Buying a House in Canada as a British Expat

Moving to Canada from the UK will undoubtedly evoke all kinds of emotions.

You will swing from excitement to stress and most definitely find yourself out of your comfort zone throughout the process.

However, don’t let this put you off relocating to one of the world’s most stunning countries.

With its diverse communities, world-renowned natural landscapes, and high standard of living, Canada continues to attract British expats looking for a new place to call home.

In time, a considerable part of your Canadian relocation journey will be moving into your own home.

Buying a House in Canada as a British Expat can be daunting, but it is achievable with good planning and plenty of research.

Below is a detailed guide covering key insights about purchasing property as a British expat in Canada.

Everything from understanding visa requirements, navigating local school systems, and general information about moving to Canada.

Whether you’re drawn to Toronto’s vibrant city life or the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia, this guide aims to smooth your path toward homeownership.

Why Canada Appeals to British Expats

There are a range of factors that add to Canada’s appeal.

There are many reasons why you may have chosen to move to “The Great White North”, as it is fondly referred to.

English is one of Canada’s official languages, which makes day-to-day life, paperwork, and business transactions significantly easier for English-speaking newcomers.

Moreover, a longstanding historical connection ties Canada and the UK, leading to a familiar cultural backdrop.

Work, family, adventure, a high-quality lifestyle, a strong economy, and a low crime rate are all advantages of living in Canada. Not least, Canadians are generally welcoming to newcomers, creating a supportive environment for British expats.

These are just some of the reasons why so many Brits have moved here.

High Quality of Life

You can expect an improvement in your living standards in Canada.

Canada frequently ranks among the top countries for quality of life.

Many British expats appreciate the work-life balance, robust healthcare system, and excellent public education opportunities the country provides to all its residents.

According to the OECD Better Life Index, Canada scores well regarding health, safety, and overall life satisfaction.

Many studies indicate that people in countries with a higher quality of life tend to live longer and experience greater overall happiness. Thus, it is unsurprising that Canada is such a sought-after destination among British expatriates.

Immigration and Visa Requirements

You will need to know these important facts about obtaining a visa.

Like all foreign countries, there are immigration laws to master first. Before you begin house-hunting, it’s vital to determine your legal status in Canada.

Visa and residency categories typically include:

• Permanent Residency (PR): Many expats choose to apply for Canadian PR through economic programs (e.g., Express Entry), provincial nominee programs, or family sponsorship. PR holders can live and work indefinitely in Canada, which can simplify the property-buying process.
• Work Permits: If you’re on a temporary work permit, you may still be allowed to purchase property. However, financing options might be more restrictive compared to PR holders.
• Foreign Buyer Ban Until January 2025: In 2023, the Canadian government introduced a temporary ban on certain non-residents purchasing residential property. This ban is set to expire now. If you are not a permanent resident, you’ll need to monitor the regulations closely to ensure you’re eligible to buy.

For the most current details, visit the official Government of Canada immigration website.

Before You Start Your Home Search

As you did with your visa, you must complete some legal documentation and have it in place before you start your home search.

In Canada, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is generally required for residents engaging in financial activities.

If you are a foreign buyer who isn’t eligible for a SIN, you may need to obtain an Individual Tax Number (ITN) to meet tax obligations when purchasing property.

To apply for an ITN, you must:

• Complete Form T1261 (Application for a CRA Individual Tax Number for Non-Residents) and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
• Provide identification, such as a valid passport or visa.

Since processing can take several weeks, it’s best to apply well ahead of your property purchase.

Overview of the Canadian Property Market

It is vital that you have a good understanding of the housing market before your search.

Familiarising yourself with local housing markets (which will depend on where you plan to settle) is important to your successful purchase because Canada’s real estate market varies widely by province and city.

Urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver are known for their high property prices, whereas smaller cities such as Halifax or Saskatoon can offer more budget-friendly options.

