Real Estate Statistics
| Average Price | $1.8M |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | $1.7K |
| Highest Price | $8M |
| Total Listings | 242 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $1K |
Property Types (active listings)
Renfrew Listings & Homes for Sale
Renfrew Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Renfrew is an established East Vancouver neighbourhood that has been changing steadily without losing its residential character. Often discussed together with Renfrew Heights, the area stretches from East Hastings Street toward Grandview Highway, with Nanaimo Street to the west and Boundary Road to the east.
Its location makes it practical for people who need to travel between Vancouver, Burnaby, the North Shore, and other parts of the region. At the same time, many of Renfrew’s residential streets feel removed from the busier roads surrounding them.
The neighbourhood is known for deep lots, rear lanes, mature trees, detached homes, secondary suites, duplexes, laneway houses, and a growing number of multiplex properties. Depending on the elevation and direction of the home, some properties also have views toward Burrard Inlet or the North Shore Mountains.
Renfrew has traditionally attracted families and long-term homeowners. Today, it also appeals to first-time move-up buyers, multigenerational households, investors, builders, and homeowners looking for a property with a mortgage helper or future redevelopment potential.
There is no single Renfrew housing market. The elevated streets of Renfrew Heights feel different from the neighbourhood pockets surrounding Rupert Park. Homes near Renfrew or Rupert SkyTrain stations appeal to a different buyer than a detached property closer to Hastings Street.
Understanding those smaller differences is important when buying, selling, or evaluating the long-term potential of a Renfrew property.
Understanding the Renfrew Housing Market
Renfrew’s housing stock reflects several different periods of East Vancouver development.
Buyers will find modest post-war bungalows, early character homes, Craftsman-style houses, Vancouver Specials, renovated detached properties, contemporary custom homes, duplexes, low-rise condominiums, and newer multiplex residences.
Many of the detached homes sit on traditional Vancouver lots with rear-lane access. A common lot configuration is approximately 33 feet wide and 122 feet deep, although wider properties are found throughout Renfrew Heights and other parts of the neighbourhood.
The local topography also varies. Some streets are relatively level, while others rise toward the southern portion of the neighbourhood. Elevation can improve views and natural light, but it may also create sloped yards, steeper driveways, retaining walls, and drainage considerations.
Location within the neighbourhood can affect the buying experience considerably. A property close to Hastings Street may provide convenient access to shops, restaurants, and transit. A home near Grandview Highway may offer easier access to SkyTrain, Highway 1, and Burnaby. Properties around Rupert Park can provide a quieter residential setting close to recreation.
Buyers should consider how they expect to use the neighbourhood rather than focusing only on the house. Commute, transit, schools, parks, shopping, lot configuration, suite potential, and future plans for the property may all influence which part of Renfrew is the best fit.
Renfrew Heights
Renfrew Heights occupies the southern and more elevated portion of the neighbourhood, generally extending toward Grandview Highway.
The area is primarily residential, with detached homes lining streets that rise and fall with the terrain. Depending on the location, some properties offer open views toward the mountains or surrounding city.
Housing includes post-war bungalows, split-level houses, Vancouver Specials, renovated family homes, and newer custom residences.
Vancouver Specials are a particularly important part of the local housing stock. These homes were often designed with a substantial lower level and a relatively efficient use of the lot. Many have ground-level accommodation that may function as a secondary suite, family space, home office, or mortgage helper.
The wide range of layouts makes Renfrew Heights appealing to multigenerational families. A household may be able to accommodate parents, adult children, extended family members, or tenants while maintaining a degree of separation between living areas.
Buyers should verify how any secondary accommodation was constructed and whether it is registered or authorized. Separate entrances, ceiling heights, fire separation, electrical work, heating, ventilation, and utility arrangements should all be reviewed carefully.
The slope also deserves attention. A higher property may receive more light and offer a better outlook, but buyers should examine driveway access, yard usability, retaining structures, exterior stairs, and the way surface water moves around the site.
