As we head into autumn, we’re beginning to see some positive signs in the housing market. Interest rates are falling, and prices have levelled off or even dropped in some markets. The latest numbers (August 2024) from the Canadian Real Estate Association show the average house price in Canada is $649,096, just 0.1 per cent higher than a year ago. Ontario’s average price is down 1.2 per cent, and BC is 1.6 per cent lower than last year.
Still, home affordability remains a big concern for those just starting out. Is it possible to buy a home while trying to save for the future, maintain a car and start a family? If you’re looking to buy in Canada’s major housing markets, you’re probably going to have to wait — unless you consider some alternatives to a traditional mortgage.
That said, there are bargains galore if you’re able and willing to live in more rural areas. What you give up in convenience, you get back in lifestyle. We’ve compiled our monthly list of the cheapest houses in Canada to give you an idea of what’s out there. We’ve capped the selling price at $150,000 to include homes you can live in rather than ramshackle tear-downs. Here’s what we found this month:
British Columbia: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath Home in Penticton for $75,000
This 768-square-foot manufactured home offers a great opportunity for those looking to create their ideal living space. Featuring two bedrooms and one bath, it’s ready for your personal touches. The solid surface floors throughout make for easy upkeep, and the fenced yard is perfect for pets or a garden. Recent upgrades include a newer dishwasher and some vinyl windows. With expansion potential and proximity to local amenities, this property is an excellent canvas for your next project.
Alberta: One-Bedroom, One-Bath Home in Lethbridge for $109,900
This 761-square-foot home in Lethbridge presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a project property or a complete rebuild. Offering one bedroom and one bath, the home is situated in a well-established neighbourhood. Its location provides easy access to nearby schools, shopping centres, parks, and other essential amenities. Priced at just $109,900, this house invites you to re-imagine its potential and make it your own.
Saskatchewan: Three-Bedroom, One-Bath Home in Swift Current for $124,000
This 640-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bath home is ready for you to move in and enjoy its blend of modern updates and 1930s charm. Recent improvements include a high-efficiency furnace, water heater, updated lighting, vinyl window inserts and new vinyl plank flooring in the kitchen, bathroom and master bedroom. The living room and second bedroom feature original hardwood floors, while the curved ceilings and window boxes add to the home’s vintage character. Outside, the large yard offers back alley access with space to build a garage if needed, and a lean-to shed provides additional storage. The wraparound deck offers plenty of space to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
Manitoba: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath Home in Winnipeg for $149,998
Located in Winnipeg’s North End, this 992-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath property offers flexibility as either a revenue-generating rental or a first home. Currently occupied by month-to-month tenants who would like to remain, it provides immediate income potential. Featuring tile and wood flooring throughout, the home also includes rear parking for convenience. This property is a solid option for those looking to invest or settle into their first property. Note that there is no property disclosure statement available.
Ontario: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath Bungalow in Serpent River for $149,900
This two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow sits on a spacious 0.72-acre lot in Serpent River, conveniently located along Highway 17, halfway between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. Surrounded by excellent fishing spots, hunting areas and scenic hiking trails, this property is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of potential for renovation or the opportunity to build new, this home offers a great foundation for creating your ideal retreat in a peaceful, natural setting.
Quebec: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Montpellier for $149,999
Located in Montpellier, Quebec, northeast of Ottawa, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom property is perfect as a year-round cottage or a full-time home. Set by a tranquil stream that leads to Lac Schryer, you’ll enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and paddle boarding in the warmer months, with ice skating in the winter. Surrounded by peaceful nature and abundant wildlife, the property provides a serene retreat. Inside, a wood stove adds to the atmosphere, while the vinyl exterior offers low maintenance. Conveniently close to schools, this property blends outdoor adventure with everyday comfort.
New Brunswick: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath Bungalow in McAdam for $150,000
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow offers 582 square feet of living space on a corner lot, perfect for those seeking a simple, relaxed lifestyle. Access the backyard through patio doors, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors. The eat-in kitchen provides a comfortable dining space, while the yard offers room for gardening. Additional features include a carport and a storage building. Located in a friendly neighbourhood close to schools, amenities and nearby trails, this property is sold “as-is, where-is” with no RPDS.
Prince Edward Island: Three-Bedroom, Two-Bath Home in Bear River for $99,999
This 1,707-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath home in Bear River, PEI, offers a fantastic opportunity for those looking to take on a project. With a solid structure and plenty of recent upgrades, including new 200-amp electrical service, a wood stove, updated plumbing, new appliances and modern bathroom fixtures, this property is ready for your plans. Full of character, it’s ideal as a new home or potential flip. A motivated seller makes this a prime chance to invest in a home with great potential.
Nova Scotia: Four-Bedroom, Two-Bath Bungalow in Port Philip for $99,000
Located in scenic Port Philip, a short drive from Pugwash and Amherst, this 1,536-square-foot, four-bedroom, two-bath Victorian-style home offers plenty of charm and potential. With two levels, the property features a large front room, unique mouldings, wide floorboards, high baseboards and a solid hardwood staircase. The distinctive outdoor trim adds to the home’s character, though it’s a definite fixer-upper in need of significant work. Recent updates include a new septic system. Enjoy easy ocean access for swimming, boating and kayaking, along with nearby shopping, golf, hiking and ATV/snowmobile trails.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Four-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Marysvale for $90,000
This four-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers 1,000 square feet of potential, providing a solid shell with good bones. Recent updates include new windows, siding and roof. The spacious, gutted interior is ready to be transformed into an open-concept layout that suits your vision. The bathroom has already been renovated, and new electrical and plumbing systems are in place. With both municipal water and well access, this property sits on an oversized lot, perfect for gardening or simply enjoying the outdoors in privacy. An ideal opportunity to craft the home of your dreams.
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