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London, Ontario, offers newcomers to Canada many great neighbourhoods to rent affordable apartments, condos, and homes. The city is undergoing a rebirth, attracting younger people to its affordable rental housing, location, business and job opportunities, and schools. London’s best neighbourhoods for renting are diverse, and apartments and houses for rent in London range from budget-friendly to expensive. London, Ontario’s best neighbourhoods for renting feature green spaces, parks, rivers, schools, and parking.
These are some of the best neighbourhoods for renting in London, Ontario, for newcomers to Canada. You’ll also find a hidden gem, the safest neighbourhoods, and rental tips. Discover which of London’s best neighbourhoods will be right for you as you begin your housing journey.
According to a survey of RE/MAX Real Estate Brokers, the best London neighbourhoods for renting are Byron, Lambeth and Old South London. These neighbourhoods rank as the top three best neighbourhoods in London for access to green spaces, parks, walkability, retail, restaurants, public transit, and ease of getting around.
Lambeth is a “hidden gem” among London’s neighbourhoods. It is one of London’s safest rental neighbourhoods and feels like a small town. Located in the southwest area of London, Lambeth’s allure includes its quaint and charming atmosphere. Naturally, it has a lot of older homes, but there are new developments.
With an agricultural history, Lambeth has many stores and hosts its yearly harvest festival. If that small-town feel is what you’re after, Lambeth is the spot to rent an apartment or home.
Carling Heights, White Oaks, and Southcrest are excellent neighbourhoods for affordability and for having a good supply of rental housing inventory.
The Byron, Masonville, and Lambeth neighbourhoods are some of the safest neighbourhoods. They have the lowest crime rates, particularly violent crime.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARHere are some of London’s best and most popular renting neighbourhoods for newcomers to Canada and international students:
North London, or Old North London, is a neighbourhood between Downtown and Western University. Known historically for its old homes and beautiful parks, Old London has seen a resurgence of younger residents and is a good rental spot for newcomers. New condos and a lively commercial district populate Richmond Street. The neighbourhood’s rich history still gives the community a shine that makes it desirable.
Many international students rent in the area because of its proximity to Western University.
A neighbourhood in south London, Southcrest features high-rise apartment buildings, single detached homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, and townhouse complexes. Base Line and Wharncliffe’s intersection is a commercial plaza with a grocery store and other shops and restaurants.
Southcrest Park is in the heart of the neighbourhood. It features baseball diamonds, a play structure, a wading pool and a newly renovated outdoor pool. Southcrest residents can easily access nature through the Southcrest Ravine and Euston Park paths.
Byron is situated in Southwest London, close to the Thames River, and is rated as one of London’s three best neighbourhoods for renting. It is popular with middle-income families. In Byron, you’ll find condominiums and single-standing family homes. Byron has many school options, and all the necessary amenities are nearby.
Byron has great entertainment options and activities around town, such as Springbank Park, Boler Mountain, and more.
Located just south of Oakridge and west of Westmount, Byron is a friendly, affordable community and is just right for newcomers looking for their first rental home. Winter sports lovers enjoy being close to Boler Mountain for skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
Byron is a family-friendly rental neighbourhood with plenty of schools, parks, sprawling yards, and streets well-suited for learning to ride a bike.
Old South and Wortley Village, located among Commissioners, Wellington, and Wharncliffe Roads, is a neighbourhood of early-mid-century homes and local shops with plenty of movie-like charm. It’s rated as one of the best neighbourhoods in London for renting.
This London, Ontario neighbourhood is idyllic, with entertainment and leisure options and many green spaces for wandering.
Located close to Byron in the northwest area of London, River Bend is a new London neighbourhood bordered by the beautiful Thames River. It is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in London, although it is also one of the more expensive places to live.
This London neighbourhood is close to Hyde Park Plaza and other shopping venues. The Kains Woods Environmentally Significant Area features trails and wildlife for nature enthusiasts. Komoka Provincial Park is also located in River Bend and offers many activities, such as camping, snowshoeing, and horseback riding.
