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Top 10 investment cities in ottawa, Ontario - 2021

Top 10 investment cities in ottawa, Ontario - 2021

Written by
Anosha Alam

It's no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected a variety of industries negatively. But one industry in Canada that seems to be thriving is the Canadian real estate market.

Many investors are seeking out properties as an opportunity because if one thing has remained certain this year, it's that housing investments remain strong despite what headlines may have people believe (no, the housing market isn't likely to crash).

And, it seems like, in most major cities in Canada, condo construction or housing developments are continuously on the rise (literally).

Ultimately, cities are facing unprecedented growth even in the midst of a pandemic and the demand for housing has never been higher.

Were we all surprised by this? Absolutely. But now, investors can use that to their advantage.

Popular cities in Canada to invest in

Hamilton, Ontario
Vancouver, British Columbia
Windsor, Ontario
Guelph, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
London, Ontario
Brampton, Ontario
Brantford, Ontario
Kitchener–Waterloo
Peterborough

  1. Hamilton, Ontario
    Vancouver, British Columbia
    Windsor, Ontario
    Guelph, Ontario
    Kingston, Ontario
    London, Ontario
    Brampton, Ontario
    Brantford, Ontario
    Kitchener–Waterloo
    Peterborough

Outlier communities: one of the best places to invest

Many investors are seeking out properties as an opportunity because if one thing has remained certain this year, it's that housing investments remain strong despite what headlines may have people believe (no, the housing market isn't likely to crash).

And, it seems like, in most major cities in Canada, condo construction or housing developments are continuously on the rise (literally).

Ultimately, cities are facing unprecedented growth even in the midst of a pandemic and the demand for housing has never been higher.

Were we all surprised by this? Absolutely. But now, investors can use that to their advantage.

1- Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton is known for being a blue-collar, industrial city. But in recent years, Hamilton has become one of the best places to invest in single-family homes. The area is home to top healthcare institutions and a booming restaurant and food industry.

The price to buy real estate in Hamilton compared to Toronto is quite tame. Houses in Toronto can be sold as high as one million dollars for a two-bedroom bungalow whereas the average price in Hamilton is just under $650,000. This makes Hamilton an incredible place for investors who are looking to make an income by converting a house into a multi-family duplex.

"Smaller towns close to larger towns are going to do incredibly well for sure and Hamilton is going to continue its own growth story," said Elkind. "Fundamentally the country is growing, and it's growing through immigration. We're gonna have to create more housing than we have now, and the supply isn't going to be increased with the demand."

2- Vancouver, British Columbia

It would be pointless to talk about the top national places to invest in real estate without mentioning Vancouver, of course! The city is home to jaw-dropping mountain views and renowned for its fresh seafood. In addition, Vancouver has an abundance of space dedicated to conservation which helps nature lovers connect in the big city.

Vancouver is one of the top places to invest in real estate in 2021 for its natural amenities and its fantastic transportation network. The Metro Vancouver area is home to 21 municipalities with an array of properties to invest in for people coming across the border once it opens back up.

"Rates are at all-time lows and people really are confident on where the [real estate] market is going," Elkind said. "As soon as we see the borders open up. We're going to see a real, real increase in rental demand as well."

3- Windsor Ontario

Windsor is one of the more affordable places to invest in real estate or for beginners to break into the market. Housing investments in Windsor are ideal because it's directly across from Detroit for those with American friends and family, and many of the prices for homes in Windsor continue to sit in the lower range. The average price for a home in Windsor is just over $425,000.

This also means that investment opportunities in Windsor are likely to turn a high profit because markets in cities like Windsor are just beginning to see a real estate boom. Windsor is also beginning to see revitalization in its job and work sector and data suggests homes in Windsor sell under two months - even during the pandemic.

"We've seen all these smaller markets really take off because you need over a million and a half dollars to buy a nice real house in the core," Elkind said. "In other places, you can buy a great house for half a million dollars. You don't have to live near an office tower downtown."

