Tips for Finding Affordable Housing in Calgary
Finding affordable housing can be a difficult task, especially in the city of Calgary. With the cost of living on the rise and wages not keeping up, it can seem almost impossible to find a place that fits within your budget.
However, there are 15 tips you can use to help make finding affordable housing in Calgary easier.
1) Research different areas:
Do your research on different neighbourhoods and suburbs to find out which ones offer cheaper rental rates. Calgary has many affordable neighbourhoods that can provide you with a comfortable place to live without breaking the bank.
2) Look for government-subsidized housing:
The government offers subsidized housing for those who cannot afford market rent prices. This can be a great way to save money while still getting quality housing.
3) Consider shared housing:
Sharing a living space with another person or family can help reduce expenses as you only have to pay one rent price instead of two separate rents.
4) Take advantage of student discounts:
Many landlords in Calgary offer discounted rents for students who are attending universities or colleges nearby. It’s worth looking into if you’re eligible for discounted rates.
5) Ask about move-in specials:
Sometimes landlords will offer special deals or promotions to incentivize people to rent their units. This is a great way to save money, so ask your landlord if they have any move-in specials or promotions available.
6) Look for private rentals:
Private rental units are often cheaper than those offered through companies, as the overhead costs associated with a company are not present. These can be found advertised in newspapers and other publications, as well as online on websites such as Craigslist.
7) Try negotiating:
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the landlord over the price of the unit. Landlords are often willing to negotiate, so it can be worth asking for a lower rate if you think the unit is overpriced.
8) Look into residential housing cooperatives:
Residential housing cooperatives are a great way to find affordable housing in Calgary. These are communal living arrangements where tenants pay reduced rates and all contribute to the upkeep of the building or community.
9) Consider renting a room:
Renting just one room in an apartment or house is much cheaper than renting an entire unit. This can be a great option if you’re looking to save money but still need your own living space.
10) Utilize government resources:
The government offers many different programs that help people with their housing needs. Check with your local government to see what resources are available for affordable housing in Calgary.
11) Use online search tools:
There are many websites that can help you find low-cost rental units available near you. These sites can be a great way to quickly search for and compare different options without having to visit every unit yourself.
12) Look into rent-to-own programs:
Rent-to-own programs allow tenants to rent a property while also making payments towards the eventual purchase of the unit. This can be a great option if you think you might want to buy a home someday but need more time to save up for a down payment.
13) Contact churches or charities:
Churches and charities often offer housing assistance programs that can help you find low-cost rental units. These organizations can be a great source of information and support for finding affordable housing in Calgary.
14) Work with a real estate agent:
Hiring a real estate agent to help you find an affordable unit can be beneficial, as they are familiar with the local market and know where to look for good deals. They may also have access to private listings that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
15) Don’t give up:
It may take some time and patience, but don’t give up on your search for affordable housing in Calgary. With these tips and resources, you will eventually find a great place at a price you can afford.
Conclusion:
Finding affordable housing in Calgary can be a challenge, but these tips and resources can help make the search easier. With the right information and some persistence, you should be able to find a great place at an affordable price.