Landlord and Tenant Issues in Ontario
You will note that there are many important aspects and considerations when it comes to renting out properties. Other real estate agents often inquire regarding any important rules agents must know on listing or presenting a condo when tenants currently occupy the unit?
The short answer is yes. If a single tenant has lived in the condo since June 17, 1998, the condo owner can't evict the tenant and transfer ownership to a new owner. This is called Security of Tenure. Therefore, if you are interested in buying a condo and before you take a listing for a condo, or before showing a client a condo, it's crucial that you know whether the unit currently has tenants and when those tenants moved in.
Of course, a in all instances a landlord may informally request the tenant to leave, and the tenant may agree to do so or they may not leave. However, a landlord cannot require a tenant to agree to end a tenancy, or to sign, at the start of the tenancy, an agreement to end the tenancy at a later date, this is not legal. As well, in Ontario it is an offense for a landlord to illegally lock a tenant out of their rental unit or the building.
If a landlord is convicted in Provincial Court under the Provincial Offenses Act, they could be fined up to $25,000 if the landlord is an individual and 4 times that fine if the landlord is a corporation.
As well in Ontario, if the tenant finds out about Security of Tenure after they move out, they have up to a year to re-claim their tenancy in the condo. If the tenant won't leave or the landlord has to pay the tenant a settlement to leave, the agent is liable to be sued.
In all instances of the situations above, an agent can be held liable by the tenant and the Ontario government for not informing or misinforming the landlord client of the pertinent landlord/tenant laws.
You can learn more about Ontario landlord and tenant law and your responsibilities at my site at:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/Landlord-Tenant-Board-FAQ-2007.htm
All the best,
Mark
Showing posts with label rental-market. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rental-market. Show all posts
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Rental Fraud Alert - be Careful!
Please be very careful if you are thinking of renting a property through Craigslist or Kijiji. There are some fraudsters out there preying on people who are thinking of renting. If it seems just too good to be true, it likely is.
One method of checking if the property you are thinking of renting is too inexpensive is to email an agent and ask them to either look up the address on the MLS or to give their opinion of rental value. This is one method of checking.
Please read this press release from the Toronto Real Estate Board below.
All the best,
Mark
October 27, 2008 -- A Member, who recently placed a house rental advertisement on Kijiji and Craigslist, has reported that an individual re-issued the same advertisement with his contact information in an attempt to fraudulently collect rental deposits.
The individual advised prospective tenants that he had been transferred to Nigeria on business and as such, the house would be available for rent for four years. He offered to rent the house for a considerably lesser amount than that which the owner had advertised. At least two prospective tenants in the Brampton area were nearly drawn into this scam.
Members are reminded that such occurrences can also be reported to PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre managed on a tripartite basis by the Ontario Provincial Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Competition Bureau Canada.
PhoneBusters can be reached at 1-888-495-8501 or info@phonebusters.com
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
One method of checking if the property you are thinking of renting is too inexpensive is to email an agent and ask them to either look up the address on the MLS or to give their opinion of rental value. This is one method of checking.
Please read this press release from the Toronto Real Estate Board below.
All the best,
Mark
October 27, 2008 -- A Member, who recently placed a house rental advertisement on Kijiji and Craigslist, has reported that an individual re-issued the same advertisement with his contact information in an attempt to fraudulently collect rental deposits.
The individual advised prospective tenants that he had been transferred to Nigeria on business and as such, the house would be available for rent for four years. He offered to rent the house for a considerably lesser amount than that which the owner had advertised. At least two prospective tenants in the Brampton area were nearly drawn into this scam.
Members are reminded that such occurrences can also be reported to PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre managed on a tripartite basis by the Ontario Provincial Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Competition Bureau Canada.
PhoneBusters can be reached at 1-888-495-8501 or info@phonebusters.com
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Monday, October 27, 2008
fourth set of blogger labels
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Landlord and Tenants and the current rental marketplace
Good morning,
In light of the current economic crisis happening in the US and now in Canada, the rental market in Mississauga remains very tight. Most rental properties $1500 and under rent within a few days of being listed.
You are always safe when you have a rental property that is located near major amenities, such as The Erin Mills Town Centre or Square One or Heartland and one that shows well and is priced according to market rents. These properties tend to be the first ones that rent, everything else follows suit.
My experience also shows that similar to a property that is for sale, when a rental property shows well, it rents right away and at top value rent.
You cannot go wrong using an agent to list your property for rent. Reasons are many, but mainly because corporate relocation tenants and quality tenants all search rentals through the MLS and with an agent. Thus, if you are only trying to save a months rent by trying it yourself, you reduce your potential marketplace considerably. Quality tenants don't have time to scour the rental sections of the newspapers, they want everything online and my site and mls.ca provide this exposure for you.
Besides, how many agents do you know in Mississauga produce a virtual tour slideshow to market your rental property? Not many. Here is a recent example:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/listings/5525-Palmerston-Crescent-Streetsville-GO.htm
If you need help with your rental property, please send me an email.
Thank you,
Mark
In light of the current economic crisis happening in the US and now in Canada, the rental market in Mississauga remains very tight. Most rental properties $1500 and under rent within a few days of being listed.
You are always safe when you have a rental property that is located near major amenities, such as The Erin Mills Town Centre or Square One or Heartland and one that shows well and is priced according to market rents. These properties tend to be the first ones that rent, everything else follows suit.
My experience also shows that similar to a property that is for sale, when a rental property shows well, it rents right away and at top value rent.
You cannot go wrong using an agent to list your property for rent. Reasons are many, but mainly because corporate relocation tenants and quality tenants all search rentals through the MLS and with an agent. Thus, if you are only trying to save a months rent by trying it yourself, you reduce your potential marketplace considerably. Quality tenants don't have time to scour the rental sections of the newspapers, they want everything online and my site and mls.ca provide this exposure for you.
Besides, how many agents do you know in Mississauga produce a virtual tour slideshow to market your rental property? Not many. Here is a recent example:
http://www.mississauga4sale.com/listings/5525-Palmerston-Crescent-Streetsville-GO.htm
If you need help with your rental property, please send me an email.
