Canadian Renters Facing Record Highs: A Double-Edged Sword
Credits: Renting a home in Canada has never been more expensive

Canadian Renters Facing Record Highs: A Double-Edged Sword

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Source Article: Renting a home in Canada has never been more expensive

Rising Rents Strain Canadian Renters

Canadian renters are experiencing the highest asking rents on record. Nationwide, average rents increased by 9.3% in May compared to a year earlier, continuing a trend seen over the past three years. RBC economist Carrie Freestone highlighted that renters, who generally pay a larger share of their income on housing than homeowners, are at risk of falling behind in long-term wealth accumulation. This is especially concerning for those with lower incomes.

New data from Urbanation & Rentals.ca show the average rent reached $2,202 last month, the first time it has surpassed the $2,200 mark. While rents have increased by an average of 9.1% since 2022, the pandemic years saw a decline, making the five-year average increase 4.7%.

Detailed Breakdown of Rent Increases

Renting an apartment has seen the largest increase, with a nearly 14% year-over-year rise. Purpose-built rental apartments increased by 13.7% from a year ago, outpacing the 3.4% annual growth in condo rents. Interestingly, condo studios saw a slight annual decrease in average rent by 0.7% to $1,856.

The cities with the highest rent increases are not necessarily the most expensive markets overall. For example, Regina, Saskatchewan, saw a nearly 17% rise in one-bedroom unit rents, bringing the average to $1,259, one of the lowest among 35 markets surveyed. In contrast, Vancouver's average rent for a one-bedroom unit decreased by almost 6% year-over-year but remains the most expensive at $2,671. Niagara Falls saw the largest decrease, with a 9% drop in average rent for a one-bedroom unit, now at $1,616.

Investor Opportunities in Purpose-Built Rentals

Despite challenges in the real estate market, purpose-built rental developments present promising opportunities. Investors and developers are eyeing long-term returns from these projects, which cater to evolving renter demands with modern amenities. Increasing the supply of purpose-built rentals can help improve affordability and provide more options across different price points and locations.

The Impact of Immigration on Rental Demand

One significant factor contributing to the rising rents is the massive immigration in recent years. As more people move to Canada, the demand for rental housing has surged, leading to higher rents. This trend creates a favourable environment for investors in the rental market. With high demand and limited supply, purpose-built rentals become an attractive investment, offering stable returns.

Rental Investment: A Stepping Stone for Prospective Homebuyers

For young adults aspiring to become homeowners, the rental market can serve as a strategic stepping stone. With an initial investment as low as $2,508, individuals can enter the real estate market through multifamily rental apartments. This approach allows them to benefit from property appreciation and generate rental income, contributing to savings for a future down payment.

Complimentary Portfolio Evaluation

As a valued reader, I am offering a complimentary portfolio evaluation to discuss how investing in multifamily rental properties can help to fortify and de-risk your portfolio against financial institution risk, economic threats, inflation, and higher taxes.

To schedule your complimentary portfolio evaluation, email me at aspitters@pfcwealthsolutions.com or use my Calendly Link.

As the financial landscape becomes increasingly complex and uncertain, the value of professional guidance and a diversified, risk-mitigated portfolio and wealth planning strategy cannot be overstated.


A Partnership for Holistic Wealth Management

As a dedicated advocate for de-risking business, family and multi-generational wealth, I am partnered with one of the leading independent private wealth management firms. My team serves high-net-worth clients nationwide. We provide professional investment management and comprehensive wealth planning solutions from a fiducially focused, client-first perspective, providing access to sophisticated tax-advantaged strategies and solutions traditionally reserved for the ultra-affluent.

We are driven by a "capital preservation first" philosophy. Our team generates consistent, tax-efficient returns uncorrelated to public markets. By leveraging our expertise, you are granted access to key industry professionals, gaining exclusive entrance into alternative investments such as private equity, private real estate, precious metals, commodities, government-sanctioned flow-through tax-efficient structures, and tax-minimizing corporate insurance solutions offered through mutual life companies. All are designed to fortify, secure and de-risk your family, business and estate assets against financial risk, economic threats, inflation and higher taxes.

To receive a complimentary digital copy of "Who's Investing Your Money?," email me at aspitters@pfcwealthsolutions.com or book a complementary portfolio evaluation with me through my Calendly Link.

The Custodial Model: An Additional Layer of Protection

In light of the revelations in David Roger Webb's book The Great Taking, to further safeguard wealth, the firms I work with employ a custodial model, where client assets are held securely by an independent third-party custodian rather than commingled with the firm's assets. This crucial segregation of assets provides an additional layer of protection, reducing the risk of seizure or misappropriation in a financial crisis or institutional insolvency. The custodial model offers investors a safeguarded solution to help secure their wealth separately from the management firm.

Watch The Great Taking Documentary

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