Author: Zoe Mitchell
Many people are interested in real estate investing, but face financial challenges breaking into it. One solution is investigating opportunities in smaller municipalities. Smaller markets provide unique opportunities to start building a portfolio. With lower barriers to entry, strong demand in niche areas, and the potential for future appreciation, smaller markets can be excellent entry points. However, to navigate these markets successfully, it is essential to conduct thorough research and develop strategies tailored to their unique dynamics. Affordable Entry Points Smaller Canadian markets often feature significantly lower property prices than metropolitan areas, making them ideal for entry-level investors. These markets…
With a provincial election looming and a federal one on the horizon, we are heading into interesting times. But this period could also be one of opportunity. I’m hopeful the elections will be a catalyst for candidates of all political stripes to put forward solutions to tackle our dire housing supply crisis. While there are a mix of factors impacting construction of housing, the exorbitant tax burden on new housing, including hefty development charges, as well as excessive red tape and bureaucracy and the unreasonably slow approvals process need to be front and centre with representatives of all parties. People…
The City of Delta, which sits 25 to 30 km from downtown Vancouver, has announced an agreement with the Government of Canada, securing $14.2 million in funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This investment aims to break down barriers to housing development and speed up the construction process. The agreement includes a plan to fast-track 424 new homes within three years, ultimately enabling the construction of 4,100 homes over the next decade. The federal grant will directly support initiatives designed to remove barriers to housing construction and expedite approvals for essential projects. Building Permit Fee Incentive Program Central to…
Wave Garden is a highly anticipated pre-construction condo-hotel development in Cap Cana, one of the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive and scenic areas. Designed by the award-winning Spanish architecture studio MORPH, this project combines modern design with the natural beauty of the Caribbean to deliver a luxury living experience with strong investment potential. Offering a rare opportunity in a market with limited high-end rental properties, Wave Garden is poised to attract investors seeking a blend of aesthetics, comfort, and financial returns. Prime Location Meets Exceptional Design Cap Cana, situated near Punta Cana, is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear…
As of July 1, 2024, Canada’s population trends reflect an ongoing concentration in urban areas, driven by international migration and sustained by the country’s growing census metropolitan areas (CMAs). With 74.8% of Canadians living in CMAs, an increase of 0.4 percentage points over the past year, these hubs remain the focal point for demographic change. At the same time, non-urban regions have seen growth at comparatively modest rates, underscoring the country’s increasing urbanization. Strong Growth in CMAs Continues Canada’s 41 CMAs reached a combined population of 30,893,239 on July 1, 2024, following a growth rate of 3.5% from the previous…
As of the latest data, Yukon’s real estate market continued to show dynamic activity across residential sales and the rental sector, with rising property values, changing sales volumes, and evolving rental trends across the territory, particularly in Whitehorse. Residential Housing Market In the third quarter of 2024, Yukon recorded a total real estate transaction value of $131.4 million, a slight increase of $322,800, or 0.2%, compared to the same quarter in 2023. This includes $103.6 million in transactions within Whitehorse and $27.8 million in the rest of Yukon. Whitehorse Trends Price In the third quarter of 2024, the average price…
Metro Vancouver’s real estate market finished 2024 on a strong note, with significant December sales growth underscoring an improving demand trend throughout the year. However, total annual activity remained subdued compared to historical averages. Sales December 2024 recorded 1,765 residential property sales across Metro Vancouver, for a robust 31.2% increase over December 2023. While this represented a notable improvement, sales remained 14.9% below the 10-year monthly average of 2,074 transactions. Detached home sales jumped 31.4% year-over-year compared to December 2023. Attached properties experienced the sharpest increase, climbing 55.9% compared to a year prior. Apartment sales rose by 23.9% compared to…
Vacation properties offer a unique blend of leisure and investment opportunities, making them attractive to individuals seeking both personal enjoyment and financial returns. Commonly referred to as “lifestyle investments,” these properties can provide an idyllic retreat while generating passive income when rented out. The key is finding the right balance between personal use and profitability while considering factors like location, market trends, and property management. Benefits of Lifestyle Investments The appeal of vacation properties lies in their dual functionality. These assets can serve as a getaway destination for you and your family while offsetting costs through rental income. Beyond financial…
Canadian real estate investors are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets to diversify their portfolios, enhance returns, and capitalize on favourable conditions in foreign markets. This exploration opens up opportunities in various countries known for their robust real estate markets, appealing lifestyles, and potential for strong rental yields. Canadian real estate investors are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets to diversify their portfolios, enhance returns, and capitalize on favourable conditions in foreign markets. These opportunities span countries known for their robust real estate sectors, appealing lifestyles, and potential for strong rental yields. Mexico Mexico’s affordability, warm climate, and established expatriate communities make…
On January 13, 2025, Whitehorse City Council advanced amendments to the Building and Plumbing Bylaw to address significant inefficiencies in its construction permitting and inspection processes. The proposed changes aim to reduce delays, update outdated policies, and support a faster housing development timeline in response to increased demand and a heavily backlogged system in 2024. The amendments passed the first and second readings during Monday’s council meeting; they require a third reading before they can be enacted. If passed into law, the amendments would take effect immediately after the third reading. Resources would be allocated to hire and train additional…
