Sunwise helps property owners activate for-sale homes and vacant houses during redevelopment timelines by creating well managed communal homes with clear move-out plans and resident relocation support.
Your property may be waiting on permits, financing, approvals, or future plans. That does not mean it has to sit empty. Sunwise rents vacant houses directly from owners, prepares them for occupancy, and operates them as well-managed interim homes for carefully selected residents who understand the timelines and are part of our relocation support system.
what sunwise actually does
Helping Vancouver property owners generate income and protect vacant houses while waiting for redevelopment.
Many properties sit empty for months—or years—while owners wait for permits, financing, or building timelines. During that period, owners often face holding costs, vacancy risks, and tax exposure.
Sunwise provides a simple solution.
We lease vacant houses directly from owners and transform them into professionally managed shared homes for vetted tenants. Our team handles the improvement costs, tenant placement, and day-to-day management from within, while providing the owner with consistent rent and a clear move-out timeline before redevelopment begins.
Owners deal with one tenant: Sunwise.
Our model is designed specifically for properties that may eventually be demolished or redeveloped, or struggling to find suitable tenants for larger homes.
Over the past several years we have successfully operated community homes across Vancouver, housing responsible tenants while providing owners with predictable income and peace of mind during the redevelopment process or waiting for the market to shift.
Why Owners Work With Sunwise
What owners value most:
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Income while waiting for permits or plans
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No upfront repair or renovation costs
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Responsible, well-managed occupancy
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Flexible terms aligned with your timeline
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A clear path to having the home vacant when needed
Timeline-Aligned Residents
We handle setup, resident placement, and day-to-day operations—so you are not managing multiple occupants or ongoing issues.
Resident Relocation Program
As homes transition, we coordinate moving residents into other Sunwise properties where timing fits. This supports smoother exits and reduces friction around vacancy.
Hands-Off Operation
Residents know upfront the home is tied to a redevelopment timeline. Move-out expectations are clear from day one, not a surprise at the end.
The Sunwise Tenant Relocation Program is what makes this model work
Most rental arrangements break down when timelines change.
Sunwise is different because we do not treat each house as an isolated rental. We operate a growing network of interim homes and maintain relationships with residents who understand that some properties are available only for a season.
That means when one house is nearing the end of its occupancy period, we can often help place residents into another suitable Sunwise property based on timing, budget, and fit.
This gives owners peace of mind knowing the house is returned when they need it back. It also gives residents more housing continuity than a typical short-term rental arrangement.
A vacant house is only part of the equation. The relocation system is the real infrastructure.
Communal Homes, Done Properly
We create communal homes, not crowded houses
Sunwise homes are designed for residents who value flexibility, shared living, and respectful community. These are often professionals, students, newcomers to the city, or people in transition who are looking for a furnished or semi-furnished home with a clear structure and realistic expectations.
We focus on:
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carefully selected residents
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transparent house expectations
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a living model built around communication and safety
The result is a more stable home environment and a better fit for properties that need an organized short-to-mid-term use.
For many owners, vacancy is the most expensive non-decision
Vacant houses can create holding costs, ongoing deterioration, neighborhood concerns, and missed income during periods when permits or redevelopment plans are still in motion.
Sunwise offers an alternative: activate the property, generate income during the interim period, and keep the timeline front and centre.
We work best with homes that are:
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vacant or becoming vacant
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older, worn, or not ideal for premium market rents
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awaiting redevelopment, renovation, or future sale
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better suited to a defined-term occupancy model than a conventional long-term tenancy
Let's CRUNCH THE NUMBERS
Let's assume you are 9 months away from beginning your renovation or demolition.
Property Valued At | $2,239,300 |
|---|---|
3% Vancouver Empty Homes Tax | $67,179 |
1% BC Speculation Tax | $22,393 |
Total Tax Cost | $89,572 |
note: the totals don't yet include additional considerations and benefits listed below
Hiring A Property Manager | Leasing With Sunwise Property | |
|---|---|---|
Potential Rental Income | $4500/m x 8 (less 1 m rent) | $2650/m x 8 (less 1 m rent) |
Rental Income | $36,000 | $21,000 |
Management Fees | - $6,000 | *Included |
Necessary Upgrades & Repair Downtime | - $16,000 | *Included |
Net Income | $14,000 | $21,200 |
Net Income Difference | + $7,200 | |
Potential Empty Homes Tax Savings | $89,572 | $89,572 |
Potential Total Financial Benefit | $103,572 | $110,772 |
Considerations | Benefits |
|---|---|
Property Management companies avoid short term leases and are expensive | We will consider distressed homes and 6-month minimum leases |
Risk of tenants overstaying lease term | Exit strategy in place with our tenants to ensure vacant property |
Free month’s rent mandatory offering | Guaranteed rent despite condition of home |
Having reliable contractors and trades who can meet short timelines are hard to find | In-house staff ready to work immediately to maximize rental income |
Out-of-pocket repair cost just to have the house rent-ready | We pay for all repair and maintenance. You keep funds directed at new build. |
Owner must have city building permits in-hand before issuing 4-month's notice to vacate | Fixed-term lease with clear vacancy exit date |
GALLERY
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how it works
Simple structure. Clear expectations.
01
property review
We review the location, condition, expected timeline, and whether the home is a fit for the Sunwise model.
03
home setup
We handle the preparation and updates needed to make the home functional and attractive for resident occupancy.
05
timeline coordination
As the owner’s schedule evolves, we coordinate communication and, where possible, resident relocation through our network.
02
lease structure
If the property works, we agree on rent, occupancy fixed - term timeline directly with the owner.
04
resident placement
We place carefully selected residents who understand the unique nature of interim housing and communal living.
what owners are saying
"It was truly great to work with you, and I appreciate all the care and attention you put into the property.
I’m grateful for the hassle-free experience and the effort you made to align everything with my plans—it really did feel like a win for everyone."
- Alireza, Homeowner awaiting redevelopment
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