The Rise of Pied-à-Terres in Vancouver, WA: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

In luxury real estate, trends often start in major markets like New York or Paris before finding their way to smaller cities. One of those trends is beginning to take root right here in Vancouver, Washington: the pied-à-terre.

If you’ve never heard the term, a pied-à-terre (French for “foot on the ground”) refers to a secondary home, typically a condo, that’s used part-time. It’s not your primary residence, but a personal home-away-from-home you can enjoy whenever you’re in the city.

These properties are especially appealing for business professionals who travel frequently, retirees easing into downsizing, or out-of-town buyers who want a place to stay on weekends. They’re designed to be low-maintenance, lock-and-leave, and ready when you are.

And Vancouver is perfectly positioned to embrace this trend.

Why Vancouver?

The city’s real estate market tells the story:

• The average home value sits around $510,190, while the median sale price hovers near $492,500, up slightly year-over-year.

• Properties remain highly competitive, with homes selling in about 20 days on average.

• Demand is especially strong along the Vancouver Waterfront, where lifestyle, views, and walkability create unmatched appeal.

But beyond the numbers, Vancouver offers two distinct advantages: no state income tax and a vibrant urban lifestyle without Portland’s higher costs and congestion. That combination makes the city especially attractive to out-of-town buyers from places like Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Kirkland Tower: Vancouver’s First True Pied-à-Terre Hotspot

The clearest example of this trend is Kirkland Tower, a 12-story luxury building overlooking the Columbia River. Completed in 2021, it features just 40 upscale residences with access to concierge services, a rooftop terrace, valet parking, and even amenities through the connected Hotel Indigo.

What’s remarkable is that nearly half of the condos in Kirkland Tower are owned by out-of-town buyers. That’s classic pied-à-terre ownership behavior, people investing in a place they’ll use occasionally, but value for lifestyle and convenience.

Recent sales back this up. A 2-bedroom unit closed for about $1.15 million, which comes out to nearly $900 per square foot. Clearly, demand for luxury condos in Vancouver is real, and growing.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’ve been considering a second home, Vancouver is emerging as a strong contender:

• Turnkey living — With concierge, security, and maintenance services, buildings like Kirkland Tower make owning a pied-à-terre easy.

• Investment potential — Waterfront condos have historically held value well, and with limited inventory, demand is likely to remain strong.

• Location, location, location — Few cities offer riverfront views, tax advantages, and big-city access like Vancouver does.

What This Means for Sellers

For homeowners and investors, the pied-à-terre trend is just as significant:

• Out-of-town buyers are your audience. Market your property as a convenient, low-maintenance city home.

• Highlight the lifestyle. It’s not just about square footage, it’s about dining, views, and access to the river.

• Use the supply gap to your advantage. With few luxury condos available, sellers who position their homes correctly can command premium pricing.

The Bottom Line

Vancouver, WA is on the cusp of its pied-à-terre moment. Our waterfront is attracting attention, our tax advantages are pulling in out-of-state buyers, and our growing inventory of luxury condos is creating opportunities that didn’t exist even five years ago.

For buyers, that means an exciting chance to own a personal retreat in one of the Northwest’s most desirable emerging markets. For sellers, it means a new category of motivated buyers ready to pay a premium for lifestyle and convenience.

If you’re curious about where you fit into this trend, whether you’re searching for your own pied-à-terre or considering selling to the growing pool of out-of-town buyers, I’d love to connect.