Decision Review: 2133 Sperling Ave, Burnaby
This property at 2133 Sperling Ave is located in Burnaby, British Columbia, and is listed on a student‑housing platform. It offers two room types – non‑ensuite (shared bathroom) and apartment (private unit) – with rents ranging from CAD 1,150 to 1,700 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). The minimum lease term is 6 months. As of the data date, the property has a Google rating of 2.9 out of 5 based on 47 reviews. Below is a practical breakdown of who this residence works for, what actual residents say, and how to approach booking for 2026 or 2027.
Who This Residence Suits (And Doesn’t Suit)
Suits:
- Students or short‑term professionals who need a room near a major university campus (the property is close to Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus). The location is convenient for attending classes, conferences, or camps.
- People comfortable with a non‑ensuite setup (shared bathroom and kitchen on the floor) who want to keep costs moderately lower than a private apartment.
- Those who prefer to have a private apartment option without sharing common spaces – the apartment unit type is available for higher rent.
- Anyone who does not rely heavily on receiving parcels quickly and can tolerate occasional delays in package pickup.
- Residents who value a spacious room and appreciate the ability to store bicycles inside the unit, as noted by some guests.
Does not suit:
- Individuals who need prompt, reliable package delivery – multiple reviews mention delays of up to three days or lost packages. If you regularly order essentials or medicine online, this may be a concern.
- People with very low budgets: Burnaby’s city‑wide starting rent is CAD 500/month (often for hostel‑style or shared rooms), and the minimum here is CAD 1,150. This property is positioned above the lowest tier; you will likely need a moderate budget.
- Those who require a silent sleeping environment – one review specifically mentions a noisy bed and pullout couch.
- Anyone looking for a short stay under 6 months, as the minimum lease is half a year.
What Residents Actually Say (Quoted Reviews)
Three reviews from Google are available for this listing. They offer a mixed picture:
Positive (5‑star):
Denis Salle wrote: “Earlier this week, I was travelling to Vancouver for business during a large convention, and most of the main hotels in Vancouver and Burnaby were sold out. I decided to spend the night at SFU’s Simon Residence, and it turned out to be the best decision of my day! The lady at the front desk was very professional, check” (review truncated in source). The key positives are professional front‑desk staff, a convenient alternative when hotels are full, and a good experience overall.
Mixed / Negative (4‑star):
Karl Flanagan gave 4 stars: “Great location and reasonable price while my child was in camp for the week. Enjoyed the complimentary coffee/tea and hot chocolate. Spacious room and reception allowed us to store our bikes in our room. The only downside was the noisy bed and pullout couch. Otherwise I would recommend it.” This highlights location, value, and space, but flags noise from furniture.
Negative (1‑star):
Duc Duy Pham (Paul) gave 1 star: “Delays in package pickup up to 3 days or in some cases more. Packages might get lost if delivered here. Staff are friendly and tries their bests to help, however issues continues to happen.” The main complaint is about parcel management. Staff are described as friendly, but the system seems unreliable.
Takeaway: The residence seems best for people who prioritise location and spaciousness and can overlook package delays and possible noise from some furniture. The overall Google rating of 2.9 reflects these mixed experiences – around half of raters likely gave low scores for operational issues, while others were satisfied with the convenience.
Price Positioning vs Burnaby’s City From‑Price
According to the reference data, Burnaby’s city‑wide from‑price (the lowest listed rent across all properties) is CAD 500/month. The starting price for 2133 Sperling Ave is CAD 1,150/month, which is more than double that base. Here is how the property compares:
- CAD 500 – 800/month: Usually shared bedrooms, hostel‑style dorms, or small units far from campus.
- CAD 800 – 1,100/month: Mid‑range shared apartments or basic private rooms in older buildings.
- CAD 1,150 – 1,700/month (this property): Falls into the upper‑mid to high tier for Burnaby. The non‑ensuite option likely starts near the lower end (around CAD 1,150), while the apartment unit may go up to CAD 1,700.
- CAD 1,700+: Luxury or very well‑located apartments.
Given that the city has 60 properties on the platform, 2133 Sperling Ave sits above average. The higher cost may be justified by its proximity to SFU and the inclusion of Wi‑Fi and laundry facilities (tagged “wi‑fi, laundry_facility”). However, the “not_available” tag suggests that inventory may be limited – you should check current availability directly with the operator.
All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before committing.
Room‑Type Guidance
The listing offers two unit types:
-
Non‑ensuite – a private bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities (typical of student halls). This is the more budget‑friendly option. Suitable if you are comfortable sharing common spaces and want to save on rent.
-
Apartment – a self‑contained unit with private bathroom and kitchen. More expensive, but offers full privacy. Good for couples, families, or anyone who prefers not to share.
Both types require a minimum 6‑month lease. If you are planning to arrive in 2026 or 2027, decide based on your budget and tolerance for shared living. Non‑ensuite is recommended for solo students; apartment is better for those who value independence.
Booking Timing and Practical Notes
- The property is tagged as “not_available” in the source data. This could mean it is currently full or temporarily off‑market. For 2026/2027 bookings, you will need to contact the operator (the platform’s on‑site assistant can help) to learn when units become available – often release cycles follow academic semesters (September, January, May).
- Minimum lease is 6 months, so plan your stay accordingly. Shorter stays are not possible here.
- Consider the package‑delivery issue: if you rely on mail, you may want to arrange a separate PO box or ship to a friend’s address.
- The noisy furniture mentioned in reviews might be a minor inconvenience; you could ask the operator about bed and sofa condition before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wi‑Fi and laundry included in the rent?
The listing tags include “wi‑fi” and “laundry_facility”, which suggests these amenities are available on site. However, the data does not specify if there are extra fees. You should clarify with the operator whether Wi‑Fi and laundry are included in the monthly rent or charged separately.
Can I move in before the lease start date?
The source data does not provide an available‑from date (available_from is null). For 2026/2027, you will need to ask the operator directly. Typically, purpose‑built student accommodations set fixed move‑in dates aligned with academic terms. Early arrival may not be possible, so plan accordingly.
How far is this residence from Simon Fraser University?
The address is in Burnaby, and the property is described in reviews as being close to the university. Exact walking or transit time is not given in the data. Based on general geography, the SFU Burnaby campus is on Burnaby Mountain, and 2133 Sperling Ave is near the base. You should check a map or ask the operator for the precise distance.
Sources & Data Date
Data comes from the student‑housing platform (amber) as of 2026-07. All prices, availability, and reviews are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For live availability and real‑time booking assistance, use the on‑site assistant on the platform.
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