Real Estate in Canada

"I came here 54 years ago and was married to a Canadian and so the house was chosen for me due to a housing shortage. Subsequently, my husband died and I came to the North West part of this city," remarked one member in Calgary.

"Searching for a place to live in Canada can be an intimidating task. Consider what type of space you are searching for (i.e. apartment, house, townhouse, etc.), in what area you would like to live in, and what sort of budget you have in mind. Once you have a general idea in mind, you can begin to research your options by searching online for rental listings, browsing the classifieds section of the local newspaper, and/or attending open houses for potential options. Additionally, you could also reach out to real estate agents or look for resources such as housing cooperatives in your chosen area," explained one expat living in Canada.

"It was a small modular home on the banks of Okanagan Lake. It's not a typical home for the area although there are quite a few areas in Kelowna with this type of low cost housing," explained one expat living in Kelowna, Canada.

"What we got for our money made it worth every cent. We were paying $750.00 per month and had our own beach. Averages in the area vary depending on the type of homes. House prices range from around $150,00 to around $3 million," said one person in Kelowna.

"I live in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. The area includes the towns of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, and the rural areas in between. Since Covid began, many newcomers are here and prices have gone through the roof! The average condo is $400,000, average townhouse is $600,000, and single family homes are higher. But prices are starting to fall as interest rates rise, and houses are not selling as fast. I recommend waiting a year to buy. That gives you time to explore the different areas, as each one has its own unique character," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Canada.

"Lower. A 3 bedroom 1,500 square foot home sells for $200,000 plus. Condo apts and townhouses are less," explained one person living in Calgary, Canada.

"I am bewildered to hear of average housing in Montreal is around CAN $226,000. I lived in Montreal for 23 years, I am visiting frequently, I am planning to return soon, and I can confirm that you will not find any decent housing within 10 miles of the city center for less than $500,000," said one expat in Canada.

"The average cost of housing in Canada can vary greatly, depending on the province, city, or even neighbourhood. Generally, the cost of housing in Canada tends to be higher than most other developed countries, due to the strong economy and high demand for homes. Overall, the cost of living in Canada is expensive, with the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto and Vancouver being higher than many other major cities around the world. In addition, the cost of buying a home in Canada is also high compared to the rest of the world, with the median price of a single family home in Toronto and Vancouver being over one million dollars," remarked one member in Canada.

"Buying a home in Canada can be a great long-term investment, especially if you plan to live in the same city for an extended period of time. With the added benefit of being able to build equity in your home, you will also be able to take advantage of tax breaks associated with homeownership. On the other hand, if you plan to move or your income sources are not consistent, renting may be a better short-term option. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility and convenience since most leases are shorter than mortgages. Ultimately, it is important to assess your financial situation and lifestyle to determine what works best for you," said one expat in Canada.

"1. Be sure to get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking for properties. 2. Research different areas to make sure the neighbourhood is a good fit for you. 3. Think about the potential resale value of a property before making your final decision. 4. Budget for closing costs in addition to the purchase price of the property. 5. Consider hiring a lawyer or a notary to review any documents before signing them. 6. Ensure you are aware of any extra fees or charges that could be applied. 7. Be aware of the local taxes for the property. 8. Take the time to inspect the interior and exterior of a property before signing any documents. 9. Familiarize yourself with provincial and federal regulations regarding the purchase of property. 10. Double check the title of the property to make sure there are no liens or encumbrances," said one foreigner living in Canada.

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Canada. Non-residents of Canada are able to purchase and own real estate in Canada, however, they are subject to certain restrictions. For example, non-residents are not allowed to purchase certain types of property, such as agricultural land, and they may be subject to additional taxes. Additionally, non-residents may need to obtain permission from the Canadian government before they can purchase certain types of property," said one foreigner living in Canada.

"Many rental properties in Canada come with basic appliances such as fridge, oven, stove and dishwasher. Often, landlords may also provide an air conditioning unit, washer and dryer, and a microwave. In some cases, renters may also have access to additional amenities such as a pool, patio, or balcony. Landlords may also include furniture such as a dining room table and chairs, sofa, bed, and entertainment unit," explained one person living in Canada.

"Expats can search for homes in Canada by using online real estate websites, such as Realtor.ca, to browse listings in their desired area. They can also contact a local real estate agent to help them find a suitable home. Additionally, expats can search for rental properties on websites such as Kijiji or Craigslist. Finally, expats can also attend open houses to get a better feel for the area and the homes available," said one foreigner living in Canada.