Our Canadian Brothers Have It Sorted...

[mbga9pgf]

Just been looking online, perusing as it were, to see what global prices are doing. Me and the missus are starting to get sick to the back teeth of the UK, sick of quailty of life for decent people, sick of little reward for working ourselves to the bone. We are looking to move effectively, if things dont sort themselves out after the next election period. Sorted out means lazy people getting the choice to work or starve, a large cut in government spending and incentives that move the country away from living on the never-never.

Anyways, enough about that. Whilst looking, I found something very interesting on an EA website from Canada. Beautiful place, beautiful people.

http://www.househuntingintoronto.com/buying/buyingcosts.htm

Lenders follow two simple rules to determine how much you can afford. The first rule is that your monthly housing costs should not be more than 32% of your gross monthly income. Housing costs include monthly mortgage payments of principal and interest, taxes and heating expenses, also known as P.I.T.H. If applicable, this sum also includes half of the monthly condominium fees and all of the annual site lease in the case of a leasehold tenure. Lenders add up these housing costs to determine what percentage they are of your gross monthly income. This figure is your Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio.

The second affordability rule is that your entire monthly debt should not be more than 40% of your gross monthly income. This includes housing costs and other debts such as car loans and credit card payments. Lenders add up these debts to determine what percentage they are of your gross monthly income. This figure is your Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio

Why do we STILL have D*ckheads at the FSA insisting that "complex" instruments are a suitable means of assessing max amounts to lend? why not do THE RIGHT THING and slowly bring something in as above?

Why the F*ck cant we live like this? They have a socialist government for christs sake! Way I figure it, I get my military pension (transferable to commonwealth forces) at 38; Whatever happens, I honestly cannot imagine living here once I get that pension.

Edited July 16, 2009 by mbga9pgf

[cashinmattress]

Canada has hellish winters, but is bulging at the seams with natural resources.

It is also become a big wet blanket conservative, yank sympathising sycophant country, ever since Jean Chrétien left office.

Proceed at your own risk.

[mbga9pgf]

Canada has hellish winters, but is bulging at the seams with natural resources.

It is also become a big wet blanket conservative, yank sympathising sycophant country, ever since Jean Chrétien left office.

Proceed at your own risk.

Sounds like perfection to me.

As to the winters, nothing a big log fire and a couple of acres of forest couldnt take care of.

[this_prisoner_is_opting_out]

There is also "uncontrolled" immigration whereby they let in every Indian with a PhD printed on a street corner. c.f., Calgary as a fine example of these go-getting Indian professionals - driving taxis.

[D.C.]

Why the F*ck cant we live like this? They have a socialist government for christs sake!

Actually if you take a look at Canada's economic history they had a bit of an overspend by government a while back.

They cut government spending by 20% over 4 years and hey presto, popped out of a recession and have been doing rather well ever since running good budget surpluses.

Compare this to numpty Brown's financial brilliance of lots more debt will solve the problem of too much debt. :angry:

[Daveyk]

Sounds like perfection to me.

As to the winters, nothing a big log fire and a couple of acres of forest couldnt take care of.

Also most metropolitian areas have had HPI, maybe not to the same extent as here. The wifey is from there and we spent a year there a couple of years ago.

Seems crazy when you look at what houses are going for in Canada and look at comparable houses (which look exactlly the same) in US Cities just over the border.

Canada might not have lent at massive multiples but they were giving out mortgages at 40 years amorization at the top of the top of the market.

The standard of living is better to some extent - but it is frigging freezing.

[babesagainstmachines]

Sorted out means lazy people getting the choice to work or starve, a large cut in government spending and incentives that move the country away from living on the never-never.

Anyways, enough about that. Whilst looking, I found something very interesting on an EA website from Canada. Beautiful place, beautiful people.

http://www.househuntingintoronto.com/buying/buyingcosts.htm

Why do we STILL have D*ckheads at the FSA insisting that "complex" instruments are a suitable means of assessing max amounts to lend? why not do THE RIGHT THING and slowly bring something in as above?

Why the F*ck cant we live like this? They have a socialist government for christs sake! Way I figure it, I get my military pension (transferable to commonwealth forces) at 38; Whatever happens, I honestly cannot imagine living here once I get that pension.

To be honest I think a Fascist country would suit you better than Canada.

Maybe try Chile?

[Daveyk]

There is also "uncontrolled" immigration whereby they let in every Indian with a PhD printed on a street corner. c.f., Calgary as a fine example of these go-getting Indian professionals - driving taxis.

