British Expats - Renting in Calgary

Quote:

Originally Posted by boredinblighty

Hi

We plan to move to calgary when we go and have family there already. My question is that I have been told there is a real shortage of available rented places in and around Calgary. Is this true as I will need to rent for a while before I buy somewhere and am concerned I will end up having to travel a long distance for my job in Calgary.

Philip

Very, very true. We had to move as our apartment is not child-friendly and we're expecting a baby in December. Since we've got a pretty decent rental budget to work with, we assumed that it would be more expensive and more difficult than a year ago but not too bad.
OH. MY. GOD. How foolish were we? All the stats say vacancy rates are approaching 0.6% and will stay that way through next year, but it's not until you're actually looking that you realize how franctic it's become. We did viewings with 30 other people crammed into an 800 sq ft condo, a viewing where we were the second viewing but the first people had signed the paperwork, and finally a viewing where the landlady said she'd had numerous out of province calls from people frantic to secure something before they arrived. We actually did sit down as a couple and discuss our options if we ended up unable to find a rental, as we suddenly realized we couldn't take finding something for granted.
The good news is - we have got somewhere! So there are definitely places available, but with Calgary booming so much, there's just unbelievable competition for each place and right now you really do need to be the first person to call and view the property. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but yes, the rental market is frantic and you need to be prepared for that. Can you stay with your family while you look? That would definitely take the immediated pressure off. Also, take a look at www.rentfaster.ca as it will give you a sense of prices etc.
Good luck with it - and despite the horror stories it is a great place to live!