Buying an Investment Property for Your Kids’ Post-Secondary Years

Tanya Toye • July 23, 2025

Sending your children off to university or college is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with serious financial decisions, especially when it comes to housing. While renting a unit near campus may seem like the easiest route, many parents understand the long-term value of purchasing an investment property instead.


Here’s why buying may be a smarter choice than renting:

1. Build equity instead of paying rent. When you rent, those monthly payments are gone for good. But with a mortgage, every payment helps build equity in an appreciating asset. Rental costs are also high across the country. If your child is attending a four-year program, that’s potentially 48 rent payments you could be putting toward your own

investment instead.


2. Offset costs with rental income. In many university towns, rental demand is high. If your child doesn’t need the whole unit, you can rent out extra bedrooms or even a basement suite to other students. This rental income can help offset your mortgage payments, condo fees and utilities – sometimes even covering the costs entirely. Plus, your kid will be living there to oversee all tenants, offering an added layer of protection.


3. Tax advantages. Unlike your primary residence, a rental property may come with tax-deductible expenses such as mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance and insurance. Depending on your situation, you may also be able to claim depreciation or capital cost allowance. (It’s best to speak with a tax professional to understand your

eligibility.)


4. Investment opportunity. With rising real estate prices, this could be an opportunity to secure property in a city your child may want to live post graduation. It gives them a potential future home – and offers you a long-term investment in a high-demand rental market.


5. Greater control and security. Owning the property means you don’t have to worry about last-minute lease changes, strict landlord rules or rising rents. It also gives your child a stable, secure environment for their studies.


If you're considering this strategy, I’d be happy to weigh your options and determine if this fits within your financial goals. I can help you explore financing options, evaluate cashflow potential and ensure you're set up for success – both now and after graduation.


Let’s talk about whether this could be the right move for your family:

604-788-8693 | tanya@tanyatoye.ca

Tanya Toye

Mortgage Broker

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The Rise of Multi-Generational Homebuying

By Tanya Toye • May 23, 2026
As home prices continue to challenge affordability, more families are exploring creative ways to make homeownership possible. One option that has been growing in popularity is purchasing a single-family dwelling together. For some families, this approach can create opportunities that may not have been achievable individually, while also offering practical support across generations. Multi-family homeownership is not a one-size-fits-all solution but, in the right situation, it can work extremely well. Parents helping adult children enter the housing market, siblings purchasing together or families combining resources to care for aging relatives are all examples of scenarios where shared ownership can make sense. In many cases, a single-family dwelling or full duplex tends to be the preferred property type for this arrangement. Whether the property is freehold or leasehold, these options often provide the flexibility, privacy and living space families are seeking. A full duplex, in particular, can offer a balance between shared ownership and independent living, allowing family members to live close together while still maintaining separate spaces and routines. Combining incomes and down payment resources may improve purchasing power and help families qualify for properties that better meet their long-term needs. Shared expenses such as utilities, maintenance, property taxes and mortgage payments can also reduce the financial pressure that many households are currently experiencing. Careful planning required Purchasing property jointly is a major decision and requires careful planning. It’s important for everyone involved to have open conversations about finances, responsibilities, future plans and expectations before moving forward. Questions around ownership structure, exit strategies, inheritance considerations and ongoing costs should all be discussed early in the process. Legal and financial advice can be extremely valuable to ensure everyone understands their rights and obligations. Lenders will also evaluate the overall application differently when multiple borrowers are involved. Income sources, credit history, debt levels and the intended use of the property all play a role in financing approval. Working with you mortgage broker can help families understand available options and how to structure the purchase appropriately. For some families, buying together may provide a practical path toward stability, affordability and long-term wealth building. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, it’s becoming an increasingly common strategy for families looking to support one another and navigate today’s housing market together. Wondering if multi-generational living is right for you? I’m here to help explain all your options. 604-788-8693 | tanya@tanyatoye.ca

Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart

By Tanya Toye • May 20, 2026
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.