Thank you,
Mark
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
How to calculate if a rental property will carry or not
I had a question on one of my listings, a townhouse listed at $289,900 and let's say the final sale price is $285,000, the question was:
What are the condo fees, taxes and insurance and with 20% down can we make positive cash flow on this property? Thanks W .
My answer is:
Condo fees are $100 per month,
taxes say $200 per month,
with 20% downpayment your payments based upon a $285000 purchase price,
thus say 57000 downpayment, gives you a 228,000 mortgage at 1199 at 4.00% variable rate
your total monthly payments 1199+200+100 equals 1500 per month,
the property would likely rent for 1450 to 1550 per month, so it's right on the line.
Conclusion, this property is perfect for a 20% downpayment as an investment property.
This is the property:
Large Townhome at Eglinton and Creditview, must be sold $289,900!
Large Townhome at Eglinton and Creditview, must be sold $289,900!
So there you have it, simple calculations.
Thank you,
Mark
Sunday, June 22, 2008
CMHC reports on Rental Market Outlook for 2008
Rental Market Outlook for 2008
Demand for rental housing in 2008
will remain on par with what was
experienced in 2007. The overall
apartment vacancy rate will be 3.5
per cent. The average two-bedroom
rent will increase by 1.5 per cent.
The movement to home ownership
will continue to be a drag on the
rental market, but in a different
fashion. While both existing and new
home sales are forecast to edge
slightly lower next year, first-time
buyers will continue to vacate rental
accommodation in favour of home
ownership. This movement, however,
will be based on a strong increase
in condominium apartment
completions in 2008. More than
double the number of condominium
apartment completions experienced
in 2007 will occur next year. In
addition, investor-held condominium
apartments in the secondary rental
market will attract some renter
households out of the primary rental
market, due to a higher level of
finishings and amenities.
Factors that will continue to influence
the demand for rental include
the following:
• Growth in youth employment
will continue due to tight labour
market conditions;
• Immigration will continue to
trend upward; and
• Rental affordability will continue
to improve as household earnings
outstrip growth in average
rents.
• rented freehold row/town
houses;
• rented duplex apartments;
• rented accessory apartments;
and
• rented apartments which are
part of a commercial or other
type of structure containing one
or two dwelling units.
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
CMHC reports on rental market
Report Highlights
• The average apartment vacancy rate in the GTA was unchanged at 3.2 per cent
in October 2007. Average same-sample two-bedroom apartment rents
increased by 1.2 per cent.
• Market conditions remained similar to 2006 because new renter household formation
was offset by a movement of existing renter households into homeownership.
• The rental market will experience little change in 2008, with the average
apartment vacancy rate at 3.5 per cent and average rents growing by less
than the rate of inflation.
• The average apartment vacancy rate in the GTA was unchanged at 3.2 per cent
in October 2007. Average same-sample two-bedroom apartment rents
increased by 1.2 per cent.
• Market conditions remained similar to 2006 because new renter household formation
was offset by a movement of existing renter households into homeownership.
• The rental market will experience little change in 2008, with the average
apartment vacancy rate at 3.5 per cent and average rents growing by less
than the rate of inflation.
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CMHC Starts decline to be felt on single home starts
Starts decline to be felt on single home starts
Across Canada, starts of singledetached
homes, which remained
near the 120,000 mark between
2005 and 2007, will decrease by 13.6
per cent to about 102,700 units in
2008 and by 3.6 per cent to 99,050
units in 2009.
The decline in residential construction
will not be felt as much in the
higher-density housing segments. In
response to the rise in new and
existing home prices, a larger share
of home buyers will purchase less
expensive multiple homes. Multiplefamily
homes include row and semidetached
homes, as well as condos
and rental apartments. Multiple
starts, which reached a 29 year high
of 109,426 units in 2007, will increase
slightly to 111,950 units in
2008. Multiple starts are expected to
decrease in 2009 for the first time
since 1998 to reach 100,850 units.
Across Canada, starts of singledetached
homes, which remained
near the 120,000 mark between
2005 and 2007, will decrease by 13.6
per cent to about 102,700 units in
2008 and by 3.6 per cent to 99,050
units in 2009.
The decline in residential construction
will not be felt as much in the
higher-density housing segments. In
response to the rise in new and
existing home prices, a larger share
of home buyers will purchase less
expensive multiple homes. Multiplefamily
homes include row and semidetached
homes, as well as condos
and rental apartments. Multiple
starts, which reached a 29 year high
of 109,426 units in 2007, will increase
slightly to 111,950 units in
2008. Multiple starts are expected to
decrease in 2009 for the first time
since 1998 to reach 100,850 units.
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
CMHC reports on National Vacancy Rates
National Vacancy Rate Unchanged at 2.6 Per Cent in October 2007
The average rental apartment vacancy rate in purpose
built apartment buildings with three or more units in
Canada's 34 major centres1 was unchanged at 2.6 per
cent in October 2007 compared to a year ago. The
centres with the highest vacancy rates in 2007 were
Windsor (12.8 per cent), Saint John (5.2 per cent)
and Moncton (4.3 per cent). The centres with the
lowest vacancy rates were Kelowna (0.0 per cent),
Victoria (0.5 per cent), Greater Sudbury (0.6 per
cent) and Saskatoon (0.6 per cent).
Strong employment growth, solid income gains, and high
immigration levels continued to support strong demand
for both ownership and rental housing. The rising gap
between the cost of home ownership and renting also
kept demand strong for rental accommodation. However,
modest rental construction and increased competition
from the condominium market offset the strong
rental demand, keeping the rental apartment vacancy
rate unchanged from a year earlier. Condominiums are
a relatively inexpensive type of housing for renters
moving to home ownership. Also, some condominium
apartments are owned by investors who rent them out.
Therefore, high levels of condominium completions have
created competition for the rental market and have put
upward pressure on vacancy rates.
The highest average monthly rents for two-bedroom
apartments in new and existing structures were in
Calgary ($1,089), Vancouver ($1,084), Toronto
($1,061) and Ottawa ($961), followed by Edmonton
($958) and Barrie ($934). The lowest average monthly
rents for two-bedroom apartments in new and
existing structures were in Trois-Rivières ($487) and
Saguenay ($490).
