Decision Review: 1285 E 48th Ave, Vancouver (Burnaby)
This residence at 1285 E 48th Ave sits in a residential pocket near the Burnaby–Vancouver border. Operated as a guest house under the name Lee Home, it offers both shared 5‑bedroom units and self‑contained apartments. With a Google rating of 4.8 from 18 reviews and monthly rents ranging from 1,050 to 1,600 CAD, it occupies a mid‑to‑upper price tier for the area. Below is a neutral breakdown of who this property suits, what tenants actually say, how pricing compares, which room type to consider, and optimal booking timing.
Who This Residence Suits
- Students or professionals at Simon Fraser University (SFU) – The property is located in Vancouver’s east side, roughly a 20‑minute drive or 35‑minute bus ride to SFU’s Burnaby campus. For those who prefer a quiet home base away from the downtown bustle, the neighbourhood offers tree‑lined streets and easy access to major bus routes.
- People who value cleanliness and a calm atmosphere – The resident reviews consistently praise the house’s spotless condition and quiet environment. If you need a space to study or decompress without noise, this is a strong candidate.
- Short‑term tenants (3 months minimum) – The minimum lease is 3 months, which makes it suitable for exchange students, co‑op placements, or anyone needing a medium‑term stay without a full‑year commitment.
- Those who like a personal hosting touch – The owner is described as welcoming and helpful. Unlike anonymous corporate rentals, this property comes with hands‑on management and clear communication.
Who This Residence May Not Suit
- Budget‑conscious students looking for the cheapest option – The city’s from‑price is 500 CAD/month, but that likely refers to a shared‑bedroom or basement unit. At 1,050 CAD for a shared 5‑bedroom room, this property sits above the absolute floor. For independent apartments the price goes up to 1,600 CAD, which is above many purpose‑built student studios. If your budget is tight, you could find lower‑cost options elsewhere in Burnaby or Vancouver.
- Tenants who want a private kitchen – The shared units (5‑bedroom) come with a communal kitchen. If you prefer cooking alone or have dietary restrictions that require a fully private kitchen, you would need to book one of the apartments (availability varies).
- People who need a short‑term or month‑to‑month lease – The minimum 3‑month stay excludes anyone looking for a few weeks or monthly rolling. Also, the property is currently available from 26 July 2026, so if you need earlier move‑in, this won’t work.
- Those who need on‑site gym or pool – Tags include laundry, Wi‑Fi, and a workstation. There is no mention of fitness facilities, parking, or 24‑hour security.
What Residents Say
The three Google reviews paint a very consistent picture. All are 5‑star and focus on cleanliness, comfort, and the host’s hospitality.
“We had a lovely stay at Lee Home! The room was clean, cozy, and quiet — perfect for relaxing after a long day in the city. The check‑in was smooth, and the instructions were very clear. We especially appreciated the warm welcome and peaceful atmosphere in the house. Would definitely stay here again. Thank you!” — Blue Ocean
“The owner of the guest house was very nice and helpful! She is the sweetest lady. The room was decently big, and the shared washroom was enormous. The house was extremely clean. We can share the kitchen with microwave, oven, toaster, water castle to prepare your food. Definitely and highly recommended staying here.” — NL le
“Beautiful place. Fantastic room. Nice and quiet. Clean! Super cute home once you enter with gorgeous hardwood floors and a cool spiral staircase. Comfy bed. This place is definitely a winner. I stayed 3 nights and it was great. I would’ve stayed 4 nights, but it was booked on the fourth night. Definitely will stay again.” — alyeahal
Takeaways from these reviews:
- The house is exceptionally clean and well‑maintained.
- The shared bathroom is described as “enormous,” unusual for most shared homes.
- The owner is personable and communicative.
- The spiral staircase and hardwood floors add character, but note this might be a consideration for anyone with mobility issues.
- Several reviewers mention they would have extended if availability allowed, indicating demand is high.