Blackfriars is the neighbourhood that defines London. Located just outside the downtown core, it runs along the Thames River. It is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in London and features many beautiful homes and historical features.
Blackfriars is home to Labatt Park, a centre for sports and leisure in London since 1877. The Blackfriars Bridge has connected the community to London’s downtown since 1877.
Carling Heights is part of northeast London near the beautiful Old East Village. The neighbourhood is a mix of residential and commercial and features heritage homes, and plenty of shopping. It is also home to London’s most historic sites, the Wolseley Barracks and the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum.
Its proximity to downtown and other vibrant neighbourhoods make it popular with newcomers to Canada and it is one of London’s best neighbourhoods for renting.
The Masonville neighbourhood in London is family-friendly and of the safest in London.
Masonville borders the northern outskirts of Western University and has single-family dwellings and plenty of green space. The Medway Valley Heritage Forest is a popular scenic spot for hiking trails. Carriage Hill Park offers local access to walking trails and a great playground.
Masonville is also home to CF Masonville Place, a shopping area with a mix of over 150 stores.
It’s also popular with empty-nesters and downsizers, with a blend of new and old family homes, small bungalows, condos, and apartments.
Summerside is a new, affordable, modern neighbourhood in London located in the city’s southeast section.
The neighbourhood has many schools to choose from and access to Meadowlily Woods, an environmentally significant area, with many parks and trails.
Shopping, eateries and other services are nearby, just off Commissioners Road.
Summerside also has a sports complex with multiple soccer fields and parks.
Westmount is on the southwest side of London. It features a mix of older condos and single or semi-detached homes. Newer homes have been springing up around Westmount’s edges, but the area’s core is well-established.
Considered a nature lover’s paradise, Westmount is located along the southern edge of the Thames River and is beside several parks, such as Springbank Park. This London, Ontario neighbourhood is home to the Westmount Shopping Centre and offers many shopping and dining options within walking distance.
Westmount features large homes, tiny starter homes, older fixer-uppers, new builds, condos, and duplexes. It is a reasonably priced neighbourhood for newcomers to Canada.
Oakridge is an older neighbourhood with traditional homes and buildings located. The Thames River borders it to the south, the London Hunt to the west and the downtown area to the east. Its location makes it a desirable choice for families.
Oakridge has schools, stores, parks, green space, and golf courses close to the Thames River. Homes in this area are a mix of older 50s ranch-style homes, newer detached homes and condo apartments.
Primarily residential, Oakridge has plenty of family-oriented amenities, including parks, the Sherwood Library, and the Sherwood Forest Mall.
Stoneybrook is located in North London and has more than 7000 residents. It is a quiet family neighbourhood, with many homes built in the 1980s featuring large yards.
If you settle in Stoneybrook, you can easily walk to Masonville Mall or the Stoneybrook Shopping Centre. This neighbourhood has great outdoor spots, trails, and off-leash dog parks.
White Oaks is located in south London and contains a mix of single-family homes built in the 1970s and 1980s and large high-rise apartments. This popular London, Ontario, neighbourhood also features many townhouse complexes, making it appealing to newcomers.
White Oaks Mall serves as the centre for transit and shopping. The area also features the South London Community Centre, the South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, and the Jalna Library Branch.
White Oaks Park is the central park and home of the annual South London Canada Day celebration.
White Oaks Park also has long paved paths joining up with many of the streets in the neighbourhood. It features baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis courts, multiple play structures, and swing sets, perfect for newcomers with families.
The park also has a newly renovated outdoor basketball court. Other parks in the area are Cheswick Park, Ashley Oaks Park, and White Oaks Optimist Park.
Fox Hollow or Foxfield is an up-and-coming neighbourhood on the edge of London’s northwest. It features newer developments and homes that are popular with younger families. It is also near Hyde Park Plaza’s grocery stores, shops and restaurants.
The Fox Field District Park has walking and biking trails. Snake Creek and Medway Creek intersect at the Medway Heritage Forest to provide plenty of outdoor experiences.
