Burnaby presales · Updated October 2026
Burnaby Presale Realtor for First-Time Buyers
Burnaby's presales are built around its SkyTrain hubs: Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed and Edmonds. Most are high-rise condos, close to Vancouver jobs without Vancouver prices. I help first-time buyers compare towers that can look the same on paper but aren't.
By Laxman Hanmaiahgari PREC*, REALTOR® with Real Broker B.C. Ltd. I work for the buyer, not the developer, in English, Telugu and Hindi.
Where the presales are in Burnaby
Almost every Burnaby presale is near a SkyTrain station. The choice is really about which hub fits your life.
Metrotown (Expo Line)
The biggest cluster of towers in Burnaby, next to Metropolis at Metrotown. Lots of choice and good resale demand, but also lots of competition, so floor plan and view matter.
Brentwood (Millennium Line)
A newer master-planned area around The Amazing Brentwood with shopping, restaurants and parks. Popular with young professionals.
Lougheed (Expo and Millennium lines)
Where both lines meet, with a large new community being built around the mall. Easy access to Coquitlam, SFU and Highway 1.
Edmonds and Royal Oak (Expo Line)
Quieter, more residential areas in south Burnaby. Often a slightly lower entry price than Metrotown for a first condo.
What I check before you sign
- The developer's record. Past projects, delays, build quality and how they handled deficiencies.
- The deposit schedule. How much, when, and whether it fits your savings plan.
- Completion and outside dates. When you'll realistically move in, and how late the developer is allowed to be.
- Assignment and rental rules. Whether you can sell your contract before completion or rent the home out later.
- Real monthly costs. Estimated strata fees, parking, storage and what's actually included.
- Resale comparison. I compare the price with similar resale homes nearby, because your lender will appraise the home at completion.
- Your 7-day review. We use the cancel period to have a lawyer or notary read the contract before your deposit is locked in.
Is a Burnaby presale right for you?
| A presale fits if you… | Resale may be better if you… |
|---|---|
| Can wait 1 to 4 years to move in | Need to move in the next few months |
| Want a brand-new home with warranty | Want a bigger or older floor plan |
| Want time to save while deposits build | Want to see the exact home before you buy |
| Qualify for the first-time buyer GST rebate | Found a resale priced close to the presale |
Buying to resell quickly? BC's home flipping tax can apply if you sell within two years, and assignment sales have their own rules. I'll walk you through both before you decide.
బర్నబీలో ప్రీసేల్ ఇల్లు కొనాలనుకుంటున్నారా?
డిపాజిట్, GST రిబేట్, 7 రోజుల cancel హక్కు వంటివి మీకు తెలుగులో సులభంగా వివరిస్తాను. हिंदी में भी बात कर सकते हैं।
Burnaby presale questions
Is Burnaby a good place for a first-time buyer's presale?
Often, yes, if you want a condo near SkyTrain and close to Vancouver. Many one- and two-bedroom presales in Burnaby fall under $1 million, which can qualify for the first-time buyer GST rebate. Townhome presales are rarer and usually cost more.
Metrotown or Brentwood: which is better?
Both are strong. Metrotown has more choice and the busiest transit and shopping. Brentwood is newer and feels more planned. The better pick depends on the specific building, floor plan, price per square foot and strata fees, which I compare side by side for you.
Are strata fees higher in Burnaby towers?
They can be. Towers with pools, gyms and concierge usually have higher strata fees. Developers give an estimate in the disclosure statement, and I factor it into your monthly budget before you sign.
How much deposit do Burnaby presales need?
Most ask for 10–20% in total, paid in steps over several months. Some projects ask for less up front. Your deposit is held in trust, and you'll need the rest of your down payment and closing costs ready at completion.
Do I need my own realtor if the developer has a sales team?
The sales centre team works for the developer. Your own realtor works for you: comparing projects, reviewing the deposit terms and disclosure statement, and checking the price against resale. On most presales the developer pays the buyer's agent, so there's usually no cost to you.
Can first-time buyers get the GST back on a Burnaby presale?
Often, yes. The federal first-time home buyers' GST rebate can remove up to $50,000 of GST on a new home up to $1 million, with a partial rebate up to $1.5 million, for agreements signed on or after May 27, 2025 that meet the rules. BC's newly built home exemption can also remove property transfer tax on new homes up to $1.1 million you live in.
Want this month's Burnaby presale list?
I'll send you a short list of Burnaby presales that fit your budget, with deposits and completion dates.
WhatsApp me “PRESALE” Full BC presale guideMore: Buying your first home in Burnaby · Langley presales · First-time buyer guide
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, transit timelines and rules change; confirm with your lawyer, accountant or the government before you act. Sources: BC Financial Services Authority (REDMA), Government of BC (property transfer tax, home flipping tax, transit projects), Government of Canada (GST rebates).