If you’re having trouble finding a home within your budget, consider broadening your search criteria. You may be surprised by the kinds of deals that are available when you're willing to compromise.
For example, if you're struggling to find an affordable home in your target neighbourhood, expand your search area and consider homes that are further out of town or that are located in up-and-coming areas with lower starting prices. We would be happy to introduce you to some great but lesser-known neighbourhoods that we consider hidden gems.
You could also save money on your home purchase simply by dropping or revising some of your must-haves and settling for OK-to-haves instead. For example, do you really need two washrooms and a large backyard? Or could you settle for a single washroom with space to add a second one in the future? And would a small garden, cozy balcony, or rooftop terrace still give you the outdoor time you crave? These types of compromises can sometimes shave tens of thousands off your purchase price.
Similarly, if you don't mind rolling up your sleeves or working with a contractor on minor jobs, you can look for homes that need a little TLC. Just because a house looks dated doesn't mean it's destined to stay that way or that it will take a ton of money to spruce up. In fact, a home with good bones but cosmetic flaws could be a perfect match: With less competition, you'll have a better chance of purchasing the home at an affordable price. You can then take your time to save more and fix it up to your taste.
Keep in mind, starter homes are rarely forever homes, but merely a first step onto the property ladder. By gaining a foothold in the real estate market now, you can set yourself up to afford a more expensive property in the future.
According to Statistics Canada, the net worth of a typical Canadian homeowner has more than doubled since the start of the new millennium, climbing from $323,700 in 1999 to $685,400 by 2019. The average renter's net worth, by contrast, grew far more slowly during the same period, rising from $14,600 to just $24,000.9 We can help you find an affordable first home so you can start building equity to reach your long-term financial and real estate goals.
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