Clarence Jensen

The City of Abbotsford is an ideal place to invest in real estate. The boundaries of the Agriculture Land Commission in Abbotsford have been reached, which leaves only the mountainsides to be developed into single family subdivisions. My interest is in the areas to be redeveloped for multifamily uses. Modern day housing changes emphasize smaller living space requirements, emphasis on using community services within walking distance or transit service, as well as utilizing park, education, other recreation facilities. Our focus has changed from country living into typical city living.

The City of Abbotsford demographics have changed from historic rural living into modern day living. The reasons for this are many, but the most important ones are the aging society, immigration into our City, the growth of our University, the development of new employment, both Government and Private which creates the need to accommodate new home purchasers. With this thought in mind, there are some basic requirements for real estate investors to be knowledgeable about.

The first one is a study of Abbotsford’s Official Community Plan (OCP). This document is updated almost annually and guides the City planners and elected officials into how Abbotsford looks today along with areas of change into the future. It is important to be aware of factors that affect the City dynamics. Older housing areas, main transit routes, Hospitals, commercial businesses, parks, recreation, and education are factors for each of us to use and to be aware of. They are important influences in the economics of a possible  change in housing types.

The next step is to examine possible investment areas. What is the cost of bare land on a per square foot basis? Is this a suitable area for your planned purchasers? Will the City support your plans for development? And most importantly, what will your neighbors think of your proposed new development? After each of these and others has been considered positively, then it is time for an economic decision.