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Why is buying real estate in Canada becoming more and more attractive to foreigners?

Why is buying real estate in Canada becoming more and more attractive to foreigners?

Why is buying real estate in Canada becoming more and more attractive to foreigners?
  • What are the peculiarities of buying real estate by foreigners in Canada?
  • How does Canada's new migration system affect the real estate market?

In this publication we will analyze various aspects of buying real estate by foreigners in Canada. This country, which occupies the second position in the world in size, second only to Russia, and at the same time is characterized by an extremely low population density - only three people per square kilometer. The standard of living in Canada is consistently high, and housing costs are often lower than in the United States or European countries. Canada is located in North America and has the longest coastline in the world, which causes certain advantages in the real estate market, especially for plots with a sea view.

Historical context and cultural diversity

Canada functions as a constitutional monarchy with the British Queen as head of state and English and French as the official languages spoken at the federal level. Canadian lands were originally ruled by France and later became a colony of Great Britain. Modern Quebec, with a predominantly French-speaking population, stands out as a unique region, while the rest of the country is either Anglophone or bilingual.

This diversity of languages creates favorable conditions for immigrants, who can choose the province, language and culture closest to their own preferences. Since the 1960s, Canada has been actively developing a policy of multiculturalism, which has led to the arrival of people from many different parts of the world.

Ethnic neighborhoods and cultural festivals

In large cities like Toronto and Montreal, you can find neighborhoods with large concentrations of ethnic communities, such as:

  • Chinese
  • Italian
  • Portuguese neighborhoods

Such places host many festivals dedicated to the culture and traditions of different nations.

Purchase of real estate by foreigners

As for the process of buying real estate by foreigners, there used to be a special program in Canada that allowed you to obtain a residence permit (RNP) in exchange for buying a home. However, in 2014, as a result of a significant increase in the number of those wishing to take advantage of this opportunity, the program was closed. Canadians explained this decision by the fact that the sharp rise in real estate prices, caused by the influx of foreign investors, made it much more difficult for locals to purchase housing.

In addition, a number of provinces, such as Ontario, have imposed restrictions on foreign buyers. In order to control the increase in housing prices and protect the interests of Canadian citizens, a special tax of 15% was established on real estate transactions in Toronto for those who are not citizens of the country. Because of this, the process of buying real estate becomes specific, and future foreign investors should consider these nuances.

Conclusions

Canada offers many opportunities for life and professional fulfillment, and every year continues to attract more foreign investment into its economy.

Canada's new migration system

After the termination of the program that allowed foreigners to obtain residency in Canada through the purchase of real estate, a new migration policy resembling the U.S. green card system was introduced. Under the new system, a certain number of migration points must be earned to qualify for permanent residence in Canada.

Criteria for evaluating visa applicants include:

  • language skills;
  • Availability of a labor offer from a Canadian employer;
  • level of professional training.

Since 2015, the country has been running an electronic service called Express Entry, which effectively selects immigrants. The main objective of this platform is to provide a fair and objective assessment process for foreign candidates seeking to become residents of Canada.

Registration process in the system

To use the system, you need to visit the official resource of the Canadian Department of Citizenship and Immigration, register, take the required tests and get an assessment of your eligibility for immigration requirements.

One of the significant advantages for applicants who score high on the Express Entry system is the almost guaranteed permanent resident status. After all tests are completed, applicants receive an e-mail invitation to apply for immigration status.

Investments as a way to obtain status

It should be noted that investments can serve as a basis for obtaining a permanent residence permit. For this purpose, it is necessary to demonstrate the existence of an idea and the means to realize it.

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Investors are required to contribute an amount exceeding the following1.2 million Canadian dollarswhich is about$933,000into one of the state programs for a period of at least five years.

The situation in the real estate market

Despite the cancellation of the program, which allowed to obtain a residence permit through investment in real estate, interest in buying a home in Canada is not fading. Many foreigners consider this country as an attractive destination for emigration, not just as a place for summer vacation.

People continue to make real estate transactions and obtain permanent residency in Canada through other immigration routes. Previously, foreigners actively sought residency through real estate purchases to obtain a second passport and dual citizenship, but now the process has become much more complicated.

Attracting wealthy migrants

According to research conducted by Global Wealth Migration Review, Canada is actively attracting wealthy people from the European Union and China. As practice shows, European residents more often choose to buyreal estate in cities such as Toronto and Montreal (Quebec province), while Asians prefer Vancouver.

To date, Canadian law does not impose significant restrictions on foreigners wishing to purchase real estate, with the exception of certain vacation ownership areas. This means that foreign nationals can fully participate in real estate transactions on an equal footing with Canadian residents.

Trends in the housing market

The Canadian real estate market is showing positive growth momentum. Research for 2020 confirms that the average value of housing increases by11% annually. However, it is important to keep in mind that prices and rates can vary significantly from region to region, which should be taken into account when planning your purchase.

Thus, despite changes in migration policy and new conditions for obtaining residency status, interest in Canadian real estate remains high. Many see it as an opportunity for successful investment and effective migration.

Why is buying real estate in Canada becoming more and more attractive to foreigners?

Conclusion

In this article, we took an in-depth look at the interesting and multifaceted issue of foreigners buying real estate in Canada. This country, with its vast territories and diversity of cultures, continues to attract the attention of investors from all over the world due to its stable economic situation and high standard of living. I have clearly shown that despite some restrictive measures on the part of the Canadian government, the desire to buy a home in Canada has not subsided.

Advantages of Canada's real estate market

Canada in recent years has become not only a clone of the American real estate market, but also a safe haven for those seeking quality living in a cosmopolitan environment. Interest in its real estate market is solidly supported by both local and foreign buyers. I also noted that multiculturalism policies and government support create unique conditions for the integration of different cultures and nationalities.

New immigration programs

After the closure of programs related to obtaining residency through real estate investments, Canadian authorities introduced new incentives for immigrants, such as a system ofExpress Entrywhich helps screen out the most qualified and useful to the country's economy. This shows that Canada is at the forefront of the effort to buy not just a home, but an economically sound and sustainable community.

Growing interest in Canadian real estate

Studies conducted by various analytical companies point to the growing attractiveness of Canada, especially for wealthy citizens from Europe and Asia. It follows that buying real estate in the country is still a good investment, as prices continue to rise, albeit with varying degrees of intensity depending on the region.

Result

In my opinion, Canada remains an ideal country to live and invest in, combining a unique housing environment with opportunities to build a successful life. Investors considering the Canadian real estate market can work confidently to build their future lives in this diverse and welcoming country. This is an important factor to consider when choosing the right location for you.

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