Fewer home starts mean pr WITH the drop in home construction last year, local homebuyers may have less to choose from — and noi get the bargains they were looking fer either. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) figures show Vancouver housing starts dur- ing 1998 in both the single and multiple housing market experienced a substantial decrease. In 1998 2 total of 11,878 units. started compared to 13,950 units the vear betore. In December total housing starts Were 39% lower than the same omonth last sear. Multiple starts were down 44% with 501 starts while sin- gle starts were down by 24° with 240 starts. In 1998, single detached housing starts were highest in Surrev with 1,270 homes, tol- lowed by Vancouver with 500 homes. In the multiple unit market, Vancouver continued to have the highest number of starts with 3,594 units, fol- lowed by Burnaby and Surrey with TLS and 7935) units respectively. “Consumers preter these markets because of good access ta services, jobs and sky train stations,” said Ladan Ahmadaadch, senior market analysr at CMHC?s BLC. and Yukon Region Business Centre. “Phe drop in’ housing starts could create a housing shortage and fess choice for the bavers.” she said. “What Home and Garden Show opens soon HOMEOWNERS, gather your thoughts, plans and questions because the BC Home and Garden Show is about to kick off. From Feb. 17 to 21 more than 450 exhibitors will cake the tloor at BC Place Stadium. This year’s focus: Garden, Renovation and Home Decor. There’s lots to entice the ardent renovator or the week- end gardener. Special guests ge oe HWNILX and celebrities will share their enthusiasm and expertise and lead the wav through do-it- veurself projects. Featured areas include the state-of-the-art Concrete Concept Home, Vhe Bring It All Home Tour Main Stage with a variety of special guest speakers, The Symphony of Gardens, The Know °N’ Grow Stage and lots more. Tickets are $8.25 tor adults, $7.25 for seniors, $2 for children seven to 14, free for under-sevens at the door. the 1998 numbers show ts thar Vancouver did not see a housmyg crash that many had predtered With dower starts and decreasing inventory lev cl, average prices of homes will nor plunge evtensnely and they may even see seme improvement by end or this Ahmadsadch added. “Gren lower prices and decreasmig mer rites, buvers that are ne in the market now have more chaic- es available and better bar- gaining power. As the inven- Friday, February 5, 1999 - North Shore News - 75 ice flexibility tory tevels decrease developers will be Jess inchned to offer aay deals.” said Ahmad sadch, “At present, the highest trend tor developers is to baild more basig unity and offer consumers upgrade packages for such thing as hardwood fear, security sys: tems, high-end appliances, crown molding. There is less rk involved in such develop- ment with price flexibility. And that is exactly what buy ers need.” added Ahmadsadch. THOMAS LEONG VIVIAN CHENG 649-4582 UPPER LONSDALE $459,000 - 3 bedroom, 3 baths ~ Bright end unit with lots of storage » AMEX BROADWAY WEST REALTY — Over 1600 sq.ft. Early bird THE odd day of winter sunshine makes for a beautiful sunrise, and North Shore residents and their canine companions aren't the only ones to get out and er:joy the sight down at Ambleside Park. NEWS photo Grad Ledwitice - Large house (2925 sqft) on a large lot (14.820 sqft} - Total of 5 bedrooms (3 up 2 down) & 4 bath (2 up 4 2 down) - In faw accommodation - Lots of room for improvement - most desirable neighbourhood + 150 SANDRINGHAM CRESCENT —- Sunny fenced patio with privacy — Two car secured parking ~ Pet OK #2-2133 ST. GEORGES AVE., Retirement Living in Port Coquitlam Town Centre ISHTAR SEMIGES COMNENSTIES INC ON THE GREEN You’ve made practical choices all your life. Now that you're thinking of changing your lifestyle, come and discover a Retirement Community designed to give you all the options you want for your new way of life. Full Menu of Services 24 Hour Security Professionally Scheduled Activities Ownership or Rental Choose from Studios, 1 Bedroom & 2 Bedroom Suites For more information and appointments call 552-5552. The Presentation Centre is open Sunday to Thursday, 11 to 4 pm #102-2546 Mary Hill Road at Wilson Avenue ~As nen OW PRICE $37 9,000 (across from the Terry Fox Library), Port Coquitlam ~ Nevily painted with new bathrooms, new floor tiles & new carpets — Spacious kitchen with eating area & oak cabinets =— 2 car garage & child safe backyard - Lot is 70 x 132, cur-de-sac — 1 bedroom accommodation in basement 2452 KEATS ROAD VIEW CONDO Spectacular city & mountain view. S.E. facing. 2 bedroom & 2 bathroom. Rarely been lived in, aS good as new condition. Over 1000H., insuite laundry two balconies. Pets allowed with some restriction. #601-125 W 2ND STREET. Come to our INFORMATION SEMINAR on Thursday, February 18 to learn more about our retirement lifestyle and meet the architect. For time and location please RSVP to 552-5552 et This is not an offering for sale. Such offering can only be made by prospectus.