scrubbedexpat091

There are some programs and subsidized housing, but demand for subsidized housing is high so its not exactly easy to get into.

One program for seniors for example.

https://www.bchousing.org/housing-as...sistance/SAFER

Who knows what the future will hold though 25-30 years from now.

Using the estimator at that link a senior couple with $1,850 a month income paying $1,500 a month (low end for Vancouver apartments) rent could qualify for $234 per month subsidy.

I have no idea what a senior couple with 0 pension/private savings relying solely on government pension gets so the income might be way off.

dbd33

I can only comment on the computer business but don't know about no one admitting it, we occasionally have "creative design" sessions in this room during which we work on peoples' linkedin profiles; inventing things, researching buzzwords, comparing peoples' photoshoot profile pictures with their actual physical configuration. One colleague has become adept at spotting people who use a specific "profile mill" to write their materials. It's important to know that profiles and resumes are not gently exaggerated but often those of different people than those named; if programmers were footballers they'd all use Harry Kane's history and, for a phone interview, have Harry Kane take the call. What would turn up for work would not be Harry Kane but some washed up bum with two bad ankles and it'd be up to the employer to notice and fire the new guy.

I've tried to stay out of that fray, for years my linkedin profile explained that I aspired to be a deckchair attendant (I was obliged to re-write it due to litigation). The problem being that, if you write a truthful profile and you actually are Son Heung-Min no one will look at you because everyone else is Harry Kane. Your profile needs to be absolutely brazen; look at some of President Trump's tweets to get the idea.

dbd33

European countries have a long history of rental accommodation and the legislative structure to support people intending to rent a specific flat for the rest of their lives. That's not true of the UK. Indeed, Europeans have long mocked the British for their obsessive desire to own a little box - something that has done terrible harm to the country.

Noh

Thank you so much for all of you who have given their feedback. Glad we share the same analysis on the housing market and I didn't know career was such an issue in Toronto.

I would be very happy to have life stories about people who have actually felt blocked by either the housing market or this lack of stable career opportunities:

• Have you managed on the long run to find a stable job in Toronto or you just gave up?
• Have you left Toronto and for where?
• What cities and or/countries could be our next step, to succeed in job stability and housing affordability, and, in regards of our age.

Thank you.

Siouxie

What about Rent to Own schemes? If you can afford the repayments, that might be an option, although I wouldn't dream of buying in Toronto.. look to other areas that offer work opportunities but with lower housing costs if you can. Look to Kitchener, Guelph, London, Kingston, Montreal.. get away from the GTA (even Hamilton and Burlington prices are increasing, although you can still buy a property for under $250,000 if you look carefully and aren't too fussy initially - something to get you on the property ladder.. and commutable to Toronto..)

Not forgetting 1st time buyers can get help /discount on land transfer taxes in Ontario - and even help with down payments in some areas). https://showmethegreen.ca/ontario/fi...oney-programs/ For those with RRSP's (or the ability to start contributing to one) there's also the possibility to borrow money towards the down payment from them.. RRSP Home Buyers Plan - https://www.ratehub.ca/rrsp-home-buyer
https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/l...uy-a-home.aspx
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents...p-program.aspx
Best of luck

scilly

One way of buying a house that is becoming more common in BC is co-sharing .............. two couples buying a house together. Several mortgage companies will give a mortgage on that basis.

It can work, but the 2 couples have got to be compatible and trust each other.

We have friends who have been in that type of sharing for over 10 years ........... they bought one of the older big houses in Vancouver, our friends have the main floor while the other couple have the 2nd floor. The basement is shared (has the "laundry" and workshop down there). One couple has the back garden while the other couple has the front garden (the gardens are about the same size).

This is now being advertised as an option by, for example, VanCity Credit Union.

scrubbedexpat091

I know a few people in California who bought with siblings, but they don't have basements there for the most part so no basement suite option, everyone has to live in the same living area, one group is getting ready to sell as they bought back in 2009 when the market was bust, and now they will pocket enough each to qualify for a mortgage on their own house.

Some in San Diego even go and live in Tijuana to save on rent, and commute across the border for work.