, and three-bedrooms, this neighbourhood hub will offer plenty of inventory for starter families, downsizers, and investors alike. And with over 23,000SF of amenity programming—there’s plenty of ways to feel at home in this growing community.

So, going back to school can be more than just a student occupation. University living can have something for everyone, from investors, to faculty to retirees looking to take advantage of everything our beautiful campuses have to offer, from views, to nature, to culture.