York Region is a fast growing community that offers housing options for everyone. You can live in cities, in smaller towns, or in the country. Cities offer people a wide variety of services and activities. Country living offers people quiet, natural settings.
There are several different types of housing options to choose from:
Single detached house is not attached to any other house. This type of home offers privacy and has a high resale value.
Semi-detached house is one building with two houses. It offers some privacy and a good resale value.
Town house or row house means more than three homes side-by-side. Town houses have the advantage of security and less exterior maintenance. Some have shared amenities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.
Condominium/Apartment buildings contain many homes in one building usually called units. York Region has many condominiums (also called "condos"). Condominiums are housing units that people own within the same building or townhouse complexes. Owners share the expense for common areas and facilities. Apartment buildings in York Region can be from three to 30 storeys in height.
You can rent or buy any of the housing options available. Choosing whether to rent or buy depends on what you can afford and how long you plan on staying.
Renting
Renting for a period of time allows you to learn more about a new community before you decide where you want to buy a house. Renting can be a cheaper option than buying.
The cost of renting depends on the size and location, and whether or not utilities are included in the rent. If utilities are included, the rent is usually higher.
Finding a Place to Rent
Housing Help Centre - helps you find a rental unit, learn about tenant's rights, apply for government assisted housing, and budget your money.
Local newspapers - advertise housing units for rent throughout York Region.
York Region Social Housing provides information about how to get on the waiting list for social housing. Social Housing provides affordable rental housing for people whose income prevents them from finding adequate housing in the private rental market. Many people who live in social housing pay a rent that is based on their income.
Buying
The cost of housing in York Region depends on the type of home and its location. Most people borrow money from a bank to help pay for their home. This is called a mortgage. To buy a house, you need to have a credit rating. In addition to the mortgage costs, additional costs include property taxes, utilities (water, heat, electricity, etc.), and insurance.
Real estate companies have agents that can help you buy a home. Many companies and agents have listings in the telephone book and local newspapers. Real estate agents know the communities in York Region and can show you homes in your price range. They work to find a house that meets your needs, for example, near a school or close to public transit.
Links
For more information about housing in York Region and Ontario:
Settlement.org - learn about housing options and how to find a home that's right for your family. Housing Help Centre - can help you find a rental unit, explain tenant's rights, apply for government assisted housing, and learn to budget your money. Landlord and Tenant Board - Ontario government department that explains the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - when buying a house, it is very important to read the information about mortgage and loans. Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) - represents more than 92,000 real estate brokers, agents and salespeople. Yellow Pages - listings for companies and agencies that can help you find a home or mortgage in York Region. YorkLink Directory - search for local housing services and agencies in York Region. Welcome Wagon - helps people new to a neighbourhood and provides information about the community. Renters Hotline - lists apartments for rent in Ontario.
Facts
There is a wide range of costs for housing. The cost of living in York Region is about the same as the cost of living in many other cities across Canada. Housing is a large part of your living expenses.
A house is called a residential property. A building used for the purpose of business is called a commercial property.
Whether you buy or rent, you should have insurance for your home and belongings. You can obtain insurance from private companies and most major banks.
In 2008, York Region’s average resale values were as follows:
Single unit dwelling - $508,892,
Semi-detached - $345,789,
Row house - $331,097,
Condominium/apartment - $257,115.
In 2008, the average market rent in York Region was $1,008.00 per month.
For more information about housing choices and costs in York Region, read our Just the Facts about Your Community brochure,“Housing and Shelter Costs in York Region”.