4- Guelph, Ontario

In the year 2020, Moneysense.ca listed Guelph as its best real estate market to buy a house. Property in Guelph is selling on average just over $500,000. The city is home to the University of Guelph and is nearby to many agricultural communities. However, Guelph is still close to the 401 highway which makes it a popular destination for those who work in Toronto and need to commute every day.

Guelph has a number of parks to allow residents great outdoor space and is seeing companies establish themselves in the Royal City. Although Guelph is a University town, it's still a good place to raise a family or turn your cash into a real estate investment. Guelph has a small unemployment rate and is becoming a new leader amongst Canadian cities in terms of environmental sustainability initiatives.

When looking for real estate investments in Guelph, it's important to consider it's a town that is undergoing huge growth and a rising population. The city is creating a plethora of new developments that are waiting for investors to cash in on. Data shows Guelph is one of the fasts rising markets and is abundant with space for families to live for years to come.

5- Kingston, Ontario

Because of its proximity to the capital of Canada, Kingston Ontario is an ideal location for those who work in Ottawa. Last month, Kingston was one of the first places to come out of lockdown after taking time to make sure they were able to flatten the curve and keep everyone safe. Still, Kingston has many amenities and opportunities to invest in properties which makes it a high demand area for housing and new developments.

Those who invest in cities like Kingston should be able to cash out once the COVID-19 pandemic is over as the demand for properties in Canada reaches an all-time high.

"[Once] the global confidence is returned and diseases are more contained, we're going to see massive appreciation," said Elkind. "There's more money than there has ever been on the sidelines waiting to come in right now."

5- London, Ontario

London's calling! And it is London in Ontario, not in Great Britain, so it is even better.

But, let's get to business and learn why London, Ontario is such a great place to live, and what's most valuable to us, worth investing in. London now experiences an extreme rise in rental and purchase prices for property, which is understandable.

The situation around the Covid-19 forced the government to stimulate the real estate market by many programs that helped thousands of people to enter the property world. And in London, this blooming city, property prices have gone up too.

The average home price in June 2021 has reached $600,000, but the demand will not fade away.

London is very popular among international students and immigrants who need rental property, so investing in any house or condo here will be a good choice. In addition, London has many big-town features in the Downtown and the small-town appeal on the outskirts.

It is the perfect place for people who enjoy work-life balance and want to live, and not only work in their hometown.

6- Brampton, Ontario

Good old Brampton is one of the most popular places for newcomers in Canada, and it is one of the most diverse communities in the province.

The steady economic growth and rapidly increasing population result in high demand for property in the city. Many new houses are built every day in Brampton, and it opens many opportunities for real estate investing for beginners from Canada and other countries.

Though the prices here are high, with the average cost of a semi-detached house being about $800 to $900,000, it is surely worth it. The city has a decent system of public transportation, gorgeous nature, and many interesting cultural sites.

Brampton has one of the youngest communities in the country, thanks to many students living here. So if you're looking for an exciting and fun life with a reasonable cost of living, welcome to Brampton!

7- Brantford, Ontario

Quiet and peaceful Brantford will offer you something not many other Canadian cities can: a big piece of land behind your home. Well, at least if you compare it to other Ontario cities.

Yes, this is the place for people with families who look for a simple and joyful life. Sounds divine, isn't it? But, is this city a good place for investing in real estate in Ontario, Canada? My certain answer is yes!

Brantford is a business-friendly place with a stable and fast-growing economy. It is located only 100 km from Toronto and 270 km from Detroit.

Brantford has several post-secondary institutions including, Wilfrid Laurier University, the largest university campus in the city, offering programs to over 3,100 students, as well as Conestoga College, & Six Nations Polytechnic,

In addition, McMaster University offers a residency program at the Brantford General Hospital.

With beautiful sightseeings, a plethora of job opportunities, and a fast-growing population, this city on the Grand River looks like your next great choice for investments.

