# Buying a Condo in Coquitlam > Unit matters. Building matters more. Here's how to buy a Coquitlam condo that holds its value — and the buildings to avoid regardless of how pretty the unit… **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/buying-a-condo-in-coquitlam/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Condo buyer playbook ## Buying a condo in Coquitlam Unit matters. Building matters more. Here's how to buy a Coquitlam condo that holds its value — and the buildings to avoid regardless of how pretty the unit is. [See the playbook](#playbook) [Tour with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) 1% Ranked Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® 2% Nationwide Top 2% Team Member — Royal LePage nationwide 44 Local Lived in the Tri-Cities 47+ years ★ Team The MACNABS Quick Answer What should you know about Buying a Condo in Coquitlam? Unit matters. Building matters more. Here's how to buy a Coquitlam condo that holds its value — and the buildings to avoid regardless of how pretty the unit… **Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®** and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours. Also read [Buyers resource hub](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [First-time buyer guide](/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) [Affordability calculator](/coquitlam-home-affordability-calculator/) [Get my home value](/home-evaluation/) Live Numbers ## Coquitlam market snapshot — Q2 2026 Coquitlam runs multiple markets inside one municipal boundary. Here's the combined picture — with specific submarket overlays where they matter. Median sold (all types) $1.275M Q2 2026 Coquitlam blend Median detached sold $1.84M GVR HPI benchmark, Coquitlam Median townhome sold $1.02M Q2 2026 Coquitlam blend Median condo sold $653,900 Q2 2026 Coquitlam blend Avg DOM (all types) 43 days Coquitlam-wide Active listings ~543 June 2026 total Coquitlam Source: REBGV / GVR monthly statistics, Coquitlam filter, June 2026. Last refreshed July 3, 2026. ## The single most important rule Buy the building first. The unit second. A stunning unit in a struggling building loses value every year. A plain unit in a well-run building holds its value for decades. Most buyers do the opposite. I've walked out of beautiful listings because the building was sick. I've walked into average listings because the building was a gem. The difference is a $50K special levy in year three — or not. **Rule:** Building first, unit second. Always. **Red flags:** Deferred maintenance, thin reserve, frequent levies. **Green flags:** Healthy reserve, professional management, calm minutes. ![Craig Johnston condo buyer](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2025-03-10-at-5.40.10-PM-1-scaled.png) ## Green flags in a building ### Healthy contingency reserve A reserve that's been growing, not drained. ### Professional management Established strata company, consistent reporting. ### Calm minutes Boring meetings = healthy building. Drama is a flag. ### Recent depreciation report Updated within last 3 years and actually followed. ### Well-kept common areas Hallways, lobby, amenities — the test is obvious. ## Red flags to walk from ### Frequent special levies Two or more in five years = pattern, not accident. ### Envelope issues Rainscreen, balcony, roof. Expensive fixes. ### Litigation in minutes Ongoing lawsuits = trouble. Check carefully. ### Underfunded reserve If reserve is under 10% of replacement value, expect levies. ### High rental density Usually correlates with less owner care. ## Best condo pockets in Coquitlam Top Coquitlam condo pockets: [Burquitlam](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) (SkyTrain-driven), central Coquitlam around Lafarge Lake, and the newer Burke Mountain strata. If you're downsizing into a condo, read [detached-to-condo](https://soldbycraig.ca/downsizing-detached-to-condo-coquitlam/) alongside this. ![Craig Johnston at a Coquitlam condo showing](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## How I run condo buyer due diligence Pull three years of strata minutes. Review the depreciation report line by line. Check the contingency reserve ratio. Ask about planned projects in the next five years. If any answer is vague, walk. I've bought units that looked worse on paper than their neighbours because the building was rock solid. Five years later, those clients had zero levies while the competing building went through an envelope crisis. Boring buildings are great buildings. [Book a condo tour](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Buyer hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) ![Burquitlam real estate guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ### Burquitlam real estate guide The SkyTrain-condo pocket. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-neighbourhood-resource-hub/) ![Detached-to-condo downsize](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) ### Detached-to-condo downsize If this is a downsize. