Joel DyckReal Broker SK Ltd.
Saskatoon · From the topic map

Should a first-time buyer consider a two-family house in Saskatoon?

Yes, a two-family house is worth considering for a first-time buyer, mainly because a legal secondary suite can turn part of your mortgage payment into rental income. The City of Saskatoon requires a building permit for a secondary suite, covering egress windows, ceiling height and fire separation, before a lender or appraiser will count that income toward qualifying.

Saskatchewan REALTORS Association figures show the citywide benchmark at $444,700, and a two-family property usually costs more upfront than a comparable single-family home, so the rental income needs to justify the higher purchase price and the added responsibility of being a landlord.

Being a landlord comes with real obligations under Saskatchewan's Residential Tenancies Act, from handling a tenant's deposit to following the rules for entry and notice, which is a different skill set than simply owning a house. A first-time buyer taking this on for the first time should budget time for that role, not only money.

If the numbers work and you are comfortable with the tenant relationship, a two-family purchase can meaningfully lower your real monthly cost of ownership.

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