Argyle is a large neighbourhood in southeast London. Dundas Street is the leading commercial and transit corridor, with Argyle Mall at Clarke Road as the commercial hub.
The residential areas include single detached homes, townhouses, and three-story walk-ups. Argyle is a busy London neighbourhood with commercial offerings, leisure spots, and many independent shops and services.
London is southwestern Ontario’s largest city. It currently features the fourth most affordable rent prices among mid-sized Ontario cities.
The city offers affordable housing with a lower cost of living (including rent) than much larger cities like Toronto, lower crime rates, and excellent education and healthcare facilities. It also has top-tier schools like Western University and Fanshawe College and state-of-the-art healthcare institutions. It is an outstanding city where newcomers can live, rent, work, buy a home and raise a family. Learn more about Living in London, Ontario.
Prices are falling across the best London, Ontario, neighbourhoods for renting and will likely continue to decline in 2025:
| RENTAL PRICE | 1-BEDROOM (year-over-year change) | 2-BEDROOM (year-over-year change) |
|---|---|---|
| London, Ontario | $1,766 (down 4.3%) | $2,148 (down 2.9%) |
Source: 2025 Rentals.ca Rent Report:
Renting in London is cheaper than renting in Toronto. A one-bedroom in Toronto is $2,353, or $587 more per month than in London. So, renting an apartment in London can save you $7,044 per year.
Finding affordable rental apartments in Canada can be challenging for newcomers and international students. This overview provides valuable tips on how to find accommodation in Canada and prepare for success in your housing search. While finding a short-term rental before you arrive is vital, the hard work is finding affordable long-term housing. Researching the housing market before you arrive will give you information about rent prices in Canada. It will also help you compete in a tight, low-vacancy rental market.
Rental prices in Canada soared in recent years. Prices rose in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina, as people left high-rent cities like Toronto and Vancouver searching for cheaper rent. Only recently have prices started to fall, a trend experts say will continue throughout 2025. However, while rental prices are decreasing in many cities, cost remains an issue.
Many newcomers turn to Rentals for Newcomers (RFN) to find accommodation in Canada.
So why has this online site become so popular with newcomers seeking their first rental home in Canada? Because RFN helps people avoid the headaches, heartaches, and expenses of their rental search by promoting landlords who value newcomers.
For immigrants arriving in Canada’s competitive rental market, sites like Rentals for Newcomers are invaluable. Plus, it’s FREE, but you must create an account! Register for free and connect with landlords.
Rent prices vary across Canada and some cities offer more affordable housing options. Researching and comparing rental prices can help you identify the most cost-effective cities. It’s equally important to ensure that suitable job opportunities exist. Ideally, you want to avoid making a costly secondary move to a new city.
Newcomers wanting to find accommodation in Canada must research the rental market before and after arriving. Knowing the rental landscape can help you find your first home more quickly. Rentals for Newcomers is a great place to begin research to find affordable apartments in Canada.
In addition to hosting rental listings from across Canada, RFN provides:
Dave Frattini, the Managing Partner at Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, says RFN is an invaluable tool to find accommodation in Canada.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR“Searching for affordable accommodation in Canada is more difficult than ever for newcomers,” said Frattini. He offers these tips to prepare to find rental accommodation in Canada:
Frattini emphasizes that “newcomers must put their best foot forward when they meet landlords. Landlords can select the pick of the crop tenants for affordable rentals in prime locations.”
“Rentals for Newcomers is a great example of a partner agency,” said Jesse Greenwell, head of Communications Culture and Inclusivity at Mainstreet Equity Corp. Mainstreet is a leading real estate company for mid-market apartment rentals in Western Canada, “which can help prepare newcomers for Canada’s rental market.”
RFN is part of Rentsync, a North American market leader for property technology. This gives RFN access to the latest rental technology, tools, insights, and trends.
Using Rentsync’s rental technology software network to verify landlords, Rentals for Newcomers ensures that scam listings are not on its site to protect newcomers. Sites like Craigslist and Kijiji are vulnerable to rental scams that target newcomers.