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/downsizing-detached-to-condo-coquitlam/) ![First-time buyer guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ### First-time buyer guide If this is your first home. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) ## Condo FAQ ### New build or resale? Resale with clean history beats new build with no history. New builds have zero track record. ### What's a 'healthy' contingency reserve? Generally >10% of building replacement value with steady growth. Under that = levy risk. ### Should I avoid older condos? Not automatically. A well-run 1990s building can outperform a poorly-run 2015 building. Read minutes. ### Do I really need to read minutes? Yes. Every time. No exceptions. Most buyer regret traces back to skipping this. ![Craig Johnston condo buyer](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2025-03-10-at-5.40.10-PM-1-scaled.png) ## Ready to look at condos seriously? I'll walk three buildings with you, pull minutes, and flag what to avoid. That's the real work. [Book the tour](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Buyer hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) Keep exploring ## More condo-related reading Full context for the Coquitlam condo decision. [burquitlam-real-estate-guide/The SkyTrain condo pocket.](/burquitlam-investment/) [downsizing-detached-to-condo-coquitlam/If this is a downsize.](/downsizing-detached-to-condo-coquitlam/) [buying-a-townhome-in-coquitlam/The middle-ground option.](/buying-a-townhome-in-coquitlam/) [coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/Every buyer guide.](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [Book a condo tour](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Questions We Get Most ## More questions — what buyers and sellers actually ask These are the long-tail questions that come up in consultations. If yours isn't here, send it over — I'll answer directly. What is the average home price in Coquitlam right now? + As of Q2 2026: **$1.275M median** all types combined. Detached **$1.84M**. Townhome **$1.02M**. Condo **$685k**. Varies significantly by submarket — Burke Mountain detached is $1.74M while Central Coquitlam can be $1.3M for older inventory. Is Coquitlam a good place to buy in 2026? + Yes — strong 5–7 year positioning. **Two SkyTrain stations** operational, aggressive TOD rezoning, SD43 schools in BC's top tier, 15–25% below Vancouver West comparables. Risks: condo oversupply in Burquitlam 2026–2028; softening in upper luxury tier. Coquitlam vs Port Moody vs Port Coquitlam — which is better? + **Coquitlam:** widest selection, 3 SkyTrain stations, largest inventory. **Port Moody:** smaller, arts-and-brewery identity, higher $/ft, better core walkability. **Port Coquitlam:** $100–200k cheaper on equivalent property, more detached for money, fewer transit options. Selection / lifestyle / value. How much do I need to afford a home in Coquitlam? + At current rates (~5.3% insured 5-yr fixed June 2026): $1M home, 20% down = **~$180k household income**. $1.5M = ~$260k. $2M = ~$340k + down. Carry cost on $1.5M detached = **$6,800–$7,400/mo** incl. tax/strata/insurance. Stress-test your number with the [affordability calculator](/coquitlam-home-affordability-calculator/). Is it better to buy a condo, townhome, or detached in Coquitlam? + Depends on financial + life stage. **Condo:** low entry ($685k), low maintenance, highest liquidity. **Townhome:** middle ($1.02M), good family fit. **Detached:** highest ($1.84M), lowest strata, best historical appreciation. Aligns with 5-year plan, not lifestyle preference. Who is the best realtor in Coquitlam? + No single 'best' — top agents win on different dimensions (volume, neighbourhood depth, luxury specialty, team resources). My positioning: I work Coquitlam as **one connected market** — Burke Mountain + Westwood Plateau + Heritage + Anmore/Belcarra + condos/townhomes. If your transaction spans submarkets or property types, you get one agent for the whole arc. Interview 2–3. The Difference ## Why work with Craig across Coquitlam 01 Pan-submarket experience Coquitlam is not one market — it's Burquitlam, Westwood Plateau, Burke Mountain, Central Coquitlam, Coquitlam Centre, Eagle Ridge, Westwood, Maillardville. Each has its own price band, buyer pool, and demand driver. I work all of them and can tell you not just 'what's your home worth' but 'which submarket is your next home really in.' 02 Property-type transitions handled in-house Downsizing detached → townhome → condo, or upsizing the other direction, is where most commissions get split across two agents. I coordinate both sides — timing, financing bridges, concurrent subjects — with one file, one communication line. 03 I live here and I stay current I live in Coquitlam. I walk these streets. I know which buildings just got new roofs, which strata just voted on a special assessment, which schools are catchment-changing next September. That current-state knowledge is what separates negotiating from stalling. About Craig ![Craig Johnston, Coquitlam REALTOR](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston