# What Are Strata Fees in Coquitlam? > Monthly fees paid by strata owners (condo and townhome) to cover shared expenses. Here's what they cover, typical ranges, and when a high fee is actually a… **Source:** https://soldbycraig.ca/what-are-strata-fees-in-coquitlam/ **Author:** Craig Johnston, REALTOR® (BC Licence V99960) · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West **Site:** https://soldbycraig.ca --- Buyer FAQ ## What are strata fees in Coquitlam? Monthly fees paid by strata owners (condo and townhome) to cover shared expenses. Here's what they cover, typical ranges, and when a high fee is actually a good thing. [See the answer](#answer) [Map my equity first](/home-evaluation/) 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 Are Strata Fees in Coquitlam? Monthly fees paid by strata owners (condo and townhome) to cover shared expenses. Here's what they cover, typical ranges, and when a high fee is actually a… **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 [Market update](/real-estate-market-update/) [Home value trends](/coquitlam-home-value-trends/) [Property tax rate](/coquitlam-property-tax-rate/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) ## The quick answer Strata fees cover exterior maintenance, insurance on the building, common-area utilities, management fees, amenities, and the contingency reserve. They do not cover your unit's interior, your utilities, or your property tax. Fees vary wildly by building. The useful question isn't 'how high' but 'what do they fund'. A well-funded building with average fees is cheaper over time than a low-fee building with deferred maintenance. **Typical condo:** Ranges widely; check building specifics. **Typical townhome:** Lower than condos on a per-unit basis typically. **Watch for:** Very low fees = often deferred maintenance risk. ![What are strata fees in Coquitlam?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## What strata fees actually pay for ### Exterior maintenance Roof, siding, common areas, landscaping. ### Building insurance The structure, not your unit contents. ### Amenities Gym, pool, lounge if applicable. ### Management fees Strata management company services. ### Contingency fund The reserve for future major repairs. ## What strata fees don't cover ### Your unit interior Walls, flooring, fixtures — yours to maintain. ### Your utilities Hydro, internet, sometimes heat in older buildings. ### Property tax You pay that directly to the city. ### Special levies Extra assessments when reserves are short. ### Insurance on contents Your own policy covers contents and improvements. ## Why high fees can be good A building with $450/month fees and a healthy reserve is usually cheaper over 10 years than a building with $250/month fees and a sick reserve that produces $40K special levies. This is why reading [strata minutes and depreciation reports](https://soldbycraig.ca/buying-a-condo-in-coquitlam/) matters more than the fee number itself. ![What are strata fees in Coquitlam?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ## How I evaluate fees for buyers I look at the fee, the reserve balance, the depreciation report forecast, the last three years of minutes, and any planned levies. Together they tell you whether the fee is real or too low. A building forecasting zero major work in its depreciation report either has ironclad maintenance or is deferring costs. Minutes tell you which. Don't buy on fee alone. Buy on fee + reserve + minutes, together. [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to buyer resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) ![Buying a condo](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-20-at-3.39.56-PM-scaled.png) ### Buying a condo Full condo buyer playbook. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/buying-a-condo-in-coquitlam/) ![Buying a townhome](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/craig-johnston-realtor.jpg) ### Buying a townhome Townhome strata specifics. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/buying-a-townhome-in-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 purchase. [Read more](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) ## Related questions ### Can strata fees go up? Yes, annually in most buildings. Healthy buildings increase modestly; struggling buildings can spike. ### What's a special levy? An extra assessment beyond monthly fees when the reserve can't cover a major project. Can be tens of thousands. ### Are strata fees deductible? For rental investors, yes against rental income. For owner-occupiers, no. ### Can I opt out of strata fees? No. You can't opt out of strata ownership obligations. ![What are strata fees in Coquitlam?](https://soldbycraig.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/F883FFAD-16AB-439A-8921-3FD6B1489036_1_105_c.jpeg) ## Still have questions? I answer these kinds of questions every day. A 15-minute call usually resolves it. [Book a Strategy Call](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) [Back to buyer resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) Keep exploring ## More buyer reading Strata-related guides. [buying-a-condo-in-coquitlam/Building-first buying.](/buying-a-condo-in-coquitlam/) [buying-a-townhome-in-coquitlam/Townhome strata specifics.](/buying-a-townhome-in-coquitlam/) [coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/First-time playbook.](/coquitlam-first-time-buyer-guide/) [coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/Every buyer guide.](/coquitlam-buyer-resource-hub/) [Book a Strategy Call with Craig](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) 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/) ## How I actually work with you A five-step process built around clarity, strategy, and no-surprise execution — whether you're buying your first home or selling a property you've owned for twenty years. 1. 01 ### Evaluate — where you actually stand We start with a real conversation about your goals, timeline, and numbers. I'll pull current comps, assess your buying power or home's true market value, and tell you exactly what the data says — not what you want to hear. 2. 02 ### Strategize — a plan built for your situation I build a written strategy around your priorities: target neighbourhoods, pricing strategy, timeline, financing structure, and the trade-offs at each decision point. Every recommendation comes with a reason. 3. 03 ### Prepare — listings, offers, and due diligence For sellers: pre-list prep, staging direction, pro photography, and a pricing framework that draws interest without leaving money on the table. For buyers: offer structure, subject clauses, and the due-diligence checklist for every property that matters. 4. 04 ### Negotiate — protecting your position This is where experience pays for itself. I negotiate price, terms, subjects, deposit, completion dates, and the small details that don't show up in listings but decide whether a deal closes well or falls apart. 5. 05 ### Close — and stay with you after From subject removal through completion and possession, I coordinate with lawyers, lenders, inspectors, and trades so nothing drops. After closing, I stay in your corner for everything from tax-assessment appeals to the next move. [Book a Strategy Call →](/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/) Part of [Coquitlam Real Estate Guide →](/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) 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 Coquitlam Market Data ## 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. [**Coquitlam Market Data hub** →](/coquitlam-homes-for-sale/) [Coquitlam homes for sale (hub)](/coquitlam-homes-for-sale/) [Average home price](/average-home-price-in-coquitlam/) [Coquitlam condos for sale](/coquitlam-condos-for-sale/) [Coquitlam townhomes for sale](/coquitlam-townhomes-for-sale/) [Coquitlam luxury homes](/coquitlam-luxury-homes-for-sale/) [Home value by neighbourhood](/coquitlam-home-value-by-neighbourhood/) [Home value trends](/coquitlam-home-value-trends/) [Coquitlam property tax rate](/coquitlam-property-tax-rate/) In this topic cluster · market data & tools Keep reading in the market data & tools cluster - [Coquitlam luxury homes](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-luxury-homes-for-sale/) - [Coquitlam real estate guide](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-guide/) - [Coquitlam townhomes for sale](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-townhomes-for-sale/) Or see the full library at [the market data & tools section of the resource hub](https://soldbycraig.ca/coquitlam-real-estate-resource-hub/#market). [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/) - [→ Ranch Park (Coquitlam) guide](/ranch-park-coquitlam-guide/) - [→ Eagle Ridge (Coquitlam) guide](/eagle-ridge-coquitlam-deep-dive/) - [→ Anmore estate homes & acreage](/anmore-estate-homes-acreage-guide/) - [→ Best luxury REALTOR® in Coquitlam](/best-luxury-realtor-coquitlam/) - [→ Port Moody first-time buyer guide](/port-moody-first-time-buyer-guide/) 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/)