Surrey

Let’s talk about Surrey, British Columbia—a city that’s got a lot going for it, even if it’s not on our lending map at Tekamar Mortgage Fund. I’ve driven through Surrey plenty of times, and there’s something about the hustle of King George Boulevard that just screams “this place is on the move.” It’s a sprawling, dynamic hub in the Lower Mainland, and whether you’re a mortgage broker scouting opportunities or a borrower eyeing a property here, there’s plenty to unpack about what makes Surrey tick from a real estate and lifestyle perspective.

First off, Surrey is huge—both in size and population. With over half a million folks calling it home, it’s one of BC’s biggest cities, and it’s growing fast. That growth translates to a buzzing housing market with a mix of everything: single-family homes, row houses, duplexes, and low-rise apartments. For brokers, this diversity means a wide range of client needs—first-time buyers, families upsizing, or investors looking for rental properties. And for borrowers, it means options, whether you’re after a cozy duplex or a fixer-upper with potential. But here’s the catch: with that growth comes competition, and property values can be a rollercoaster depending on the neighborhood.

What sets Surrey apart from other BC communities isn’t just its size—it’s the blend of urban grit and green escape. You’ve got places like Bear Creek Park, where families can unwind, alongside the rapid development of areas like City Centre, which is shaping up to be a mini-downtown. This mix makes Surrey appealing for a broad demographic, from young professionals to growing families. As a lender, I’ve seen how these kinds of dual-vibe cities can drive demand, but they also come with appraisal challenges—values can swing wildly block by block. For brokers, that’s a heads-up to dig deep into comparables. Borrowers, keep this in mind when budgeting for your dream spot.

Economically, Surrey’s got a solid foundation. Retail, health care, and construction are big players here, which means jobs—and jobs mean mortgage affordability for many. That’s a plus if you’re a borrower trying to prove stability to a lender. For brokers, it’s a reminder that even if we at Tekamar don’t lend in Surrey (our max loan-to-value here is 0%), the city’s economic diversity can still make it a safe bet for other MICs or traditional lenders. Our niche is lending where others won’t—think smaller BC towns without stoplights—but we’re upfront that Surrey’s just not our turf. Other lenders know this market better, and that’s okay.

Now, a quick insider tip: Surrey’s proximity to Vancouver via TransLink is a massive draw, but it also means some areas get priced out of reach for alternative finance borrowers who need creative solutions. If you’re a borrower struggling with income qualification or credit hiccups, you might find traditional banks tougher to crack here. Brokers, this is where your network matters—find a lender who gets Surrey’s quirks.

So, while Tekamar won’t be funding deals in Surrey, we’re still cheering for this city’s energy and potential. Our focus remains on equity lending in less-served BC communities with low loan-to-value ratios for safety. But if you’ve got a deal elsewhere in BC, give us a shout—we’re the MIC that goes where others don’t. And for Surrey? Keep an eye on this market. It’s got legs, and with the right approach, it could be your next big win.