Licensed REALTOR® · Coquitlam & the Tri-Cities I have spent the last 47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, helping move-up buyers and sellers get from where they are to where they want to be — without the panic of owning two homes at once or selling under value. I work the Tri-Cities every day: Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, Heritage Mountain, and the rest of Coquitlam’s move-up neighbourhoods. If you want a straight read on your timing, pricing, or move-up strategy, the fastest next step is a short call. **Specialty**Move-up sellers & upsizers **Coverage**Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam **Experience**47+ years living in Coquitlam, 9+ years on Burke Mountain, serving families [Book a Strategy Call with Craig →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ” From Craig “I operate the way I'd want a REALTOR® to work with my own family — written advice, honest trade-offs, and no hedging on the hard questions.” ![Craig Johnston, REALTOR®](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) Craig Johnston REALTOR® · Coquitlam Why Craig for this decision ## The four pillars I run every file on Licensed REALTOR® in Coquitlam. Tri-Cities-fluent, written-advice-first. Here's how I work any client file that lands on this page. [Start with a free Equity Map](/home-evaluation/) [Call 604-202-6092](tel:+16042026092) Local resident Lives and works in the Tri-Cities; kids in SD43. Written positions Pricing, negotiation, and disclosure in writing — never verbal-only. Full representation Equally strong on buy-side and sell-side; no part-time bias. Same-day response You won't be waiting a week for a callback. Next steps ## Three ways to take the next step — pick the one that fits. [If you're just exploring Book a Strategy Call No pitch. Just scope your options and walk away with a written next-step plan.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you're actively shopping Set up a custom search Matched to your criteria with written comparable-sold data on every showing.](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [If you need an answer now Call 604-202-6092 Same-day response during business hours. Tri-Cities local line.](tel:+16042026092) Questions? I'm real local help. [Talk to Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Authority Sources & Local Resources ## Verify everything — the sources behind this page Strata rules, depreciation reports, and fee structures are regulated by BCFSA. Cross-reference anything a listing tells you against the authority. Municipal & Transit - [City of Coquitlam — municipal services, bylaws, permits ↗](https://www.coquitlam.ca/) - [City of Port Moody — municipal services ↗](https://www.portmoody.ca/) Real Estate Authorities - [BCFSA — strata information ↗](https://www.bcfsa.ca/industry-resources/strata) - [BC Financial Services Authority — real estate regulator ↗](https://www.bcfsa.ca/) - [BC Assessment — property values & search ↗](https://www.bcassessment.ca/) - [Greater Vancouver REALTORS® — monthly market reports ↗](https://www.gvrealtors.ca/market-watch/monthly-market-report.html) - [CMHC — mortgage insurance & housing data ↗](https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/) External links open in a new tab. I'm not affiliated with these organizations — they are cited as independent authorities. Any time a number on this page differs from the authority, the authority wins. ★Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® ![Medallion Club Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®](/assets/medallion-club-badge-60.png)Medallion Club Team Member President’s Club Team Member 47+ Years in the Tri-Cities ## What Coquitlam clients actually say after working with Craig Real reviews pulled from Google. No paid placements. No curated-only-positives. Every client below closed with Craig — most sold over asking, several within a week. ★★★★★ “Craig sold my property in just 6 days. After receiving one offer, he quickly reconnected with all the other REALTORS® who had viewed the property, and before I knew it, we had multiple offers — all over asking price. Craig didn’t stop there; he negotiated even better terms for me.” Heather Fox Sold with Craig · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We worked with Craig on three real estate transactions. In all cases he was extremely professional and efficient. In the case of the two sales, both houses were sold for over asking and within the one week of going on market. Craig analyzed the market accurately and advised on a selling price that was fair and saleable.” Ann English 3 transactions · 2 sold over asking in a week ★★★★★ “Craig recently sold my townhouse in West Vancouver in less than 6 days for over asking price. Craig is one of the most prolific and highly motivated REALTORS® I have seen in the Realty business, and I have extensive experience buying and selling properties of all sorts.” Riverplate Equities West Vancouver townhouse · Over asking, 6 days ★★★★★ “We consider ourselves lucky