“Importantly, our listings are well managed,” said Frattini. “The platform is driven digitally and manually. Rentsync knows the landlords that are listed on RFN.” Frattini added, “We inform and update our audience about scams in the rental market in blog posts.”
Although rent prices are slowly decreasing and vacancy rates are improving, finding accommodation in Canada remains challenging for newcomers. Experts say this trend will continue throughout 2025. So, it’s vital to research and prepare to find your first long-term rental. Using Rentals for Newcomers can make your search easier, and faster, and help you avoid rental scams.
Renting a condo in Toronto has become more attractive and affordable to newcomers to Canada. Lower asking prices and an increase in the number of rental condos on the market have given newcomer renters more bargaining power with landlords. It has also given them an alternative to renting in an apartment building. Understanding Toronto’s changing condo market can help newcomers find their first rental home in Canada.
For newcomers, it’s a good time to rent or buy a condo in Toronto. And the market will offer many attractive options in 2025.
The Toronto condo market is in flux due to an oversupply of condos amid falling sales and rental asking prices. Toronto and Vancouver are by far the largest condo markets in Canada.
In Toronto, condo sales have slowed dramatically in 2024, descending into a situation described as “bleak.”
According to recent data from Altus Group and BILD GTA, only 210 new condos were sold across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in October. That’s down 84% from the same time last year. The drop reveals how activity in Toronto’s condo market has slowed and why rent asking prices have fallen.
There are approximately 40,000 units of condo supply in the GTA. This consists of unsold condos in development, assignment listings, or condo resale listings. Toronto condo market forecasts suggest there may be more affordable opportunities for newcomers looking to rent or buy a condo.
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Across Canada, condo rent prices are falling for all unit types except for popular three-bedroom units. Nationally, two-bedroom condo rents saw the largest annual decline. This national trend in condo asking rents matches what’s happening in Toronto and Vancouver.
Whether renting or buying, living in a condo in Toronto offers newcomers advantages and disadvantages:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less maintenance and repairs | No control over maintenance & repair schedules |
| On-site amenities, such as a sauna, swimming pool, gym | Paying for amenities you don’t use |
| Enhanced security features | Less privacy and possibly more noise |
| Predictable monthly maintenance or condo for owners | Special assessment charges for unexpected repairs |
| Condo boards elected by and answerable to owners. | Some condominium units are small |
| A community lifestyle with social, entertainment, and recreation | Condo board rules on noise levels, parking, pets, smoking and decorating |
| Possibility of renting out the unit as an Airbnb rental | Disruptions caused by Airbnb rentals |
Some of these pros and cons affect owners only and not renters. If you rent, your landlord will explain the condo rules and regulations before you sign the lease.
Strong population growth in the GTA has boosted condo rentals, according to third-quarter data from the Toronto Region Real Estate Board (TRREB).
In addition to population growth, there has been a significant growth in the number of condos for rent in Toronto. This offers newcomers looking to rent in the Toronto condo market greater choice and lower rental costs.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR“Many newcomers to the GTA initially choose to rent a home,” said TRREB President Jennifer Pearce.
“Given the record pace of immigration, it is no surprise that the number of (condo) rental transactions continues to trend upwards,” said Pearce. “In recent months, these renters are benefitting from much more negotiating power, due to an increase in listing supply. This has resulted in a more affordable (condo) rental market.”
The average rent for all types of rentals in Toronto in October was down 9.0% year-over-year to $2,642.
In the City of Toronto condo rental market, rentals rose 38% year-over-year. According to a recent national report from Royal LePage, this increase was driven by newcomers and population growth.
| CONDO TYPE | RENTAL PRICES (OCT 2024) |
|---|---|
| Studio Condo | $1,874 (down 6.9% from 2023) |
| 1-bedroom Condo | $2,499 (down 5% from 2023) |
| 2-bedroom Condo | $2,386 (down 4% from 2023) |
| 3-bedroom Condo | $2,889 (up 2.8% from 2023) |
A condo can be a good entry-level home for newcomers looking to buy in the Toronto market.
