The only real problem with that salary is the crazy cost of housing in Edmonton these days... $67k would be pretty comfortable if you don't have to pay a mortgage from it, but would be pretty tight if you're trying to pay a mortgage for an average half-decent house in the city today (assuming it even qualifies for a large enough mortgage to buy one).

That's probably the big difference between the people who can live easily on low salaries and those who think they're in poverty even when earning more money... the latter has to pay a huge mortgage to buy the same kind of house that the former bought for much less money a few years ago.

I believe they arrange a temporary work permit for now but begin the permanent residency application as soon as we arrive.

Similar to the UK I guess. We rent in the UK and I think the assumption so far is that we will rent in Edmonton (unless there was a compelling difference to enable us to buy over in Canada). Rent wise I have had a look at a few websites and I think we would be prepared to spend up to $1500 on rent per month.

On a salary of $65k, and with a deposit of $50k, we was told by a mortgage broker we'd be able to get a mortgage of $300k (ie/ total purchase price of $350k). Payments would be roughly $1600- and thats before any specially negotiated mortgage rate.
You can get a nice house for $350k- a 3 bed detached in some areas, so I wouldnt bother renting unless you reeaally want to.

My point was that you'll have to make sure she can get a work permit too, or she won't be able to work.

I guess the problem for us is that we really have no deposit to put down, so (like in the UK) I'm guessing that might hamper the mortgage we can get.

Having said that, if it is possible to get a $300k mortgage with next to no deposit and a decent 2 bed detached house for that, then I would rather do that than rent.

With regards my fiance - they did say they would get her a work permit regardless of whether she wanted one or not! (which i thought was pretty good really).

The house prices are ridiculous in edmonton at the moment, but I think $300k should be able to buy you somewhere decent enough. im renting but my rent is $1300 per month, and i live alone, i wish i could get a mortgage. It makes more sense than throwing so much cash into a black hole each month!

Have a look on http://www.mls.ca and you can get an idea of prices

Having a cat will make finding a place to rent harder. When I came over 2 years ago, I only found one place that would accept my dog. I also had to pay to have the carpets professionally cleaned once I left the place.

Get the girlfriend out to work and buy your own place!

Your calculations seem quite a bit off. $300,000 @ 5% would be $1,250 for interest only. I doubt very much that the capital would be paid with the balance over 25 years.

$ 300,000 over 25 years 12 payments per year no extra payments at 5% interest = $1745 per month.

The $1,600 figure comes from a 30 year amortization period.

They're not my calculations- like i said, its what I was told by the mortgage broker.