to be able to work with Craig over the last 5 years, over multiple transactions. He is a professional who is guided by integrity, honesty, and punctuality. Craig is a seasoned and well-informed realtor who will be a great asset on any real estate journey.” Jaeyoung Joo Google Local Guide · 5 years, multiple transactions ★★★★★ “As first-time home buyers, we had a myriad of concerns. Craig immediately put us at ease by taking the time to address each of our questions thoroughly and patiently. At no point did I feel pressured or rushed into making a decision. Instead, Craig empowered us with all the facts and options.” Jeff Kwok First-time buyers ★★★★★ “One of the most dedicated and professional REALTORS® I’ve encountered. No matter the value of the property, Craig puts great care into preparing high-quality marketing content. With his in-depth knowledge of the Coquitlam area, I highly recommend Craig to anyone looking to buy or sell.” Allan Liang Coquitlam specialist ★★★★★ “His creativity, top-notch communication skills, and a solid plan were instrumental in selling high and buying low. His foresight in negotiation skills, predicting outcomes before they happened, truly set him apart. A remarkable professional who exceeded expectations.” Matdori Google Local Guide · Sold high, bought low ★★★★★ “Craig absolutely delivered on his promise of selling my condo, exceeding my expectations. A++ communications and he kept me informed and educated every single step of the way. Rock solid performance and a very quick above asking sale, I am beyond grateful.” Rich & Andrew Condo sold over asking ★★★★★ “We were referred to Craig by a friend and knew from day one we were in great hands. The marketing was outstanding — we received seven offers, and Craig held firm on our priorities. When we re-listed in January, it sold in three days at the price we wanted, and he went on to find us an off-market buy in Vernon.” Jim Turnbull 7 offers · Sold at target price · Off-market buy in Vernon [Read the Google reviews →](https://www.google.com/search?q=craig+johnston+macnabs+coquitlam+reviews) More on Buying in Coquitlam ## Keep Digging Craig writes the Tri-Cities coverage most REALTORS® won't. Every page below is built on the same ground-truth data and the same negotiation playbook Craig uses for every client. [**Buying in Coquitlam hub** →](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [Coquitlam buyer resource hub](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [Buying a property](/buying-a-property/) [Buying a townhome](/buying-a-townhome-in-coquitlam/) [Buying vs renting](/buying-vs-renting-in-coquitlam/) [Coquitlam buyer timeline](/coquitlam-buyer-timeline/) [Coquitlam closing costs](/coquitlam-closing-costs-guide/) [First-time buyer case study](/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-case-study/) [First-time buyer guide](/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) In this topic cluster · first-time buyers Keep reading in the first-time buyers cluster - [Is now a good time to buy](https://soldbycraig.ca/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-in-coquitlam/) - [Coquitlam buyer timeline](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-timeline/) - [Coquitlam buyer resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) Or see the full library at [the first-time buyers section of the resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-resource-hub/#first-time). [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Home Eval](/home-evaluation/) More Tri-Cities guides ### Explore the neighbourhoods connected to this page - [→ Maillardville (Coquitlam) guide](/maillardville-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Eagle Ridge (Coquitlam) guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-deep-dive/) - [→ Ranch Park (Coquitlam) guide](/ranch-park-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Port Moody first-time buyer guide](/port-moody-first-time-buyer-guide/) - [→ Anmore estate homes & acreage](/anmore-estate-homes-acreage-guide/) - [→ Best luxury REALTOR® in Coquitlam](/best-luxury-realtor-coquitlam/) Tri-Cities monthly ## Get the honest Tri-Cities market read, monthly. June 2026 Coquitlam detached HPI is $1,649,000, -4.8% YoY. What that means for your buy or sell decision — without the salesy fluff. One email per month. Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, no listings flood, no marketing automation games. Genuine monthly update from a 47+ year Tri-Cities resident. Best REALTOR® by area ## A specialist for your specific Tri-Cities city or neighbourhood. [Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-coquitlam/) [Burke Mountain](/best-realtor-in-burke-mountain/) [Westwood Plateau](/best-realtor-in-westwood-plateau/) [Heritage Mountain](/best-realtor-in-heritage-mountain/) [Port Moody](/best-realtor-in-port-moody/) [Port Coquitlam](/best-realtor-in-port-coquitlam/) [Anmore](/best-realtor-in-anmore/) [Belcarra](/best-realtor-in-belcarra/) [Or compare all Tri-Cities specialists →](/best-local-realtor-tri-cities/)