🏡 Is It Cheaper to Build or Buy on Vancouver Island?
- Nick Howson
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
If you’ve been daydreaming about living on Vancouver Island, you’re not alone. From Nanaimo to Ladysmith and all the way up the coast, the Island lifestyle has become a major draw — and more people than ever are wondering:👉 Is it cheaper to build a home or buy one that’s already on the market?
Let’s break it down honestly, from a local builder’s point of view.
💰 The Short Answer: It Depends (But Building Can Be a Smart Move)
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. On Vancouver Island, building a custom home can be more cost-effective if you already own land or if you’re flexible with design and finishes.
Buying, on the other hand, can make sense when the market cools or if you find an existing home that checks all your boxes — which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen often here.
🏗️ The Cost of Building a Home on Vancouver Island
As of 2025, the average cost to build a new home on Vancouver Island ranges from $275–$400 per square foot, depending on materials, slope, access, and level of finish.
Things that influence price:
Lot conditions: Steep, rocky, or remote properties cost more to prep.
Permits & engineering: Each municipality has its own rules and fees.
Design choices: Custom cabinetry, tile, or energy-efficient systems add cost but also long-term value.
Labour & materials: Supply chain fluctuations have eased up lately, but quality trades still come at a fair price.
The benefit? You get exactly what you want — a home built to your needs, energy-efficient, and backed by a warranty.
🏠 The Cost of Buying an Existing Home
On the buying side, average prices for a detached home on Vancouver Island in 2025 hover around $850,000 to $1.2 million, depending on location.
Buying is faster, but you’re often paying for:
Outdated layouts or finishes
Inefficient insulation or systems
Needed repairs and renovations
And for many Island buyers, that means another $100k–$300k in upgrades after purchase.
🌲 Why Many People Choose to Build
Building your own home isn’t just about the math — it’s about control and quality.When you build, you can:
Choose your lot, design, and materials
Include energy-efficient systems that save long-term
Avoid bidding wars and “as-is” surprises
Work with a licensed builder who knows the local terrain and permitting process
As a local custom home builder and developer, we’ve seen clients come out ahead in the long run — not just financially, but in overall satisfaction and home quality.
📍 Local Insight: Building on Vancouver Island Comes With Unique Advantages
Because Howson Homes builds exclusively on Vancouver Island, we understand the realities of construction here — from soil types and drainage to the quirks of local bylaws.
That local expertise helps us:
Avoid costly delays during permitting
Design homes that perform well in our coastal climate
Plan efficiently to keep timelines and budgets on track
If you’re exploring the idea of building, start by talking to a builder early — even before you buy land. A quick chat can save you tens of thousands in the long run.
🔨 The Bottom Line
Buying can be faster.Building can be smarter.
On Vancouver Island, it often comes down to your lot, your timing, and your goals. If you’re after a home built to suit your lifestyle — one that’s efficient, customized, and built to last — building with a trusted local team may be the better choice.
💬 Ready to Explore Building?
If you’re considering building on Vancouver Island, we’d love to share some insight into costs, timelines, and what’s possible on your lot.
👉 Contact Howson Homes Ltd. to start the conversation — no pressure, just local advice from a builder who knows the Island inside and out.
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