Area guide for first-time buyers

Buying your first home in New Westminster

New West is small, walkable and right on SkyTrain, with condos that often cost less than Burnaby or Vancouver. It's one of the easiest places in Metro Vancouver to buy a first condo without giving up the commute.

English, Telugu or Hindi, your choice. I'm Laxman Hanmaiahgari PREC*, a REALTOR® helping first-time buyers in New Westminster. Whether you're new to Canada or have lived here for years, I'll walk you through prices, schools, commute and every cost upfront. Family is always welcome at the table.

English · తెలుగు · हिन्दी   About me First-time buyer guide Telugu-speaking? Start here

What's available in New Westminster

Browse live listings by home type. Tap one to see what's for sale right now.

1 bed condoThe most common first home in New West.Browse listings → 2 bed condoRoom for a partner, a baby or a home office.Browse listings → 3 bed townhomeMostly in Queensborough and Sapperton.Browse listings → Single-family homeClassic character homes in Queens Park and Glenbrooke.Browse listings →
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Prices change every month. Tap and I'll send you today's starting prices for all four in New Westminster, same day.

What New Westminster offers

  • Five SkyTrain stations: 22nd Street, New Westminster, Columbia, Sapperton and Braid. Downtown Vancouver is about 25–30 minutes on the Expo Line.
  • Royal Columbian Hospital in Sapperton is in the middle of a major expansion, which brings jobs and new homes nearby.
  • The new Pattullo Bridge links New West to Surrey, and Highway 1 and the Queensborough Bridge are close by.
  • Riverfront walks at the Quay and Westminster Pier Park, plus Queens Park for families.
  • A real small-city feel: local shops on Columbia Street and Sixth Street, and most errands within walking distance.

Neighbourhoods to know

Each part of New West suits a different kind of first-time buyer.

Condo buyers

Close to SkyTrain

  1. Downtown & the QuayRiverfront
  2. UptownOlder, larger
  3. SappertonNewer towers

Townhome buyers

More space, still close in

  1. QueensboroughNewer builds
  2. Victoria HillParks, quiet
  3. SappertonNear hospital

Families

Schools and parks first

  1. Queens ParkCharacter homes
  2. Glenbrooke NorthQuiet streets
  3. QueensboroughCommunity centre

Want school ratings for a specific home? Send me the address and I'll check the catchment for you.

Presales in New Westminster

  • Most new towers are in Sapperton (around the Brewery District) and Downtown near New Westminster station.
  • Queensborough has newer townhome communities, often with more space for the money.
  • Deposits are usually 10–20% in total, paid in steps.
  • In BC you get 7 days to cancel a presale in writing after you sign.
  • Completion is often 2–4 years away, so plan your savings and pre-approval for that date.
  • First-time buyers can often get the GST back on new homes up to $1 million, and pay no transfer tax on newly built homes up to $1.1 million they live in.
  • New to presales? Read my BC presale guide (deposits, the 7-day rule, what to check).
  • Comparing nearby? See my Burnaby presale page and Coquitlam presale page.

First-time buyer questions in New Westminster

How much down payment do I need in New Westminster?

The minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the amount above that, up to $1.5 million. On a $600,000 condo that's $35,000. You'll also need about 1.5% for closing costs.

What first-time buyer savings can I use?

The FHSA lets you save up to $40,000 tax-free. The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets you take out up to $60,000. In BC, first-time buyers pay no property transfer tax on the first $500,000 of homes up to $835,000, and new homes can qualify for the GST rebate.

Is New Westminster a good place for first-time buyers?

For many, yes. Condos often cost less than in Burnaby or Vancouver, there are five SkyTrain stations, and the city is easy to get around. Many buildings are older, so checking the strata is important.

Downtown, Uptown or Sapperton?

Downtown and the Quay are on the river and right at SkyTrain. Uptown has older, larger condos near shops. Sapperton has newer towers near the hospital and the Brewery District. I'll match you to the one that fits your budget and commute.

What should I check before buying an older condo?

The depreciation report, the last two years of strata minutes, the contingency fund, and any planned special levies or repairs like roofs, pipes or a rainscreen. I go through these with you before you remove subjects.

Do I pay you to help me buy?

Usually no. On a resale home the seller pays the commission, and on a presale the developer does. You get my help from start to finish at no cost to you.

My take: New Westminster is one of the best-value places to buy a first condo near SkyTrain. Focus on a well-run building more than a perfect view, and read the strata documents carefully. Want me to send you today's best options? WhatsApp me “START”.

More: Buying in Burnaby · Buying in the Tri-Cities · Buying in Surrey · What can I afford?