The recent drop in interest rates may be just the motivation you need to enter the housing market. But the high cost of housing might throw cold water on that idea. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average home price in May (the latest numbers available) was just under $700,000. However, that’s actually a four per cent drop from a year ago.
Don’t give up just yet. If you can adopt a more rural lifestyle or relocate to a province with lower prices, you’ll find significantly cheaper houses. And if you’re willing to take on a fixer-upper, you’ll find even more options. With a change in lifestyle and some sweat equity, you can find a decent home that, down the road, could return a decent profit if you decide to sell.
We’ve picked a sample of properties across the country and, in most cases, tried to keep the price under $100,000. We’ve also included a few listings that could be used as a second or recreational property. All listings are valid as of July 19, 2024.
British Columbia: Four-Bedroom, Two-Bath House in Fort Nelson for $70,000
This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is a great fit for a growing family. It has spacious bedrooms and a convenient layout including multiple recreation areas. There’s a fenced side yard with a storage shed that could be used as a workshop or for garden storage. This property also a good investment opportunity for generating rental income in a strong rental market.
Alberta: One-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Delburne for $75,000
There’s plenty of potential in this cozy one-bedroom, one-bathroom bungalow. Located across from a quiet park, the 675-square-foot house needs some TLC, but it offers an excellent opportunity for the right buyer/handyperson. With a bit of work, this affordable property can be transformed into a comfortable living space for one person or a couple. It’s a great starter home.
Saskatchewan: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Kamsack for $55,000
Located in Kamsack, about 60 km northeast of Yorkton and near the Manitoba border, this 1,000-square-foot bungalow features two bedrooms and one bathroom. There’s a sunroom for enjoying a cup of tea on bright mornings and a comfortable living room to relax in when the day is done. The kitchen features lots of storage and there’s a laundry room on the main floor. The basement is partially finished with a rec room. There’s an attic, too, for additional storage. The property includes two detached single-car garages. And for the summer, plan to spend much of your time lounging on the screened porch.
Manitoba: Three-Bedroom, Three-Bath Home in Thompson for $85,000
This three-bedroom two-storey home in Thompson, Manitoba boasts a basement and a large fenced yard that backs onto green space. The home features a large eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms and three bathrooms. While it does require some TLC, it is a larger house and the listing notes the seller is open to offers, so this could be purchased for even less than they’re asking. With 600 square feet on each level, it would make a great starter home or revenue-generating property.
Ontario: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Sault Ste. Marie for $99,900
This renovated two-bedroom, one-bathroom home is centrally located in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It’s a short walk to the St. Mary’s River and just a stone’s throw from Lake Superior. Now that we’ve got the geography lesson out of the way, let’s take a look at the renovated bungalow. The existing kitchen and bathroom are on the newer side. Baseboard heaters will keep things toasty in the winter. And while it is on the smaller side, there’s definitely lots of potential here. Living in Sault Ste. Marie offers residents the benefits of urban amenities mixed with small-town charm.
Quebec: One-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Saint-Colomban for $75,000
Waterfront properties near Montreal rarely come up, especially at this price. But if you’re willing to put in some work, you can snag this one-bedroom, one-bathroom house on Lac Gauthier, just outside of Saint-Colomban, for a song. Montreal is just 70 km away, but you can shop locally and access numerous nearby amenities, including schools, parks, and a golf course. This one-storey house has all the basics, including a full unfinished basement. Best suited for one or two people, this property could make the perfect weekend getaway — or a year-round place to call home for remote workers or retirees.
New Brunswick: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Pomeroy Ridge for $39,000
Here’s a low-cost fixer-upper that is just waiting to be turned into a delightful summer cottage or lovely little home. The 979-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath bungalow sits on a little less than an acre of land near St. Stephen. It comes with an outbuilding, septic system and well. There is lots of potential here.
Prince Edward Island: One-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Richmond for $68,000
This one-bedroom, one-bathroom house near Summerside, PEI, is a renovator’s dream. The interior has been stripped to the studs, creating a blank canvas from which to work. The 808-square-foot house sits on just under 1/2 acre of land and includes a garage and shed. Nearby amenities include a golf course, park, playground and shopping. The property has great potential as a full-time home, summer residence or holiday rental.
Nova Scotia: Two-Bedroom, One-Bath House in Goldboro for $59,900
According to the listing for this two-bedroom, one-bathroom house in Goldboro, this property could be a great first home, relaxing cottage or an investment property. Located about an hour south of Antigonish and 250 km east of Halifax, this cute little home features 800 square feet of living space and a view of the Atlantic just across the road. Imagine sitting on your deck, watching the sun come up every morning! There’s a shed and plenty of parking on the 0.76-acre lot. But like all listings in this price range, you’ll have to do some renovations to get it up to scratch.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Two-Bedroom, Two-Bath House in Gambo for $73,000
In the beautiful scenic town of Gambo, this 1,150-square-foot traditional salt box home with views of the water is for sale. It offers lots of character and a rustic, cozy vibe. It comes with a woodstove, so winters by the water will be nice and toasty. Plus, many of the items inside the home are included in the sale, so the new owners won’t have to worry about spending money on furniture. While it does need a little TLC, it would make the perfect secondary home by the water once it receives a little love.
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