Year-over-year comparison of rents can be slightly
misleading because rents in newly built structures
tend to be higher than in existing buildings. However,
by excluding new structures, we can get a better
indication of actual rent increases paid by tenants.
The average rent for two-bedroom apartments in
existing structures increased in all major centres
except Windsor where the average rent in existing
structures was essentially unchanged for a second
consecutive year. The largest rent increases occurred
in markets where vacancy rates were quite low.
Rents in existing structures were up 18.8 per cent in
Edmonton, 15.3 per cent in Calgary, 13.5 per cent in
Saskatoon, 7.7 per cent in Greater Sudbury and 7.0
per cent in Kelowna. Overall, the average rent for
two-bedroom apartments in existing structures
across Canada's 34 major centres increased by 3.5
per cent between October 2006 and October 2007.
CMHC's October 2007 Rental Market Survey also
covers condominium apartments offered for rent in
the following centres: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec. In 2007,
vacancy rates for rental condominium apartments
were below one per cent in four of the seven centres
surveyed. Rental condominiums in Vancouver had
the lowest vacancy rate at 0.2 per cent. On the other
hand, Québec and Montréal registered the highest
vacancy rates for condominium apartments at 2.4 per
cent and 3.8 per cent in 2007, respectively. The
survey showed that vacancy rates for rental condominium
apartments in 2007 were lower than vacancy
rates in the conventional rental market in Vancouver,
Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa, the same in Edmonton,
and higher in Québec and Montréal. The highest
average monthly rents for two-bedroom condominium
apartments were in Toronto ($1,533), Vancouver
($1,435), and Calgary ($1,217). All surveyed
centres posted average monthly rents for twobedroom
condominium apartments that were higher
than average monthly rents for two-bedroom private
apartments in the conventional rental market in 2007.
The average rental apartment vacancy rate in purpose
built apartment buildings with three or more units in
Canada's 34 major centres1 was unchanged at 2.6 per
cent in October 2007 compared to a year ago. The
centres with the highest vacancy rates in 2007 were
Windsor (12.8 per cent), Saint John (5.2 per cent)
and Moncton (4.3 per cent). The centres with the
lowest vacancy rates were Kelowna (0.0 per cent),
Victoria (0.5 per cent), Greater Sudbury (0.6 per
cent) and Saskatoon (0.6 per cent).
Strong employment growth, solid income gains, and high
immigration levels continued to support strong demand
for both ownership and rental housing. The rising gap
between the cost of home ownership and renting also
kept demand strong for rental accommodation. However,
modest rental construction and increased competition
from the condominium market offset the strong
rental demand, keeping the rental apartment vacancy
rate unchanged from a year earlier. Condominiums are
a relatively inexpensive type of housing for renters
moving to home ownership. Also, some condominium
apartments are owned by investors who rent them out.
Therefore, high levels of condominium completions have
created competition for the rental market and have put
upward pressure on vacancy rates.
The highest average monthly rents for two-bedroom
apartments in new and existing structures were in
Calgary ($1,089), Vancouver ($1,084), Toronto
($1,061) and Ottawa ($961), followed by Edmonton
($958) and Barrie ($934). The lowest average monthly
rents for two-bedroom apartments in new and
existing structures were in Trois-Rivières ($487) and
Saguenay ($490).
Year-over-year comparison of rents can be slightly
misleading because rents in newly built structures
tend to be higher than in existing buildings. However,
by excluding new structures, we can get a better
indication of actual rent increases paid by tenants.
The average rent for two-bedroom apartments in
existing structures increased in all major centres
except Windsor where the average rent in existing
structures was essentially unchanged for a second
consecutive year. The largest rent increases occurred
in markets where vacancy rates were quite low.
Rents in existing structures were up 18.8 per cent in
Edmonton, 15.3 per cent in Calgary, 13.5 per cent in
Saskatoon, 7.7 per cent in Greater Sudbury and 7.0
per cent in Kelowna. Overall, the average rent for
two-bedroom apartments in existing structures
across Canada's 34 major centres increased by 3.5
per cent between October 2006 and October 2007.
CMHC's October 2007 Rental Market Survey also
covers condominium apartments offered for rent in
the following centres: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,
Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec. In 2007,
vacancy rates for rental condominium apartments
were below one per cent in four of the seven centres
surveyed. Rental condominiums in Vancouver had
the lowest vacancy rate at 0.2 per cent. On the other
hand, Québec and Montréal registered the highest
vacancy rates for condominium apartments at 2.4 per
cent and 3.8 per cent in 2007, respectively. The
survey showed that vacancy rates for rental condominium
apartments in 2007 were lower than vacancy
rates in the conventional rental market in Vancouver,
Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa, the same in Edmonton,
and higher in Québec and Montréal. The highest
average monthly rents for two-bedroom condominium
apartments were in Toronto ($1,533), Vancouver
($1,435), and Calgary ($1,217). All surveyed
centres posted average monthly rents for twobedroom
condominium apartments that were higher
than average monthly rents for two-bedroom private
apartments in the conventional rental market in 2007.
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Saturday, May 03, 2008
CMHC is bullish on Vacancy Rates across Canada
CMHC comments on the rental market in Canada
The vacancy rate across the major centres in Canada was unchanged at 2.6 per cent in 2007. Over the last year, demand remained relatively strong given a solid employment growth, particularly for the younger age groups. Overall net migration was high last year which fuelled demand for rental housing. However, construction of new condo and rental units helped keep the vacancy rate stable.
For next year, the expected slowdown in employment will moderate the demand for rental units. Moreover, the increasing number of condominium units offered for rent on the secondary market will put upward pressure on vacancy rates.
The average vacancy rate for Canada's 34 metropolitan areas is forecast to rise to 2.8 per cent next year. However, the direction and magnitude of the change in vacancy rates will vary from centre to centre. The outlook for vacancy rates for some key rental markets across Canada is summarized below.