• Toronto (Ontario): Home to a diverse population, Toronto’s average house prices have historically been among the highest in the country. Check the Toronto Real Estate Board’s data for the latest statistics.
• Vancouver (British Columbia): Known for its stunning scenery and mild climate, Vancouver has a competitive property market. The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver offers property listings.
• Calgary (Alberta): An energy-industry hub, Calgary typically offers more affordable housing than Toronto or Vancouver. For licensed real estate agents, check out the Calgary Real Estate Board’s listings website.
• Atlantic Provinces (e.g., Nova Scotia, New Brunswick): These areas often appeal to those seeking a slower pace of life. Halifax, for instance, offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities with comparatively lower housing costs. Find out more about listings at Atlantic Team Realty.

Understanding the markets will equip you with knowledge of where to buy, what you can afford, and whether what you are buying is appropriately priced.

Deciding Where to Live

Choosing the right location depends on factors like your career path, family size, and lifestyle preferences.

Before deciding, consider your lifestyle needs, future goals, and local amenities to make the best choice for your situation.

• Employment Prospects: Cities with a strong job market, such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, often have higher living expenses. However, they also offer diverse career opportunities in fields such as finance, tech, healthcare, and education.
• Climate Considerations: Canada’s weather can be extreme. Expect cold, snowy winters in much of the country, particularly the Prairie Provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba). Meanwhile, coastal regions like Vancouver Island in British Columbia experience milder winters with more rainfall.
• Community and Culture: Each city and province have a unique cultural identity. Montreal (in Quebec) offers a bilingual atmosphere (English and French), while Toronto is known for its multicultural food scene. If you prefer smaller communities with access to nature, consider areas like Vancouver Island or the interior of British Columbia.

Choosing the right location may take time; however, it is key to ensuring a smooth and successful relocation for you and your family and ultimately making your move more rewarding, ensuring long-term happiness and stability in your new home.

A 5-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Canada

Follow these five steps to simplify your move.

Buying a home in Canada, especially as a newcomer or non-resident, can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes the process much smoother.

Whether you’re searching for a city condo or a suburban family home, working with the right professionals, such as mortgage lenders and realtors (estate agents), will ensure a seamless transaction.

Below, we outline the essential steps to help you confidently purchase your dream home in Canada.

1. Mortgage Pre-Approval: Start by securing a mortgage pre-approval to determine your budget. Major Canadian banks like Royal Bank , TD Bank, and BMO Banking cater to non-residents and permanent residents, though terms may differ.
2. Engage a Realtor: A licensed realtor can provide insights into local market conditions, negotiation strategies, and property evaluations. In Canada, realtor fees are generally paid by the seller.
3. House Hunting: Narrow down your search by prioritising location, type of property (condo, townhouse, detached house), and local amenities. Online platforms offer a comprehensive database of listings across Canada.
4. Make an Offer: Once you find a suitable property, submit an offer through your realtor. Offers can include conditions like financing approval or a home inspection.
5. Home Inspection and Closing: After an offer is accepted, schedule a professional inspection to identify any underlying issues. If everything checks out, you’ll move forward with closing, where you’ll sign the final paperwork and officially take ownership.

Taxes and Legal Considerations

Keep in mind the different tax laws in Canada.

No matter where you choose to settle, be it Canada or anywhere else in the world, taxes must be paid at some point during the house purchase process.

Be aware that tax payments vary from province to province.

• Property Transfer Tax (PTT): Most provinces have a property transfer tax (or land transfer tax) based on the purchase price. For example, Ontario charges a graduated tax rate, and Toronto has an additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax.

Different rules apply to Ontario. For more information, visit the Government of Ontario website.

• Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST): Some provinces, notably Ontario and British Columbia, may impose an additional tax on foreign buyers, though permanent residents or certain work permit holders may be exempt.

Legal Representation

A lawyer specialising in real estate will make your life much easier.

The expertise of a real estate lawyer is invaluable in ensuring a seamless and legally sound real estate transaction.

The sheer volume of legal paperwork can feel overwhelming, but your lawyer will carefully review contracts, clarify complex terms, and identify any potential risks that could delay or jeopardise your purchase.

Each province and territory has its own real estate regulatory body that licenses and monitors agents. Here are some key examples:

• Ontario – Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)
• British Columbia – BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
• Alberta – Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
• Quebec – Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ)
• Manitoba – Manitoba Securities Commission – Real Estate Division (www.msc.gov.mb.ca)
• Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission (SREC) (www.srec.ca)
• Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (NSREC) (www.nsrec.ns.ca)

How to Verify a Real Estate Agent

To confirm an agent’s legitimacy:

1. Check their license number on the regulatory body’s website.
2. Ensure they are a CREA member for added professionalism.
3. Read reviews and ask for references before committing.

