July 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Burnaby & New Westminster Density Changes

July 2025 Real Estate Market Update: Burnaby & New Westminster Density Changes

The July 2025 real estate market update shows major shifts underway in Burnaby real estate and New Westminster real estate, as the province pushes forward with aggressive zoning reforms to address the housing crisis. Among Metro Vancouver municipalities, Burnaby is emerging as the clear leader in adopting new Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) zoning, enabling higher residential density and opening up opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

What Is SSMUH Zoning?

SSMUH zoning is part of British Columbia’s strategy to increase housing supply by allowing multiple units on lots traditionally zoned for single-family homes. Under the new rules, most Burnaby residential lots can now support up to four units, with some allowing up to six. These changes are reshaping what’s possible for homeowners and developers—and fast. Key benefits include:

• No FSR limits – larger, family-sized homes over 2,000 sq. ft. are now permitted.
• Higher building heights – for more creative and functional designs.
• Reduced parking minimums – better land use and lower development barriers.
• Expanded housing options – including duplexes, multiplexes, and rowhomes.

The initiative is supported by the BC NDP’s housing strategy, which provides funding to municipalities to assist with infrastructure, planning, and implementation.

Burnaby Moves Ahead, New Westminster Lags Behind

As Burnaby charges ahead with more than 180 development applications already filed, other cities—including New Westminster—are proceeding more cautiously. New Westminster, Coquitlam, and the District of North Vancouver have yet to fully embrace the new zoning changes, prompting concern from the provincial government. Premier David Eby has emphasized that municipalities must act quickly—or face intervention. With the NDP securing another term, expect continued pressure on lagging cities to align with provincial housing goals.

The Cost of Progress: Development Fees on the Rise

While zoning changes offer new opportunities, rising development charges are posing challenges. These municipal fees, meant to fund infrastructure and community amenities, can make building less financially attractive—especially for smaller developers. Finding a balance between generating city revenue and encouraging housing development will be critical to ensuring progress doesn’t stall.

What This Means for Burnaby & New Westminster Real Estate

If you own, plan to buy, or are considering investing in Burnaby or New Westminster, these zoning changes could significantly impact your property’s value and potential. Increased density:

• Boosts redevelopment opportunities – especially on standard single-family lots.
• Adds flexibility for multi-generational living, rental income, or stratification.
• Creates demand for underutilized lots that can now host four or more homes.

But beware—rising construction and permit costs may eat into margins, making early entry and careful planning more important than ever.

Final Thoughts: Burnaby Leads, But the Pressure Is On

With the July 2025 market update showing Burnaby’s proactive response to the housing crisis, it’s clear that the city is leading Metro Vancouver into a denser, more flexible housing future. Whether New Westminster and others follow willingly—or are pushed by the province—remains to be seen.

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Selling in Burnaby or New Westminster?

If you’re looking to make a move in this rapidly evolving market, now is the time to understand the new rules, opportunities, and risks.

Download our Free Seller’s Guide to learn:

• How to position your property in a buyer’s market
• What upgrades deliver the highest ROI
• How to attract qualified buyers in Burnaby and New West

Click HERE to get your Seller’s Guide and start the process with confidence. Have questions about how these zoning changes impact your property in Burnaby or New Westminster? 📩 Contact Us today for expert insights and tailored advice.