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Canada: A Strong Foundation for Real Estate Investment

There are many ways that the political climate can affect the real estate investment market. Inflation, rising gas prices, and even the price of There are many ways that the political climate can affect the real estate investment market. Inflation, rising gas prices, and even the price of construction materials can affect the success of your real estate portfolio and can give investors a reason to be nervous.

Canada’s sustained lack of volatility will make you breathe a sigh of relief.

On a list of 194 countries, Canada was ranked the 35th most stable country in 2021.

How can anyone predict the likelihood of a country being overthrown? Is it possible to look into a crystal ball and know if your country will be the target of political violence and terrorism?

Turns out you can forecast those things. The Index of Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism compiles data from the Economic Intelligence Unit, The World Economic Forum, and the Political Risk Services. Based on that data, each country is given a yearly score between the value of -2.5 (very weak) to +2.5 (which is strong).

Between 1996 to 2021, Canada’s average score was 1.07. Canada’s lowest score was 0.83 points in 2005, and the highest was 1.27 points in 2015.

Compared to 194 countries, Canada was 35th. Liechtenstein was at the top of the list, with 1.64 points, and Syria and Somalia were at the bottom, with -2.68 points.

Recognizing and addressing minor issues before they become a crisis.

Canada has a lot going for it. It has a thriving and robust economy and natural resources, and they are a world leader with a free democracy.

And so, foreign states have attempted to advance their national interests by targeting Canada, particularly during elections. These threats continue to become more frequent and sophisticated, yet they are unsuccessful

For instance, foreign interests have used social media to spread disinformation or run campaigns designed to interfere with healthy public debate by confusing and dividing the public’s opinions.

Even though those challenges exist, Canadians weren’t threatened by violence, didn’t have civilians displaced by war, and weren’t in the throes of a humanitarian crisis.

In fact, Canada is usually in a position to take in refugees and people who are escaping political turmoil.

Studies show that political stability and a healthy economy are linked.

Common sense tells you that you need stability to build and grow, and it is impossible to thrive while things are being destroyed. A Harvard study by Alberto Alesina, Sule Ozler, Nouriel Roubini, and Phillip Swagel confirmed the deep connection between political stability and economic growth. The researchers studied 113 countries to compare political instability with per capita GDP growth. Interestingly, the relationship goes both ways because poor economic performance can lead to political unrest.

Canada’s stable political climate supports and reinforces the real estate market. The likelihood of losing a home to violence or terrorism is very low. The peaceful and welcoming culture is attractive to international students and immigrants.

BG Wealth Group operates real estate investment programs in Canada and plans to expand further into the United States in the coming year. Click here to schedule a 1:1 and learn more.

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950-956 2nd Ave. Street East, Owen Sound, ON

Owen Sound

261-281 9th Street East, Owen Sound, ON

Value
Purchase Price
$1,055,000
Rents upon acquisition
$127,000
Fully rented
$235,290
Fully rented Building Value
$2,256,000
5-year ROI annualized
15.99%

The Story
261-281 9th Street East is a mixed-use (commercial/residential) building located in the heart of the downtown River District of Owen Sound. The building consists of 9 residential units (7-1 bedrooms, 1-2 bedroom & 1 studio apartment) and six commercial units. BG Wealth Properties purchased the building in March 2019 for $1,055,000 and immediately started employing its value-add model by renovating units and attracting high-quality tenants at attractive rental rates.

At the time of acquisition, one-bedroom residential units were renting anywhere from $550-$800 per month, and the two-bedroom unit was renting for $700/month. Through our value-add program, BG dramatically improved the condition of these units while successfully increasing rents on one-bedroom units to $1,300 per month, and $1,400 per month for the two-bedroom unit.

Similarly, commercial tenants were paying anywhere from $8.50-$10.00 per square foot at the time of acquisition (inclusive of taxes, maintenance, and insurance). Within the first 6 months, BG successfully started renovating commercial units and had new tenants sign long term leases at an average rate of $14.00 per square foot + $4.00/foot TMI (taxes, maintenance, and insurance) – for a total average rate of $18.00 per square foot.

Fully rented, the building carries a value of $2.2 Million based on rents we have achieved through our value-add business model.

This property still has more upside potential.

image of a road

Owen Sound

950-956 2nd Ave. Street East, Owen Sound, ON

Value
Purchase Price
$555,000
Rents upon acquisition
$28,800
Fully rented
$187,692
Fully rented Building Value
$1,600,000
5-year ROI annualized
17.38%

The Story
950-956 2nd Avenue East is a mixed-use (commercial/residential) building located in the heart of downtown’s River District of Owen Sound. The building consists of 6 residential units (2-2 bedrooms, 3-1 bedroom & 1 studio apartment) and two commercial units. BG Wealth Properties purchased the building in March 2019 for $555,000. The five upstairs vacant residential units were gutted with no tenants, while the downstairs had a high-end spa and a furniture store as commercial tenants.

In March 2021, BG Wealth Group partnered with an institutional lender and secured funding to renovate all residential units. In addition, given the shortage of high-end vacation rentals in the City of Owen Sound, BG has converted all six units to short-term vacation rentals, which will launch at the end of 2021.

In June 2021, BGWP attracted an up-and-coming Flame ‘N Bricks pizzeria franchise located in the commercial space beside the high-end spa. The culmination of high-end vacation rentals on the upper level, a spa and a pizzeria on the lower level will make this building one of the most attractive buildings in the downtown River District.

BG received a post-renovation appraisal of $1.3 Million on the building – more than 2X the original purchase price. Fully rented, the building carries a value of $1.6 Million based on typical short-term rental rates of the area.