What Actually Sells in Today’s Condo Market (Even When Everything Feels Broken)

The condo market in Surrey looks rough right now.

• 2,298 condos for sale
• Only 129 sold in the last 30 days
• Inventory at the highest levels since 2015

That sounds like a market where nothing sells.But that’s not true.129 units still sold.So the real question is:👉 Why did those ones sell… and not the others?

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The Truth About This Market

Even in a “bad” market:

• The right condos sell fast
• The wrong condos sit
• Price fixes almost everything

Buyers today have one thing they didn’t have before:Choice.And that changes everything.

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Example #1: What Sells in a Tough Area (Whalley / North Surrey)

Whalley is one of the toughest condo markets right now.

• Oversupply
• Investor-heavy
• Small “shoe box” units everywhere

But this unit sold in multiple offers within 2 days.

Why?

1. A TRUE 2-Bedroom Layout

• Real walls (no sliding glass doors)
• Proper second bedroom
• Walk-in closets in both bedrooms

This is huge.Most “2 beds” today are fake.

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2. Separation Between Bedrooms

• Opposite sides of the unit
• No shared walls

That means:

• Privacy
• Less noise
• More livability

Buyers notice this immediately.

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3. Corner Unit = More Windows + Light

• Windows in both bedrooms
• Bright living space
• Better feel overall

Cookie-cutter inside units struggle.This one didn’t.

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4. Size Matters

• ~1,000 sq ft

Compared to:

• 650–750 sq ft “2 beds” → almost unsellable

Livable space = demand.

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5. Functional Layout (Even If Imperfect)

• Dining area off entry (often criticized)

But here’s the trick:

• Stage it properly
• Use a round table

👉 Sell the use, not just the space

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6. Aggressive PricingThis is the key.

• Priced to sell
• Generated interest
• Created competition

Result:👉 Multiple offers
👉 Sold over asking

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Example #2: Yes, Even a 1-Bedroom Can Sell

This one sold in days.Located in Langley (stronger market).

Why it worked:

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1. Bigger Than Typical

• 741 sq ft (large for a 1-bed + den)

Not:

• 500–600 sq ft investor unit

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2. Functional Den

• Usable workspace
• Not just a “closet with a desk”

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3. Cheater Ensuite

• Bedroom → bathroom access
• Also accessible for guests

Small feature, BIG buyer appeal.

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4. No Side Neighbours in Living Area

• Better privacy
• Less noise
• More natural light

Feels like a corner unit—even though it isn’t.

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5. Proper Dining Area (Done RIGHT)

• Round table
• Defined space

Most sellers mess this up.This one didn’t.

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6. Ground Floor with YardHuge advantage:

• Grass
• Fenced
• Pet-friendly
• Outdoor lifestyle

👉 Extremely rare in condos

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7. TWO Parking Spots (Game Changer)

• Massive differentiator for a 1-bed
• Appeals to:
  • Couples
  • Trades
  • Car owners

This alone can sell a unit faster.

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The Pattern: What Actually Sells

Across both examples:

• Larger units
• Functional layouts
• Real bedrooms
• Good light
• Extra features (yard, parking)
• Proper staging
• Aggressive pricing

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What DOESN’T Sell

• Tiny investor units
• No parking
• Fake bedrooms
• Poor layouts
• Dark interior units

These require:👉 Big price cuts to move

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The Real Lesson

This isn’t just about selling.It’s about buying right in the first place.Both of these sellers:

• Bought good product
• Avoided investor layouts
• Focused on livability

And now?👉 They had options
👉 They got results

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Final Thought

Even in one of the toughest condo markets:

• Good units sell fast
• Bad units chase the market down

So if you’re selling:👉 Be the best option on the marketIf you’re buying:👉 Buy what future buyers will want

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Written by:
Steve Karrasch PREC
Karrasch Real Properties Team
Macdonald Realty