Vancouver Homeowners Are Losing Buyers Over This Overlooked Detail
- ENGIPRO
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
The Silent Worry of Strata Sellers
If you're trying to sell a unit in a 10+ year old building in Vancouver, you’re not alone in feeling stuck. Many homeowners in BC's aging strata buildings are watching newer condos get multiple offers—while their own units sit stale on the MLS.
Why Buyers Walk Away from Older Units
Today’s buyers are smart—and cautious. With mortgage rates higher than before and maintenance fees increasing, most buyers want to know exactly what they're buying into.
When an older strata lacks an up-to-date Depreciation Report in BC, potential buyers start asking:
“Is a special levy coming?”
“How much life is left in the roof or plumbing?”
“Is the reserve fund dangerously low?”
“Why hasn’t this strata planned for the future?”
The absence of answers kills deals—even if your suite is beautifully renovated.
How a Depreciation Report Rebuilds Buyer Confidence
When your strata provides a clear, recent DR:
Buyers see your capital plan and know costs are managed
Realtors can show reserve fund health and timing of repairs
Mortgage brokers feel more secure approving financing
Insurers may offer better terms due to risk transparency
A clear Depreciation Report can reduce fear, shorten days on market, and increase offer strength.
When to Update Your Strata’s DR for Resale
You should recommend a DR update if:
The current report is older than 3 years
Your building is over 10 years old
No clear capital plan exists for the next 5 years
CRF is underfunded or flat despite aging assets
How ENGIPRO Helps Owners and Realtors Close Faster
7–14 day delivery available for resale support
Summary DR versions for MLS packages
Includes RUL (Remaining Useful Life) tables and replacement forecasts
Created by local BC engineers who know lender and realtor expectations
The Report That Sells the Home
Don't let an outdated or missing Depreciation Report stall your sale. In 2025’s market, buyers want data, not guesswork.
Selling a unit in an aging strata? Start with a document that gives buyers peace of mind—and gives you leverage at the table.
Other Resources:
Greater Vancouver REALTORS® | CREA Statistics - https://creastats.crea.ca/board/vanc
Financial best practices for stratas - https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/strata-housing/operating-a-strata/finances-and-insurance/financial-best-practices
How Much Does a Depreciation Report Cost in BC? - https://www.engipro.ca/post/how-much-does-a-depreciation-report-cost-in-bc
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