Parm Bains, a 33-year-old chef based in Vancouver, has recently purchased his first condominium after more than a decade of renting shared accommodations. Born and raised in Victoria, Mr. Bains moved to Vancouver at age 19 to pursue a culinary career and had been living with roommates in various apartments throughout the city until his recent home purchase.
Until 2023, Mr. Bains had not seriously considered homeownership. However, a turning point came when he became sober, prompting him to focus on financial goals, including saving for a condo. In the summer of 2025, a contribution from his father toward the down payment made buying a property attainable. By early 2026, Mr. Bains set a $500,000 budget for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit in Vancouver. His priorities included a parking space, proximity to SkyTrain transit options, ample natural light, and amenities such as a private balcony and access to a gym.
With assistance from realtor Philip Yorke, Mr. Bains explored several options amid a market characterized by increased inventory and fewer sales, which Yorke described as favorable for buyers currently.
Among the top choices was a renovated 550-square-foot corner unit in Downtown Vancouver, located at Howe and Davie streets. Built in 1994 but updated with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, the unit featured an indoor pool, gym, parking spot, and storage locker. While bright and conveniently close to work, it lacked a balcony and was near the upper limit of Mr. Bains’s budget at $484,000.
Another contender was a smaller 414-square-foot unit in Renfrew-Collingwood, in a building completed in 2012. This 10th-floor condo offered floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony with sweeping city and mountain views, and a kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, including a gas stove. However, the bedroom was notably small and unable to accommodate a queen-sized bed. The asking price was $479,900.
Ultimately, Mr. Bains selected an older 517-square-foot unit in Joyce-Collingwood with a separate kitchen and balcony overlooking the mountains and Burnaby skyline. Priced at $469,900, the building was constructed in 1998 and featured aging appliances that would require replacement. The unit also included a parking spot and was conveniently near the Joyce-Collingwood SkyTrain station, offering a 22-minute commute to his workplace at Rogers Arena.
Mr. Bains bought the condo in April 2025 and moved in shortly thereafter. He described the transition as “surreal” and appreciated the newfound privacy and comfort after years of shared living. Although the unit’s older appliances, including a leaking refrigerator, posed minor challenges, he has enjoyed performing maintenance tasks and plans gradual upgrades such as new countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
To accommodate guests, Mr. Bains purchased a pullout couch, which enables him to host visitors comfortably. He anticipates living in the condo for at least five years and expressed contentment with his decision, noting that having a personal space has been a significant positive influence on his mood and lifestyle.