Duplexes
for Sale
in Surrey

Usually in 1 of 2 ways. Many duplexes are stratified into 2 strata lots, which creates a strata corporation as soon as the strata plan is deposited, under the same Strata Property Act as a large complex. Others sit on 2 separate titles joined by a party wall, and a party wall agreement registered on title sets out who maintains, repairs and insures the shared wall. Shawn confirms which one you are buying before you write an offer.

No. Strata corporations with fewer than 5 strata lots are exempt from the depreciation report (Strata Property Regulation). They must still pass a budget, hold an annual general meeting and put at least 10% of the operating budget into the contingency reserve fund every year.

The strata corporation must insure the buildings on the strata plan at full replacement value against major perils. The BC Government notes that an owner's own home insurance does not cover the strata corporation, so both owners need the strata policy in place.

Surrey allows 1 secondary suite in each half of a duplex, up to 40% of the home's floor area, and a suite cannot be its own strata lot. Each suite application is checked for land use contracts or building schemes that may prohibit it, so Shawn checks the lot's permits before you count on the rent.

Since July 8, 2024, Surrey's zoning has allowed 3 to 4 units on most lots under 1 acre inside the Urban Containment Boundary, and 6 near frequent bus stops, under the Province's small scale multi unit housing rules. Council began a review of these rules on July 27, 2026, so check the lot in COSMOS or the city's lookup tool before you plan on it.

For an owner occupied home with 2 units, CMHC allows up to 100% of the gross rental income to be counted when you qualify. Lenders ask for proof, such as the existing tenancy documents or an opinion of market rent.

BC's newly built home exemption removes property transfer tax up to $1,100,000 of fair market value, phasing out by $1,150,000, when the home becomes your principal residence and the other conditions are met. First time buyers may also qualify for the federal GST rebate on a new home, in full up to $1,000,000 and reduced to nothing at $1,500,000.

With only 2 strata lots, both owners sit on council and the standard bylaws give neither a tie-breaking vote. Deadlocks can end up in court; in one BC case the court appointed an administrator for a deadlocked duplex strata. Shawn reads the bylaws and the minutes with you before you commit.