Hi Everyone,

I hope everyone is well! I want to get a general consensus of your thoughts on Canada. Are you informed of the opportunities in real estate in Canada? Do you have uncertainties? Canada is just coming onto the radar of international property investors and I want to see where everyone stands in terms of confidence and also education. There are opportunities in every category: High capital growth, rental revenues, 4 season lifestyle. Feel free to post any comments.

Mark

Mark,

I'd be interested in finding out about Toronto and the surrounding area. I'm thinking of taking a trip over to Buffalo and Rochester as they seem to be good income markets. 2 hrs drive to Toronto.

Hi Gerry,

I'm glad to hear you are interested in Canada. I have to be honest with you however. I am based in Vancouver, my area of expertise is Western Canada. My network does reach as far as Toronto but I am no expert in that Market.

Saying this, are you looking for a pure investment or are you looking to relocate? If you are looking for an investment with excellent upside potential (High capital appreciation and positive cash flow from rents) I can set you up with a few projects here in Western Canada. From my research and travels, I have found that Western Canada is overlooked by the UK market. Those who get it, get it! We do have the second largest petroleum reserve next to Saudi Arabia, a very stable economy and government and best of all we are the Queen's favorite colony!

Keep up the dialogue

Mark

Hi,

I have been doing my due dilligence on investing in different markets across Canada. I agree certain markets in Western Canada offer excellent investing opportunities. I am starting to see more representation of Canada at property exhibitions and from talk around town. When browsing around the property Investor Show at Excel a few weeks back there were a few Canadian companies, a few from Eastern Canada, and a few new ones from Western Canada.

The way I look at it is Canada is the blue chip to a property investors portfolio. With a higher price point than markets such as Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary Etc. you are paying for security, stability, a great (young) economy and great returns on investment. I agree with the above, Canada is very overlooked and will likely be the next big thing!!

Hi all,

Just thought Id add my opinion quickly as We recently came back from canada in february this year!!

We went to vancouver for a couple of days then drove down to BIG WHITE SKI RESORT FOR A WEEK with the kids etc!!

We go skiing everyyear and BIG WHITE ABSOLUTELY TOOK OUR BREATH AWAY!!

It a ski in ski out village with lots to do!! The ski school for kids is fantastic and the terrain and snow is amazing!! SO POWDEREY!!
Kelowna is the nearest large town with loads to do and its own airport and its built arround a huge lake!!

When we were here they had lots of new builds off plan etc for sale and also the mayor announced plans that week that they were building a big hotel casino and golf resort aswell!!
They are going to transform it also into an all year round resort destination!!

They are investing millions there- so that would be a great investment!!

Also from talking to the locals they said how much it had developmed and changed the last few years and that there was more to come!!
They also cxompared it to the infamous WHISTLER-They said that BIG WHITE was what whistler was like 15 years ago!!
SO after those comments Im sure this place will definately be a GREAT INVESTMENT now and many years to come!!
Also the rental potential is fantastic!!

WILL DEFINATELY GO BACK AGAIN!!!

See ya D

DeeDee,

Living in Vancouver, I visit the interior 3 times a year. Big White is a regular spot for me as well, in fact I am spending time there this December.

We participated at The Property Investor Show at Excel and our projects in The Okanagan drew the most attention. It's a great area for people of all ages and truely a 4 seasons destination. In order to understand it you really have to visit. Would you agree?

I have to stress the fact that Canada is very much under the radar!

George - What companies did you see from Western Canada?

Mark

Hi Guys...i am a realtor in Toronto and am into new builds. One of the projects im working on is in Toronto right on the water... the view is amazing and for about $220,000 the condo is approx 600sq ft overlooking the city and lake ontario. The view is to die for and as an overseas investor you qualify for 65% mortgage. This is the ultimate in luxury as fendi is designing the furniture for the complex. let me know if you need any more info

We are currently investing in land in Canada. We are currently considering whether to take a loan to build on the land. If we do take a loan, is it here in the UK or do we qualify in Canada? I understand that the loan may reduce our tax liabilities. Has anyone done anything similar?

Visited Whistler last year really fantastic

I have been to Canada about 8 times on Holiday now, with the most recent this January in Jasper, Alberta.

I am failry well traveled, and I can honestly say, Canada is my favourite place on earth. In fact, its the only country I have been to, that I would happily emigrate to.

I have had a look at the property market there, and although prices are higher than you would expect to pay in places like Bulgaria, Morocco etc, you are buying into a 1st world country with an excellent infrastructure, high employment, some of the most beautiful scenery in the world (the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93 is breathtaking), and some of the friendliest people I have met.

One of the things I was surprised about, was the fact that most of the ski resorts I have been too (jasper, Banff, Lake Louise) are all busier in the summer months than the winter months. This tells me that year round rentals should be pretty good too.

I might have to try Big White next year, although I am very tempted to try out Whistler too. Also the winter games are coming up in Vancouver for 2010 which will create massive interest in Western Canada