Visiting the property during different times of day can help a buyer understand sunlight, traffic, parking, and how the surrounding homes affect privacy.
North Renfrew and the East 1st Avenue Corridor
North Renfrew extends from the Hastings Street area toward East 1st Avenue.
This part of the neighbourhood combines established residential streets with access to some of East Vancouver’s busier commercial corridors. Buyers can live within a quiet pocket while remaining close to local shops, restaurants, cafés, transit, and everyday services.
The housing stock includes early character homes, Craftsman-style bungalows, post-war houses, duplexes, and newer infill properties.
Some older homes retain original details such as wood flooring, traditional trim, covered porches, and established gardens. Others have been substantially renovated or replaced.
Character-home buyers should look beyond the visible finishes. Electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, drainage, foundations, insulation, windows, additions, and previous suite construction may all require investigation.
Newer side-by-side duplexes have also become an important part of the area. These properties can provide ground-oriented living, private entrances, outdoor space, and several bedrooms without the cost or maintenance responsibilities of a traditional detached house.
Low-rise condominium and mixed-use development has appeared along portions of East 1st Avenue and Hastings Street. These properties can appeal to first-time buyers, downsizers, and people who want to live close to shops and transit.
The exact street matters. A home near a commercial corridor may offer excellent convenience but experience more traffic and activity. Properties only a few blocks away may feel much quieter while still being within walking distance of the same amenities.
Rupert Park and the Kaslo Street Pockets
The residential pockets surrounding Rupert Park and Kaslo Street are often quieter than Renfrew’s main transportation corridors.
Many streets have limited through-traffic, making the area appealing to families and buyers who prefer a more traditional residential setting.
Housing includes detached homes, renovated bungalows, Vancouver Specials, duplexes, laneway houses, and other infill properties. Some homes have private backyards, mature gardens, garages, or direct access to the rear lane.
Rupert Park is a major neighbourhood feature. Its open space, sports facilities, playgrounds, tennis courts, picnic areas, and pitch-and-putt course provide recreation within walking distance of surrounding homes.
For families, the relationship between the property and the park can be a meaningful part of the buying decision. Buyers should consider the walking route, nearby street crossings, parking conditions, and whether the property faces or backs onto a busier recreation area.
Homes near a park may benefit from open views and convenient access to green space. They may also experience tournament activity, evening lighting, weekend traffic, or additional street parking.
The best fit depends on how the buyer expects to use the area.
Detached Homes in Renfrew
Detached homes remain a central part of Renfrew’s real estate market.
The neighbourhood includes properties from several eras, ranging from early twentieth-century houses to modern custom construction.
Older homes may offer valuable character, established landscaping, full basements, secondary suites, and long-term land value. They may also require updates to major systems.
Buyers should investigate the roof, drainage, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, sewer connection, windows, insulation, heating equipment, and permit history.
An updated kitchen or new flooring does not necessarily mean the home’s structural and mechanical systems have been modernized.
The condition of the lower level is particularly important. Renfrew’s housing stock includes many basement suites and ground-level accommodations. Buyers should look for signs of moisture, past water entry, inadequate ventilation, low ceiling heights, and unpermitted construction.
Lot characteristics can have as much influence on value as the condition of the house. Frontage, depth, lane access, slope, trees, sunlight, easements, and neighbouring development may all affect how the property can be used in the future.
For buyers planning a major renovation or redevelopment, municipal confirmation should be obtained before removing conditions.
Vancouver Specials and Secondary Suites
Vancouver Specials are common throughout Renfrew and Renfrew Heights.
These homes were generally designed to maximize interior space on a standard urban lot. Their broad upper floors and ground-level lower areas often provide more usable space than buyers expect from the exterior.
For families, the layout can be practical. The main living space may occupy the upper floor, while the lower level provides bedrooms, recreation space, a home office, or separate accommodation.
