Real Estate Market in Canada

[Luke Shorty]

Hello Bigger Pockets Community,

I live close to New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada and was curious on some of the challenges / opportunities of investing in real estate in Canada. Where can I get more education about this topic?

Thanks,
Luke

[Roy N.]

@Luke Shorty

There are opportunities in the Maritimes and you would have the advantage over the flightless Loonie ($0.75 USD today) at the moment.

To invest up here you will confront similar challenges to those faced by Canucks investing in the U.S.A. The biggest being borrowing from Canadian lenders - with no Canadian income, residency or credit history you may find yourself limited in the size of mortgage you can place (perhaps no more than 50% LTV).

Your easiest approach may be to find a Canadian partner and work with them to acquire properties.

Overall, the fundamentals of investing in real estate are the same, details will differ - particularly in areas of finance, regulation and taxation.  If you choose to invest in Québec, there will further differences as the legal and {historical} land system are unique within Canada.   

As a U.S.A. resident, you will face additional challenges of dancing with two taxation systems and navigating the U.S.A. - Canada tax treaty ... or, rather, your accountant will. [If it make you feel better, it's no more fun in the other direction].

I had seen a book once upon a time aimed at U.S.A. residents investing in Canada ... I'll see if I can find it.