Whether you're looking for a strip plaza unit, street-front retail, or an in-line mall space, understanding what you'll actually pay — and what to watch out for — is essential before you start touring retail space in Surrey or Burnaby BC.
Retail Lease Rates in Surrey BC — 2026
| Location Type | Base Rent / SF / Year | Additional Rent / SF / Year | Base + Additional / SF / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strip plaza — secondary location | $28 – $38 | $12 – $18 | $40 – $56 |
| Strip plaza — primary corridor (King George, 152 St) | $36 – $52 | $12 – $18 | $48 – $70 |
| Street-front retail (Cloverdale, Newton, Fleetwood) | $28 – $42 | $12 – $16 | $40 – $58 |
A 1,500 sq ft retail unit in a well-located Surrey strip plaza will typically cost $5,000 – $8,750 per month all-in. Smaller 800 – 1,000 sq ft units start around $3,200 – $5,500 per month.
Retail Lease Rates in Burnaby BC — 2026
| Location Type | Base Rent / SF / Year | Additional Rent / SF / Year | Base + Additional / SF / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metrotown / Highgate corridor | $45 – $65 | $14 – $20 | $59 – $85 |
| Lougheed / North Road corridor | $38 – $52 | $14 – $18 | $52 – $70 |
Burnaby commands a premium over Surrey due to density, SkyTrain access, and daytime population. Using the annual rates in the table, a 1,000 sq ft unit near Metrotown works out to about $3,750–$5,417 per month in base rent plus $1,167–$1,667 in additional rent: $4,917–$7,083 per month combined, before GST, utilities and other costs not included in additional rent. Obtain a current property-specific quote.
What Drives Retail Lease Rates in the Lower Mainland
- Traffic count and visibility — corner units and pylon sign access command 15–25% premiums
- Anchor tenants — proximity to Walmart, Shoppers, Tim Hortons increases demand and rent
- Parking ratio — retail needs minimum 4 stalls per 1,000 sq ft
- SkyTrain proximity — within 400m of a station adds significant value in Burnaby and Surrey
- Lease term — landlords often discount rate for longer terms (5 year vs 3 year)
Zoning for Retail in BC — What You Must Check
In BC, retail use is not automatically permitted in all commercial zones. Most retail falls under C-2 (Community Commercial) or C-3 (General Commercial) zoning, but specific retail uses have additional requirements.
Confirm your specific retail use is permitted in the zone of the space you're considering. This is especially important for specialty food retailers, supplement stores, and any business with health authority requirements.
Need 5,000+ SF — or considering a $2M+ retail purchase?
Send your target size, use, budget and timing. I can compare current retail options, check zoning and use fit, and identify realistic on-market and off-market opportunities where appropriate.
Search 5,000+ SF Retail Space → Explore $2M+ Retail Purchases →Find Verified Retail Space in Surrey or Burnaby
ZoningVerified.ca specializes in finding retail space across the Lower Mainland with zoning and permitted use confirmed before you ever schedule a tour. We cover Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, Vancouver, and the full Lower Mainland. Tenant representation is at no cost to qualified retailers. Contact Kamran Khan at 236-660-2594 or visit ZoningVerified.ca.