Nick Skalkos Nick Skalkos

5 Reasons Why You Should Navigate the US Real Estate Market as a Canadian Investor

The United States real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities for Canadian investors, from diverse markets and property types to attractive returns on investment. However, investing in the US as a Canadian can come with its own set of challenges, from currency fluctuations to legal complexities.

The United States real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities for Canadian investors, from diverse markets and property types to attractive returns on investment. However, investing in the US as a Canadian can come with its own set of challenges, from currency fluctuations to legal complexities. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 reasons why you should navigate the US real estate market as a Canadian investor.

5 Reasons Why You Should Navigate the US Real Estate Market as a Canadian Investor
  1. Diversification: One of the main reasons to invest in the US real estate market as a Canadian is to diversify your portfolio. The Canadian and US real estate markets can have different market cycles and perform differently at different times and by investing in both markets, you can spread your risk across both.

  2. Attractive Returns: The US real estate market offers attractive returns, particularly in comparison to the Canadian market. US rental rates often tend to be higher than Canadian rates, which can lead to higher returns on investment. Additionally, the US real estate market has historically shown strong growth, which can lead to capital appreciation.

  3. Currency Advantages: As a Canadian investor, you have the advantage of a strong Canadian dollar. This can make purchasing property in the US more affordable, particularly when the Canadian dollar is strong against the US dollar. Additionally, if you choose to invest in a property that generates rental income, the income will be in US dollars, providing a natural hedge against currency fluctuations.

  4. Wide Range of Property Types: The US real estate market offers a wide range of property types, from single-family homes to apartment buildings, commercial properties and vacation rentals. This diversity provides investors with a range of options and can help them find the right property that aligns with their investment goals.

  5. Growing economy: The US economy is considered one of the most stable and growing economies in the world. Investing in a growing economy can provide investors with more opportunities for growth and stability. Furthermore, the US could be considered a less volatile market than other markets around the world.

However, it's important to note that investing in the US as a Canadian can come with its own set of challenges, such as currency fluctuations, legal complexities, and different regulations. Additionally, it's important for Canadian investors to be aware of the tax implications of investing in the US, as taxes can be higher than in Canada. It's important to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent, a tax professional and a great team to navigate these challenges and ensure a successful investment.

The US real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities for Canadian investors, from attractive returns on investment to a wide range of property types. By diversifying their portfolio, Canadian investors can potentially increase their returns and reduce their risk, with the right strategy and proper planning. If you are looking to get involved in multifamily industry or want to grow your portfolio, I’ll be happy to see how I can help, so book a call with me here or send me a message at nick@nserealestate.com .

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Nick Skalkos Nick Skalkos

US Real Estate Market Outlook for Canadian Investors

The United States real estate market has long been a popular destination for Canadian investors looking to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of the strong returns that can be found in the US market.

Real estate market in the United States has long been a popular destination for Canadian investors looking to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of the strong returns. However, as with any investment, it's important to have a clear understanding of the market conditions and trends before diving in.

US Real Estate Market Outlook for Canadian Investors

Currently, the US real estate market is still showing signs of strength, with home prices and rental rates on the rise in many areas. It is true that for the past few years low mortgage rates have made it more affordable for buyers to enter the market, however, as interest rates are currently on the rise, many investors are not able to manage their assets and need to sell. This presents a great opportunity for investors, especially in this buyer’s market. As a buyer, right now, you have leverage and you can use it to extend your due diligence period, negotiate better prices and deal structure.

One of the biggest benefits of investing in multifamily properties is the stable income they provide. Unlike single-family homes, which can sit vacant for extended periods of time, apartments are typically occupied by tenants on long-term leases. This provides a reliable stream of rental income, which can help offset the costs of owning and maintaining the property. With the US population size being over 300 million people (which is almost 10X larger than Canada), your multifamily property has potential to have more tenant applications and lower vacancy, of course, it will depend on its’ location, rental rates and management. That’s why you’d want to work with an experienced team to find and underwrite the deals and manage the properties.

Even though there are uncertainties in the economic outlook, multifamily properties are less susceptible to economic fluctuations than other real estate assets. This is because people always need a place to live, and renting an apartment is often a more affordable option than buying a home. As a result, multifamily properties tend to be less affected by market fluctuations, making them a more stable investment option.

One of the big advantages of investing in multifamily properties in the US is the tax benefits that are not available in Canada. In the US, rental income is subject to federal income tax, but there are a number of deductions and credits available to property owners. Additionally, property owners may be able to take advantage of depreciation deductions, which allow them to offset some of the income generated by the property.

Finally, multifamily properties in Canada are reaching relatively high prices per unit and assets with stable and attractive cash flow are becoming hard to find. Coupled with limited tax benefits, less favourable landlord laws in many provinces, and relatively high management and repair costs, the US multifamily real estate market looks attractive to many Canadians. In many areas around the US multifamily properties are larger and can be acquired at a lower cost per unit, which is a great option for Canadians looking to diversify their investment portfolios. With stable income, tax benefits, and potential for appreciation, multifamily properties offer a solid return on investment.

Another thing to consider is the exchange rate. As the Canadian dollar fluctuates against the US dollar, it can impact the affordability of US real estate for Canadian investors. The exchange rate can also affect the returns on investments in US real estate, as any gains or losses will need to be converted back to Canadian dollars.

In conclusion, the US real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities for Canadian investors. However, it's important to conduct thorough research, consider the local market conditions, be aware of the potential exchange rate risks and work with an experienced team to ensure you are making correct decisions. If you are looking to get into multifamily real estate or expand your current portfolio, I am happy to answer any questions. Book a call with me here or send me a message at nick@nserealestate.com .

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