We've been hearing about the risks of housing overvaluation in Canada for the last few years. While there’s no way to tell for sure when housing prices will stop increasing, as this article in the Globe puts it, it’s going to happen sometime. Whether it’s a more significant correction, or an extended period of stagnant housing prices, it’s best to prepare now for the inevitable.
This means abiding by the 10-year rule—buying a home that, if necessary, you could live in for the next 10 years. This sounds easier said than done—particularly in Canada’s more expensive housing markets—but, in many cases, it is possible. It might mean buying in a less desirable location, or purchasing a home with renovation potential should it become cramped within the next 10 years. It also means skipping the condo purchase if you’re a first-time buyer who might be starting a family within the next five years, or foregoing that large mansion if you’re going to find yourself with an empty nest in the same timespan.
When abiding by the 10-year rule, you’ll also have to consider your mortgage options as well. Sometimes the traditional 5-year fixed makes sense, but occasionally longer mortgage terms can benefit you as well. If you’re wondering what mortgage option is your best bet over the next decade, feel free to drop me a line and we can find a solution that makes the most sense for you.
