Joske Thompson
- Sep 24, 2019
- 2 min
Canadian Real Estate
For International Clientele
A Nature Lover's Paradise Amidst Luxurious Metropolises
When you think of Canada, you might be visualizing mountains, forests, vast expanses of wilderness. But this isn’t even remotely close to the full picture — Canada is also home to some of the most diverse, active, and visually stunning metropolises in the world.
It’s remarkable how different each of the cities was from the next, but no matter where you are, be prepared to be greeted by proud residents who wanted to show off their Canadian home with a smile.
Canada is the world’s second biggest country, rich in natural resources including oil reserves second only to Saudi Arabia. Despite the abundance of natural wealth, real estate in most Canadian locations has traditionally been cheap compared with other developed countries. A combination of a rising currency and rapidly rising real estate prices means this is no longer the case in much of Canada.
Canada’s health care is publicly (tax-payer) funded: payment is generally not required for medical treatment, although, depending on the province you live in, it’s probable you’ll pay for pharmaceuticals and dental care. Canada’s 35 million residents enjoy virtually unlimited recreational opportunities, and you might be forgiven for thinking you have found your dream location.
Lifestyle in Canada
ONE OF THE UNITED NATIONS' HAPPIEST CITIES
Multiple Modern Cities
A blend of Immigrant Cultures
International Entertainment
World Shopping Destination
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly
Organic Markets Prevalent
Beautiful Public Parks
Multiple Climates
Culture Mecca
Business Destination
Nightlife Destination
Museums, Theaters, & Restaurants
Bilingual Residents
Pet Friendly
Welcoming Attitude
Food
Canada is largely a nation of immigrants and its food culture reflects this. Cuisine can vary as you travel from coast to coast; you can find just about every kind of dumpling in Toronto. A lot of it marries local availability with imported cultural influence. For example, Montreal is known for deli and bagels and has a heavy European-Jewish influence in its cuisine and Toronto is developing its own poutine scene and is famous for peameal bacon.
Art
With artists ranging from Geoffrey Farmer (Canada’s 2017 Venice pick) to Jeff Wall (creator of the 5th most expensive photograph ever sold at auction), Canadian artists are known far and wide for their excellence; Calgary boasts a thriving theater and ballet scene, view boundary breaking art in Montreal, and visit Heritage sites in British Colombia, just to name a few.
Play
Weather you prefer to hit the great outdoors and explore the vast terrains of British Colombia, or relaxing in a world-class spa is more your cup of tea, Canada offers endless amounts of fun to tourists and locals alike. Relax in the Radium Hot Springs of British Columbia,Visit Canada’s first and oldest National Park, Banff in Alberta, and see all the beautiful Canadian landscapes in style in the Via Rail.
Luxury
The truth is that a luxury home in Canada has become a jewel in the crown of many affluent home buyers around the world. As we see this increased settlement of buyers immigrating and living in Canada, we can expect to see a rise in demand for luxury goods and services in each of the hottest markets, which include Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto.
Attractions & Destinations
A Modern City at the Epicenter of Culture
Internationally Certified. Locally Recognized.
Joske Thompson is a licensed Global Real Estate Advisor and has been trained as a Certified International Property Specialist to specifically address the needs of those looking to purchase property in California as a foreign national and U.S. nationals looking to purchase property abroad. He is the President of the San Francisco chapter of FIABCI, an elite network represented in 65 countries with members from all professions of the real estate sector. His extensive knowledge on international property and investment practices, paired with his robust worldwide network, affords Joske the competitive edge to deliver successful strategies for his global clientele. As a member of Top Agent Network, Joske is locally recognized as a top agent in San Francisco.
Real Estate Market
Cost of Living Comparison
Compared to Vancouver
San Francisco
42% MORE COSTLY
Food: +27%
Housing: +89%
Clothes: +5%
Transportation: +5%
Personal Care: +35%
Entertainment: +33%
Total Difference: +42%
Exchange: 1.314 CAD/USD
Hong Kong
30% MORE COSTLY
Food: -2%
Housing: +92%
Clothes: -10%
Transportation: +1%
Personal Care: -18%
Entertainment: +15%
Total Difference: -7%
Exchange: .1674 CAD/HKD
Sydney
19% MORE COSTLY
Food: +0%
Housing: +23%
Clothes: +18%
Transportation: +32%
Personal Care: -13%
Entertainment: +29%
Total Difference: +19%
Exchange: .952 CAD/AUD
DUBAI
7% MORE AFFORDABLE
Food: -6%
Housing: +17%
Clothes: +13%
Transportation: -8%
Personal Care: +2%
Entertainment: +24%
Total Difference: +7%
Exchange: .3579 CAD/AED
Economics
The Canadian Economy
as of Aug. 2018
Canada At a Glance
Canada resembles the US in its market-oriented economic system, pattern of production, and high living standards. Since World War II, the impressive growth of the manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural economy into one primarily industrial and urban. Canada has a large oil and natural gas sector with the majority of crude oil production derived from oil sands in the western provinces, especially Alberta. Canada now ranks third in the world in proved oil reserves behind Venezuela and Saudi Arabia and is the world’s sixth-largest oil producer. The 1989 Canada-US Free Trade Agreement and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (which includes Mexico) dramatically increased trade and economic integration between the US and Canada. Canada and the US enjoy the world’s most comprehensive and highly balanced bilateral trade and investment relationship, with merchandise trade of $544 billion in 2016, services trade of over $80 billion, and two-way investment stocks of nearly $700 billion. Over three-fourths of Canada’s exports are destined for the US each year. Canada is the largest foreign supplier of energy to the US, including oil, natural gas, and electric power, and a top source of US uranium imports. Given its abundant natural resources, highly skilled labor force, and modern capital stock, Canada enjoyed solid economic growth.
GDP: $1,530 B
GDP Growth: 1.5%
GDP per Capita: $42,200
Government Type: Federal Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy
Public Debt/GDP: 99%
Population: 35.6M
Unemployment: 7%
Inflation: 1.4%
Forbes Rankings
Trade Freedom: 7
Monetary Freedom: 83
Property Rights:11
Innovation: 23
Technology: 23
Red Tape: 2
Investor Protection: 8
Corruption: 9
Tax Burden: 1
Personal Freedom: 16
Meet Your Global Real Estate Advisor
Joske Thompson
Certified International Property Specialist
1699 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109
/ Tel. +1 (415) 345 3100
