HOUSING
What should you consider when looking for a place
to live?
When you first arrive in Canada, you will probably
be living in temporary accommodation. You will soon
be looking for a permanent place to live. The cost of
setting up your first home may be more expensive than
you expected.
Housing Price Comparisons
|
City |
Average Price |
|
Calgary, Alberta |
$ 155,104 |
|
Edmonton, Alberta |
$ 111,526 |
|
Halifax-Dartmouth, Nova Scotia |
$ 116,122 |
|
Montreal, Quebec |
$ 110,749 |
|
Ottawa-Carleton, Ontario |
$ 138,532 |
|
Outaouais-Hull, Quebec |
$ 85,749 |
|
Regina, Saskatchewan |
$ 76,257 |
|
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan |
$ 100,302 |
|
St. John's, Newfoundland |
$ 80,132 |
|
Toronto, Ontario |
$ 214,577 |
|
Vancouver, British Columbia |
$ 289,975 |
|
Victoria, British Columbia |
$ 226,284 |
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba |
$ 83,944 |
Based on a February 1998 survey of MLS residential
average prices by the Canadian Real Estate Association
(CREA).
Finding a place to live can take several weeks. Think
of the search as three separate tasks:
- Deciding how much you can afford to pay, how many
rooms you need and where you want to live.
- Finding the apartment or house you want.
- Completing the legal contract to rent or buy.
Will finding a place to live be the same everywhere
in Canada?
Not entirely. Prices are different from city to city,
and each province has slightly different laws on renting
and buying. However, the process is the same everywhere
in Canada.
How much do houses and apartments cost?
Prices depend on the location, age and condition of
the apartment or house, and the local housing market.
Some cities and provinces control how much landlords
can charge for rent.
When you are budgeting for your housing costs, you
may have to allow as much as 35 to 50 per cent of your
income. This should include the costs for such things
as heating, utilities and laundry.
The table above gives a good idea of average costs
for a particular year.
Many houses are bought and sold in the spring and early
summer, and prices might be higher then, although there
will probably be a greater choice.
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