The vacancy rate across the major centres in Canada was unchanged at 2.6 per cent in 2007. Over the last year, demand remained relatively strong given a solid employment growth, particularly for the younger age groups. Overall net migration was high last year which fuelled demand for rental housing. However, construction of new condo and rental units helped keep the vacancy rate stable.
For next year, the expected slowdown in employment will moderate the demand for rental units. Moreover, the increasing number of condominium units offered for rent on the secondary market will put upward pressure on vacancy rates.
The average vacancy rate for Canada's 34 metropolitan areas is forecast to rise to 2.8 per cent next year. However, the direction and magnitude of the change in vacancy rates will vary from centre to centre. The outlook for vacancy rates for some key rental markets across Canada is summarized below.
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Where are the World's Most Expensive Real Estate Rental Markets?
World's Most Expensive Rental Markets
Homes in Tokyo and Lndon have always been expensive, but the dollar's recent plunge has made these and other pricey markets particularly daunting for American expatriates, businesses and anyone unlucky enough to receive a salary in greenbacks.
That's what's happening in Hong Kong. There, in dollar-adjusted terms, a two-bedroom, unfurnished apartment runs $6,398 a month. By comparison, $4,000 a month for Moscow and $4,102 for Tokyo look cheap.
_________
Hong Kong$6,398 a monthPrices on the Peak and in central Hong Kong, home to much of the city's financial centers, are among the highest in the city. Due in large part to its friendly tax rates, Hong Kong attracts businesses from all over the world, with a large sector of its Class-A rental market catering to expatriates and corporate relocation. In 2006, rents were $4,898, according to Mercer.
_________
Hong Kong$6,398 a monthPrices on the Peak and in central Hong Kong, home to much of the city's financial centers, are among the highest in the city. Due in large part to its friendly tax rates, Hong Kong attracts businesses from all over the world, with a large sector of its Class-A rental market catering to expatriates and corporate relocation. In 2006, rents were $4,898, according to Mercer.
_________
To find these and other such markets, we used data from Mercer Human Resource Consulting, which based its numbers on 2007 data for rental properties in the Class-A market. Though it means different things in different places, a Class-A designation roughly equates to a unit in high-end, unfurnished building in a good part of town. The measures are taken at the median level, so as to exclude the ridiculous costs of premium apartments in neighborhoods like London's Belgravia or on Central Park in New York.
In Depth: World's Most Expensive Rental Markets
Rents were adjusted from local currencies to dollars. In 2007, the dollar hit a record low against the euro after falling 11% in 2006. Against the pound, the dollar was at a 25-year low in 2007. Against both currencies, the greenback remains in the doldrums.
Business Burden
American companies with offices in London feel an especially painful pinch. While rental prices there increased at a modest rate, when you combine subtle rate increases with the dollar's decline, you're left with a 30% jump in rent from 2006 to 2007. Given that Americans can't seem to afford 3%-6% increases in mortgage payments, many expatriates are going to have to move into slightly cheaper digs, or perhaps consider a move to Leeds.
But the mighty London market isn't even the fastest growing. Moscow rents have jumped by 33% when adjusted for the dollar. And in a market that's still relatively cheap, such as Bangalore, India, rents have increased 87% from last year. This is the result of the dollar's position against the Indian rupee and the rapid economic growth and sophistication of the Bangalore rental market, which, like the sales market, has surged along with the overall Indian economy.
This spells trouble for businesses dealing in dollars. That's because, unlike individual international buyers who are snapping up properties in New York and Los Angeles based on the cheap exchange rate, businesses don't quickly shift countries of operation based on the home currency's purchasing power. Instead, they have to absorb inflated housing costs for executives and temporarily relocate employees.
Large, multinational companies feel the pinch less than small businesses, for whom anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand a month is a lot to fret over.
Since 2006, monthly rents in Hong Kong, as measured by Mercer, grew from 4,898 to $6,398. In Moscow, they rose $1,000, and in London they jumped about $900.
What's the rental market like where you live? Weigh in. Add your thoughts in the Reader Comments section below.
Of course, American companies that pay their overseas employees in local currencies are relatively immune. This is the case with Coca-Cola's
"We make our money locally," says Crystal Walker, a company spokeswoman, explaining that Coke employees affected by currency swings represent "a drop in the bucket," as a small proportion of the company's 71,000 employees are based overseas.
For a company with less static international operations, like
"Our business is such that foreign exchange is always an issue," says spokesman Alan Jeffers. "Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose."
Read more about:
- Interest Rates
- Power of Sale Properties
- Price Trends
- or Search the MLS and more at my website
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
›mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Rental Market Report Greater Toronto Area from CMHC
Rental Market Report Greater Toronto Area
Report Highlights
Rental market conditions in 2007 remained in line with those experienced in 2006. There was no change in the 3.2 per cent average apart- Several factors contributed to stability in vacancy rates in 2007. Increased home ownership demand, especially from the first-time buyer segment of the market, resulted in a substantial number of households vacating their rental accommodation
Positive local labour market conditions in the GTA, including steady growth in jobs and earnings, coupled with low borrowing costs and a greater diversity of borrowing products contributed to the increase in first-time buyer activity. In addition, a greater supply of affordable housing types both low-rise and high-rise has provided more options for first time home buyers. Overall, housing remained affordable for many home buyers, including those making the move from rental to home ownership. On average, the required income to carry a mortgage remained below the average 2007 household income in the GTA. to move into a home of their own. Growing youth employment and sustained immigration into the GTA continued to attract individuals and families to the rental market, serving to moderate the impact of the increased movement to home ownership. In addition, fewer condominium apartment completions kept some first time buyers in their rental units for longer than expected.
Factors both diminishing and contributing to rental demand are discussed below. Strong Ownership Demand
Strong sales of existing homes and new homes in the GTA in 2007 were a drag on rental demand over the past year. Existing home sales will reach a record of 95,000 in 2007 and new home sales will remain strong at over 40,000. First-time buyers were the key factor underlying the strength in the home ownership market. According Condo Completions Cooled in 2007
While the increase in demand for ownership housing was the key factor keeping vacancy rates in the GTA elevated this year, a dip in condominium apartment completions did temper the movement of first-time buyers into home ownership.
