Craig Johnston Personal Real Estate Corporation · Brokerage: Royal LePage Elite West
Investor · Strategy
Fixer-upper opportunities in Coquitlam concentrate in older neighbourhoods (Maillardville, Como Lake, Austin Heights) and unrenovated 1990s-2000s townhomes. The investor math depends on accurate cost estimation and a buyer-pool exit plan.
5.0 across 36+ Google reviews Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 47+ years in the Tri-CitiesQuick Answer
What should you know about fixer-upper investing in Coquitlam?
Fixer-upper opportunities in Coquitlam concentrate in older neighbourhoods (Maillardville, Como Lake, Austin Heights) and unrenovated 1990s-2000s townhomes. The investor math depends on accurate cost estimation and a buyer-pool exit plan. Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 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.
Verified · Investor · Strategy
High-opportunity neighbourhoods
Maillardville (1909+ housing stock), Como Lake (1960s-1980s detached), Austin Heights (1960s-1980s detached), Burquitlam-adjacent older detached, unrenovated 1990s townhomes
Renovation budgets
Costs range widely by scope, from a cosmetic refresh to a mid-level kitchen, bath and flooring job to a full down-to-studs renovation. Get written quotes from licensed trades before you write an offer, and add a contingency.
BC Home Flipping Tax
Properties sold within 2 years of acquisition face additional BC tax — affects fixer-upper flip economics materially. 20% in year 1, declining to 0% by day 730.
Hidden risks
Knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1950s homes), oil tanks (1950s-1980s homes), asbestos (pre-1990 homes), aluminum wiring (1960s-1970s homes), foundation issues
Coquitlam permit requirements
Most structural and major-system renovations require City of Coquitlam permits. Permit-history clean is critical for resale.
Exit pool
Renovated Coquitlam family homes have strong buyer demand — particularly inside good school catchments. Confirm catchment before buying for renovation.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a 20-minute call to talk through your specific situation and run the numbers.
A fixer-upper can be a smart way into a great location — or an expensive trap. Six checks separate the opportunity from the money pit.
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Cosmetic problems — paint, flooring, kitchens — are the good kind, because they are predictable to fix. Structural, foundation, drainage or moisture issues are where budgets and timelines go to die. Learn to tell them apart early.
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Get real quotes, then add a contingency, because older homes hide surprises behind the walls. A renovation costed on optimism rather than professional numbers is how a "deal" quietly becomes a loss.
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Understand what work needs permits and how long approvals and trades realistically take. Carrying costs during a long renovation are a real expense that can erase the discount you thought you were getting.
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Often the true asset is the land and the location, not the house. If the lot, street and catchment are strong, a dated home on top of them is a far safer bet than a nice home in a weak spot.
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Before you buy, know what a finished, comparable home actually sells for on that street. Your purchase price plus your realistic renovation budget must leave room beneath that number, or the maths does not work.
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Decide up front whether you are renovating to sell or to live in and hold. The right home, budget and finish level are different for each, and confusing the two is a common, costly mistake.
The discipline that protects a fixer-upper buyer is simple to state and hard to follow: fall in love with the numbers and the location, not the potential. A clear-eyed estimate of the purchase price, the honest cost to renovate and the realistic finished value will tell you almost everything you need to know — and it will talk you out of the deals that only work if nothing goes wrong.
One more note specific to older Tri-Cities homes: budget for the unglamorous essentials — roof, electrical, plumbing, drainage and insulation — before the visible upgrades, because those are what protect the home and its value. Nothing here is a guarantee of profit; renovation outcomes depend on your numbers, your team and the market when you sell. Treat this as a framework for asking the right questions, and bring in a trusted inspector and trades before you commit to anything you cannot easily undo.
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5.0 stars across 36+ verified Google reviews. Three from recent clients below.
“After searching for several years, I knew exactly what I was looking for—and Craig delivered. We viewed a handful of properties, and the home he ultimately found was exactly what I had been searching for. I couldn't believe how quickly he nailed it.”Warren Chu
“We had a fantastic experience working with Craig, who was recommended by a friend. He patiently guided us through the process to purchase our family forever home in Vancouver, explaining all the steps and answering all of our many questions. He was always responsive and available whenever we needed him and always felt like he wanted the absolute best for us.”Susie N
“One of the sales was my Mom’s home. She is 97 and so this was a very emotional issue to be leaving her beloved home of so many years… Craig was extremely patient in explaining the market and was very sensitive to her concerns. We can’t thank him enough for his empathy and understanding in working with an elderly person through a difficult time in a very caring manor!”Ann English
Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, a 20-minute strategy call gets your questions answered and your next step clear. Or start with a free Equity Map of what your current home is worth.
5.0 across 36+ Google reviews Top 1% Team — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®, 2023–2025 47+ years in the Tri-CitiesOr call direct: 604-202-6092