For investors and buyers managing a larger mortgage, a secondary suite may provide valuable income. The income should not be assumed until the suite has been reviewed properly.
Buyers should confirm whether the suite is registered with the City of Vancouver and whether its construction meets current requirements. Fire separation, smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, bedroom windows, electrical work, heating, ventilation, and safe access should all be considered.
Separate laundry and utilities can make a suite more functional, but buyers should verify how these systems are arranged.
Sellers with a well-maintained and properly documented suite should organize the related permits, rental information, utility details, and maintenance records before listing.
Clear information can help buyers understand the property and may reduce uncertainty during negotiations.
Duplexes, Multiplexes and Ground-Oriented Housing
Renfrew has seen steady growth in ground-oriented housing.
Side-by-side duplexes provide an alternative for buyers who want a private entrance, several bedrooms, outdoor space, and a residential neighbourhood without purchasing an entire detached property.
Newer multiplex developments may divide a traditional lot into several individually owned homes. These properties can include front residences, rear residences, garden-level homes, or units distributed across multiple floors.
The ownership structure should be reviewed carefully. Some duplexes and multiplexes operate as small strata corporations, which means owners may share responsibility for insurance, roofing, exterior walls, drainage, landscaping, utility systems, or other common components.
A small strata may not have the same level of formal financial planning as a large condominium building. Buyers should understand how decisions are made, how repairs are funded, and what responsibilities belong to each owner.
Sound transfer, privacy, garbage storage, parking, outdoor-space boundaries, and access from the street or lane should also be evaluated.
Layout is often more important than total square footage. A well-designed home with useful storage, good natural light, and practical bedroom placement may function better than a larger property with awkward stairs or limited outdoor space.
R1-1 Zoning and Multiplex Potential
Renfrew’s residential landscape is changing under Vancouver’s R1-1 zoning framework.
The zoning was introduced to allow more housing choices on many properties that were previously associated primarily with detached homes. Depending on the lot, project design, servicing, and other requirements, qualifying properties may support duplexes, multiplexes, secondary suites, or other forms of infill housing.
Traditional 33-foot-wide lots with rear-lane access may have potential for several homes. Wider properties may support additional density, subject to current municipal requirements.
The number of homes that can actually be built depends on more than lot width.
Site area, trees, sewer and water servicing, building design, parking, lane conditions, setbacks, open-space requirements, energy performance, and existing structures may all influence what is possible.
A property that appears suitable for redevelopment may have limitations that are not obvious during a showing.
Buyers should not rely only on a listing description, informal opinion, or neighbouring project. Current information should be confirmed directly with the City of Vancouver and the appropriate planning, design, legal, and construction professionals.
Sellers should also be careful when describing development potential. Broad zoning permission is not the same as an approved design or building permit.
Verified lot dimensions, a recent survey, planning information, and professional feasibility work can help development-minded buyers evaluate the property with greater confidence.
Laneway Homes and Multigenerational Living
Rear lanes are an important part of Renfrew’s housing pattern.
On qualifying properties, a laneway home may provide additional living space behind the principal residence. It may be used for family members, long-term tenants, guests, or other permitted residential purposes.
A laneway home can be especially useful for multigenerational households. Parents, adult children, or extended family members may be able to live on the same property while maintaining greater privacy and independence.
Some owners may prefer to retain the existing main house, maintain a secondary suite, and add a detached laneway residence rather than redeveloping the entire site.
The feasibility of a laneway home depends on the property. Lot dimensions, existing buildings, trees, parking, fire access, servicing, and municipal regulations all need to be considered.
Buyers should verify whether an existing laneway home was built with permits and whether the final approvals are complete.
For sellers, a properly documented laneway residence can be a significant feature. Floor plans, permits, warranty information, utility details, and rental records may help buyers understand the full value and flexibility of the property.
