Navigating a real estate market in a new country can be overwhelming and can lead new Canadians to assume that homeownership in this country is out of reach. However, with a little planning and the right advice, it is actually very attainable, even with just five percent down payment.
The biggest challenge that new Canadians interested in homeownership may face, comes from a lack of understanding of the process. Newcomers often rely on information passed along from friends and family who immigrated years prior and their advice could be incorrect, irrelevant, or outdated.
It is common for new immigrants to think that their status will require them to incur more fees. In fact, the cost for new Canadians to buy a home typically do not differ much from those of current permanent residents.
Like all other homebuyers, new Canadians will need to pay legal fees, disbursements, land transfer taxes, appraisal fees, and title insurance fees when they purchase a home. With respect to the down payment required, qualified new immigrants can purchase with as little as five percent down.
To be approved for a mortgage, new Canadians will need sufficient savings and proof of stable employment. They will also have to provide either:
- A satisfactory International Credit report
OR
- 12 months of bank account history with a Canadian financial institution that proves satisfactory remit payments (or a letter from a landlord) and 12months’ worth of utility bill statements that demonstrate adequate payments.
If the borrower is not able to provide either of these two requirements, they may still be able to purchase with a larger down payment.
New Canadians may be eligible for the federal governments’ first-time home buyers’ tax credit. To make the most of any available assistance or benefits, it’s important for new Canadians to understand what's needed.
The biggest challenge is not understanding the documentation requirements needed to qualify for a mortgage under the programs available for new Canadians. They need to look at obtaining a mortgage pre-approval and understand the requirements to see if they qualify for a mortgage. There are very specific guidelines under the new-to-Canada programs.
That’s why it’s important to speak to an experienced mortgage professional who is very familiar with these programs, particularly since there are usually no expectations to the rules and some are easily misinterpreted.