Halifax Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Halifax, Nova Scotia - NS, Canada)

Halifax is an attractive harbour-side town in Nova Scotia, and has recently undergone a kind of renaissance. In colonial days, Halifax was largely ignored as a backwater, but it has blossomed into a dynamic and cosmopolitan centre that attracts more new residents every year.

The quality of life for residents is excellent, and the housing market continues to expand. Housing prices in Halifax have held relatively well through the economic downturn and are starting to rise again, meaning that those who purchase property here in the near future are likely to see reasonable appreciation in the next few years.

Favoured places to be based include the downtown area, with its historic houses and apartment buildings. This is the best place for those who thrive on cosmopolitan pursuits, but it also presents the highest prices. Most commuters live in the West End, while the South End is known for its affluent neighbourhoods. On the eastern shore of the harbour is Dartmouth, a fast-growing community with its own dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments in Halifax are an excellent idea for business travellers or medium- to long-term visitors who don't want to commit to a six-month lease, but would like to save money over traditional hotels. Everything from two-bedroom condominiums to free-standing houses in the suburbs is available.

Prices for serviced apartments are guaranteed to run higher than those of regular apartments, and they come close to matching the most affordable hotels in Halifax for periods of a month or more. However, these units are more spacious and include more amenities than basic hotels. Rental agreements are likely to cover the cost of utilities and local telephone use, and units are usually fully furnished.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Well-priced single-occupancy apartments and condominiums are available in Halifax city centre, in sight of the Halifax Citadel and in reach of the waterfront boardwalk with its shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Nova Scotia places no restrictions on foreign nationals when it comes to buying land, apartments or houses. After securing a mortgage and selecting a property, the buyer makes an offer (in writing) and pays the deposit. Property transfer fees range from 0.5 to two percent, and a five percent goods and services tax (GST) is levied on top of this. Provincial sales tax (PST) should be included in the sale price.

Real Estate Agents

Securing a reliable real estate agent is essential when buying property in Halifax. A standard realtor charges the seller somewhere between three and seven percent of the market value of the house. If the buyer hires their own vendor, this fee is generally split between the two of them. A realtor is especially useful for finding a suitable home or apartment in the type of neighbourhood that you prefer.

Check out these Halifax real estate agents:

The Bagogloo Team
Address: 102 Chain Lake Drive, Unit 1B, Halifax, Nova Scotia (NS), B3S 1A7, Canada
Tel: +1 902 831 9006
Email: info@halifaxmetrohomes.com
Website: www.halifaxmetrohomes.com
The Bagogloo Team is affiliated with RE/MAX, and it specialises in homes and properties near central Halifax.

First Family Realty
Address: 50 Hazelhurst Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (NS), B2Y 3N2, Canada
Tel: +1 902 209 6745
Email: Mike@iListinHD.com
Website: www.ilistinhd.com
First Family Realty has extensive experience in connecting prospective buyers with homes and properties in Nova Scotia, specialising in Dartmouth properties.

Bryant Realty Atlantic
Address: 1444 Dresden Row, Halifax, Nova Scotia (NS), B3J 3T5, Canada
Tel: +1 902 423 2769
Website: www.bryantrealty.ca
The Bryant Realty Atlantic team consists of several professionals. It has an extensive portfolio of properties in Halifax's most sought-after neighbourhoods.