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  • First Time Homebuyers
  • New Canadians
About Natasha
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  • Moving to St. John's
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Information for New Canadians

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Have questions about Canadian immigration, permanent residence, citizenship,  sponsorship/visas, or other entry ways in to Canada? Gather information from the Government of Canada website.

Government Website

CMHC Housing Information for Newcomers to Canada

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

New to Canada, and want to know your housing options? Whether you are looking to Rent or Buy, the CMHC has valuable information on their website to assist your search. 

Visit CMHC

Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property

In January 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act began, preventing non-Canadians from buying residential properties in CMA's & CA's.

Learn the Act

Association for New Canadians NL (ANC)

Government of Canada Immigration Information & Resources

Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property

The ANC is a non-profit, community-based organization in St. John's delivering settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees. 

Visit ANC

So, What's Required to get a mortgage in Canada?

Employment History

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Proof of Employment, Self-Employment, or other income, is required to get a mortgage. This may be in the form of recent paystubs from your employer, tax returns for self-employed individuals, and/or a written confirmation of employment from your employer.

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Depending on your Immigration Status, you may qualify for government programs like the First-Time Homebuyer's Program, which allows you to put 5% down (plus closing costs). Otherwise, 20-35% of  home purchase price may be required. Proof of funds will need to be provided.

Proof of Status

Down Payment/Closing Costs

Proof of Status

Being new to Canada, you may need to provide proof of your immigration status. This could include a Permanent Residence Card (PR Card), visas, work permits, refugee status information, etc. A Mortgage Broker or Lender will confirm what is required for your unique situation.

Credit History

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

Proof of Status

In order to get a loan, banks and lenders will want to know that you have a good credit history. If you have had previous loans in Canada, this can be obtained through credit unions like Equifax and Transunion. For out of country history, you may be required to get documentation from previous lenders and/or banks.

Existing Assets & Debt

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

As part of getting approved for a loan, banks and lenders calculate your income vs. your current assets and debts to ensure you can afford your new payments. Asset examples include cash, bank accounts, investments, and owned property. Debt examples are credit card balances, car loans, student debt, line of credit balances, etc.

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

Other Considerations/Disclaimer

This list is by no means comprehensive and is meant to be used as a guideline only. Meeting the outlined criteria does not guarantee a mortgage. It does not replace the advice of a professional, certified lender. Please contact a Mortgage Broker to confirm the exact requirements to get a mortgage dependent on your unique situation.

A master bedroom with patterned wall paper, a queen bed and furniture in beige color tones.
A modern bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub, steam shower, large vanity, and open space.
A living room with high ceilings tastefully decorated with modern furniture.
A living room with a sectional sofa, large picture window showing the backyard of trees.

Frequently Asked Questions from New Canadians

Please Contact Me if you cannot find an answer to your question. 

If you are interested in purchasing a property in Canada, and qualify to do so (see the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act), your next step is contacting a Mortgage Broker to get a mortgage pre-approval. This step comes before house hunting; it's important to have financials in order before looking at properties to buy.


Once you have your mortgage pre-approval and have a budget in mind, we can work together to find a property for you to purchase! I will send you property listings that meet your unique needs, and walk you through the purchasing process. Have questions? Send me a message and let's chat!


The rental market in St. John's is very busy with limited options. There are often multiple applications for places to rent, and units do not last long. This is especially true for units that are pet friendly. We are seeing similar trends in many major cities in Canada; there is a housing crunch with not enough new properties being built to keep up with demand.


There are many Property Management firms throughout St. John's who can help you with your search. A quick Google search of "Property Managers St. John's" will bring up a list of companies that can be contacted for rentals.


Social media is another place to look for rentals. Be mindful in your search, as rental scams are on the rise. Be sure to view the property before sending money, and pay by e-transfer or check (never cash) so there is a paper trail for your transaction. You'll want to sign a lease outlining the terms of the tenancy agreement, and keep a signed copy for yourself in case issues arise.


If you have spoken with your landlord and have not been given a satisfactory resolution for your issues, your next step would be to contact the Landlord & Tenant board for assistance. It's best to have a copy of your signed Tenancy Agreement/Lease Agreement if the dispute is related to your tenancy.


Contact: Landlord Tenant Board


I can provide you with historical data on property values in the area, as well as current market trends to help you make an informed decision about whether a property is a good investment.


Realtors in Canada typically get paid by commission (a percentage of the sale amount). Our commission rate varies depending on the property and the specifics of the sale. Please contact me to discuss any questions you have regarding payment.


I provide extensive information about the location of each property, including nearby schools, parks, and amenities, to help you make an informed decision.


Our homes are not defined by geography or one particular location, but by memories, events, people, and places that span the globe


Marilyn Gardner


Copyright © 2025  Natasha Sutherland,  REALTOR ®  - All Rights Reserved.

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  • Home
  • Find Your St. John's Home
  • Sell Your St. John's Home
  • First Time Homebuyers
  • New Canadians
  • About Natasha
  • Contact
  • Life in St. John's
  • Moving to St. John's
  • Value & Insights

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