One of the reasons people love living in New Brunswick is because here they can afford to buy a home.
Compared to the rest of Canada, New Brunswick’s housing prices are low, the cost of living is affordable, and traffic and commutes to work and school are manageable.
The Newcomer’s Guide to Canadian Housing, from Canada Mortgage and Housing explains renting, buying, and owning a home, as well as home maintenance, in Canada.
Refer to, Citizenship and Immigration Canada for information on finding a place to live. And find out about our province's rental and housing assistance services.
Choosing a neighbourhood
When you are looking for a home to rent or buy, location is very important. You need to consider how much space you need, how you will get to work, schools, services and amenities, and the type of neighbourhood you want to live in. Housing costs vary by neighbourhood – there can be a wide range city to city and neighbourhood to neighbourhood.
Renting a home
If you decide to rent an apartment or house, you will need money to pay your monthly rent, plus the additional costs of utilities (your heat, electricity, water, telephone, cable for television and Internet). You may have to pay for a parking space. And you will need to pay a security deposit, which will be returned to you when you move out, as long as there is no significant damage to your rental unit at that point
When you rent a home, you are protected by a contract between you and your landlord called a tenancy agreement or lease. This should be a written agreement that outlines the costs, length of commitment, and rules of renting.
Buying a home
When you are ready to buy a home, you will need to start looking at homes that are for sale. You can find homes for sale online, and/or use a real estate agent. (Agents are listed in your telephone directory and run ads in local newspapers.) Your bank or financial institution will also offer guidance throughout the buying process.
House prices vary widely, and are negotiable. If you do not pay the full purchase price for your home, you will need a mortgage from a local financial institution. Other costs you will need to calculate are: