Nearly 200 people who bought condos in a Surrey condo development a few years ago are now caught in legal limbo — wondering about the future of their homes.
They’ve recently found out their units were never granted a permanent occupancy permit
It means they’re no longer in control of their own fate. Even if they want to sell and escape this legal mess, they can’t as no bank wants to touch the properties.
Deal after real estate deal has fallen through at Terrane on 68th Avenue in Surrey.
Owners have been trying to sell their homes, only to learn even though this building was completed in 2006, it was never issued a final occupancy permit.
“I almost sold the house in February i thought everything was working fine — offer was accepted and everything was done and then they went to the bank and the bank said no,” says Mickey Narwan, a homeowner in the complex.
Other owners were also blindsided when they were told by the major banks that no occupancy permit means no mortgage.
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“There’s another guy who had 40% down, but the bank said no to this complex.”
The building was issued a temporary occupancy permit from the city when it was completed but that expired and there were still deficiencies.
The development company says it would have signed off on the permit years ago but the strata council kept making demands, saying there were issues with uneven ground, cracked drywall and unsafe fire panels.
Christopher Warrington bought in the building in 2006. He’s not trying to sell right now, but doesn’t like the idea that he can’t.
“It’s quite concerning. if i wanted to sell i couldn’t i also couldn’t access a line of credit…our building has been blacklisted. they won’t sign off on the permit but they continue to collect taxes from us.”
A lawyer with the City of Surrey says because of pending litigation the city can’t comment, but he won’t say if that litigation involves the developer, the architect or the strata.
While the issue caught the owners by surprise, it isn’t isolated to the Terrane building.
“We did a little bit of investigation a few years ago. I suspect we’re still in the same situation there are literally thousands of places that don’t have the permits. Even with new buildings, ask about the occupancy permit. Don’t make assumptions,” says Tony Gioventu, Executive Director of the Condominium Home Owners Association of BC
After two failed deals, Mickey Narwan is preparing to move and rent out his permit-less townhouse.
He’s hoping the entire mess gets fixed and he will soon be able to sell.
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