Real Estate for Sale in Surrey

As a municipality, Surrey is the 2nd largest city in the province of B.C. and is often characterized as a suburb of Metro Vancouver. While factually correct, that description barely scratches the surface. Surrey is the 3rd largest by urban area. Factor in outstanding amenities and the more affordable housing market in Surrey and it becomes clear this city is so much more than a simple suburb. It’s a thriving metropolis in the Lower Mainland.

A major draw of living in Surrey is the remarkable cultural diversity among its residents. More than a third of the city’s half a million inhabitants were born outside of Canada. English remains the most widely spoken language, yet stroll through the streets and you’ll encounter conversations in Punjabi, Tagalog, Hindi or Mandarin, among many others. This richness produces a melting pot of culinary and cultural experiences so much so that every July there is an award-winning two-day Fusion Festival celebrating the city’s diverse communities.

For families, the Surrey real estate market is both accessible and affordable. Moreover, Surrey schools earn top marks. There are ample parks and community activities to occupy the kids throughout every season and superb access to world-class amenities. Even amid the elevated cost of living in surrounding areas, homes in Surrey continue to represent strong value in the Canadian real estate landscape. Many older properties sit on generous lots with double-car garages. Newer constructions include extra bathrooms, bedrooms and family rooms designed to accommodate extended families. There are even townhomes and condos in Surrey clustered around more retail-centric areas.

Surrey’s economy remains anchored in industrial sectors; however, its high-tech sector is rapidly attracting investor attention, while clean energy and health sectors provide the city with a dependable employment base. Surprisingly, a third of the city’s land is preserved and designated as farmland, and the agricultural sector employs approximately 3,300 people annually.

As of the latest reporting period, Surrey’s median sale price stands at $825,000. This figure is calculated by identifying the mid-point price of all property sold within a specified period of time. To illustrate, if 77 condos changed hands last month and only 84 detached homes sold in the same time frame, then the median price would capture the mid-point between the 77 condos and the 84 detached homes sold during that interval. At present, Surrey has 1,589 houses for sale, 931 townhomes for sale and 1,007 condos for sale.

For deeper insight into the current state of Surrey’s real estate landscape, check out the Market Stats page.

Throughout the past decade, property in B.C.’s Lower Mainland has shattered sales volume and price records for the nation—and this includes average and median sale prices for property in the city of Surrey. Yet property prices in this municipality remain relatively strong value given the average home price of surrounding areas, such as Burnaby and Vancouver. Consider speaking with a local Surrey Realtor ®, who can offer insight into neighbourhoods that deliver solid value.

To see what’s currently listed for sale, keep an eye on the Surrey MLS ®, which sources its data from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For the freshest inventory, set up an MLS Surrey alert. Listings will land in your inbox automatically the moment they appear on the local MLS.

Surrey is home to 26 distinct communities, where the average sale price spans from $596,000 to $2.5 million. To identify the community that matches your priorities, consider what matters most to you and your lifestyle.

Should proximity to the city’s urban core be a priority, explore Surrey homes for sale in City Centre (formerly known as Whalley houses, condos and townhouses). Home to Simon Fraser University’s Surrey branch, along with major shopping and recreational facilities, this vibrant community is youthful and urban. It also serves as the gathering place for the Fusion Festival and for the annual Surrey Tree Lighting Festival.

For commuters seeking swift highway access, consider Port Kells in the Guildford community houses, condos and townhouses. Properties sell, on average, for $2.5 million but with this price tag, purchasers receive substantially more home and much more land.

Those searching for established family neighbourhoods can launch their hunt in Cloverdale, Fleetwood Tynehead or West Newton houses, condos and townhouses. Both areas provide reliable highway access and top-rated schools.

For additional choices, consult your local Surrey Realtor, or dedicate a weekend to exploring Surrey open houses. Alternatively, review the hot-list, which ranks all Surrey communities based on the volume of listings, sales price and how long homes remain on the market.

Numerous buyers elect to purchase in a neighbouring city and commute to their workplace. These purchasers seek larger homes and lots while maintaining reliable commuter access to Surrey’s downtown core. Good options include Delta, Langley and Port Coquitlam. Target neighbourhoods situated near the highway or commuter train stations, such as Ladner or Walnut Grove. Even cities that require a somewhat longer transit time, such as Maple Ridge, Mission and Abbotsford, are good options as they present more affordably priced detached homes.

Prior to purchasing real estate in Surrey, take a moment to review the city’s demographics, drawn from Census Canada data. These figures—covering median age, school information, average income, among other measures—paint a clear picture of who calls the city home. All of this can help establish whether Surrey aligns with your needs and your family’s lifestyle.

For families considering a home purchase in Surrey and evaluating the top-rated elementary and secondary schools, below are the leading five institutions in each category.

For those weighing a commute to and from Surrey, the outlook is favourable. The city is well-serviced by the SkyTrain, a rapid light-rail network that grants residents swift access to downtown Vancouver. Numerous bus routes operate throughout the municipality and the majority of Surrey features bike lanes or paths (with the exception of the south-east corner, which remains predominantly farmland). Motorists will want to consider houses for sale in Surrey near King George Blvd, Fraser Highway, Pacific Highway and the Trans-Canada Highway 1.

To gain a clearer picture of how city residents commute, review the data gathered by Statistics Canada.

Surrey is urban. Surrey is suburban. Surrey offers a taste of pastoral charm. Surrey is the municipality at the crossroads of it all. Situated just 30 minutes south-east of downtown Vancouver by car, Surrey is like a rich, flavourful pie—it offers a slice of practically everything to everyone. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a nature lover, an art enthusiast or a sports devotee, there’s no shortage of activities in Surrey to fill your calendar.

For indoor activities consider heading to Coastal Climbing Centre, where you and your youngsters can channel their inner Spider-Man and, quite literally, scale the walls. For a day spent in the water, explore one of the five community centres. While all five facilities feature pools, you’ll want to head to Guildford Recreation Centre if your kids crave waterslide action and you’d like to unwind in the steam room or dry sauna. There’s even a family friendly hot tub with wheelchair access.

For outdoor activities consider hiking or cycling one of the many trails in Surrey, or reserve a wildlife excursion. Rewarding spots to see birds and other wildlife include Blackie Spit, Serpentine Fen and Mud Bay Park. Local guides can direct you to the best spots to see a Bald Eagle and identify the more than 200 species that make B.C. part of their habitat. If fishing captivates you, explore the Tynehead Hatchery. Nestled in Tynehead Regional Park, near the headwater of the Serpentine River, the hatchery provides tours to learn about the local fish and their habitat. If you’d prefer to cast a line and fish the rivers directly, remember to obtain your provincial fishing licence. Non-tidal licences can be purchased online (www.fishing.gov.bc.ca) or at your nearest Service BC Centre.

Those who’d rather pause and savour the flora will want to visit Darts Hill Garden Park. Following 70 years of cultivation and dedication, the park grounds are blanketed with tree and shrub species that are native to the Pacific Northwest, alongside a variety of botanical specimens. The park also features guided strolls that educate visitors on a variety of flora and fauna, including the heritage trees of the city.

During the summer months, many Surrey residents head to the White Rock area. Celebrated as the sunniest locale in the Lower Mainland—dubbed the “hole in the sky” by aircraft pilots—the White Rock community retains its small-town character, even as it matures into a vibrant multi-generational neighbourhood. Pick up an ice cream and walk the beach boardwalk or venture to Crescent Beach and walk out Blackie Spit Park to observe the otters, seagulls and birds feasting at dusk.