In addition, fewer investor-held condominium apartments than expected came on line to compete with purpose-built rental apartments for tenants.
While strong condominium apartment starts in 2005 and 2006 resulted in a record level of units under construction, very few apartments reached the completion stage this year. Through September, condominium apartment completions reached only half the level achieved through the first three quarters of 2006.
Youth Employment Increased
An important factor tempering the impact of home ownership on rental demand in 2007 was an increase in youth employment (individuals aged 15 – 24). This demographic tends to rent initially upon gaining employment and leaving their parental home.
Overall GTA labour market conditions remained tight in 2007, with the unemployment rate remaining between 6.5 and 7.0 per cent. Young people continued to benefit from tight labour market conditions, especially through the creation of full-time jobs. Full-time jobs for More Renter Households Moving to Ownership in 2007
Read more about residential tenancies in Ontario
Report Highlights
- The average apartment vacancy rate in the GTA was unchanged at 3.2 per cent in October 2007. Average same-sample two-bedroom apartment rents increased by 1.2 per cent.
- Market conditions remained similar to 2006 because new renter household formation was offset by a movement of existing renter households into homeownership.
- The rental market will experience little change in 2008, with the average apartment vacancy rate at 3.5 per cent and average rents growing by less than the rate of inflation. Rental Market Report - Greater Toronto Area - Date Released: 2007
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 2 ment vacancy rate and same-sample rents grew below the rate of inflation. It is important to note that there was variation in rental market conditions across the different sub- markets of the GTA. Market Conditions in Line With 2006
Rental Market Report - Greater Toronto Area - Date Released: 2007 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 3 to the CMHC Renovation and Home Purchase Survey undertaken in the first half of 2007, 60 per cent of households who had already purchased a home or were planning to do so this year were buying for the first time. On net, the pool of first- time buyers has grown in comparison to 2006.
Positive local labour market conditions in the GTA, including steady growth in jobs and earnings, coupled with low borrowing costs and a greater diversity of borrowing products contributed to the increase in first-time buyer activity. In addition, a greater supply of affordable housing types both low-rise and high-rise has provided more options for first time home buyers. Overall, housing remained affordable for many home buyers, including those making the move from rental to home ownership. On average, the required income to carry a mortgage remained below the average 2007 household income in the GTA. to move into a home of their own. Growing youth employment and sustained immigration into the GTA continued to attract individuals and families to the rental market, serving to moderate the impact of the increased movement to home ownership. In addition, fewer condominium apartment completions kept some first time buyers in their rental units for longer than expected.
Factors both diminishing and contributing to rental demand are discussed below. Strong Ownership Demand
Strong sales of existing homes and new homes in the GTA in 2007 were a drag on rental demand over the past year. Existing home sales will reach a record of 95,000 in 2007 and new home sales will remain strong at over 40,000. First-time buyers were the key factor underlying the strength in the home ownership market. According Condo Completions Cooled in 2007
While the increase in demand for ownership housing was the key factor keeping vacancy rates in the GTA elevated this year, a dip in condominium apartment completions did temper the movement of first-time buyers into home ownership.
In addition, fewer investor-held condominium apartments than expected came on line to compete with purpose-built rental apartments for tenants.
While strong condominium apartment starts in 2005 and 2006 resulted in a record level of units under construction, very few apartments reached the completion stage this year. Through September, condominium apartment completions reached only half the level achieved through the first three quarters of 2006.
Youth Employment Increased
An important factor tempering the impact of home ownership on rental demand in 2007 was an increase in youth employment (individuals aged 15 – 24). This demographic tends to rent initially upon gaining employment and leaving their parental home.
Overall GTA labour market conditions remained tight in 2007, with the unemployment rate remaining between 6.5 and 7.0 per cent. Young people continued to benefit from tight labour market conditions, especially through the creation of full-time jobs. Full-time jobs for More Renter Households Moving to Ownership in 2007
Read more about residential tenancies in Ontario
Search the MLS or read more about Interest Rates, Power of Sale Properties, Price Trends and more at my website.
Thank you for reading my blog and if there is anything else I can help you with please don't hesitate to contact me,
Mark
A. Mark Argentino
P. Eng. Broker
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
Thinking of Selling? Best Mortgage Rates Current Home Prices Search MLS
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
Providing Full-Time Professional Real Estate Services since 1987
( BUS 905-828-3434
2 FAX 905-828-2829 ÈCELL 416-520-1577
› E-MAIL : mark@mississauga4sale.com
8 Website : Mississauga4Sale.com
- Thinking of selling in the next 3 to 6 months? Would you like a Complimentary & Quick Over-The-Net Home Evaluation ?
- On-Line Real Estate Newsletter sign up
- See seasonal housing patterns
Monday, April 02, 2007
What is a second suite in a home in Toronto?
What is a second suite in Toronto?
A second suite is a self-contained unit (rental or rent-free) in a single-detached or semi-detached house. Most second suites are basement apartments. They have also been called granny flats, in-law suites and accessory apartments.
Are second suites new?
No! In the past, second suites were permitted in some areas of the City (York, East York, and parts of former Etobicoke, North York and Toronto). Some parts of the City have had a long experience with this form of housing. As well, provincial legislation, in force between July 1994 and November 1995, allowed for the creation of second suites in all areas of the province.
Why has it taken a year for the City's second suites by-law to come into effect?
In July 1999, City Council adopted the second suites by-law. This by-law was appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) by a number of residents' groups and individuals. The OMB held a hearing on the appeals in February 2000. The OMB issued a decision in April approving the City's by-law but directed that two amendments be made. The amendments dealt with: (1) parking provisions in some neighbourhoods in the former Toronto, and (2) building alterations.
The final by-law was approved by Order of the OMB on July 6, 2000. As a result of the Order, the second suites by-law (including the amendments) is now in effect.
Where are second suites permitted in the City?
The new by-law permits second suites in all single-detached and semi-detached homes throughout the new City of Toronto -- with certain conditions.
What are some of the conditions that apply to second suites?
