How We Turned a Developer's Land Assembly Into a Community Solution: Case Study 1

As we wrap up this year, we wanted to showcase a 2-part case study about the work we do, not only benefitting the developers, but the community as well.

When developers reach out to us, they often have a dilemma on their hands: a vacant property that’s not only a financial liability but also a community eyesore. That’s exactly what happened when we were contacted about a house caught in the limbo of a land assembly, waiting for redevelopment permits. What started as a problem property turned into a win-win solution for everyone involved.

The Challenge

The property in question had just been vacated by the previous owner, but "vacated" might be too generous a term. On possession day, the developer walked into a house filled to the brim with a lifetime of belongings: furniture, keepsakes, collectibles, clothing, and even food left rotting in the fridge. It was a scene of chaos, and the developer was doubtful.

“Do you think anyone would even want this?” they asked.

To make matters more complicated, the house needed to remain occupied for roughly 8 months while City of Vancouver development permits were finalized. Leaving it empty would invite the risk of squatters, vandalism, and the possibility of the dreaded empty-homes tax. Would we rent it in its current condition? They were skeptical, but we saw an opportunity.

The Solution

We signed a fixed-term lease with the developer, perfectly aligning with their estimated demolition timeline. This agreement provided them with guaranteed rental income and the peace of mind that the house would be occupied, maintained, and secure.

Then, we rolled up our sleeves. Our team got to work clearing out the house—an entire day spent filling a U-Haul with garbage. Once emptied, we began the transformation:

Fresh Paint: Revitalizing the walls to make the space feel clean and welcoming.
Professional Cleaning: Deep cleaning floors and every nook and cranny.
Lighting Upgrades: Brightening the space with modern lighting.
Smart Furnishings: Repurposing existing furniture, supplemented with stylish and functional additions.

The result?

A sunny, spacious, furnished three-bedroom rental that felt like home. We quickly found subtenants for the eight-month lease: a group of young professionals relocating to Vancouver temporarily who were thrilled to have a clean, safe, and affordable place to call home.

At the end of the fixed term, the Developer obtained their development permits, the subtenants moved to their new home (we even had alternative housing lined up for them should they have needed it!), we stripped the house of all furniture and improvements, and we prepped the house for demolition. The Developer was thrilled that not only did we keep our promise to meet their deadline, but that we exceeded their expectation from a tenant.

This was a win-win-win for all parties involved as we transformed a house filled with doubt and despair into a temporary home for a group of renters - not an easy find in Vancouver - and provided the Developer with a solution to their vacancy problem.

Looking for a Tenant Like Us?

At Sunwise Property, we are always looking for pre-demolition houses and specialize in turning them into community-serving solutions. Here’s what sets us apart:

We take on all cosmetic repairs at our expense.
We sign fixed-term leases that align with your redevelopment plans.
We ensure your property is occupied, maintained, and generating income.
We have exit strategies in place with all subtenants, moving them at our own expense if needed.

Don’t leave your vacant properties to chance. Let us turn your challenges into opportunities. Contact us today to see how we can help.