Was West End condo coup a superstitious deal?

Judging from what it offers, this Vancouver condo suite should sell for top dollar. The more than 3,000-squarefoot apartment occupies an entire floor at the Presidio, a West End tower designed by famed architect Richard Henriquez.

The 1388–2088 Barclay Street property enjoys 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

There’s a view from all of the three bedrooms (with ensuite), and the building is close to Stanley Park as well as other amenities like shopping.

On April 1 this year, the property sold for $3.5 million. That’s a lot of money, but there seems to be something odd.

For one, the sold price of $3.5 million was much less than its last purchase price. As per B.C. Assessment, the condo was previously bought on September 23, 2021, for $4,380,000.

Second, the listing price was also below the current valuation of the property.

Again using B.C. Assessment data, the West End condo has a 2022 assessment of $5,442,000.

Yet when it was listed this year, the seller asked for $4,595,000, which is less than the

There aren’t a lot of buildings in much of the western world with a 13th storey…

assessment. The asking price was later reduced to $4,288,000. Then the property was let go for an even lower amount: $3.5 million.

The Straight did not receive a reply when it sought comment from the listing agent.

Now, you may or may not be superstitious, but this condo is associated with the number 13: the property occupies the entire 13th floor of the Presidio.

There aren’t a lot of buildings in much of the western world with a 13th storey, because this number is superstitiously linked with bad luck. The extreme fear of this odd number is called triskaidekaphobia.

However, it’s the opposite in other parts of the world.

For example, the number 13 in China is associated with continued or assured growth, and so it is a lucky number.

To cite another example, a 2021 article published by the Times of India stated that the number 13 is “actually a very lucky number”.

“In fact,” the paper reported, “in India, the 13th day of the lunar fortnight is known to be highly auspicious and is called Triyodashi. It belongs to Lord Shiva and is said to bestow long life, peace and good fortune. A person who fasts on the 13th day becomes liberated from all their past and present sins.”

Fear of the number 13 is said to have biblical origins. In particular, Judas was counted as the 13th guest at the Last Supper, and he was the one who betrayed Jesus Christ.

With 1388–2088 Barclay Street, though, one could say the new owner is a lucky person, given the bargain they recently got.

This condo in the West End’s Presidio tower occupies its entire 13th floor, which may have a lot to do with the fact that it recently sold for almost $2 million less than its 2022 assessment.