University Real Estate & Neighbourhood Info

An elite, close-knit community
surrounded by nature.

Vancouver and its surrounding areas are well known for the preservation of nature and green space. The University area is a glowing example of this, surviving an active logging industry in the 1800s (the abundance of knots and branches saved a large number of trees from being harvested). A century later, many of the old logging skid trails have now been converted to hiking trails in the vast forest urban expanse of Pacific Spirit Park.

…you’re just a short walk away from a forest, beaches, or stunning views of ocean and mountains

This neighbourhood’s identity as the University Endowment Lands began with the University Endowment Land Act of 1907 that set apart land for the University of British Columbia’s future development. The Act was amended several times, and greenspace conservation was made official in 1989 with the opening of Pacific Spirit Park, which set apart 1,800 acres for forest preservation and renewal. As a result, the bulk of available real estate in the University Endowment Lands lies in the relatively concentrated University Hill community of approximately 2,800 residents. The quiet, suburban-like atmosphere is set between acres of forest and the breathtaking University of British Columbia campus.

Schools

As one would expect in a neighbourhood called University, the availability of schooling for all ages is plentiful in this area.

University Hill Elementary and the nearby Southlands Elementary offer all of the services for the younger children in the family. University Hill Secondary school and Lord Byng Secondary (just across the district’s border) both offer quality education for the older members of your family. If there is an interest in private schooling, then the Westside Christian School and St. George’s School (along the eastern border) can satisfy those needs.

The presence of the renowned University of British Columbia that centers this whole district offers unsurpassed educational opportunities for all.

Location

The University community provides you the opportunity to feel a part of Vancouver’s vibrant city life. At the same time, you situate yourself a comfortable distance from the city bustle. From any point in the neighbourhood, you’re just a short walk away from a forest, beaches, or stunning views of ocean and mountains.

Housing

Although parts of the University area do contain diverse housing options ranging from student accommodation to mid to high-end strata titled homes, the premium land here features some of the most prestigious addresses in the Greater Vancouver region, with many in excess of the $10-million range.

There has been, in recent years, a shift to building multi-family townhouse units complete with secondary suites. These attached secondary suites offer a way for the average homeowner to accommodate the high cost of housing in this unique work/live area.

Recreation

On the university grounds, you can take in such attractions as the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial (Japanese) Garden. Pacific Spirit Park offers an extensive system of trails to explore, for nature hikes, dog walking, biking or horseback riding. And of course, being on the Western tip of the Lower Mainland affords access to two beaches ideal for sports, jogging or simply relaxing.

Shopping

Medium-size mall complexes are being integrated with multi-level housing. These shopping areas cater to every household purchase a University resident may have need, from groceries to liquor, prescriptions to birthday gifts. The UBC has the desire for University to become a true sustainable community. The University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) with offices in Westbrook Village is a valuable resource for all the services and amenities UBC offers.

In addition to the shops and restaurants on the University of British Columbia campus, the nearby West 10th Avenue corridor features a colourful array of stores, restaurants, coffee shops and more. Whether you’re curiously exploring or you know exactly what you’re after, the local stores should be more than sufficient for your shopping needs. Also within a short commute is the charming shopping on Dunbar’s main street.

Transportation

This region is about a 30 minute drive to downtown, and offers both a direct and a scenic route to the airport. Catering to the sizable student population means the University neighbourhood is well serviced by Vancouver’s transit system.

Video
Neighbourhood Resources

University Video

Below is a list of external links to websites that contain useful information about the University neighbourhood.

University of British Columbia (U.B.C.)
British Columbia's largest University.
Pacific Spirit Park
Containing ocean beaches, upland temperate rain forest and the Fraser River estuary.
Chan Centre for Performing Arts
Among North America's premier performing arts centres.

University Active Listings Summary | as of January 16, 2021

The table shown below is a current snapshot of all the active listings in University, segmented by residential property types. The second column is a calculation of the current median asking price, while the third column is the summed total of all active listings for the related property type. Please note that this table is updated every 24 hours.

Quick Tip: Gain instant access to all of the related listings by selecting a row in the table and pushing the button below.

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University MLS^® HPI Benchmark Prices | December, 2020

Current Benchmark Price (1 Storey Detached):
$3,725,800

The MLS® HPI Benchmark Price shown above represents the current expected sales price for a typical or “Benchmark” 1 Storey Detached home in University.

The MLS® HPI takes into consideration what averages and medians do not – items such as lot size, age, number of rooms, etc. The most commonly traded set of these attributes describes the composite of the typical or ‘benchmark’ property type in a given area. Prices paid for homes with these attributes determine benchmark home prices.

Historical Benchmark Price Changes (1 Storey Detached)

Current Benchmark Price (2 Storey Detached):
$4,198,300

The MLS® HPI Benchmark Price shown above represents the current expected sales price for a typical or “Benchmark” 2 Storey Detached home in University.

Historical Benchmark Price Changes (2 Storey Detached)

Current Benchmark Price (Apartment):
$924,900

The MLS® HPI Benchmark Price shown above represents the current expected sales price for a typical or “Benchmark” Apartment home in University.

Historical Benchmark Price Changes (Apartment)

Current Benchmark Price (Single Family Detached):
$4,099,000

The MLS® HPI Benchmark Price shown above represents the current expected sales price for a typical or “Benchmark” Single Family Detached home in University.

Historical Benchmark Price Changes (Single Family Detached)

Current Benchmark Price (Townhouse):
$1,537,200

The MLS® HPI Benchmark Price shown above represents the current expected sales price for a typical or “Benchmark” Townhouse home in University.

Historical Benchmark Price Changes (Townhouse)

University Market Trends

The MLS® Home Price Index is modelled on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures the rate of price change for a basket of goods and services including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Instead of measuring goods and services, the HPI measures the change in the price of housing features. Thus, the HPI measures typical, pure price change (inflation or deflation).

The graph below charts the historical Home Price Index
over a 3 year period.

Quick Tip: Click on a property type in the chart’s legend to dynamically remove or add that line to the chart.