They get enticed into the country by immigration lawyers promising all sorts of delight but then find out that their qualifications are worthless or that they don't have any "Canadian experience" or a combination of both.

[Tim Miller]

Just been looking online, perusing as it were, to see what global prices are doing. Me and the missus are starting to get sick to the back teeth of the UK, sick of quailty of life for decent people, sick of little reward for working ourselves to the bone. We are looking to move effectively, if things dont sort themselves out after the next election period. Sorted out means lazy people getting the choice to work or starve, a large cut in government spending and incentives that move the country away from living on the never-never.

Anyways, enough about that. Whilst looking, I found something very interesting on an EA website from Canada. Beautiful place, beautiful people.

http://www.househuntingintoronto.com/buying/buyingcosts.htm

Why do we STILL have D*ckheads at the FSA insisting that "complex" instruments are a suitable means of assessing max amounts to lend? why not do THE RIGHT THING and slowly bring something in as above?

Why the F*ck cant we live like this? They have a socialist government for christs sake! Way I figure it, I get my military pension (transferable to commonwealth forces) at 38; Whatever happens, I honestly cannot imagine living here once I get that pension.

I was in Canada last year, I'm very well traveled, what a fantastic country! I was on the east coast in Nova Scotia just outside Halifax, although I was told Vancouver on the west coast is equally fantastic. My God the people were just great, polite as you like including teenagers. Doors held open, litter put in bins etc. The cost of items was low as well, proving that the UK (treasure Island) is a rip off. Houses were 1/6th of UK prices (last years prices) with waterfront properties very affordable. Where I was staying they bought a brand new 4 bed with almost 2 acres for $220k, now worth 280k. They have not had HPI it was more they built a big garage etc. Unlike the yanks, they have free health care! If I were you I would GO.

[cashinmattress]

I was in Canada last year, I'm very well traveled, what a fantastic country! I was on the east coast in Nova Scotia just outside Halifax, although I was told Vancouver on the west coast is equally fantastic. My God the people were just great, polite as you like including teenagers. Doors held open, litter put in bins etc. The cost of items was low as well, proving that the UK (treasure Island) is a rip off. Houses were 1/6th of UK prices (last years prices) with waterfront properties very affordable. Where I was staying they bought a brand new 4 bed with almost 2 acres for $220k, now worth 280k. They have not had HPI it was more they built a big garage etc. Unlike the yanks, they have free health care! If I were you I would GO.

I lived in Halifizzle for 7 years with work.

Being a tourist is nice of course. The boardwalk. Bluenose II. Economy Shoe Shop. Great scallops, lobsters, and clams. Keiths and Moosehead.

Spend a February there and it will change your tune. Or read about rozzars getting shot up on the job. Or look at all the fat ba$tards. Try getting used to no Sunday shopping.

You'll change your tune.

[Tim Miller]

I lived in Halifizzle for 7 years with work.

Being a tourist is nice of course. The boardwalk. Bluenose II. Economy Shoe Shop. Great scallops, lobsters, and clams. Keiths and Moosehead.

Spend a February there and it will change your tune. Or read about rozzars getting shot up on the job. Or look at all the fat ba$tards. Try getting used to no Sunday shopping.

You'll change your tune.

I was there in May and I personally could not take the cold, but then I have had quite a number of heart attacks so the cold is out for me. I guess an ideal would be disappear somewhere in winter. That's how I was there, I met this lady who lives in the BVI's where I have my charter yacht, she has a place there for winter. Now no Sunday shopping is something I would vote for! I could not help but grin about the stories of American women making their way to Titanic's Jack Dawson's grave! All in all you have pi$$ed on my fireworks though, I loved it there!

[Muskoka]

Whoa - Nobody seems to have mentioned the spectacularly hot summers, the fabulous electric storms, lunches on the beach, the watersports in the summer. The people, friendly as you can get and the one thing that is really missing in the U.K., but is in abundance in Canada - community spirit. This may sound dumb to you, but I go on a regular basis and not a churchgoer, but I always say going to Canada is like 'food for the soul' Restores your faith in humanity. Lifestyle is fab there, I'm from Canada but yes, the winters are bad unless you are into winter sports and I'm not. Try driving in a 'white-out'.. I only did it once and that was once too often.

[R K]

I have a good friend who is a real estate lawyer in Toronto (residential and commercial).

They have plenty of issues too, although having abundant natural resources (until America steals them) and lots of space is different to the UK.

