Top 5 Neighbourhoods in North Vancouver for Building a Custom Home

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Architecture, Design, Renovation

If you’re considering building a custom home in North Vancouver, you’ll want a location that offers more than just a lot. You’ll be looking for views, privacy, access to nature, excellent schools, character, and resale value. At Braybrook Projects, we’ve built & renovated many homes across North Vancouver, and here are our top picks for neighbourhoods that consistently deliver on those fronts.

1. Edgemont Village

Why it’s great for custom homes:

  • Elegant charm + luxury homes dominate—this area is known for its architectural variety, from heritage to contemporary builds. 

  • Outstanding amenities: walkable shops, cafés, boutique stores, and close to community hubs like parks and recreation. 

  • Top-rated schools (e.g. Handsworth Secondary, Highlands Elementary) and proximity to forested trails and the Capilano River make this ideal for families. 

  • Lots tend to offer good elevation, views and the potential for more custom, expressive builds.

2. Upper Lonsdale / Upper Delbrook

Why it’s great:

  • Elevated lots with sweeping views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. 

  • Quiet, residential feel with mature landscaping and character homes being replaced or upgraded.

  • Proximity to Central Lonsdale amenities and relatively easy access to transit & highways. Good balance of retreat and convenience. 

3. Lynn Valley

Why it’s great:

    • Nature is at your doorstep: Lynn Valley offers lush greenery, forest trails, Lynn Canyon Park with suspension bridges, and fantastic hiking & biking. 

    • Strong community feel, great schools, and a mix of older homes + newer builds that are often custom-tailored to the lot. 

    • More affordable (relatively) than some of the more prestigious high-elevation or waterfront neighbourhoods, for homeowners seeking value without sacrificing quality or views.

4. Canyon Heights / Capilano Highlands

Why it’s great:

  • Majestic mountain and forest views, plus proximity to Capilano River Regional Park. 

  • Excellent school catchments (e.g. Handsworth Secondary) are a draw for families. 

  • Quiet, upscale, large lot sizes, and lots of opportunity to create a high-end custom design.

5. Deep Cove

Why it’s great:

  • Waterfront charm, small-town feel with easy access to nature: kayak, paddle board, forest trails, relaxing atmosphere. 

  • Premium lots (waterfront or hillside), unique views, great for clients who want a distinctive, serene home.

  • Community amenities close by, but also privacy. Trades-off with access & traffic, depending on the location, but for many clients that trade-off is worth it.

What to Consider When Choosing a Lot

Even in great neighbourhoods, building a custom home comes with choices & challenges. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

  • Lot topography & orientation — slopes, soil, exposure (sunlight), privacy

  • Zoning & bylaws — lot coverage, height restrictions, view cones

  • View corridors — proximity to trees, neighbouring builds, whether the view is protected

  • Infrastructure & utilities access — water, sewer, road access, off-site improvements

  • Schools & amenities — likely to affect both lifestyle & resale value

  • Transportation & commute — access to highways, public transit, bridges

Why Braybrook Projects Is Your Ideal Home Builder

At Braybrook Projects, we don’t just build homes; we realize visions. Here’s how we help clients make the most of these neighbourhoods:

  • Architect-Driven Custom Builds – we partner with your architect to ensure designs are beautifully realized (including challenging sites). 

  • Attention to Detail – we know that in premium neighbourhoods, craftsmanship matters. From joinery, material selection, to finishes.

  • On Time & On Budget – modern building is complex; delays cost money. We manage the process to help avoid surprises.

Conclusion

Choosing the right neighbourhood is one of the most important decisions when building a custom home. Edgemont Village, Upper Lonsdale/Upper Delbrook, Lynn Valley, Canyon Heights/Capilano Highlands, and Deep Cove consistently offer the best mix of beauty, prestige, lifestyle, and value in North Vancouver. Combine any of these with thoughtful lot selection & a builder who cares, and you’ll end up with a home you’ll love for decades.