If you’re an investor sitting in Ontario, B.C., or anywhere else in Canada wondering whether Alberta is worth your attention, the answer is a resounding yes. More and more seasoned investors are turning their gaze toward Calgary and Edmonton, two cities offering not just affordability but cash flow potential, landlord-friendly laws, and long-term growth.
Why Alberta?
Let’s start with the basics. Alberta is one of the few provinces in Canada where:
- There’s no rent control (yes, you read that right).
- Landlords have more rights when it comes to tenant disputes.
- Property taxes are low relative to Ontario and BC.
- And perhaps most importantly, you can still cash flow in today’s market.
While prices in Toronto and Vancouver have soared to levels that crush rental yield and stretch even well-capitalized buyers, Alberta offers mid-sized apartment buildings (8–20 units) at a fraction of the price, often with cap rates of 5.5–6.5% or even higher in Edmonton.
The Appeal of Mid-Sized Multi-Family
Buildings with 6–20 units are a sweet spot for out-of-province investors. They’re large enough to benefit from economies of scale but small enough to be manageable without massive institutional backing. You also have more diversification than with a 4-plex, so one vacancy doesn’t throw off your entire return.
How to Invest from Afar: A Quick Blueprint
Investing remotely sounds intimidating, but hundreds of investors do it successfully. Here’s how:
- Build a local team: This is essential. Your boots-on-the-ground team should include:
- A real estate agent familiar with multi-family
- A reliable property manager (like Green Casa in Calgary)
- A mortgage broker with CMHC/MLI Select experience
- A lawyer and inspector based in Alberta
- Plan a quick in-person trip: Once you’ve got a property under contract, flying in for due diligence can be done over a weekend. Alberta’s airports make it easy.
- Understand the buying process:
- No land transfer tax (yes again!)
- Legal fees and inspection costs are very reasonable
- Most deals are closed in 30–45 days
Pro Tip: Alberta’s Rental Market Is Heating Up
Rents in Calgary and Edmonton have been rising year-over-year thanks to migration, strong employment numbers, and an undersupply of rental housing. That trend doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion: Don’t Wait for Prices to Catch Up
The best time to explore Alberta’s real estate opportunities was yesterday; the second-best time is today. If you’re looking to escape rent control, low cap rates, and negative cash flow, Alberta offers a cleaner path to long-term wealth.
With the right local team and a bit of planning, investing remotely in Alberta isn’t just doable, it’s smart.
