I’ve always thought of Sidney, British Columbia, as the kind of place that sneaks up on you. Nestled just north of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula, it’s a small town with a big personality—think waterfront charm, a tight-knit vibe, and a lifestyle that makes you wonder why you’d live anywhere else. For mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, Sidney isn’t just another pin on the BC map; it’s a hidden gem with real estate potential that deserves a closer look. And at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re excited to be part of that story with our willingness to lend where others might hesitate.
What sets Sidney apart? For starters, it’s got a unique blend of retirement-friendly living and scenic appeal that drives consistent demand. With a median age of 62 and nearly half the population over 65, this isn’t your typical hustle-and-bustle community. It’s a place where people settle in for the long haul, drawn by the mild climate—hardiness zone 9a, if you’re into gardening—and the kind of oceanfront views you’d pay a premium for anywhere else. Walk along the Sidney Seaside Sculpture Walk, and you’ll see why folks stick around. That stability translates to a housing market with solid resale potential, something we at Tekamar always keep an eye on when assessing risk. For brokers, this means deals in Sidney often come with a built-in safety net; for borrowers, it’s a reminder that your investment here is likely to hold its value.
Let’s talk numbers, but only the ones that matter. Sidney’s housing mix is diverse—about 35% single-detached homes, nearly 30% low-rise apartments, and a good chunk of duplexes and row houses. This variety means there’s something for almost every buyer, whether you’re a retiree downsizing or a family looking for space. At Tekamar, we’re comfortable lending up to a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 70% in Sidney, though we often aim lower depending on the deal—think construction loans or second mortgages. Our focus is equity lending, especially for those who might not tick every box at a traditional bank or credit union. Brokers, if you’ve got a client with a solid property but shaky income verification, give us a call. Borrowers, if you’re in a similar spot, know that we prioritize a clear exit strategy to ensure everyone wins.
Sidney’s economy adds another layer of confidence. With health care, retail, and public administration leading the job market, it’s not tied to one shaky industry. Unemployment sits at a low 4.7%, and the proximity to Victoria means access to even more opportunities without losing that small-town feel. For us at Tekamar, this diversity reduces risk—something we care about deeply since our investments come from friends and family. We’re not just another MIC; with our tagline “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t,” we’re proud to support towns like Sidney, far from the Vancouver frenzy.
One last tidbit: check out the local farmers’ market if you’re ever in town. It’s a microcosm of Sidney—fresh, friendly, and full of character. Whether you’re a broker scouting deals or a borrower dreaming of a seaside home, Sidney’s got something special. And with Tekamar’s focus on smaller communities across BC, we’re here to help make those dreams a reality. Got a deal in mind? Let’s chat.