Renfrew Condominiums and Low-Rise Buildings
Although Renfrew is often associated with detached homes, the neighbourhood also includes low-rise condominium buildings and mixed-use developments.
These properties are generally concentrated near transit stations and commercial corridors, including portions of East 1st Avenue, Grandview Highway, Hastings Street, and the areas surrounding Renfrew and Rupert stations.
Low-rise condominiums can provide a more accessible entry point into the neighbourhood. They may appeal to first-time buyers, investors, downsizers, and people who want to remain close to transit without maintaining a detached property.
Wood-frame buildings require the same careful strata review as condominiums elsewhere in Vancouver.
Buyers should examine meeting minutes, depreciation reports, financial statements, insurance, building-envelope history, roof work, balconies, plumbing, windows, and the contingency reserve fund.
Ground-floor units may offer patios and easier access, but buyers should consider privacy, security, drainage, and the relationship between the patio and surrounding common property.
Units near major roads or SkyTrain infrastructure should be visited at different times of day. Traffic, trains, loading activity, and construction may not be obvious during a short showing.
Parking and storage should also be confirmed through the legal documents rather than assumed from marketing information.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Renfrew offers several important parks and outdoor spaces.
Renfrew Ravine Park is centred around Still Creek and provides a natural setting within the city. Forested paths, boardwalks, vegetation, and the creek create an environment that feels different from a conventional neighbourhood park.
The annual Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival is one of the area’s better-known community events, bringing residents together around the ravine and surrounding public spaces.
Rupert Park provides a broader range of active recreation. The park includes a public pitch-and-putt course, tennis courts, sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Renfrew Park and the nearby community facilities provide additional recreation and neighbourhood services. The community centre includes an indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities, a sauna, library services, computer access, and childcare programming.
These amenities can be particularly important to families, seniors, and buyers who want recreation close to home.
When evaluating a property, buyers should consider how they will reach the nearest park or community centre. Distance on a map does not always reflect the comfort of the walking route, especially when busy roads or hills are involved.
Culture, Food and Neighbourhood Life
Renfrew reflects East Vancouver’s multicultural character.
The Italian Cultural Centre on Grandview Highway is an important local landmark. It hosts cultural programming, language classes, community events, exhibits, dining, and other activities.
The neighbourhood’s commercial corridors offer a mix of grocery stores, cafés, restaurants, delis, and independent businesses. Hastings Street, East 1st Avenue, and Grandview Highway each provide a different collection of services and dining options.
Residents are also close to the Pacific National Exhibition grounds and Playland near the northern edge of the broader area. Seasonal fairs, concerts, trade shows, and amusement-park activity contribute to the local entertainment options.
Buyers should consider whether they want to be close to these commercial and cultural destinations or prefer a quieter interior street.
A home near Hastings Street may offer better walkability, while a property farther south may provide easier access to SkyTrain or Highway 1. The right choice depends on how the buyer expects to spend most days.
SkyTrain and Public Transportation
Transportation is one of Renfrew’s strongest practical advantages.
Renfrew Station and Rupert Station serve the neighbourhood through the Millennium Line. These stations provide connections west toward Commercial-Broadway and east toward Brentwood and other parts of Burnaby.
At Commercial-Broadway, passengers can transfer to the Expo Line for travel toward Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster, or Surrey.
The two stations also support different residential pockets. Buyers near Renfrew Station may focus on access to East 12th Avenue and the surrounding low-rise and residential areas. Rupert Station can be practical for people travelling toward Burnaby or living near the eastern side of the neighbourhood.
Walking distance should be evaluated in person. A property advertised as being close to SkyTrain may involve busy intersections, hills, limited sidewalks, or a route that feels different after dark.
Train noise may also affect some properties. Visiting during both peak and quieter periods can help buyers understand the actual sound level.
Driving and Regional Connections
Renfrew is well positioned for drivers travelling throughout Metro Vancouver.