He seems to spend most of the winter hibernating at up to -30/40, clearing the snow off his car, trying to avoid getting creamed on the icy motorway on the commute into Toronto, worrying about his basement being flooded again in the spring thaw and so on......

Grass isn't always greener, just different.

Let me know if you want a (legal) contact for Toronto though.

Edited July 16, 2009 by Red Kharma

[ralphmalph]

Sounds like perfection to me.

As to the winters, nothing a big log fire and a couple of acres of forest couldnt take care of.

I have lived there and the winters are so cold. They teach the kids at a very young age not to lick the frost on metal.

As to your fire quote will sort it, forget it. It is so cold the floor in the house I was in was freezing. The air in the room was warm put your feet on the floor and it was cold. They must sell a lot of slippers in Canada.

[mbga9pgf]

I have a good friend who is a real estate lawyer in Toronto (residential and commercial).

They have plenty of issues too, although having abundant natural resources (until America steals them) and lots of space is different to the UK.

He seems to spend most of the winter hibernating at up to -30/40, clearing the snow off his car, trying to avoid getting creamed on the icy motorway on the commute into Toronto, worrying about his basement being flooded again in the spring thaw and so on......

Grass isn't always greener, just different.

Let me know if you want a (legal) contact for Toronto though.

Cheers for that. The job is just outside toronto so may do.

Does anyone know if the canadians have the same archaic planning laws as us or can you just buy 200 acres and build?

[Super Mario]

Just been looking online, perusing as it were, to see what global prices are doing. Me and the missus are starting to get sick to the back teeth of the UK, sick of quailty of life for decent people, sick of little reward for working ourselves to the bone. We are looking to move effectively, if things dont sort themselves out after the next election period. Sorted out means lazy people getting the choice to work or starve, a large cut in government spending and incentives that move the country away from living on the never-never.

Anyways, enough about that. Whilst looking, I found something very interesting on an EA website from Canada. Beautiful place, beautiful people.

http://www.househuntingintoronto.com/buying/buyingcosts.htm

Why do we STILL have D*ckheads at the FSA insisting that "complex" instruments are a suitable means of assessing max amounts to lend? why not do THE RIGHT THING and slowly bring something in as above?

Why the F*ck cant we live like this? They have a socialist government for christs sake! Way I figure it, I get my military pension (transferable to commonwealth forces) at 38; Whatever happens, I honestly cannot imagine living here once I get that pension.

That 32% figure is stupid, as it takes no account of interest rates which means that people load up on crazy mortgages. I live in Vancouver - average house 8.5 x average local salary - how's that for insanity!!

Edit: stupid grammar mistakes

Edited July 16, 2009 by Super Mario

[Super Mario]

Actually if you take a look at Canada's economic history they had a bit of an overspend by government a while back.

They cut government spending by 20% over 4 years and hey presto, popped out of a recession and have been doing rather well ever since running good budget surpluses.

Compare this to numpty Brown's financial brilliance of lots more debt will solve the problem of too much debt. :angry:

Canada still has a large government debt, and they are running a deficit this year and probably next

[24gray24]

If it's Hamilton/Burlington area you're going to: be warned, the car industry is effectively going bust, so there's depression in Ontario too.

Main problem in my view, is lack of society. Sounds odd, but I missed people to have a good chin wag with. Canadians feel obliged to agree with each other, so getting a conversation going with 2 different points of view is hard work. They tend to ostracise people too, so you have to watch out for that.

I found Toronto incredibly boring. But then I was working all the hours god sent, and didn't have time to find the fun spots

Personally, I'd choose Quebec city, Montreal, Vancouver or Halifax if I was going back. Maybe Calgary too (as fun).

(Finally, look at the scale on your map: the town "just outside" Toronto could turn out to be 100 miles, which is like being on the moon so remote will you find it. In England, they'd call them villages, they are that small).

Edited July 16, 2009 by 24gray24

[Super Mario]

If it's Hamilton/Burlington area you're going to: be warned, the car industry is effectively going bust, so there's depression in Ontario too.

Main problem in my view, is lack of society. Sounds odd, but I missed people to have a good chin wag with. Canadians feel obliged to agree with each other, so getting a conversation going with 2 different points of view is hard work. They tend to ostracise people too, so you have to watch out for that.

I found Toronto incredibly boring. But then I was working all the hours god sent, and didn't have time to find the fun spots

Personally, I'd choose Quebec city, Montreal, Vancouver or Halifax if I was going back.

