Half Duplex | Before you offer
Questions to Ask Before You Offer
Most of these take a minute to ask and are expensive to discover afterwards. Work through them during the subject period rather than at the viewing.
The short answer
The questions that matter most on a half duplex are about ownership, the strata, the shared wall, and parking. Establish whether it is freehold or strata, what the strata plan says is common property, how the party wall was built, and exactly what parking is allocated to the unit.
Ownership and strata
This decides your monthly cost, your rules, and who pays for major repairs. Get it from title and the strata documents, not from the listing description.
- → Is it freehold non-strata or a strata, confirmed on title
- → What does the strata plan define as common property
- → What do the bylaws say about pets, rentals, and renovations
- → What is in the contingency reserve, and does a depreciation report exist
- → Has a special levy been approved but not yet charged
The building
New construction removes most of the condition questions and introduces a different set about how it was built and what is covered.
- → What is the party wall assembly, in writing
- → Is the home covered by the 2-5-10 warranty, and is the builder on the BC Housing registry
- → Which half is it, front or back, and what does that mean for light and yard
- → Is there a suite, and is it legal or unauthorized
The practical things
These are the ones that rule a home out late if you leave them.
- → How many parking spaces are allocated to this unit specifically
- → Is the outdoor space owned, exclusive use, or informal
- → Is GST included in the price, in writing
- → What is the strata insurance deductible, and does your policy cover your share
Is this right for you
Works well if
- ✓ Buyers with a genuine subject period who intend to use it
- ✓ Anyone buying into a two-owner strata, where there is no manager to catch problems
Does not work if
- ✕ You are competing hard and tempted to waive subjects
- ✕ The seller cannot produce the documents in the time available
Check before you offer
- → Everything on this page, in writing, before subjects are removed
- → Title, through your lawyer, for the ownership type
- → The BC Housing new homes registry, for the builder and the warranty
- → The municipality, for suite status if there is one
Read next
Common questions
What is the single most important question?
Whether it is freehold or strata, confirmed on title. It decides your monthly cost, what rules you live under, and who pays when the roof needs replacing. Everything else follows from it.
Can I ask the builder about the party wall?
Yes, and you should, in writing. A builder who spent money on sound separation will generally be pleased to tell you what the assembly is. A vague answer is itself informative.
How do I check the warranty?
The BC Housing new homes registry lists licensed builders and registered homes. Confirm the specific home and builder there rather than relying on a warranty being mentioned in the listing.
Where these figures come from
- VanPlex active listings, MLS® data
Active townhouses, half duplexes, and row houses built in the last two years across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
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- BC Housing, new homes registry and warranty
Confirms a builder's licence and a home's 2-5-10 warranty coverage.
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- Canada Revenue Agency, GST/HST new housing rebate
GST applies to new homes. The rebate reduces it on qualifying purchases.
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See the half duplexes on the market
Every figure in this hub comes from listings you can open. Search the full set and filter by price, bedrooms, freehold or strata, pets, parking, and distance to a station.