Highlands

Let’s talk about Highlands, British Columbia—a hidden gem that’s quietly carving out its own space on Vancouver Island. Nestled just northwest of Victoria, this small community of about 2,500 people packs a punch with its rugged beauty and tight-knit vibe. It’s not your typical suburban sprawl; Highlands feels like a rural retreat with easy access to urban perks. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, this place is worth a closer look, especially if you’re working with alternative financing like what we offer at Tekamar Mortgage Fund.

What sets Highlands apart? First, it’s a nature lover’s paradise. Think rolling hills, serene lakes like Thetis Lake, and vast parklands that make up a huge chunk of the area. This isn’t just pretty scenery—it’s a lifestyle draw that keeps property values stable, even when markets wobble. For brokers, that means a safer bet when submitting deals to a lender like us, with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 70% in Highlands. And for borrowers, it’s a chance to own in a spot where equity tends to hold strong, even if your financial situation isn’t picture-perfect.

The housing market here leans heavily on single-detached homes—over 94% of dwellings are in this category. That’s a big deal for us at Tekamar because we focus on residential equity lending, not commercial or multi-family properties. If you’re a borrower with a unique property or a credit hiccup, we’re more likely to say yes to a solid Highlands deal with a clear exit strategy, like a future refinance. Brokers, this is where you can shine—bring us those clients who’ve been turned down by banks but have equity to work with, and we’ll dig into the details.

Economically, Highlands isn’t a one-trick pony. Construction leads the way as the top industry, but you’ve also got health care, retail, and public administration keeping things steady. With a low unemployment rate and a median household income of $122,000, there’s a sense of resilience here. Proximity to Victoria doesn’t hurt either—it’s like having a big-city safety net without the chaos. For us at Tekamar, that economic diversity lowers the risk profile, which is why we’re comfortable lending outside the usual Vancouver or Fraser Valley hotspots. Our tagline, “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s how we approach places like Highlands.

And let’s not forget the local flavor. Ever hiked up Gowlland Tod Provincial Park? It’s a reminder of why people move here—not just for a house, but for a way of life. That vibe translates to demand, even in slower markets. As a lender, we factor in how long it might take to sell a property if things go south. In Highlands, with its appeal to retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, we’re confident in a quicker exit if needed.

So, whether you’re a broker scouting for a flexible MIC to partner with, or a borrower looking for a lender who gets small-town dynamics, Highlands is on our radar at Tekamar. We’re not chasing the big-city deals; we’re here for communities like this one. Got a deal in mind? Let’s chat—because in a place with more trees than traffic lights, we’re ready to make things happen.