Property snoop: What $400,000 buys across Canada this week

1. A resort home on Vancouver Island

Address: #49 – 5251 Island Highway Where: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia Price: $404,000 Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bath After years of stagnate prices, resort properties on Vancouver Island are finally picking up — which makes this newish build (2012) with sweet ocean view just north of Qualicum Beach a good deal. No worries about maintenance — it’s taken care of with your strata fee, which also covers a fitness centre, clubhouse and 15 oceanfront acres.

2. A roomy Quebec City condo in a historic building

Address: 42 Cote de la Montagne Where: Quebec City, Quebec Price: $413,000 Specs: 3 bedrooms, 2 bath Unlike most Canadian cities, Quebec is actually old enough to have some serious period touches in its homes — like original limestone walls, exposed brick surfaces and more than 100-year-old wood beams. This large 1,445-square-foot condo has a slightly dated kitchen, but it’s a modern, open concept, so with a new coat of paint, you’re back in business.

3. A stately manor in New Brunswick

Address: 93 Frederick St. Where: St. Andrews, New Brunswick Price: $425,000 Specs: 6 bedrooms, 3 bath If you’re frustrated by Canada’s overheated real estate market, check out this 150-year-old Greek Revival with enough upgrades—new furnace, double-paned windows—to assuage money-pit fears. It’s a property full of positives, like a half-acre lot just a short stroll from the water, six bedrooms and its own historic designation from the local council. A home made for a dynasty at the price of an urban condo.

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