Moving to a new country is hard enough without trying to decode a new housing market at the same time. Many newcomers rent first, some buy within their first year, and the rules depend heavily on your immigration status. Here's an overview — and quick answers to common questions are on my newcomer FAQ.
Several lenders and mortgage insurers offer newcomer programs that accept alternative proof of creditworthiness — such as international credit reports, bank statements and rental history. Terms vary, and many programs apply only within your first few years in Canada. Lenders will also want to see where your down payment came from, typically with about 90 days of statements, so keep your records organised from the start.
Renting for a while is often a smart move: it lets you learn neighbourhoods, build Canadian credit, and settle your job situation before you commit. I can help you find a rental home as your tenant representative.
Contracts, subject clauses, strata documents and disclosure forms are hard enough in a first language. I work in both English and Turkish, so nothing important gets lost in translation — but every document you sign will still be the official English version, and I'll make sure you understand it.
Newcomers are often surprised by Canadian construction — especially wood-frame buildings, which are far less common in Türkiye and many other countries. I can explain what that means for durability, maintenance and noise, and what to look for in strata records, so you're comparing homes on the things that actually matter.
Every client's situation is different — I'm happy to walk you through what applies to you, in English or Turkish.