Why buy? Two out of three Canadian families own a home – that's one of the highest rates of home ownership in the world. And for good reason.
It is also a good investment. With the increase in house prices, it is all the more important for first-time buyers to get a foot on the first rung of the property ladder.
Homeownership is the single largest source of savings for Canadians.
Unlike other investments the increase in the value of homes is relatively steady. The average house price in Canada has increased every year since 1998.
The return on your investment in your home can be substantial. In 2005, the average house price in Canada rose to a record of a 6% increase in just one year and a 27% increase over four years.
Homeowners can use the equity in their homes as security for other loans.
Building equity in your first home is the first step. It gets you into the market, keeps you in touch with increasing house prices, and puts you in a good position to trade up to bigger and better houses as your circumstances allow.