Grandview Highway provides an important east-west route and connects with Highway 1. This can be useful for commuters heading toward Burnaby, the Tri-Cities, the Fraser Valley, or the North Shore.
East Hastings Street provides another direct route toward Downtown Vancouver and North Burnaby.
Boundary Road creates a north-south connection between East Vancouver and Burnaby, with access toward the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, Metrotown, and other regional destinations.
Convenient access does not always mean predictable travel times. Congestion can build around bridge approaches, highway entrances, and major intersections.
Buyers should test their regular commute during the times they expect to travel. The fastest route during the middle of the day may not be the most practical choice during the morning or afternoon rush.
Homes close to major roads should also be evaluated for traffic noise, street parking, and vehicle access.
What Renfrew Buyers Should Consider
Renfrew buyers should begin by deciding what kind of property and neighbourhood setting best fits their needs.
A buyer looking for a secondary suite may focus on Vancouver Specials or other multi-level detached homes. Someone seeking lower-maintenance ownership may prefer a duplex, multiplex residence, or low-rise condominium.
Families interested in parks and quieter streets may consider the Rupert Park and Kaslo Street pockets. Buyers who prioritize rapid transit may focus closer to Renfrew or Rupert stations.
Detached-home buyers should examine the property as a complete site.
Lot frontage, depth, rear-lane access, slope, trees, drainage, sunlight, and neighbouring development can all affect present use and future plans.
Secondary suites should be reviewed for authorization, safety, access, ventilation, ceiling height, and utility arrangements.
Older homes may require investigation of electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, foundations, insulation, sewer connections, drainage, and permit history.
Buyers considering multiplex or laneway development should complete site-specific research. Zoning provides a starting point, but it does not guarantee that a preferred design will be approved.
School catchments should be verified directly when they are important to the purchase. Boundaries, registration procedures, and program availability may change.
The neighbourhood should also be visited more than once. Traffic, street parking, train noise, park activity, and natural light can vary throughout the day.
What Renfrew Sellers Should Consider
Selling a Renfrew property begins with identifying the buyers most likely to appreciate it.
A Vancouver Special with a functional lower suite may appeal to multigenerational households, move-up buyers, and purchasers looking for rental income.
An older bungalow on a well-configured lot may attract homeowners planning a renovation, as well as builders interested in infill or multiplex opportunities.
A character home may appeal to buyers who value original details and neighbourhood atmosphere, particularly when major systems have been updated.
A duplex or multiplex residence may need to be positioned around layout, privacy, outdoor space, storage, parking, and the clarity of shared responsibilities.
Documentation can make a meaningful difference.
Permits, surveys, renovation records, rental information, suite documents, roof invoices, drainage work, electrical upgrades, plumbing improvements, and laneway-house records can help buyers make decisions with greater confidence.
Sellers should present development potential carefully. Lot size, lane access, and R1-1 zoning may attract additional interest, but possible unit counts and building designs should not be represented as approved unless supporting documentation is available.
Outdoor areas also deserve attention. Garages, lane access, gardens, patios, storage rooms, and suite entrances should be cleaned and presented clearly.
Pricing should reflect the immediate micro-market. A view property in Renfrew Heights should not be compared casually with a low-rise condominium near SkyTrain. A standard-width lot may attract a different buyer from a wider development site.
Condition, suite quality, location, street exposure, lot dimensions, and future flexibility all influence value.
Finding the Right Home in Renfrew
Renfrew offers a practical combination of residential streets, transit access, parks, cultural amenities, and flexible housing.
Renfrew Heights provides elevated streets, detached homes, Vancouver Specials, and properties that may offer views or secondary-suite potential.
North Renfrew combines character housing and infill development with access to Hastings Street and East 1st Avenue.
The Rupert Park and Kaslo Street pockets appeal to buyers looking for quieter surroundings and nearby recreation.
The areas around Renfrew and Rupert stations provide low-rise housing, condominiums, townhomes, and convenient connections to Vancouver and Burnaby.