8- Brantford, Ontario

Quiet and peaceful Brantford will offer you something not many other Canadian cities can: a big piece of land behind your home. Well, at least if you compare it to other Ontario cities.

Yes, this is the place for people with families who look for a simple and joyful life. Sounds divine, isn't it? But, is this city a good place for investing in real estate in Ontario, Canada? My certain answer is yes!

Brantford is a business-friendly place with a stable and fast-growing economy. It is located only 100 km from Toronto and 270 km from Detroit.

Brantford has several post-secondary institutions including, Wilfrid Laurier University, the largest university campus in the city, offering programs to over 3,100 students, as well as Conestoga College, & Six Nations Polytechnic,

In addition, McMaster University offers a residency program at the Brantford General Hospital.

With beautiful sightseeings, a plethora of job opportunities, and a fast-growing population, this city on the Grand River looks like your next great choice for investments.

9- Kitchener–Waterloo

The incredible job market in Kitchener-Waterloo made this place one of the most desirable places to move in this year.

When you require a place near many incredible job opportunities, but it still should be a city with lovely parks, great nature, and nice living conditions, take a look at Kitchener-Waterloo.

The place has an incredibly vibrant economy with more than 1850 companies that employ more than 55,000 people. The aerospace industry in the city is the fourth biggest in Canada, with more than one hundred companies working in this sector. The average price for a semi-detached house here is $600,000.

This duet of two cities got into the Best Cities to rent a place in the 2021 list, so if you plan to invest here in the rental property, not just for yourself, it will be a great idea.

But if you are looking for a place for you and your family, there are many options for suburban living with huge yard space and a friendly neighborhood in Kitchener–Waterloo too.

10- Peterborough

The real estate market slowly cools down after an unseen price escalation at the start of the year in February. However, in the wonderful city of Peterborough, it is all still hot and sweaty in the real estate arena.

This city was once just another mid-sized town not far away from Toronto, definitely not as great as Hamilton or Brampton. But, with the expansion of the 407 highway, Peterborough citizens got the opportunity to connect with Toronto faster, and the city started to grow really fast.

Now it has one of the most fast-growing economies in the region, has all the benefits of a smaller green city, and pros of easy connection to Toronto. It is also a historical place with many exciting sites for history enthusiasts.

The city is the home of Trent University, and many new students go to Peterborough looking for rental properties. So if it is your jam, take a chance with rental property investments in Peterborough.

Picking the right investment property

When investing in Canadian real estate, you have many options to chose from. Single-family houses and condos are a solid and safe bet when it comes to your money. Condos are increasingly popular amongst real estate investors in bustling cities, especially because they're a bit more budget-friendly.

"Depending on your lifestyle there's a lot of advantages of living in a condo," Elkind said. "If you're someone who goes away on the weekend, who doesn't want to bother with landscaping, or, if you don't want to own a car and you want to live close to work - these are great reasons why you should own a condo."

Purchasing a property as a real estate investment poses its own challenges. You have to actually like the space and be confident you can get a good return on your investment.

The space also has to work with your tenants or your family and it needs to have the potential for renovation or modern amenities for long-term usage. Condos are great options for those looking to spend a little less but earn a lot more.

A safe real estate market to invest in

Either way, looking for a city that works for your real estate investing endeavours in Canada is great because the real estate market is increasing and demand for property from a growing population will only further increase the price of your investment property.

Look at places like New York. Real estate is incredibly hard to come by, and the market tanked due to the pandemic. Investing in the Canadian real estate market is a much safer bet since real estate in Canada is such a hot-button topic and the real estate market is thriving like it never has before.

Buying multiple houses in Canada is a good investment because it provides you with options if you want to flip, or rent out your property. With demand for affordable housing increasing, owners can actually help diminish housing crises in various Canadian cities and work to provide a more sustainable future and real estate market for generations to come.