The most functional answer will depend on establishing a balance between short-term and long-term needs. Your current income possibilities, and the cost of housing which might interest you must always be taken into consideration to develop functional strategies. If you have adequate money for a down-payment and future mortgage payments to buy a house without stretching your finances past the point of comfort, then go for it. So age and your current realities are undoubtedly critical elements to consider. If, however, I was stuck in a dead-end job, with little possibility for increasing my income in the long-term, then enhancing my employability would become my priority. For example, I earned my undergraduate degree before entering the workforce with a steady job but worked through Christmases and summers to make money for my next semesters. Such assets allowed me to work in a job that I enjoyed while also financing my Master's degree, which facilitated earning enough money to buy my first house comfortably. Fifteen years later, having moved to even more satisfying employment, I earned my Doctorate. So it depends on where you are at your current stage of life, and what your long term plans might be. Short-term pain can facilitate long terms gains if you pardon my sports cliche. Whatever you decide, resisting immediate gratification must always be something to consider. I wish you well whatever you decide.

Background credit and criminal check, first and last month cheque ready, and sometimes even references from employers or former landlords. There are limited spaces for affordable rentals in this expensive town, so be prepared to be interviewed and go up against others vying for the same area. Make sure when applying your look neat and presentable, every bit helps. === It depends on your income, but I can tell it is expensive here. === As a new immigrant, what do you need to rent an apartment in Toronto, Canada? Much money. Toronto’s rentals are costly. Also, you might learn to stop referring to it as “Toronto, Canada.”

Check with http://realtor.ca for the prices because it’s really weird that few buildings will be more than a million while neighbouring building will be less than half a million. It all depends on the age of the building and maintenance fees every month.

Residential is definitely at an all-time high. Commercial properties still offer good yield in comparison.

Vancouver has a very unique geography that constrains the availability of develop able land (mountains to the north, water to the west, USA border to the south, farmland to the east). Most North American cities can expand in every cardinal direction to create more houses.

Same as any other non-Canadian

North York, Downtown, or Etobicoke

No, you wouldn't.

0.5% up to and including the first $55,000 1% of the value which exceeds $55,000 up to and including $250,000 1.5% of the value between $250,000 and $400,000 2% of the value between $400,000 and $2,000,000 2.5% of the value over $2,000,000