Squamish

Let’s talk about Squamish, British Columbia—a town that’s got more going for it than just postcard-worthy views. Nestled between Vancouver and Whistler, this place is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts and savvy real estate minds alike. It’s not just the mountains or the ocean that make Squamish special; it’s the unique vibe and growth potential that have folks buzzing. So, whether you’re a mortgage broker hunting for the right lender or a borrower eyeing a slice of this paradise, let’s dive into what makes Squamish tick.

First off, Squamish is an adventure lover’s playground. Known as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” it’s got world-class hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking right at your doorstep. Think spots like the Stawamus Chief—a granite monolith that’s basically a rite of passage for climbers. This isn’t just trivia; it’s a key driver for real estate demand. People aren’t just buying homes here; they’re buying a lifestyle. For brokers, that means properties often hold strong resale value, even when markets get wobbly. And for borrowers, it’s a reminder that owning in Squamish could be a long-term win, even if you’re stretching a bit to get in.

The town’s growth is another big story. With a population bump of over 22% since 2016, Squamish is drawing young families, retirees, and remote workers who want space without losing access to bigger hubs. The housing mix reflects this—plenty of single-detached homes for families, but also a decent chunk of row houses and low-rise apartments for those downsizing or just starting out. From a lending perspective, this diversity is a plus. It means there’s usually a buyer for almost any property type, which lowers risk on a deal. Brokers, keep this in mind when pitching to lenders; and borrowers, know that you’ve got options here if your needs change down the road.

Economically, Squamish isn’t a one-trick pony. Professional services, construction, and tourism all play a big role, which keeps the local economy humming even if one sector dips. That’s a quiet comfort for anyone in the mortgage game. As a lender ourselves at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we always look at these fundamentals—stability matters when you’re betting on a community’s ability to support property values. But here’s the kicker: while Squamish checks a lot of boxes, our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in this area is 0%. Why? It’s not a knock on the town—far from it. We’ve got our niche at Tekamar, focusing on smaller BC towns or bigger centers like Kelowna and Victoria where we’ve got deeper roots. Squamish is awesome, but other lenders know this market better than we do. Brokers, don’t let that discourage you from reaching out about other areas we do lend in; and borrowers, we’d love to chat if you’ve got properties elsewhere in BC that fit our “we’ll lend where others won’t” mantra.

One last tidbit—Squamish’s climate is a sneaky advantage. With a warm, extended growing season, it’s not just great for gardeners; it adds to the year-round appeal for residents. That’s a small but real factor in keeping demand steady. So, while we’re not lending here directly, we can’t help but tip our hat to a town that’s got so much going for it. If you’re looking to make a move in Squamish, talk to your broker about the right fit. And if you’re outside this area, give us a shout at Tekamar—we’re all ears for the right deal in the right spot.