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Thinking of Buying a Home in Surrey, BC? Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes

If you're planning to buy a home in Surrey, BC, you're not alone — it's one of the fastest-growing cities in the province, and for good reason. From vibrant neighborhoods to great schools and parks, it’s an amazing place to live. But whether you're a first-time buyer or moving within the area, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Here are 5 common home-buying mistakes in Surrey that you’ll want to avoid — and what to do instead.

1. Starting Your Search Without Getting Pre-Approved

You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s worth repeating: get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes. Why?

You’ll know exactly what you can afford.

You’ll avoid falling in love with a home that’s outside your budget.

Sellers will take you more seriously — especially in a competitive market like Surrey.

Without pre-approval, you risk wasting time and missing out on homes you could have actually bought.

2. Forgetting About the “Real” Cost of Owning a Home

It’s not just about the listing price. Many buyers focus only on their mortgage payments and forget about:

Property taxes

Strata fees (for condos or townhouses)

Home insurance

Utilities

Maintenance and repairs

Possible renovation costs

Make sure you factor these into your budget. A home might look affordable until you add everything up.

3. Skipping the Home Inspection

In a hot market, some buyers are tempted to skip the home inspection just to get the deal done faster. Don’t do it. Even newer homes can have hidden problems — plumbing, roofing, electrical, or foundation issues.

A few hundred dollars now can save you thousands later. Always get the inspection done.

4. Not Doing Enough Research on the Neighborhood

You might find the perfect house, but what about the area around it? In Surrey, different neighborhoods offer very different lifestyles. Before making an offer, look into:

School catchments

Transit options

Local parks and amenities

Crime rates 

Future developments nearbyrive through the area at different times of day. Talk to neighbors if you can. A little research goes a long way.

5. Letting Emotions Take Over

Buying a home is exciting, but it’s also a huge financial decision. Don’t let emotions push you to overpay or ignore red flags.

✅ Stick to your budget.

✅ Know your must-haves and deal-breakers.

✅ Be prepared to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Work with The Sidhu Team who know the Surrey market   offer honest advice without pressure. 

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Surrey, BC? Avoiding these 5 mistakes can help you make a smart, confident decision — and find a place you’ll truly love.

If you have questions about the market, neighborhoods, or the buying process, feel free to reach out. We are here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Harjit Sidhu PREC 

Pardeep Sidhu Realtor 

778 896 2478 

Planet Group Realty inc 

The Sidhu Team 

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✅ Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) Surrey BC : Can You Now Build a Duplex, Coach House, or Fourplex?

📞 Not sure what this means for your property? Call us for expert advice (778-896-2478) — we're here to help you understand your options and next steps.

Big news for Surrey homeowners: As of July 8, 2024, the City of Surrey has adopted major zoning bylaw changes to allow more housing options in single-family and duplex neighbourhoods. These changes align with new provincial housing legislation and could mean you can now build additional units on your property — without needing to rezone.

If you’ve ever thought about adding a rental suite, coach house, or even converting your home into a fourplex, this could be your moment.

🔍 Has Your Zoning Changed?

Use our online tool to check if your property is affected by the new small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) rules.

What Is Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)?

SSMUH includes a range of housing types designed to be more affordable and flexible — perfect for growing families, rental income, or multi-generational living.

Under the new zoning, you may now be able to build:

A secondary suite in your home

A detached garden suite or coach house

A duplex (side-by-side or stacked)

A triplex or fourplex (Houseplex)

These changes are designed to:

Increase the housing supply in Surrey

Support more affordable housing options

Simplify the development process

Help homeowners maximize their property value

Align with B.C. provincial housing legislation

Why This Matters to Homeowners

This is a big opportunity for anyone who owns property in Surrey’s former single-family or duplex zones. With the new rules in place, you might be able to:

Build additional housing without rezoning

Create rental income

Add space for family or aging parents

Increase your property’s resale value

Help address the housing crisis in B.C.

📍 Check Now: Is Your Property Eligible For Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)? 

👉  Click here

📞 Questions? Call us ( 778 896 2478) for expert advice — we're happy to guide you through your options based on your specific lot and goals.

These Surrey zoning changes are a game-changer for property owners. Whether you’re planning to build a rental unit, add a coach house, or develop a #houseplex, now’s the time to explore your options.

Don’t wait — check your zoning and call us for help planning your next step.

#Small-Scale #Multi-Unit #Housing (#SSMUH) #Duplex #Coachhouse

The Sidhu Team

Harjit Sidhu PREC*

778 896 2478

Plane Group Realty 

Read

✅ Surrey Zoning Changes: Can You Now Build a Duplex, Coach House, or Fourplex? Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)

📞 Not sure what this means for your property? Call us for expert advice (7788962478) — we're here to help you understand your options and next steps.

Big news for Surrey homeowners: As of July 8, 2024, the City of Surrey has adopted major zoning bylaw changes to allow more housing options in single-family and duplex neighbourhoods. These changes align with new provincial housing legislation and could mean you can now build additional units on your property — without needing to rezone.

If you’ve ever thought about adding a rental suite, coach house, or even converting your home into a fourplex, this could be your moment.

🔍 Has Your Zoning Changed?

Use our online tool to check if your property is affected by the new small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) rules.

What Is Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH)?

SSMUH includes a range of housing types designed to be more affordable and flexible — perfect for growing families, rental income, or multi-generational living.

Under the new zoning, you may now be able to build:

A secondary suite in your home

A detached garden suite or coach house

A duplex (side-by-side or stacked)

A triplex or fourplex (houseplex)

These changes are designed to:

Increase the housing supply in Surrey

Support more affordable housing options

Simplify the development process

Help homeowners maximize their property value

Align with B.C. provincial housing legislation

Why This Matters to Homeowners

This is a big opportunity for anyone who owns property in Surrey’s former single-family or duplex zones. With the new rules in place, you might be able to:

Build additional housing without rezoning

Create rental income

Add space for family or aging parents

Increase your property’s resale value

Help address the housing crisis in B.C.

📍 Check Now: Is Your Property Eligible?

👇👇⬇️ https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/82e7e3ef601540f0b88ce892299934ad

📞 Questions? Call us for expert advice — we're happy to guide you through your options based on your specific lot and goals.

These Surrey zoning changes are a game-changer for property owners. Whether you’re planning to build a rental unit, add a coach house, or develop a #houseplex, now’s the time to explore your options.

Don’t wait — check your zoning and call us for help planning your next step.

#Small-Scale #Multi-Unit #Housing (#SSMUH) #Duplex #Coachhouse

The Sidhu Team

Harjit Sidhu PREC*

778 896 2478

Plane Group Realty 

Read