With many condos on the market and at lower prices, would-be buyers have been renting and saving money. They’ve been waiting for interest rate cuts and condo prices to fall. Toronto condo buyers have been waiting for the Bank of Canada to lower its key interest rate below 3.5%. In December, the Bank lowered the rate to 3.25% from 3.75%.
Buyers have also been waiting for desirable two- and three-bedroom condos in prime downtown locations to come on the market.
When buying a condo, it’s smart to consider the size. The hottest-selling condos are two and three-bedroom units of 800 square feet or larger. However, the reality is that most units are 600 square feet or less (studios, one-bedroom, one-and-a-half bedrooms).
In Toronto, the average selling price of a condo (all sizes) in October was $650,000, down 0.7% from September. Overall, the price has fallen 6.1% since October 2023.
The average selling price for all property types in the GTA has fallen 15% since the peak in February 2022. Housing and condo prices in the GTA are expected to remain stable or rise slowly come spring, depending on interest rates.
Toronto’s condo market is becoming more attractive for newcomers. But for now, there appears to be no rush to buy one. As Toronto real estate agent Grace Chan told The Toronto Star, “Interest rates need to be lower, and the (condo) inventory needs to be more enticing,”
Sources:
CMHC, TTREB, Rentals.ca, Toronto Star
For most newcomers and international students arriving in Canada and seeking accommodation, a short-term rental usually comes first, followed by a longer-term rental. Many also consider sharing accommodation with others as a cost-effective option.
But there is another housing solution for newcomers: home-sharing, or rooms for newcomers.
Home-sharing, of course, is not new to Canada. Other home-sharing programs exist, primarily focused on keeping seniors living and aging in place and helping students find affordable accommodation.
But now Sparrow, a Canadian home-sharing platform is looking to help immigrants explore, and find, home-share solutions with rooms for newcomers. It’s also looking to enlist settled newcomer homeowners as hosts. To achieve this, Sparrow has teamed with Prepare for Canada to make hosts, and rooms, available to newcomers.
This Sparrow-Prepare for Canada initiative aims to provide immigrants and international students with accommodation sharing, another housing alternative to apartments, condos, or house renting.
“We need to do a better job of making it easier and safer for newcomers to find good housing options in Canada,” said Oren Singer, co-founder and CEO of Sparrow. “There’s a ton of underutilized housing space in the form of spare rooms and basements.
“With the cost of living so high these days, we’re seeing many homeowners turning to home-sharing as a way to supplement income.” The rooms-for-newcomers project is timely and affordable.
Though rental prices and vacancy rates are now easing across Canada, affordability remains a significant housing issue for the thousands of newcomers and international students arriving each month.
“We need to do a better job of making it easier and safer for newcomers to find good housing options in Canada.”
Oren Singer, Co-founder and CEO, Sparrow
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARSparrow estimates that there are over 12 million empty bedrooms across Canada.
In Ontario alone, it’s estimated that more than half of residents — and three-quarters of those over the age of 65 — live in houses that are bigger than they need, leaving five million spare bedrooms across the province, according to a pre-pandemic report by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis.
“We have an opportunity and responsibility to reimagine how we use and share our housing space,” says the Sparrow website. The company also notes that one in five Canadian renters spends more than half their income on shelter costs.
Obviously, to meet the demand for accommodation sharing, Sparrow and Prepare for Canada are looking for hosts in addition to housemates.
The lack of affordable housing for renters, plus population growth and inflation, inspired homeowner Karen H. to become a Sparrow host. “I decided that I could pay it forward by helping somebody get in a space to live at a reasonable price.”
Karine S., who rents a room from Karen in Toronto, said that initially, she didn’t know about the Sparrow concept of housemates and renting a room. She said she was hesitant at first because of previous issues with roommates.
A Sparrow Story – Karen & Karine from Sparrow on Vimeo.
“I was a little bit wary going into this,” she said, “but the thing that really clarified it for me was actually finding a compatible match (Karen).”