Some of the conditions include:
the second suite must be self-contained with its own kitchen and bathroom.
the house, including any additions, must be at least 5 years old;
the floor area of the second suite must be smaller than the remaining unit;
in most cases, homes with a second suite must have at least 2 parking spaces and parking can be in tandem (one behind the other). There is an exception for parts of the former City of Toronto (R2, R3 and R4 districts) where only 1 parking space is required for a house with a second suite. Please contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department to determine if a property is located in a R2, R3, or R4 district.
Before planning any changes to the outside appearance of a dwelling the homeowner should contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department; and
all new second suites must comply with the Ontario Building Code and require a building permit. Existing second suites must comply with the Fire Code as well as zoning and property standards.
How can I find out if an existing second suite complies with the regulations?
The unit will have to be inspected by Fire Department staff. There is a fee for the inspection and you may be required to upgrade the suite to meet the code requirements and other standards. Contact the City's Urban Planning and Development Services Department for more information (see phone numbers below).
Does the City provide grants or loans to encourage the creation of second suites?
There is currently no grant or loan program for second suites. The City is discussing the potential for a program with senior levels of government. TREB's Government Relations staff is monitoring this initiative and will inform members if the City implements a program.
Will a second suite impact property taxes?
In most cases, there will be little impact on property taxes. A major exception would be where the second suite is created by constructing an addition, thereby significantly adding to the value of a house.
For specific zoning, property standards, or fire and building code questions please contact the City of Toronto's Urban Planning and Development Services Department:
East York
(416) 397-4591
Etobicoke
(416) 394-8055
North York
(416) 395-7000
Scarborough
(416) 396-7071
Toronto
(416) 392-7522
York
(416) 394-2535
Article courtesy of TREB www.torontorealestateboard.com
Read more about basement apartments in Mississauga
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino, Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc., Brokerage
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS. 905-828-3434
FAX. 905-828-2829
E-MAIL: mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Friday, February 09, 2007
Age Old Question - Should I Rent or Own??
Is it better to Rent or Own your home?
The Benefits of Home Ownership
Unlike renting, buying a home is an investment that can appreciate over time, giving you more financial security long term. If you are still paying rent to someone else, these numbers may be of interest to you.
The example that follows is based on these assumptions:
Anticipated Home Price: $ 200,000 Down Payment: $ 0.00
Interest Rate: 5.09% Amortization: 25 yr
Monthly Rent: $1,200 Mortgage Payment: $1,173
Annual Rent Increase: 3.0% Home Value Increase: 3.0%
After 5 years, you will have accumulated $54,591 equity in your home. In addition, you will have paid $6,043 less than your rental payments. This chart shows the totals year by year:
*Calculation results are approximations and are for information purposes only. Actual figures may vary. It assumes all payments are made when due. This does not include any additional home ownership expenses i.e. property taxes, heating costs, and condo fees if applicable. Article courtesy of Scotiabank
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS 905-828-3434
FAX 905-828-2829
E-MAIL mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
New Landlord and Tenant Rules in Ontario as of February 2007
New Residential Tenancy Rules Take Effect in Ontario
February 2, 2007 -- New rules regulating residential tenancies took effect on January 31, 2007. The new rules are a result of a provincial government initiative that began almost two years ago with consultations that included input from TREB.
TREB Input Achieved Results
When the provincial government began consultations on making changes to residential tenancy rules, one of the most significant changes proposed was with regard to rent control. The proposal considered eliminating the current system of vacancy de-control, which allows landlords to negotiate rent freely with a prospective tenant when dealing with a vacant unit. Once the tenant has agreed to a rent, they are then protected by the annual rent increase guideline, set by the provincial government, which stipulates how much the rent can be increased each year.
Given the high vacancy rates in recent years, TREB, and other groups, told the provincial government that the system of vacancy de-control was working, as intended, to improve availability and standards of rental accommodation. As a result of this input, the provincial government decided to maintain vacancy de-control.
New Rules
The new Residential Tenancies Act, which is now in effect, makes various changes to rules governing rents and landlord-tenant relationships. Some of the key changes include:
The annual rent increase guideline will be based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index, which will be the rate of inflation for the year running from June to May.
Landlords will be able to inspect rental units for maintenance problems, with 24 hours notice.
Landlords will have more remedies to deal with a tenant if he/she is causing willful and/or excessive damage in a rental unit or building. The new remedies will cut the eviction process approximately in half.
Improvements to processes under the Landlord and Tenant Board (formerly known as the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal)
Interest paid to tenants on last month’s rent deposit will be the same as the Consumer Price Index
More Information
Complete background information, including highlights of the new Residential Tenancies Act, is available at a special web site established by the provincial government.
Read more about Landlord and Tenant Investment Property Issues
For more information please contact A. Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS 905-828-3434
FAX 905-828-2829
E-MAIL mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Thursday, June 08, 2006
The Real Real Estate Market in Canada is Surging
Canada's Real Estate Market Surging 
While eastern Canada's real estate market may be cooling off, the booming Western Provinces are more than making up for it. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reports that home prices were up 12.9 per cent in April compared to the same month last year. The average home sold in Canada through the MLS system cost $280,740 in April.
After prices increased by 10.2 per cent in 2005, CREA is predicting a further 6.1 per cent increase this year and another 4.7 per cent hike in 2007. Meanwhile, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) says prices will go up 11.2 this year, recording their strongest growth in 17 years. It says more balanced conditions next year will slow prices to an increase of 4.8 per cent.
RBC Economics, which has compiled a Housing Affordability Index since 1985, says rising interest rates and higher prices means the cost of home ownership rose at a faster pace than income for the last two quarters. British Columbia is the least affordable province. The home ownership costs of a detached bungalow in Vancouver was 64.4 per cent, which means that mortgage payments, utility costs and property taxes would take up 64.4 per cent of a typical household's monthly pre-tax income. In Toronto, the index was 41.7 per cent; in Montreal, 34.9 per cent; and in Calgary, 32.7 per cent.
CMHC recently published a study that used average hourly earnings data for different centres across Canada, and calculated the number of hours a person would need to work in order to bring the mortgage payment on an average house down to 30 per cent of monthly income. The 30 per cent benchmark is generally recommended to determine if you can afford to buy a house, but the CMHC study included only mortgage payments and not utilities or taxes.