The right choice depends on your priorities. Some buyers need a mortgage helper. Others want lane access, a multigenerational layout, a low-maintenance home, or a property with longer-term redevelopment possibilities.
Commute, lot configuration, home condition, transit, parks, noise, and future plans should all be considered before making a decision.
Whether you are buying your first Renfrew condominium, moving into a larger family home, looking for a secondary suite, evaluating a multiplex property, or preparing a home for sale, local guidance can help you understand the neighbourhood and make a more informed decision.
Contact our team to discuss your plans and develop a buying or selling strategy suited to your preferred Renfrew location, property type, budget, and timeline.
FAQs
What makes Renfrew a great neighborhood in Vancouver?
Renfrew is a well-established East Vancouver neighborhood offering excellent value compared to Vancouver's West Side, with a mix of character homes and newer builds, family-friendly streets, convenient access to Nanaimo SkyTrain, proximity to commercial amenities along Hastings Street and Renfrew Street, good schools, and community parks, making it an attractive option for families and move-up buyers.
What types of properties are available in Renfrew?
Renfrew offers a mix of property types including older character single-family detached homes, newer custom builds and half duplexes, townhouses, and some condo options, with a strong inventory of 3-4 bedroom family homes, making it particularly popular with buyers who prioritize space, private yards, and established neighborhood feel over urban density.
How can I search Renfrew real estate listings?
Search Renfrew real estate listings at sellvanhomes.ca/renfrew featuring comprehensive MLS® listings updated regularly from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, with filters for property type, price range, bedrooms, and features specific to this established East Vancouver community.
What are the most desirable pockets of Renfrew?
Desirable Renfrew pockets include areas near Renfrew Ravine Park for green space and trails, streets around Rupert Park for recreation and family amenities, homes close to Renfrew and Rupert SkyTrain stations for transit convenience, properties near East 1st Avenue and Hastings for local businesses and restaurants, and quiet residential pockets with mature trees, character houses, and strong community appeal.
What amenities are available in Renfrew?
Renfrew amenities include Renfrew Community Centre, Renfrew Ravine Park, Rupert Park Pitch & Putt, Italian Cultural Centre, local schools, neighbourhood restaurants, shops, cafes, East Vancouver Farmers Market access, nearby Pacific National Exhibition and Playland, community programs, sports fields, walking trails, and transit connections throughout Vancouver and Burnaby.
How is Renfrew connected to the rest of Vancouver?
Renfrew is well connected through Renfrew and Rupert SkyTrain stations on the Millennium Line, major roads such as Grandview Highway and Highway 1, bus routes, and proximity to Burnaby, downtown Vancouver, Commercial Drive, Hastings-Sunrise, and Grandview-Woodland. This makes Renfrew attractive for buyers who want an East Vancouver home with strong transportation access.
What are typical Renfrew real estate features?
Renfrew homes often feature private yards, detached garages, renovated interiors, secondary suites, laneway house potential, family-oriented layouts, mature landscaping, character details, modern infill construction, open-concept living areas, and convenient access to parks and transit. Many buyers are drawn to Renfrew because the neighbourhood offers space, flexibility, and long-term value in Vancouver East.
Why choose Frederick Trudeau's team for Renfrew real estate?
Choose Frederick Trudeau's team for local knowledge of Renfrew streets, property types, pricing trends, transit-oriented value, family-home opportunities, duplex and infill options, and East Vancouver market dynamics. The team helps buyers identify strong Renfrew homes and helps sellers position their properties effectively to attract qualified buyers in this competitive Vancouver neighbourhood.
How can I search Renfrew real estate listings?
Search Renfrew listings at sellvanhomes.ca/renfrew featuring comprehensive MLS® homes for sale with filters for price range, bedrooms, bathrooms, property type, detached houses, duplexes, townhomes, condos, location, and features specific to this established East Vancouver community.
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