625 Southborough Dr., West Vancouver

Type: detached house on 0.63 acres

Size: 1,400 sq. ft

B.C. Assessment, 2012: $2,372,300

Listed for: $1,888,000

Sold for: $2,810,000

Sold on: July 28

Days on market: 4

Listing agent: Shelley Williams at RE/MAX Crest Realty

Buyers agent: Jonathan Lu at Royal Pacific Realty

The big sell: There are some neighbourhoods in the Lower Mainland that automatically generate excitement when a property comes on the market, offering buyers the opportunity to build their dream home. West Vancouver’s British Properties is one such community where multi-million-dollar homes have been created in one of the most exclusive enclaves in the area. This property on Southborough Drive produced seven offers as soon as it was listed. Not for the house — a 1957 rancher that was not even shown when the property was viewed by potential purchasers — but for the 27,878-square-foot parcel of land on which it sat. Listing agent Shelley Williams explains that on a property of this size, a 12,000-square-foot house can be built over three levels comprising a main floor, an upper floor and a basement. Factor in a south-facing lot, and spectacular panoramic views that could be enjoyed from the second floor of a new home, and a winning bid resulted in a sale of almost $1 million over the listed price.

South Vancouver condo with river location

306-3038 East Kent Ave., Vancouver

Type: 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment

Size: 822 sq. ft

B.C. Assessment, 2012: $330,000

Listed for: $324,800

Sold for: $324,800

Sold on: July 5

Days on market: 31

Listing agent: Brian Vidas at Sutton Centre Realty

Buyers agent: Jo-Anne Embree at HomeLife Benchmark Titus Realty

The big sell: In 1999, Polygon built the South Hampton development — a project with rainscreen technology — on the Fraserview Slopes by the banks of the Fraser River. The project is near the coming master-planned River District community, which will bring restaurants, shops, schools, daycares, parks and a community centre to this part of South Vancouver. This top-floor, two-bedroom condo features an open floor plan with nine-foot ceilings, a gas fireplace, laminate flooring, three-inch shutter blinds, designer paintwork, an ensuite bathroom with his-and-hers sinks, and eye-catching river views. The unit has undergone several upgrades, including new balconies and new stainless-steel appliances. The home comes with one parking stall, and rentals are allowed with some restrictions. Pets are also permitted — again with restrictions — and all two- and four-legged occupants will enjoy evening walks along the river.

Richmond condo has investor appeal

1805 — 8180 Granville Ave., Richmond

Type: 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment

Size: 713 sq. ft

B.C. Assessment, 2012: $313,000

Listed for: $319,000

Sold for: $303,000

Sold on: July 11

Days on market: 142

Listing agent: Harris First at Macdonald Realty Westmar

Buyers agent: Jasper Yung at Macdonald Realty Westmar

The big sell: This transaction marked the first time this penthouse unit in Richmond’s The Duchess building had been on the market since the seller bought it newly completed in 1999. The interior had been freshly painted and features a custom kitchen designed for socializing, and a large walk-in closet. Additionally, the home has an easterly aspect that benefits from morning sun, and an entertainment-sized 200-square-foot private patio with unobstructed Mount Baker views. The unit comes with two side-by-side parking stalls. The Duchess is an investor-friendly building with most standard-sized, 600-square-foot, one bedroom units in the complex renting for around $1,200 per month. According to listing agent Harris First, however, this top-floor home could conservatively fetch $1,600 due to its larger floor plan, position, terrace and views.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com and AssignmentsCanada.ca.Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com