It found that to own a house in Vancouver, with mortgage payments at 30 per cent of income, someone would have to work 331 hours a month. There are only 162.5 hours available in a typical work month.
Toronto required 257 hours, Calgary 186, Montreal 168, St. John's 125, and Saguenay, Quebec, 82.
The same study was conducted to see how many work hours would be required to pay rent. Toronto was the most, at 157 hours, followed by Vancouver at 153 and Halifax at 129. In Thunder Bay, Ont., fewer hours were required to own a house (97) than to rent (108).
With prices rising and affordability deteriorating, how is it that housing sales will set a new all-time record this year, according to CREA forecasts?
Even though the Bank of Canada has increased interest rates seven times since last September, mortgage interest rates are still near historically low levels.
Economist David Tulk at TD Economics says that although variable-rate mortgages are impacted by the prime lending rate, fixed-rate mortgages are tied more closely to the bond market, and they have not increased as much as the Bank of Canada rate. He says it's the level of the rate, which is still low, rather than recent changes that impacts the real estate market the most. Most economists believe the central bank's rate will not rise again for some months.
Personal income in Canada strengthened steadily throughout last year, says CMHC. The unemployment rate set a 32-year low in March and a record share of Canadians are employed, says the federal housing agency. That creates high levels of consumer confidence and strong demand for housing.
Immigration into the country is also set to exceed the target range for new permanent residents this year and in 2007, says CMHC. Newly arrived immigrants generally settle into rental housing at first, and then many move to home ownership.
More Canadians are also moving into less expensive housing as the boom in multi-unit buildings continues. "The apartment/condominium market is witnessing particularly explosive growth, having accounted for fully two-thirds of multi-family starts last year," says Adrienne Warren of Scotiabank Group. "The number of apartment starts in Canada has increased at a 15 per cent average annual rate since 1998 - three times the growth in the stock of single-detached homes, semi-detached homes or townhouses. Not since the early 1970s have we seen such an extended boom in apartment construction."
Warren says that "for many young renters contemplating home ownership, condominiums and other multi-unit developments represent an affordable entry point, and perhaps the only viable option."
Copyright © 2006 Realty Times. All rights reserved. 6/2/06
Used by permission.
For more information please contact Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS 905-828-3434
FAX 905-828-2829
E-MAIL mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
While eastern Canada's real estate market may be cooling off, the booming Western Provinces are more than making up for it. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) reports that home prices were up 12.9 per cent in April compared to the same month last year. The average home sold in Canada through the MLS system cost $280,740 in April.
After prices increased by 10.2 per cent in 2005, CREA is predicting a further 6.1 per cent increase this year and another 4.7 per cent hike in 2007. Meanwhile, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) says prices will go up 11.2 this year, recording their strongest growth in 17 years. It says more balanced conditions next year will slow prices to an increase of 4.8 per cent.
RBC Economics, which has compiled a Housing Affordability Index since 1985, says rising interest rates and higher prices means the cost of home ownership rose at a faster pace than income for the last two quarters. British Columbia is the least affordable province. The home ownership costs of a detached bungalow in Vancouver was 64.4 per cent, which means that mortgage payments, utility costs and property taxes would take up 64.4 per cent of a typical household's monthly pre-tax income. In Toronto, the index was 41.7 per cent; in Montreal, 34.9 per cent; and in Calgary, 32.7 per cent.
CMHC recently published a study that used average hourly earnings data for different centres across Canada, and calculated the number of hours a person would need to work in order to bring the mortgage payment on an average house down to 30 per cent of monthly income. The 30 per cent benchmark is generally recommended to determine if you can afford to buy a house, but the CMHC study included only mortgage payments and not utilities or taxes.
It found that to own a house in Vancouver, with mortgage payments at 30 per cent of income, someone would have to work 331 hours a month. There are only 162.5 hours available in a typical work month.
Toronto required 257 hours, Calgary 186, Montreal 168, St. John's 125, and Saguenay, Quebec, 82.
The same study was conducted to see how many work hours would be required to pay rent. Toronto was the most, at 157 hours, followed by Vancouver at 153 and Halifax at 129. In Thunder Bay, Ont., fewer hours were required to own a house (97) than to rent (108).
With prices rising and affordability deteriorating, how is it that housing sales will set a new all-time record this year, according to CREA forecasts?
Even though the Bank of Canada has increased interest rates seven times since last September, mortgage interest rates are still near historically low levels.
Economist David Tulk at TD Economics says that although variable-rate mortgages are impacted by the prime lending rate, fixed-rate mortgages are tied more closely to the bond market, and they have not increased as much as the Bank of Canada rate. He says it's the level of the rate, which is still low, rather than recent changes that impacts the real estate market the most. Most economists believe the central bank's rate will not rise again for some months.
Personal income in Canada strengthened steadily throughout last year, says CMHC. The unemployment rate set a 32-year low in March and a record share of Canadians are employed, says the federal housing agency. That creates high levels of consumer confidence and strong demand for housing.
Immigration into the country is also set to exceed the target range for new permanent residents this year and in 2007, says CMHC. Newly arrived immigrants generally settle into rental housing at first, and then many move to home ownership.
More Canadians are also moving into less expensive housing as the boom in multi-unit buildings continues. "The apartment/condominium market is witnessing particularly explosive growth, having accounted for fully two-thirds of multi-family starts last year," says Adrienne Warren of Scotiabank Group. "The number of apartment starts in Canada has increased at a 15 per cent average annual rate since 1998 - three times the growth in the stock of single-detached homes, semi-detached homes or townhouses. Not since the early 1970s have we seen such an extended boom in apartment construction."
Warren says that "for many young renters contemplating home ownership, condominiums and other multi-unit developments represent an affordable entry point, and perhaps the only viable option."
Copyright © 2006 Realty Times. All rights reserved. 6/2/06
Used by permission.
For more information please contact Mark Argentino
A. Mark Argentino Associate Broker, P.Eng.,
Specializing in Residential & Investment Real Estate
RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.
