The B.O.C. has decided to hold its policy rate at 4.5% this week after eight consecutive interest rate hikes since March 2022, finally providing some relief to variable-rate mortgage holders.

As the inflation rate continues to inch down closer to the target rate of 2%, the Bank of Canada has followed through on the public expectations that it would hold interest rates. This could increase the confidence of prospective buyers and move many off the sidelines and into the market pushing sales up for Spring.

2030 Barclay is slated to be one of the last owner-held buildings in the area, according to the City of Vancouver’s West End Plan. Situated at the intersection of lush forests, mountains, sandy beaches, scenic harbor, and the bustling city, 2030 Barclay will be the newest addition to a trio of iconic and cherished West End towers designed by Richard Henriquez and Henriquez Partners Architects, which includes the Sylvia Hotel Tower, the Eugenia, and the Presidio. With its upcoming debut, 2030 Barclay is set to establish Henriquez's legacy in Vancouver's West End and position him as the leading post-modern urbanist in Vancouver.

This month Abode and Marcon are launching the remaining homes at Mirabel with some incredible incentives to both buyers and realtors. The five, five and five promotion is 5% GST included, 5% decorating allowance and 5% commission.

The central bank raises interest rate 0.25 basis points to 4.5 percent, but indicates this could be it!

New Year, New Rules

As you’ve probably already heard, the new Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP) came into effect on Tuesday, Jan 3rd, 2023. The HBRP gives buyers the right to rescind their offer up to three business days after the offer is accepted. If a buyer can’t secure financing, sees some red flags in their home inspection report or simply changes their mind, they can back out of their offer but must pay a 0.25% rescission fee to the seller. This rescission fee is put into place to protect the seller from anyone who would misuse the HBRP and hopefully recoup any losses the seller may incur from any lost potential offers. The government says the cooling off period will give buyers some protection in the face of rising interest rates and will apply to detached houses, townhomes and condos but does not apply when a home is auctioned or when the home is on leased land (leasehold properties).

A collection of fine estate homes and penthouse residences in Vancouver’s West End

developer MARCON architecture HENRIQUEZ & PARTNERS interiors ALDA PEREIRA

Richard George Henriquez (born 5 February 1941 in Annotto Bay, Jamaica) is a Canadian architect known for founding Henriquez & Todd with Robert Todd in 1969 which evolved over 50 years to become the Henriquez Partners Architects of today.

What’s new in Real Estate legislation.



During a very busy first half of 2022 in Real Estate where many, if not most buyers found themselves competing in the market, we saw an influx of “Subject Free Offers” coming in with each listing. This was partly due to the low interest rates we were seeing by the Bank of Canada as well as a record low inventory. Most buyers were able to do their due diligence prior to the offer review date though some found themselves in a situation where the timing didn’t allow them to. This meant some were purchasing without an inspection, ensuring their financing supported their purchase amount etc.

Top 10 things to do before listing your home

When listing your home, sometimes it’s difficult to know exactly where to start. Here is our go to steps to get your home list ready.

A quick walkthrough of the Cardero Project (August 2022). Steve toured me through the progress. The back infill unit is especially impressive with its valued ceilings, Although all the units in this project (including the basement units) have 9’ or higher ceilings. I can’t wait to see this finished product. Steve has sourced kitchen from Italy, and all the heritage windows have either been rebuilt or restored. The finished homes will also feature concrete floors which is my favourite. Check back as I’ll be revisiting soon.

West Coast Modern Week is an annual event which celebrates mid century and contemporary, modern architecture. Abode is proud to be a sponsor of this great event.

Oeste 33 is nearing completion and only 2 of the 6 homes remain. Tita, Katie and Jesse visited the site to walk through and have a look at the progress and check out some of the finishes in Townhouse 4, a south facing townhouse in the heritage retention and Unit 5 which is one of two detached infills on the south side of the lot.

Collaborations are a part of our business. We love working with and supporting other entrepreneurs and creatives in our city. That’s why this year we’ve teamed up with Barter Design to create our Abode + Barter cup.

Jesse visits Steve Kipp on site at His project on Cardero in Vancouver’s West End. The Cardero Project consists of two heritage houses which are being restored and a modern infill in the back which connects the two houses. Designed by Shape Architecture. Interiors and management by Kipp Design + Build

Interior design styles, specifically within the signature Pacific Northwest aesthetic, have long found comfort standing in the light. All-white rooms, bright & airy draperies and furnishings, mixed with a healthy dose of white stone and lighter woods in the details have been a mainstay and tried-and-true go-to within the industry.

One of the most coveted factors of buying a home is hosting the first gathering within your new space. Once the proverbial dust from the renovations, the decorating and the unpacking has settled, we are given the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the fun of entertaining.