Multigenerational co-buying is changing how families afford and enjoy life in the Fraser Valley. Discover how to purchase a home with family members — and make it work for everyone.
Co-buying means two or more people — often family members across different generations — purchase a property together, sharing costs, equity, and often living space.
Parents, adult children, and grandparents pool resources to purchase a home that none could comfortably afford alone in today's Fraser Valley market.
Homes designed or renovated to include suites, laneway homes, or separate entrances allow each generation their own private space.
A well-drafted co-ownership agreement outlines each party's rights, responsibilities, exit strategies, and how decisions get made.
Combining incomes and down payments dramatically increases your purchasing power — critical in a market where detached homes in Abbotsford, Langley, or Chilliwack regularly exceed $1M.
Mortgage payments, property taxes, strata fees, utilities, and maintenance costs are divided — reducing the monthly burden for every household involved.
Grandparents can help with grandchildren. Adult children can assist aging parents. Co-living reduces the need for costly daycare and long-term care facilities.
Real estate in the Fraser Valley has historically appreciated over time. Co-buying lets families enter the market sooner and build equity together.
Living nearby — or together — supports deeper family relationships, shared meals, cultural traditions, and a sense of community that modern suburban life can erode.
Properties with secondary suites or carriage houses can generate rental income when not needed for family use, offsetting mortgage costs.
Have honest conversations about finances, living expectations, long-term goals, and exit plans. Define what each party contributes and what they need from the arrangement.
Work with a mortgage broker experienced in co-borrowing. Lenders evaluate all applicants' income and credit. Decide early whether to structure as joint tenants or tenants-in-common.
Hire a BC real estate lawyer to draft a co-ownership agreement covering ownership percentages, cost-sharing, decision-making, dispute resolution, and buyout clauses.
Work with a realtor who understands multigenerational needs. Look for properties with suites, flexible floor plans, large lots, or potential for a carriage house in areas like Abbotsford, Langley, Mission, or Chilliwack.
Complete the purchase with your legal and financial team. Establish household rules, shared accounts for joint expenses, and regular family check-ins to keep the arrangement healthy.
Life changes. Review your co-ownership agreement yearly. Update it as family circumstances, finances, or needs evolve.
The Fraser Valley offers space, community, and relative affordability compared to Vancouver — making it one of BC's top destinations for multigenerational families.
BC's largest city by area. Known for agricultural roots, strong South Asian community, and newer suburban developments with multi-suite homes.
A blend of township charm and urban growth. Strong school systems, equestrian culture, and proximity to Surrey make it ideal for families.
The most affordable major city in the Fraser Valley. Surrounded by mountains and the Fraser River, with large lots and growing amenities.
A hillside community with a small-town feel, stunning views, and properties that often include large lots suitable for secondary suites.
The urban gateway to the Fraser Valley. Dense transit connections, diverse communities, and an active secondary suite market.
Growing communities with a mix of acreages and subdivisions. Popular with families seeking space without leaving Metro Vancouver.
Review a sample Joint Venture Agreement to understand the key clauses families use when co-buying property in BC.
All co-borrowers are assessed. A weak credit profile can affect qualification or interest rate. In some cases, one party may be on title but not on the mortgage, though this requires careful legal structuring.
This is exactly why a co-ownership agreement is essential. It should outline a right of first refusal, buyout valuation method, and forced sale conditions. Without it, disputes can be costly.
Yes. Property transfer tax, capital gains on non-principal residences, and rental income tax all have implications depending on how you structure ownership. A tax advisor familiar with BC real estate is essential.
Yes — if the suite meets local zoning and building code requirements. Fraser Valley municipalities generally allow secondary suites in single-family homes, subject to inspection and permitting.
Increasingly so. Large South Asian, Filipino, and other communities in the region have long practiced multigenerational living. As housing prices rise, more families of all backgrounds are embracing this model.
At the Moving Friends Forward Group our clients are treated like friends. In fact many of them do become friends! Your best interest goes above all. Our business plan revolves around happy clients who are enthusiastic about introducing our team to their friends who have real estate questions.

Founder of Moving Friends Forward, Marites has built the group on a simple belief: friends help friends. With over two decades serving Fraser Valley families, she brings honesty, care, and deep local expertise to every transaction.

With 19 years of non-profit leadership and pastoral work, Tyson brings a people-first approach to real estate. His expertise in real estate investing and home renovation turns transactions into transformations for his clients.

A dedicated member of the Moving Friends Forward team, committed to helping Fraser Valley families find their perfect home.

Bringing expertise and a client-first mindset to every real estate journey in the Fraser Valley.

Passionate about connecting families with the right homes and guiding them through every step of the process.

With 25 years of office administration experience, Shannon keeps everything running smoothly — ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and cared for.
Connect with a local advisor who specializes in multigenerational real estate in the Fraser Valley. We'll help you understand your options and build a plan that works for your family.