For anyone thinking of moving country, there is often lots that must be considered and certain things that must be 'given up' when making the move. Often we move away from family, friends and the familiarity of places we have known for a long time, to find somewhere new that will afford us a better quality of life. It stands to reason that if we are to move away from much that we hold dear, then we would only do that if our new homeland offered up something really special.
Canada is the Shangri-La of the modern world. A new multi cultural country that covers a huge space, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west making it the world's second largest country. It is a land that was inhabited for thousands of years by Aboriginal people until the early 15th century when the British and the French explored and settled bringing Europeans in their masses and a tug of war between the two super powers ensued for supremacy over the land.
Possibly due to the huge land-mass complete dominance was hard to win and the country was split between English and French speaking colonies. Well publicized arguments over the governing structure and the constant call for autonomy from certain French quarters have run to this day, but thankfully this is no longer an issue that clouds over the country itself. Canada is no longer seen as America's dorky cousin that cannot unify itself. It has stepped out of the USA's shadow to become a world leader in quality of living. Defining itself as the most progressive country on earth for sustainability and a genuine love and care for its natural habitat.
It's hard to imagine the epic scale of the untainted natural beauty of this country until you visit. Voted the best country to live in time and time again, based on affordability, prosperity, health care, crime rates and lifestyle, when you visit Canada you will know why it is held in such high opinion. The country is split into ten provinces; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador. Each of the provinces varies greatly in terms of weather, cultural dynamics and geography. Traveling through Canada you will find many of the good things the world has to offer within its borders. From the mammoth Rocky Mountains, to great lakes, wilderness that is untouched for hundreds of miles, beaches, wine country, golf, skiing and cities that are rated as the best in the world, all work together to make Canada a first choice when thinking of a great place to relocate.
One thing that is felt when traveling in Canada is the unusual praise the people have for their own country. The ingrained cynicism of the citizens of the older world is far way. Canada is loved by its people, but not in a mindless flag waving frenzy, but from a genuine happiness with their lives that many attribute to the wonderful place that they live.
So, to live in the best and most progressive country in the world, the most beautiful and cleanest country in the world, with the most healthy and happiest people in the world, its surely going to cost the earth right? Not so, there are mega bargains to be had all over Canada that would enable even a buyer on a modest budget to buy a slice of heaven.
There are varying price scales to be found throughout the country. The most popular province with the English is undoubtedly British Columbia, known as BC or 'Bring Cash' (which speaks for itself), as the awesome climate that enables enjoying the lovely lakeside beaches in the summer to world class skiing in the winter, up the prices around the area. Parts of BC could be mistaken for Florence in Italy in the summer and there is a large booming wine area around Kelowna and Penticton. The main city in BC is Vancouver, and again, looking for property here could empty your wallet, but then what would you expect from a city that has been voted best in the world for the last 10 years.
Still if you don't mind moving just outside of the city, more affordable properties can be found in Victoria Island, where a 3 bed detached home can be purchased for as low as €200,000. There are bargains to be found in BC but it is important to look outside of the most exclusive places, for often just going ten or twenty miles outside prices drop considerably. However, if it is a bargain that is sought after, then in other provinces such as Alberta, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, it is easy to find highly desirable, detached lakeside properties going for as little as €100,000 and inland properties for as little as €50,000. Where else could you find comparable prices alongside such quality of life? In fact there is so much to choose from in Canada, it really is a buyers market.
If looking for affordable city property, then the city's of Calgary, Halifax and the French speaking Quebec, would certainly be worth looking at, as these are all cities with their own distinct personalities and lower property prices. Obviously before selecting a preferred place to buy, it is necessary to find out the weather conditions throughout the year, as there are some parts of Canada that can feel unusually cold and even go as far as to shut down much of normal life throughout the winter months. Having said that, Canada knows how to function in extreme cold weather better than anywhere else in the world.
When thinking about buying in Canada, the good news is that it is relatively easy. Most provinces such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia have no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate. However, some do limit the amount of property or land that a non resident can purchase, so it is advisable to check the rules if buying more than one property.
Tips for buying property in Canada:
• If you are not attached to one particular area, so much the better as there are incredible bargains to be had within the country that are outside the main tourist destinations. However, as has been previously mentioned, it is important to research chosen area's well for climate and local infrastructure as they vary greatly.
• Once decided on a place, the first thing to do is find a good local Realtor. This is a must as a professional Realtor will guide you through all the stages, from finding through to purchasing a dream home.
• Non residents can obtain a Canadian mortgage. A mortgage that can be obtained by local banks, will usually offer a ratio of approximately 65% mortgage and 35% down payment. The qualifying procedure for financing is much the same as any other country, assets and liabilities must be proven as well as employment and income information. Normally an answer can be given within 48 hours.
• Once a mortgage is secured, then an offer is to be made at which point a deposit is to be paid. The deposit will be placed in trust and will go towards the purchase price once building inspections have been agreed and the offer has been accepted by both parties.
• When purchasing a property in Canada, it is important to note that all offers must be made in writing. This is so all aspects of the transaction are properly recorded, protecting both parties.
Canada really is a first rate country to relocate to and the immigration procedure favors families and skilled workers. Moving country is always a challenge, but choosing Canada makes that challenge worthwhile, as once there, those that have made the move will benefit from that amazing Canadian quality of life that has been award winning for many years.
Canada is widely considered to be one of the best countries to live in. It is not too densely populated, has vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and a good standard of living. If you and your family are thinking of moving there then you should consider what are the top places to live in Canada and why.