Using verified estate lawyers streamlines the transaction and ensures full compliance with regulations, offering the protection and confidence you need when buying or selling a home.

Living in Canada: Schools, Healthcare, and Lifestyle

If you are still unsure of making the move check out these amazing benefits.

Education

Canada offers a diverse range of educational options for children, including public schools, private institutions, religious-based education, and French immersion programs.

With so many choices, finding the right school depends on factors such as curriculum, language of instruction, and location.

Most children in Canada begin kindergarten at age four or five, with grade one becoming mandatory around age six. The required school attendance age varies by province, but it is typically until age 16 or 18.

The majority of students complete high school, and many go on to colleges and universities.

The academic year runs from September to June, with classes held Monday to Friday. Students also enjoy seasonal breaks, including winter holidays and a mid-spring recess.

If you need more help finding a good school for your children, visit the Arrive website.

Healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system, known as Medicare, is a publicly funded, universal system that provides residents with access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without direct charges at the point of care.

Each of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories administers its own health insurance plan, adhering to national standards set by the Canada Health Act.

While core services are covered, additional services like dental care and prescription drugs may require private insurance or out-of-pocket payments.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Government of Canada’s overview of the healthcare system.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Canada compared to the UK is varied, though overall, Canada is cheaper.

Although salaries in Canada are often competitive, it’s essential to budget for day-to-day expenses and the overall cost of living:

• Utilities: Winters can be harsh, so heating bills may be higher, especially in older homes. Electricity and water costs vary by province, but they are definitely less expensive than in the UK.
• Groceries: Depending on the product some prices might be higher than in the UK for certain imports. Here again, Canada wins out with most grocery products being cheaper.
• Transportation: Major cities have reliable public transit systems, and when it comes to price, Canada is, on average, around 20% less expensive than the UK. Many Canadians also rely on personal vehicles due to the large distances between regions; however, fuel is half the cost of the UK.

You can investigate further by visiting Numbeo the cost of living comparison website.

Final Thoughts Before You Go

Relocating to Canada as a British expat and buying a house might feel complex, but thorough preparation can make the journey smoother.

There’s much to consider between securing the right visa status, having the correct documentation in place, choosing a region that suits your lifestyle, and understanding the local property market.

However, Canada’s welcoming communities, high standard of living, and gorgeous natural landscapes make the effort worthwhile.

If you approach your move with detailed research and professional guidance, realtors, legal experts, and community support, you will find that owning a home in Canada can be a rewarding long-term investment.

By staying updated on policies, budgeting responsibly, and immersing yourself in the local way of life, you can make Canada feel like home.

Our team have written an informative guide to moving to Canada, packed with practical advice, you may find it helpful.

How to Get Your Belongings to Canada

Relocating internationally takes the complexity of moving home to a whole new level.

The key addition to any international removal is choosing the right removals company to handle your belongings.

At White & Company, we specialise in making international moves seamless, and our dedicated Canada removals service ensures that your household effects arrive safely and efficiently.

With decades of experience, we’ve assisted countless individuals and families in making a smooth transition to life in Canada.

Whether you require a full-load consignment that transports all your possessions directly to your new home or a part-load service that arrives shortly after you, we tailor our solutions to match your schedule and budget.

Need storage? We offer secure and flexible storage options to keep your items safe until you’re ready to receive them.

Our trusted partners in Canada manage customs clearance and paperwork, ensuring a hassle-free process so you can focus on settling into your new surroundings.

From unloading to unpacking, we’re here to make your relocation as smooth as possible.

To discuss your move or receive a quick quote, call our international office at 01489 854175 or fill out our online inquiry form.

With White & Company handling the logistics, you can embrace your new adventure in Canada with complete peace of mind.

As proud members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), we uphold the highest standards of service and customer care.

Please note: While this information is accurate at the time of writing, property markets and import regulations can change. We recommend staying updated on Canada’s latest requirements to ensure a smooth transition.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.