05/25/2026
For many people in Vancouver - especially immigrants from countries where banking systems were unstable or trust in financial institutions was low - real estate always felt like the safest investment.
And honestly, for a long time, it worked.
You could see it.
Touch it.
Drive by it.
Live in it.
Rent it out.
It felt real.
Over the last 20+ years, many families built significant wealth through Vancouver real estate. A relatively small down payment, low mortgage rates, rising property values - and suddenly people saw their net worth increase by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For years, real estate almost felt “low risk.”
But today, the conversations are changing.
People who bought investment properties recently are seeing something they were not emotionally prepared for:
- falling values
- negative cash flow
- higher interest costs
- difficult tenants
- expensive strata levies
- uncertainty
And suddenly many people are asking a question they never seriously asked before:
“How do investments actually work?”
Not because they suddenly became passionate about the stock market.
But because they are realizing that having all of their wealth tied to real estate may not feel as safe as it once did.
Now - I still strongly believe in home ownership.
A principal residence is not just a financial asset.
It is stability.
It is autonomy.
It is knowing nobody can decide not to renew your lease.
It is planting a garden because it is yours.
It is entering retirement with housing costs that may eventually shrink to taxes, utilities, and maintenance instead of ever-rising rent.
That is very different from buying multiple properties purely as investments.
And this is where diversification matters.
If someone already owns a home and perhaps one investment property, adding more real estate is not always automatically the “safe” option anymore.
Because investment properties are not passive.
Being a landlord is work.
Repairs are expensive.
Special levies happen.
Vacancies happen.
Taxes matter.
And all your wealth may end up concentrated in one asset class, in one city, in one market.
That does not mean real estate is bad.
It simply means it is no longer the only path to building wealth.
And that is why more people are becoming curious about investment portfolios.
Not necessarily to “beat the market.”
Not to gamble.
Not to chase hot stocks.
But to create:
- monthly income
- flexibility
- diversification
- tax efficiency
- and long-term financial stability
A well-designed investment portfolio should have a purpose and a strategy behind it.
And unlike real estate, if life changes and you suddenly need access to part of your money, you do not need to refinance a property or sell a condo to access your own funds.
The truth is - both real estate and investments carry risk.
The important part is understanding:
- what kind of risk you are taking
- why you are taking it
- and whether your entire financial future depends on a single strategy continuing to work forever.
The conversations around wealth in Vancouver are changing.
And honestly?
I think that is a very healthy thing.
Marina
This information has been prepared by Marina Najian who is a Wealth Advisor for iA Private Wealth Inc. and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of iA Private Wealth. The information contained in this post comes from sources we believe reliable, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or reliability. The opinions expressed are based on an analysis and interpretation dating from the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Furthermore, they do not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned. The information contained herein may not apply to all types of investors. iA Private Wealth Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. iA Private Wealth is a trademark and a business name under which iA Private Wealth Inc. operates.
