Ocean Vista at 1234 Merklin Street: A 55+ Condo Building in the Heart of White Rock
If you're a downsizer or retiree looking for a spacious, low-maintenance home in White Rock without giving up square footage, Ocean Vista at 1234 Merklin Street deserves a close look. This 27-unit, adult-oriented lowrise was built in 1990 and is restricted to residents aged 55 and over, making it a quiet, community-minded option in one of the Semiahmoo Peninsula's most walkable pockets.
You can view full building details, current availability and strata information on the Ocean Vista building page.
Building Snapshot
- Address: 1234 Merklin Street, White Rock
- Year built: 1990
- Total units: 27
- Building type: Lowrise
- Age restriction: 55+ adult-oriented
- Layout: All two-bedroom homes of approximately 1,350 sq. ft.
Why Buyers Look at Ocean Vista
Generous, Consistent Floor Plans
One of the standout features here is size. Every home in Ocean Vista is a two-bedroom layout of roughly 1,350 square feet. That is considerably larger than many newer apartment-style condos in White Rock, where two-bedroom units are often well under 1,000 square feet. For someone moving from a single-family home, the extra room for furniture, a home office, a guest bedroom or a hobby space can make the transition far easier.
Because the layouts are uniform, comparing units within the building is straightforward. Differences in value typically come down to floor level, view, orientation and the extent of interior updating.
Major Envelope Work Already Done
For any building from 1990, the first questions should be about the building envelope. Ocean Vista was fully rainscreened in 2009, with new windows and doors installed as part of that work. For buyers, that is a meaningful point: rainscreen remediation addresses the moisture-management concerns that affect many buildings from this era, and updated windows and doors improve comfort and energy performance.
As with any strata purchase, you'll still want to review the depreciation report, recent strata minutes and the contingency reserve fund. Your realtor can help you request and interpret these documents before you commit.
Strata Fees That Include Gas
Monthly strata fees at Ocean Vista include gas, which helps simplify budgeting on a fixed or retirement income. When comparing fees between buildings, it's worth looking at what each includes, since a slightly higher fee that covers heating can work out better than a lower fee where you pay utilities separately.
Walkable Location Near Shopping and the Library
Merklin Street puts you within walking distance of everyday conveniences, including shopping and the local library. For many 55+ buyers, being able to run errands on foot and keep a car optional is a big part of the appeal of living in White Rock. The White Rock neighbourhood also offers the promenade, the pier, cafés, restaurants and the Saturday-through-summer farmers market within easy reach.
What the White Rock Market Looks Like
White Rock currently has about 330 active listings with an average price of roughly $1.59 million across all property types. That figure is pulled up by detached homes and waterfront properties, so condos like those at Ocean Vista typically sit well below the neighbourhood average, offering an accessible way into the area. If you're weighing alternatives, the oceanfront-adjacent Crescent Beach and Ocean Park area averages around $2.42 million across its 117 active listings, while the King George Corridor offers a lower average of about $1.0 million across 250 listings.
Who Ocean Vista Suits Best
- Downsizers who want to keep a true two-bedroom footprint without the upkeep of a house
- Retirees seeking a quiet, age-restricted community
- Snowbirds who want a lock-and-leave home with gas included in strata fees
- Walkability seekers who prefer shops and the library close at hand
Tips for Buying at Ocean Vista
- Confirm the 55+ age restriction and any pet or rental bylaws in the strata documents.
- Review the 2009 rainscreen work records and any warranty or follow-up maintenance.
- Ask about the contingency reserve fund and any planned special levies.
- Compare floor level and orientation, since views and natural light can vary within a same-size layout.
Start Your Search
Browse current availability in all apartment and condo listings, explore other options on our complete buildings directory, or see how Ocean Vista fits geographically on the interactive map. When you're ready to book a viewing or request strata documents, get in touch with us and we'll walk you through the process.
For broader coverage of the region, our partner sites can help too: connect with South Surrey White Rock Realtors, browse Surrey Real Estate Listings, or explore Langley Homes For Sale.