British Columbia’s coastal recreational real estate market is ramping up once again after nearly seven years in the doldrums. Prices on the Sunshine Coast and the Gulf Islands are up about 20 per cent this year compared to 2016, according to real estate agents, and demand for higher-end property is attracting both local and foreign interest.
Western Investor has culled four of the top listings from Sotheby’s Real Estate and Colliers’ Unique Properties offerings to present four of the trophy recreational – and potential investment – waterfront real estate properties on the market right now.
Sunshine Coast
Price: $4.5 million
Six-acre Whitestone Island on the Sunshine Coast is 30-minute flight or a 90-minute ferry-drive from Vancouver. Listed by Shaz Karim of Sotheby’s Real Estate Canada, the private island features a secured dock, municipal power and water, newly designed and quality constructed custom built four-bedroom house with a 270-degree uninterrupted view of the ocean. “Whitestone provides the comfort of modern amenities with the secluded privacy of an Island home.”
Gulf Islands, Bull Island.
Price: $3.25 million
Mark Lester and Alan Johnson of Unique Properties Group of Colliers International have listed Bull Island, a 175-acre completely private island nestled between Lasqueti, the Jedediah Island Marine Park and Rabbit Island in BC's Georgia Strait. Situated about 35 kilometres northwest of Nanaimo, Bull Island is easily accessible by boat or float plane and features an all weather dock and basic cabins that are suitable for seasonal uses. The island has a number of smaller coves and beaches, excellent ground water, and plenty of space to build a new home. Bull Island features two legal titles, offering the potential to purchase in partnership or to sell off one title.
Gulf Islands, Sear Island.
Price: $5.95 million
Located in Silva Bay just off the southeastern shore of Gabriola Island, Sear Island is a completely private 28-acre island that benefits from sheltered waters while only a stone’s skip from commercial services and amenities. Sear Island boasts a a luxurious two-storey 3,040 square foot main residence, and a 1,000 square foot guest cabin. The property also boasts a boathouse, deepwater dock and boat ramp. The island is serviced with municipal power, high speed internet and telephone. Sear Island has two legal titles and the current zoning allows for the development of two more residences. The property is listed by Unique Properties Group, Colliers International.
Gulf Islands, Silva Bay Marina.
Price: $6.95 million
One of the Gulf Islands larger and more popular marinas, Silva Bay is a diverse facility and destination that offers permanent and transient moorage and a range of commercial services, including a pub/restaurant and grocery store, on a sweeping 5.5 acre waterfront site overlooking Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. Silva Bay is a premium, full-service marina with a wide range of facilities. The upland can also accommodate redevelopment into a comprehensive resort community with cottages, additional amenities and commercial facilities. Situated directly adjacent to Nanaimo, it is easy to access via BC Ferries from Nanaimo, private boat, or scheduled float plane service from Vancouver Airport’s South Terminal. Silva Bay Marina is listed by Unique Properties Group, Colliers International.