In addition to continuing demand and competition for affordable rentals, the price of rents across Canada remains high, particularly in regions such as the Greater Toronto Area and the Greater Vancouver Area, popular destinations for newcomers to Canada.
In December 2024, a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto cost $2,360 a month, while a one-bedroom in Vancouver was $2,512. Even a one-bedroom in Saskatoon (one of Canada’s most affordable cities for rent prices) costs $1,223 monthly. Homeshare rents, at approximately $875 a month, are significantly cheaper.
Sparrow’s home-sharing platform and community match hosts with spare bedrooms with newcomers and international students seeking budget-friendly places to live. The company also sees its business as building social connections and increasing the quality of life for Canadians.
Sparrow does credit and background checks and attempts to match people based on compatibility.
Hosts can list their space and create a profile for FREE. A service fee for hosts is only charged once the host has received the first rental payment from the housemate.
The host service fee (a one-time only fee) ranges from 1/4 – 1 month’s rent, depending on the length of the home share contract:
Housemates do not pay Sparrow fees.
The company ensures safety and security. Its matching process involves rigorous identity verification, background checks, home share agreements, and screening interviews. Sparrow also matches based on compatibility to enable better connections based on habits, lifestyles, and living preferences.
Anyone who decides to become a host should check with their insurance company to see if any additional coverage is needed.
“Rooms and/or basements on the Sparrow platform are more budget-friendly compared to an average studio or 1-bedroom rental rates,” says Singer.
“We’ve been helping newcomers make connections that simplify the immigration journey for over 12 years,” says Dave Frattini, managing partner of Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers.
“Sparrow is a purpose-driven home-sharing platform and community that makes it easy, safe, and enjoyable to rent a room,” said Frattini.
“Together, we’re on a mission to help newcomers enter the rental market faster and easier than ever by connecting newcomers with newcomer and newcomer ally homeowners who can help newcomers find safe and affordable housing. We’re pleased to launch this initiative and look forward to reaching out to homeowners who want to contribute to building this innovative housing solution for newcomers.”
For newcomers and international students, renting a room represents an affordable and viable path to sharing accommodation in Canada, and a chance to make a lifelong friend.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Prepare for Canada to help connect and match newcomers to places they can call home,” says Singer.
Newcomer homeowners and renters can sign up here.
For many reasons, a 2-bedroom apartment is often the smart accommodation choice for newcomers to Canada and international students. The primary advantage is having a roommate to share the costs and make the rent price affordable. Discover what you can expect to pay for 2-bedroom rentals across Canada and the added benefits.
According to Rentals.ca, the asking price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Toronto in October 2024 is $3,091 per month (a one-bedroom is $2,380), down 9.7 percent from October 2023.
For newcomers looking for something more affordable in Ontario, a two-bedroom in Hamilton rents for $2,102, and in Windsor, Ontario at $1,786 per month.
Go further west in Canada, and a two-bedroom in Edmonton, Alberta, costs an even more affordable $1,703, according to Rentals.ca.
On Canada’s east coast, the asking price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Halifax in October was $2,487.
Vancouver, Toronto, and Burnaby were the most expensive cities in Canada to rent a two-bedroom apartment in October 2024. In all three cities, the average two-bedroom rent exceeded $3000; in Vancouver, it was $3,430 monthly.
The most affordable 2-bedroom apartments in Canada are in Fort McMurray, Saskatoon and Regina. All are under $1,500.
Still, rent prices in Canada are falling, with experts predicting it’s becoming a renters market. In October, the rental market nationally saw the first decline in annual rents since July 2021. The average cost of rent is down $50 a month from a record high in June 2024.
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Two-bedroom units appeal to younger Millennials, GenZ renters, and immigrants arriving with families, so it’s no wonder they have the highest rent demand in urban areas. Deciding how many bedrooms you need for you and your family depends on your needs, finances, and how you budget for affordable living.
Usually, a family of five can live in a 2-bedroom apartment. Be upfront with the landlord about how many people will live in the rental. Landlords cannot refuse to rent out their property because of the size of your family.
Also, when choosing a two-bedroom apartment, consider its size and layout to ensure everyone can live comfortably.
