Living in Canada has become a dream for the majority especially immigrants who are seeking greener pastures and a good standard of living. Canada is the place to be for everyone, with a good health care service, a working education system, and job offers for everyone, the country’s population will continue to increase.

Moving across to Canada needs adequate planning and one important aspect in these planning stages is getting a secure and affordable apartment. This article will guide you on everything you need to know about securing an affordable apartment in Canada before traveling.

Without any further ado, let’s delve into the main discussion.

How to Secure Affordable Apartment In Canada Before Traveling

Canada is one of the safest places to live in as the country is blessed with various basic amenities. One of the basic amenities available for its citizens and foreigners is a standard apartment. Provided by the Government and private owners, foreigners have the privilege of choosing the best for themselves.

In Canada, affordable housing is defined as housing that costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income. This includes both rent and utilities. Housing costs that exceed this threshold are considered unaffordable.

As a foreigner, securing an affordable apartment before traveling to Canada will help in adapting to the new environment. There are different types of apartments available for a foreigner to choose from when trying to secure a space for themselves.

Types Of Apartments Available For Foreigners In Canada

1. Detached Homes

Amongst the apartments available for foreigners in Canada is a Detached Home.

A detached home stands on its own and doesn’t share a wall with any other residences. Usually, the most expensive, detached homes have front and back yards. It’s often used by families.

2. Semi-Detached Homes

How to secure an affordable apartment in Canada before traveling is still the bone of contention in this article. As a foreigner, a semi-detached house is another apartment you can opt for. A semi-detached home is an individual unit that shares one common wall with another household.

3. Duplexes and triplexes

Unlike detached and semi-detached houses in Canada, Duplexes and triplexes houses are multi-level homes where each floor typically has its entrance and serves as a separate residence.

Duplexes contain two units, while triplexes contain three units. It could be owned by a company or individual. The rent is affordable compared to detached and semi-detached houses.

4. Townhouses

Similar to semi-detached houses, Townhouses share a wall with neighbors on each side of the house (unless you live in an end unit). They’re available to be purchased or rented. It’s cheaper when compared to the other houses listed above.

5. Rental Apartments

As the name implies, rental apartments are available for rent. They are units in buildings owned by one landlord or company. Residents pay a monthly fee to live in the units.

Failure to meet your payment plans for a month in review might see such a client get evicted.

6. Rental Rooms

A rental room is a living space in someone else’s home that you pay a monthly fee to inhabit. You live alongside your landlord. This house has its benefits, it is cheaper compared to the other apartments available.

7. Condos

Condominiums popularly known as Condos are another apartment available for foreigners. They are similar to apartment buildings; however, they possess a different ownership structure.

Residents can own or rent units while a condo corporation owns and maintains the building’s common elements (like hallways and lobbies) and exterior. It’s a perfect fit for business experts and instructors.

8. loft

A loft is a rented living space on the top story of a house or in its attic. They often feature original brick walls and exposed beams and pipes.

9. Basement Apartments

A basement apartment is a below-ground independent unit in a detached or semi-detached home or a townhouse

How to Secure Affordable Apartment in Canada Before Traveling

1. Search Online For A Suitable Home

Using online platforms to search for a suitable house in Canada is the first step all foreigners must take before traveling. Ideally, you connect with the Canadian world on the internet before making that big step.

Various online platforms have information on all affordable houses in Canada. They also share tips on how to make payments, secure a better job, and live peacefully. Below are ways you can search for affordable apartments in Canada before traveling.

Rental Listing Sites

Undoubtedly the easiest and most efficient way to look for apartments and houses for rent in Canada. There are various rental listing sites where you can surf for apartments.

You will get various apartments and their prices on this platform. Basic information about the apartment is also listed, these include how secure the community is, their education system, and the like.

Social Media

In a new world, social media has proved to be a connecting point for sellers and buyers. It has also become a huge platform for those seeking to secure an apartment in Canada. You can check social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for available apartments in Canada.

Notable companies tend to run ads on vacant apartments, you might get your choice at the comfort of your current location.

University Housing Sites

Aspiring students are advised to contact the “off-campus housing” department of their university or college. They’ll be able to assist and direct the student to the right resource or housing site specific to students.

Non Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations are another great resource for finding affordable housing in Canada. These organizations are dedicated to providing housing assistance to those in need and can offer a variety of services and programs to help you find and maintain affordable housing.

Connect with a non-profit organization to make inquiries about the apartment you desire.

2. Apply For Any Apartment Of Your Choice

Having decided on the type of apartment you want to reside in, the next step to take is to apply for that apartment.

During the application process, you will be asked to provide some documents. The two most important pieces of information you’ll need to provide are financial documents (e.g. bank statements, employment letters).

Provide the necessary documents, fill in your correct personal information, and send in your application.

When you’re applying on some platform, you’ll be guided through the entire rental application so you don’t have anything to worry about.

Some rental platform allows you to review, sign, send, and renew leases for rental agreements.

3. Wait for your rental application result

Having submitted your rental application, it takes four to seven days before you get the result of your application.

You’re likely to get rejected if there’s a discrepancy in your application. This discrepancy could be your age, work history, or bank statement. It is advised you provide your actual information.

4. Seek The Help Of a realtor

You can also use a realtor to help find affordable housing that meets your needs. Realtors in Canada not only help with buying properties but also with renting them.

Their services are often free to renters as their commission is paid by the landlord. They go the extra mile to ensure their clients get the best apartment.

How to Secure Affordable Apartment In Canada Before Traveling: FAQ

What is the price range of an affordable apartment in Canada

The price range of a cheap apartment in Canada is between $450 and $3,000,000. The price also differs based on the location.

Is rent weekly or monthly in Canada?

Rent in Canada is monthly but you have to sign a lease for a year. However, rents are paid every month (Residential).

What types of financial assistance are available for affordable housing?

There are several types of financial assistance available for affordable housing in Canada. These include:

• Canada Housing Benefit: This benefit provides a direct, monthly subsidy to eligible households to help with their housing costs.
• Rent Supplement Programs: These programs provide financial assistance to eligible households to help cover the cost of rent.
• Affordable Housing Programs for Specific Groups: There are various programs available to help specific groups, such as seniors, persons with disabilities, and low-income families, find and maintain affordable housing.

Conclusion

How to secure a good affordable apartment in Canada before travelling has been discussed in this article. Canada has become a paradise for immigrants and those willing to start a new life.

Government and private owners have ensured that everyone living in Canada has access to good living conditions. Securing an apartment in Canada can be less stressful when the right channel is followed. Foreigners have access to different types of accommodation and they can secure this apartment before traveling to Canada.

Various housing agents are on the ground to help Foreigners secure their dream homes; online platforms are also a haven for anyone willing to take that route.