Price Positioning vs the City’s From‑Price
Burnaby’s overall from‑price for student housing is 500 CAD/month (indicative — confirm with the operator). That figure typically represents a shared room in a lower‑tier or older building, or a space far from transit. At 1,050–1,600 CAD/month, 1285 E 48th Ave is double to triple that base. However, the property is not competing with the basement‑level market.
- 1,050 CAD (low end): This likely corresponds to a room in the 5‑bedroom unit, which includes shared kitchen and bathroom, plus Wi‑Fi and laundry. Compared to other shared accommodations, this is moderate — many purpose‑built student residences in Burnaby charge 1,200–1,500 for a shared unit.
- 1,600 CAD (high end): This is likely a one‑bedroom or studio apartment within the same property. For context, a one‑bedder in Burnaby/Vancouver east side ranges from 1,400 to 2,000+ CAD. So at the top end, this is still competitive for a private unit with a gracious host and high cleanliness standards.
Important: All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Taxes, utilities, and any extras (e.g., parking) are not specified in the data, so ask before booking.
Room‑Type Guidance
The listing shows two unit types: 5‑bedroom and apartment.
- 5‑bedroom (shared) – Best suited for a student who doesn’t mind living with up to four other people. Each room likely has a lock, and you share a large bathroom and a kitchen. Based on the reviews, the shared washroom is roomy, and the kitchen is well‑equipped. If you are social and want lower rent, this is the way to go. Expect the room to be around 1050–1200 CAD (indicative).
- Apartment (private) – This could be a separate unit within the same building with its own kitchen and bathroom. Price likely falls near the 1600 CAD end. Ideal for a couple, a PhD student needing solitude, or a professional who prioritises privacy. Confirm with the operator whether it includes full appliances and whether utilities are separate.
If you are uncertain which room type is available for your dates, ask the operator directly. The tag “Workstation” suggests there is a desk or study area in the common space or possibly in each room.
Booking Timing
The property is available from 26 July 2026, with a minimum lease of 3 months. Based on the reviews (one guest couldn’t extend because the fourth night was already booked), demand is real. For a summer 2026 move‑in:
- If you need housing starting in August 2026, you can book from July 26, which works well for fall‑term students (September start).
- For spring 2026 or earlier, this property will not be available — you would need to look at other options.
- Because there are only 18 Google reviews (a small sample) but a very high rating, the property likely hosts a limited number of tenants at any time. Once one room is taken, availability may shrink quickly.
Recommendation: If you plan to attend SFU or work in east Vancouver and want a quiet, clean, host‑managed home, inquire at least 2–3 months before your desired move‑in date. For a September 2026 start, contact the operator by May or June 2026. Given the minimum 3‑month lease, you could also book a short term (e.g., July–October) and decide whether to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the rent?
The listing tags mention laundry facility, Wi‑Fi, and a workstation. Beyond those, you should confirm with the operator whether utilities (electricity, water, gas), internet, and cable are included. The monthly rent range (1,050–1,600 CAD) is indicative — confirm with the operator. No deposit is listed in the data, but standard practice in Vancouver is a half‑month to full‑month deposit; ask directly.
Can I have guests or overnight visitors?
This information is not available in the data. Given the property is described as a “guest house,” it may be more flexible than a standard dorm. However, since it is shared (especially the 5‑bedroom), you should discuss guest policies with the operator before signing. The reviews mention a quiet atmosphere, so loud parties may be discouraged.
Is parking available?
No parking is mentioned in the tags. The address is on a residential street, so street parking may be available, but a permit may be required. Confirm with the operator. If you drive, also ask about bike storage.
Sources & data date
Data sourced from the listing provider on July 26, 2026. Google rating and reviews are as of that date. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For up‑to‑date room availability and specific pricing for your move‑in dates, use the on‑site assistant chat to verify live inventory and ask any questions directly.
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