2691 Credit Valley Road, Suite 101, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 7A1
BUS 905-828-3434
FAX 905-828-2829
E-MAIL mark@mississauga4sale.com
Website: Mississauga4Sale.com
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Real Estate Investment Property Purchase - 7 Important Considerations
Real Estate Investment Property Purchase - 7 Important Considerations
If you are considering an buying an investment property, there are 7 important items to consider.
1. Financing, typically lenders will only lend up to 65 percent of the value of the property when it's for investment purposes. This limit is in place because lenders consider an investment property a higher risk
If you have equity in your current principal residence or in other property, then you may wish to borrow from those sources to maximize your mortgage and financing Generally speaking your investment property. The reason for this objective is because you are allowed to use mortgage interest paid on your investment property to reduce the amount of income and hence tax paid on your investment property.
2. Another important consideration for your investment property is choosing the best location. If you are considering a townhouse or a high-rise condo for your investment, then you want to ensure that it is located close to major shopping, transportation and schools and amenities that will appeal to prospective tenants. Often tenants will only have one vehicle and require these types of amenities to be located close to the property. You will usually get higher rent when your location is desirable.
3. Generally speaking, a high-rise condominium will allow you the most flexibility and least amount of effort and maintenance during the tenancy compared to any other type of property. Once a high-rise condo is rented, it is nearly a hands free investment. This does not come without any cost, as the maintenance fees associated with a high-rise condo will be much higher compared to a townhouse or other type of property. Your second choice for maintenance free investment property may be a townhouse. The reason is that all of the exterior maintenance, such as snow shoveling and lawn and garden maintenance will be taken care of by the condo corporation and not the tenant. The only items that you and/or the tenant will have to take care of are the interior items and these are usually minor in nature.
A freehold townhouse, semi or detached home will require more maintenance and effort on your part and the tenant throughout the year. This may be more desirable or not, depends upon your circumstances. Many investors choose freehold properties for their investment properties as they have the time or prefer to do some of the maintenance themselves or at least have control over the entire property compared to condo type properties.
4. As a continuation of the items considered in number 3, these different properties will appreciate at different rates, all things being equal. For example, if a high-rise condo has an appreciation of 10% in a year, then a townhouse may appreciate 12 to 14% and a freehold property may increase 15% or more. This larger appreciation would be offset by the fact that more maintenance may be required by you the owner.
5. It is important to consider all the expenses when you purchase an investment property. The obvious expenses are the principal and interest costs associated with the mortgage or financing on the property, the annual taxes and any monthly maintenance fees if the property is a condominium.
You may wish to consider regular maintenance items to protect the value of your investment property and the systems that are associated with your property. Other expenses you may incur are regular maintenance items such as furnace cleaning and maintenance and inspection. This is a very important item if your investment property is a freehold. Other items such as the condition of the roof, foundation, interior and exterior walls and windows, appliances, lighting and window coverings, electric garage door openers and any other systems or items that are mechanical in nature should be checked on a regular basis to not only protect the value of your investment but also to prevent the failure of these items as opposed to regular maintenance.
6. Once you have purchased your investment property your other major consideration is finding a good quality tenant. In my nearly 20 years of experience I have found that there are two major considerations in your tenant. The number one consideration is that you find a tenant who has the ability to pay the rent and if possible can show a good history of paying the rent. The second most important item is to make sure that your tenant will take care of the property for you in your absence.
Other items you will have to consider are that you must investigate the credit worthiness of the tenant, their personal and credit history, their employment status and confirmation of employment. You may contact their previous landlord and personal references that they supply on the application. These items can be critical and will give you insight into your prospective tenant. In my experience, the degree to which a prospective tenant completes all fields on a rental application and provides all the information you request and is straightforward and forthright with all answers to your questions and inquires will give a good indication of the quality of the tenant that you are looking at.
7. You have to decide to find the tenant yourself or use a real estate agent. When you attempt to find the agent yourself, you can personally meet the tenant ahead of time and see the type of people that will occupy your property. You will have to do all the credit and personal investigations of the tenant. I have found that when you use a real estate agent to find a tenant for your property, the quality of the tenants are usually better than through private means. The reason for this is that tenants who are relocating with their company or those tenants that have better employment and personal history know that the properties on the mls are better compared to the private properties and will utilize the mls to find their property. As well, the mls is a much more efficient method of finding a rental property and many tenants use the mls to find their next rental.
Of course, a real estate agent can find you a good quality tenant and perform all of the credit and personal investigations on your behalf. In the Toronto and GTA, the typical fee to have your property rented through the mls is one months rent commission.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many important items to consider with an investment property that you are considering to purchase. Your personal situation, financial ability and degree of involvement in your investment property will ultimately determine the type of property that you will purchase.
I can assist you with all of the complexities when you purchase and rent out your investment property. Please don't hesitate to email me
Monday, November 21, 2005
Great Rental located at 6650 Falconer Drive for rent $1295 per month
Great Rental located at 6650 Falconer Drive for rent $1295 per month
Located near Creditview and Eglinton
Great Quad Townhome In Excellent Complex-High Demand Quad Unit Seldom Offered - Similar To Detached Home - Excellent Fenced Yard With Large Deck Backs Green space + Kids Playground-Best Location In Complex- Shows Very Well, Many Extras & Upgrades, Large 4 Bedroom Converted To 3Bdrm
Centrally Located In Excellent Complex Near Creditview and north of Britannia, Super Location Walk To Malls, Community Centre, Bus Service Close, Excellent Landlord
Fridge, Stove, Built in dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, All Elf's & Window Coverings, Central Air Conditioning, Newer 4 Piece Bath, Newer Renovated Kitchen, Ceramic Floors & Newer Casement Windows & Appliances Are Nearly New, Newer Furnace& Electronic Air Cleaner, Wainscotting In Hallway, Filter Kitchen Water, Finished Basement
Top Quality Main Bath, Mostly Fresh Paint With Neutral Decor, Large Deck, Cable Tv + Water Included In Rent - Condo Corp Allows Owners To Park 2nd Vehicle In Visitors, Great Home And Area!
More details and pictures of this property
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