The following is a brief overview of the types of homes you will find on the Westside of Vancouver. This is intended to give you just a taste of what to expect. It is hard to generalize or categorize homes by architectural style or neighbourhood because there is so much crossover between the two. Almost every block on the Westside contains a complete mix of styles. The most defining characteristics are determined by the period in which the home was built, so lets start at the beginning.

The mansions of Shaughnessy - large lots, established streets and the most exclusive Westside addresses house many fine homes in excess of 5000 square feet. Tudor, Georgian and Edwardian style homes are found here.

Two and three storey Victorian/ Edwardian style homes on skinny lots feature most prominently in Kits, City Hall and the Main St corridor. Often on 25' and 33' lots, with higher ceilings and more detailed character than their successors.

The number of bedrooms upstairs and the ability to create a revenue suite in the basement are the two areas which directly most affect the marketability of these older homes, especially to a young family.

Here it gets a little more complicated. Numerous character homes found right across the Westside. Style most determined by lot size. 33' and 50' frontage most common. Arts and Crafts influences. Craftsman bungalows in Kitsilano noteworthy. Cross hall living dining can lead to attractive "double fronted" exterior style, especially on 50' lots.

Prior to 1940 a lot of homes were built with knob and tube wiring. It still exists in many homes but new insurers will be reluctant to cover the home, so it may be an immediate expense for the buyer.

Wartime bungalows proliferate, especially in Westside Heartland and Westside South. These provide an affordable means of buying a larger lot in a great area. Inevitably more and more of these homes are being replaced as they change hands.

Be sure to check for underground oil storage tanks in homes pre 1950. If there is still one in place, it must be decommissioned or removed prior to the sale of the home.

Sprawling California bungalows sit on larger lots up in UBC. The notorious Vancouver Special is also a product of this era - limited exterior appeal but a hugely practical use of interior space on a 33' lot. West Coast Contemporary homes arrived in the 70's bringing multi-level open concept living.

Arthur Erickson, Vancouver's most famous architect, built many homes in this period and inspired many more. Look to UBC, Southlands and South West Marine.

Asian influenced architecture. Modest 2 level homes on standard lots, very common in Westside South, Kerrisdale and Westside Heartland. Grand mansions on larger lots. Feng Shui important. Wok kitchens. Extensive use of granite and marble on interior.

The building code which led to the leaky condo crisis also affected many of these homes, especially those with exterior stucco if not properly maintained.

Spec and custom built homes on 33' and 50' lots - new rainscreen building code, probably highest quality construction since the 1950's. Traditional exterior, sympathetic to the character of the surrounding 1920's and 1930's homes. High quality luxury "lifestyle" to rival Downtown waterfront condos. Most common in Point Grey and Dunbar.

The most popular toys to look out for - outdoor hot tub, large walk-in steam shower, outdoor fireplace and a wine room!