655 E 51st Ave: A Detailed Review for Student Housing
This review analyzes 655 E 51st Ave, a residence located in Burnaby, British Columbia (address: Vancouver, BC V5X 1E1, Canada), listed on a global student-housing platform. We examine who this home suits, what residents say, its price in the local market, room types, and booking timing. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. This is not a recommendation to book; it is a factual assessment to help you decide.
Understanding the Residence and Its Setting
655 E 51st Ave is a guesthouse-style property available for student and non-student stays. It offers non-ensuite rooms and apartment-style units. The property is located in Burnaby, a city in Metro Vancouver, close to Simon Fraser University (SFU). The address falls within Vancouver’s postal code V5X 1E1, so it is near the southern edge of Burnaby, close to the Vancouver city boundary.
The unit types are:
- Non-ensuite (shared bathroom, private or shared bedroom)
- Apartment (self-contained unit)
The minimum lease is 6 months. The property is tagged with laundry facility, Wi-Fi, and closet space. The “not_available” tag suggests it may have limited or no current vacancy — confirm with the operator.
Price Positioning vs the City’s From-Price
The price range for 655 E 51st Ave is CAD 1,100 to CAD 2,600 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). In Burnaby, the lowest available price for student housing from this platform is approximately CAD 500 per month (indicative). There are around 60 student-housing properties listed in Burnaby on the platform.
What does CAD 1,100–2,600 mean in context?
- CAD 1,100 is roughly double the city’s from-price, placing this residence in the mid-to-upper portion of the market for a private room in a guesthouse.
- CAD 2,600 is near the top of the Burnaby range for a fully self-contained apartment.
- The price reflects a guesthouse with shared amenities (kitchen, living spaces) and a quiet, private setting.
If you are on a tight budget, you can find cheaper options in Burnaby starting from CAD 500, but these are likely shared dormitory-style or smaller private rooms in larger purpose-built student accommodation. 655 E 51st Ave is not the cheapest option, but it is not the most expensive either — it sits in the middle-to-high range for a homestay-like experience.
Who this price suits: Students or young professionals who prioritise comfort, cleanliness, and a peaceful home environment over rock-bottom rent. It is also appropriate for those who prefer a house with a single owner-operator rather than a large institutional building.
Who this price does not suit: Budget-conscious students looking for the lowest rent in Burnaby, or those needing an ensuite bathroom.
What Residents Actually Say: A Verbatim Look
Three Google reviews, all 5-star, with 18 total reviews and a Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 — this is an exceptionally high rating. Let us read exactly what past guests wrote.
Review 1 – Blue Ocean (5/5):
“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!”
Review 2 – NL le (5/5):
“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 kichen with microwave, oven, toaster, water castle to prepare your food. Definitely and highly recommended staying here”
Review 3 – alyeahal (5/5):
“Beautiful place. Fantastic room. Nice and quiet. Clean! Super cute home once you enter with gorgeous hardwood floors and a cool spirals 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 agai”
Key themes from the reviews:
- Cleanliness: all three reviews mention the house is “very clean” or “clean”
- Quietness: described as “quiet,” “peaceful atmosphere”
- Owner: described as “the sweetest lady,” “very nice and helpful”
- Shared space: shared washroom is “enormous,” kitchen has full appliances
- Room quality: “decently big,” “comfy bed,” “gorgeous hardwood floors,” “cool spiral staircase”
No negative reviews appear in the provided data. The property has no available rating dimensions (such as location, value, security), so we cannot compare across sub-categories.
Room-Type Guidance: Non-Ensuite or Apartment?
The property offers two unit types:
Non-Ensuite (shared bathroom)
- Suitable if you are comfortable sharing a bathroom with other residents.
- Reviews suggest the shared washroom is “enormous,” so overcrowding may not be an issue.
- Best for single students who want a private bedroom but do not mind a shared bathroom.
- Likely to be the lower end of the price range (CAD 1,100–1,500 range, indicative).
Apartment (self-contained)
- A self-contained unit with its own kitchen and bathroom — more privacy.
- Best for couples, graduate students, or those who need a fully independent living space.
- Likely to be the upper end of the price range (CAD 1,800–2,600, indicative).
Who these room types suit:
- Non-ensuite: students who value affordability and are social enough to share bathroom space.
- Apartment: anyone who wants full privacy and is willing to pay a premium.
Who these room types do not suit:
- Non-ensuite: those who need an ensuite, or anyone with a very rigid privacy requirement.
- Apartment: students on a strict budget under CAD 1,500.
Booking Timing Considerations
The property is not a large student hall with fixed intake periods. It is a guesthouse that may have more flexible availability. However, some factors matter:
- Availability tag: “not_available” – this may indicate that the property is currently fully booked or not accepting new bookings. You must confirm with the operator whether any rooms are open.
- Minimum lease: 6 months – this aligns with standard academic semesters. If you need only 4 months, this is not suitable.
- No available_from date in the data – unclear when rooms become free. Contact the operator directly.
According to the platform’s Burnaby property count of 60, competition for well-reviewed homes like this one can be high in August–September (fall intake) and January (spring intake). If you are looking for a September 2026 start, aim to inquire by May–June 2026. If the property is unavailable, you may need to broaden your search across other properties in Burnaby.
Proximity to Simon Fraser University
655 E 51st Ave is in Burnaby, where Simon Fraser University (SFU) is located. SFU’s Burnaby campus is on Burnaby Mountain, roughly 8–10 km northeast of this address. Public transit by bus takes approximately 30–45 minutes (depending on route and connections). That is a reasonable commute but not walking distance. Consider this if you prefer to be near campus social life. The location is quieter, more residential, and family-oriented.
Who this suits: students who do not mind a bus commute and prefer a calm home atmosphere. Who this does not suit: students who want to live within a 10-minute walk of campus or in the centre of student nightlife.
Summary of Suitability
Suitable for:
- Students or professionals who value cleanliness, quiet, and a caring host.
- Those who can commit to a 6-month lease.
- People comfortable in a shared bathroom (non-ensuite) or those wanting a self-contained apartment.
- Students at Simon Fraser University who are okay with a bus commute.
- Those with a budget of CAD 1,100–2,600 per month.
Not suitable for:
- Students needing a short-term lease (under 6 months).
- Those on the tightest budget (under CAD 1,000).
- People who require an ensuite bathroom in the non-ensuite option.
- Students who want to live right on campus or in a downtown high-rise student block.
- Anyone who cannot tolerate a shared kitchen (in the non-ensuite option).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 655 E 51st Ave currently available for booking?
The data indicates the property is tagged “not_available,” and no available_from date is listed. You should contact the operator (via the platform) to confirm current vacancy and next availability. Do not assume it is bookable.
What is the typical lease start date for this residence?
There is no fixed start date — the property appears to operate on a rolling basis with a 6-month minimum. Given the high rating and limited supply, you may need to wait for a tenant to move out. For planning a September 2026 move-in, start inquiries in early 2026.
How does the price compare to other Burnaby student housing?
The city from-price is CAD 500 (likely for a shared dormitory). This property starts at CAD 1,100, placing it in the mid-to-upper tier for a private room. The apartment option at CAD 2,600 is among the higher end in Burnaby. For context, 60 properties are available in total, so you have alternatives at lower and higher price points.
Sources & Data Date
Data sourced from a global student-housing platform, accessed and verified for Burnaby, Canada. Google reviews and ratings are from public user submissions. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
Data date: July 2026.
For live availability, room details, and lease terms, use the on-site assistant.
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