(Finally, look at the scale on your map: the town "just outside" Toronto could turn out to be 100 miles, which is like being on the moon so remote will you find it. In England, they'd call them villages, they are that small).

Yes - agree totally.

[Tim Miller]

If it's Hamilton/Burlington area you're going to: be warned, the car industry is effectively going bust, so there's depression in Ontario too.

Main problem in my view, is lack of society. Sounds odd, but I missed people to have a good chin wag with. Canadians feel obliged to agree with each other, so getting a conversation going with 2 different points of view is hard work. They tend to ostracise people too, so you have to watch out for that.

I found Toronto incredibly boring. But then I was working all the hours god sent, and didn't have time to find the fun spots

Personally, I'd choose Quebec city, Montreal, Vancouver or Halifax if I was going back. Maybe Calgary too (as fun).

(Finally, look at the scale on your map: the town "just outside" Toronto could turn out to be 100 miles, which is like being on the moon so remote will you find it. In England, they'd call them villages, they are that small).

If I remember the joke was avoid Quebec at all costs because the French speaking Canadiens give a hard time, I know my cousin lived there and hated it. I think Vancouver came out in a very recent pole as the top city to live in in the entire world!

[bogbrush]

I have close family over there and I go there loads, I have a place there too.

It's a wonderful country and is definitely my Plan "B".

[HovelinHove]

There is also "uncontrolled" immigration whereby they let in every Indian with a PhD printed on a street corner. c.f., Calgary as a fine example of these go-getting Indian professionals - driving taxis.

Canada all but closed the door for immigarnts in 2008. Now you have to be one of 30 odd occupations to get in. I applied before this date, so my visa is currently being processed under the old rules.

to the OP. HPI in Canada has been bonkers too, especially on the west coast.

I'm happy in the UK, but I'm moving there, not because I think I'll be happier, I'll still be happy, just different happy...I'm moving there because I think it's got great prospects for the future. Politicians everywhere are (unts, and that includes the canadians...I'm expecting to roll my eyes just as much as I do here when I turn the telly on, but they have shed loads of resources and they do have a controlled immigration process. If you live in BC, the climate is fine, a bit like here.

I'm Dubai as I write this...total dump.

[Helena Handbasket]

I lived in Halifizzle for 7 years with work.

Being a tourist is nice of course. The boardwalk. Bluenose II. Economy Shoe Shop. Great scallops, lobsters, and clams. Keiths and Moosehead.

Spend a February there and it will change your tune. Or read about rozzars getting shot up on the job. Or look at all the fat ba$tards. Try getting used to no Sunday shopping.

You'll change your tune.

Sorry, did you just say "no Sunday shopping"? Like back in the 1970s and 80s when we all starved because no-one thought to go shopping on the other 6 days? Oh, and could visit your gran without getting stuck behind all the people-carriers off to spend a day out at the shopping centre/ megaplex/ Comet/ Currys/ B&Q?

When families could spend quality time together without mum stuck on a checkout all day just to pay taxes and the massive mortgage that keeps the money-go-round looking like the state can cope with a massive payroll and national debt?

I've been to Halifax, and it was Co-old alright, but nice dry air. Saw some students dropping litter in a rebellious, "we're hard" way, and it made me realise the world's the same the world over, with certain local adjustments. The 5-fishermen?? restaurant is worth a taxi-ride from the airport, if you ever have a long transfer to wait for. Some loopy version of the English language there though. Could put 'em in a lift with a Geordie as a sick experiment.

[Executive Sadman]

The consensus politics of today do amaze me. The only reply you get against even limited regulation of financial services is 'we dont want to stifle innovation' as if thats an argument in itself.

[mbga9pgf]

The consensus politics of today do amaze me. The only reply you get against even limited regulation of financial services is 'we dont want to stifle innovation' as if thats an argument in itself.

In response to the threads, thanks for the tips.

Been to Halifax, Goose, Gander, calgary and St John and loved the folks. Yes, its cold, but thats something you can get used to. Summer is generally glorious to counter that.

The job is in a town, so not worried (its about an hour as the crow flies, from Toronto) and is a secondment, therefore not too concerned.

Good thing is I suppose, we are going to get a few years with work to make our minds up. I have to say, I am less interested in 'culture' as it is and pine for the great outdoors, fishing, shooting, walking, canoeing, all the stuff you can only do in the UK by paying a small fortune. I am big into local community. Well, thats what I think at the moment anyway. As long as I can get a decent broadband connection, I think I will be reet!

Edited July 16, 2009 by mbga9pgf