Vancouver chef buys $469,900 one-bedroom condo in Joyce-Collingwood

A 33-year-old Vancouver chef purchased a one-bedroom condo for $469,900, choosing an older unit in Joyce-Collingwood over a renovated downtown option and a smaller unit with a view. Parm Bains moved in April 2025 after living with roommates for 14 years. Bains, a cook at Rogers Arena, set a $500,000 budget and required parking. He selected the 517-square-foot unit for its defined kitchen, spacious bedroom, and balcony views, despite aging appliances needing replacement. The downtown condo lacked a balcony, and the Renfrew-Collingwood unit’s bedroom was too small for a queen bed. His father contributed to the down payment, enabling the purchase. Bains has since painted the unit and plans to upgrade countertops and appliances gradually. He reports the home has significantly improved his quality of life.