Explore Burnaby

Why do people move to Burnaby?

Burnaby sits right in the middle of Metro Vancouver, and that's a big part of the appeal. You're about 20 minutes from downtown on SkyTrain, and you usually get more space for your money than you would in Vancouver. (Your commute and your wallet both win.)

  • Parks and trails: Burnaby Lake, Deer Lake, Central Park and Burnaby Mountain, plus Barnet Marine Park on the water.
  • SkyTrain on 2 lines: The Expo Line runs through Metrotown and Edmonds, and the Millennium Line runs through Brentwood and Lougheed.
  • Schools and campuses: Burnaby School District (SD41) covers the city, and SFU and BCIT are both right here.
  • Shopping and food: Metropolis at Metrotown is BC's biggest mall, and The Amazing Brentwood, Hastings Street in the Heights and Edmonds all have their own food scenes.
Metrotown skyline with Burnaby Lake in the foreground, Burnaby
Brentwood skyline with single-family homes in the foreground, Burnaby
Types of Homes

What kind of homes can I buy in Burnaby?

Burnaby has a lot of newer homes, and most of the towers sit right on SkyTrain. Here's the quick version:

  • Condos: Metrotown, Brentwood, Edmonds and Lougheed have the most choice, mostly concrete high-rises close to SkyTrain. They're the most common way into the Burnaby market.
  • Townhomes: Edmonds, South Slope, Burnaby Mountain and the Lougheed area have plenty, with more room for a growing family.
  • Detached houses: Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, Deer Lake, Buckingham Heights and South Slope are mostly detached, from post-war bungalows to new builds with suites.
  • Multiplexes and laneway homes: Most single-family lots now allow 3 or 4 units depending on lot size, or up to 6 near frequent transit. That's changing what a Burnaby lot is worth.

Prices in Burnaby move with the wider Metro Vancouver market, but the building, the view, the age and the strata's health can swing the value of 2 similar-looking homes by a lot. That's where a local comparison of recent sales makes all the difference.

Want the latest numbers? See How's the Market for this month's prices and what they mean for buyers and sellers.

Neighbourhood Guide

What are the best neighbourhoods in Burnaby?

Every part of Burnaby feels a little different. Here's a quick guide:

NeighbourhoodWhat it's likeGreat for
MetrotownBurnaby's downtown, with high-rise condos around Metropolis and the Expo LineFirst-time buyers, downtown commuters
BrentwoodNewer towers around The Amazing Brentwood, right on the Millennium LineYoung professionals, first condos
Burnaby HeightsCharacter homes and the Hastings Street village, minutes from East VanFamilies who want a walkable main street
Capitol HillHillside homes with mountain and inlet views in North BurnabyMove-up families, view lovers
Burnaby Mountain (UniverCity)Leasehold condos and townhomes next to SFU, surrounded by trailsHikers, buyers looking for value
EdmondsMore affordable condos and townhomes near the Expo Line and Highgate VillageFirst-time buyers on a budget
Deer Lake and Buckingham HeightsQuiet streets, bigger lots and Deer Lake Park close byMove-up families
LougheedA fast-growing tower neighbourhood around Lougheed Town Centre and SkyTrainCommuters heading east or west

Buying or selling in Burnaby?

Whether it's your first condo in Metrotown or you're moving up to a house in Burnaby Heights, I'll help you figure out what makes sense and what it's actually worth. Start with my Buyers Guide or Sellers Guide, or get a free home evaluation to see what your place could sell for today.

Burnaby Houses, Townhomes and Condos for Sale

Common Questions

Burnaby Real Estate FAQs

Should I buy in Metrotown or Brentwood?

Both are SkyTrain neighbourhoods full of high-rise condos, so it comes down to lifestyle. Metrotown is on the Expo Line, about 20 minutes from Waterfront Station with no transfer, and it's built around Metropolis, so shopping and services are everywhere. Brentwood is on the Millennium Line, with lots of newer towers, quick access to Highway 1 and the Hastings Street shops in the Heights nearby. Walk both on a weekend and you'll know which one feels like home.

How much do I need to buy a condo in Burnaby?

Take a $700,000 condo as an example. Your minimum down payment would be $45,000 (5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the rest). Property transfer tax would be $12,000, or $4,000 if you qualify for the first-time buyer exemption. Budget a little extra for legal fees, an inspection and moving.

How long does it take to get downtown from Burnaby?

From Metrotown, the Expo Line gets you to Waterfront Station in about 20 minutes. From Brentwood, it's about 8 minutes on the Millennium Line to Commercial-Broadway, then a quick transfer to the Expo Line into downtown. Driving depends a lot on traffic, especially on Hastings, Kingsway and Highway 1 at rush hour.

What should I know about buying at UniverCity on Burnaby Mountain?

UniverCity is the neighbourhood next to SFU, and the land is owned by the university, so homes there are leasehold, not freehold. That's a big reason they usually sell for less than similar homes elsewhere in Burnaby. You get trails, views and a real community feel. Just check the lease terms, talk to your lender early and be ready for a bit more snow up the hill in winter.

Can I build a multiplex or laneway home on a Burnaby lot?

On most single-family lots, yes. Since 2024, most of those lots allow 3 or 4 units depending on lot size, and up to 6 on lots near frequent transit. That can include laneway homes, duplexes, rowhouses and secondary suites. Burnaby scaled back the allowed size and height in late 2025, so check the current zoning and lot details before you write an offer on a house with building plans in mind.

Got a question that's not here? Call or text 604-813-4686 and get a straight answer.

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