Houses are now more expensive in Montreal than Toronto, while Saskatoon has become less affordable than Calgary and Edmonton, according to the 325-city International Housing Affordability Survey released Tuesday. It found homes in Canada cost 4.6 times the average annual salary of just less than $43,000. David Seymour, a policy analyst with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy which compiled the survey’s findings, notes variability across the country is tremendous. The average price of a home in Windsor was $145,000; in Vancouver, the least-affordable metropolitan area, the average home costs $602,000. Three other B.C. cities — Victoria, Abbotsford and Kelowna — fell into the “severely unaffordable” category, as did only two other Canadian cities, Montreal and Toronto. For comparison purposes, here’s what $500,000 buys in 10 Canadian cities:
701 -777 Rue Gosford, Ville-Marie, Montreal This two-bedroom, one-bathroom penthouse located in the borough of Ville-Marie is on the market for $499,900. This top-floor penthouse is 1,086 square feet and features granite counters and a garage. The building includes a heated pool and roof-top ter-
306 -33 Lombard St., Toronto This two-bedroom condominium located near Queen and Church streets is 1,058 square feet and listed at $499,900. It includes two bathrooms, a den, open concept kitchen and a Juliette balcony. The building features fitness and spa facilities, a party room and fireplace in the lobby.
1224 Main St. E, Saskatoon, Sask. This two-storey, semidetached house was built in 2006 and is listed for $499,900. The 1,640-square-foot house has three bedrooms, three bathrooms and one partial bathroom as well as a double detached garage and a deck.
306 -128 W. Cordova St., Vancouver This 952-square-foot condominium is on the market for $499,900 and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and includes parking. The building. located near Vancouver Harbour, features a library, media room, hot tub, gym and lounge.
605 -433 11 Ave. S.E., Calgary This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium is 1,436 square feet and listed for $499,900. Located in the downtown neighbourhood of Victoria Park, there is a view of both the city and the mountains. It includes a Jacuzzi as well as underground parking.
3720 Inglewood Ave., Windsor This 3,200-square-foot two-storey house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It includes a private yard, stainless steal appliances and a master bedroom with en suite steam sauna. It is on the market for $479,900 and located about 10 kilometres from the U.S. border near Howard Avenue and Cabana Road.
10224 90 St., Edmonton This two-storey duplex has two en suite bedrooms and three bathrooms. Located in the Riverdale neighbourhood, the house comes with a landscaped yard and garage. On the market for $499,702, it uses geo-thermal heat and there are no gas bills.
409 -700 Sussex Dr., Ottawa This 1,000-square-foot condominium is located less than four kilometres from the Prime Minister’s residence. It’s a one-bedroom, one-bathroom with an open-floor plan on the market for $475,000. The building features an exercise room and underground parking.
901 -5839 Cunard St., Halifax This two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium located in Armoury Square has a view on three sides and an open balcony. On the market for $479,900, it includes birch and ceramic flooring. The building has an exercise room and heated underground parking and is within walking distance of downtown.
Compiled by Aileen Donnelly, National Post