There are more than 2.13 million apartment units across Canada, and according to Statistica, the majority are two-bedroom.
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In addition to more living (and closet) space, a two-bedroom gives you more design options for furniture and the freedom to customize your living space.
Sharing a two-bedroom apartment means sharing utility and other costs with a roommate to reduce housing expenses, and to make the rent affordable. If your rental costs are lower, you can live closer to work or school and avoid transportation costs.
Also, a 2-bedroom apartment can give you:
A larger apartment is a smart living choice for starting a family in Canada. Also, if you plan, like many newcomers to Canada, to buy a home within three to five years after arriving, a two-bedroom allows you to remain in one spot until you do. In other words, there are no moving or relocation costs or hassles.
The smallest floor plan usually has two bedrooms and one full bathroom with access to the bathroom from a hallway outside of either bedroom. This allows people to access the bathroom without entering a bedroom and is the perfect layout for two roommates. In addition, the two bedrooms are (almost) equal in size. Be sure to check out the amount of storage.
The medium-sized 2-bedroom apartment may have 1.5 bathrooms on one or two floors. The two-story layout often has a living room, kitchen, half bathroom downstairs, two bedrooms, and a separate full bathroom upstairs. A one-story layout may have a half bath near the living room and kitchen and a full bath near the bedrooms. An extra half bathroom is helpful for newcomers with families or for guests.
A large 2-bedroom apartment plan features two bathrooms, usually in many condo rentals. The main bedroom has an attached full bathroom in this layout, while the second bedroom does not. The second full bathroom is usually off a hallway, allowing guests to use it without entering the bedroom.
The 2-bedroom deluxe layout, common to condo rentals, may have 2.5 bathrooms. It usually includes walk-in closets for the main bedroom. It may include fixture upgrades and a larger kitchen and dining area.
A 2-bedroom apartment offers newcomer renters the chance to balance affordability, maximize smart living space, and maintain flexibility while doing longer-term life planning, such as buying a home.
You may discover that renting a 2-bedroom apartment is an affordable living option with many benefits!
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*Rent prices were accurate when this article was published but may change over time.
For homeowners in Canada with a mortgage to pay and spare rooms to rent, becoming a homesharing host can help solve financial and personal needs. All homeowners quickly discover that homeownership comes with costly expenses, including the mortgage, insurance, monthly maintenance, and daily living expenses. Despite the costs, homeownership remains the goal of young Canadians and newcomers, even with the high home prices and mortgage rates, according to a recent Scotiabank survey. Renting out that spare room and welcoming housemates as a home share host can help lower your monthly homeownership costs.
Discover the benefits of becoming a homesharing host and how to do it!
Renting out a spare room can bring Canadian homeowners valuable extra income via home share to help pay their mortgage and bills. Becoming a home share host is a solution that can bring financial relief, whether you’re an empty nester, a struggling young homeowner, or a newcomer to Canada homeowner. It also enables homeowners to make new friends and gain companionship.
The 1.4 million Canadians who got a mortgage in 2020 or 2021 may have seen their median monthly mortgage cost increase by $420, or 30 percent, upon renewal. Even though the Bank of Canada continues to lower interest rates, many homeowners renewed their mortgages when or just after the rate reached a high of 5 percent in 2023.
Renting out a spare room can ease that financial pressure. It also provides affordable rental housing for newcomers and international students.
Searching for your first home in Canada? Join this exclusive session for key insights on housing market conditions, affordable options, and renting without credit history. Tailored for newcomers settling in the next six month, register now for valuable tips and a free guide!
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARHomesharing hosts rent spare bedrooms to long-term housemates for rent (and possibly help around the house and companionship). While the homesharing concept isn’t new, Prepare for Canada and Sparrow Share have partnered to offer a unique and fulfilling path for Canadian homeowners to become homesharing hosts.
Sparrow estimates that there are over 12 million empty bedrooms across Canada.
Canada will welcome 395,000 immigrants in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026. That’s in addition to tens of thousands of international students and temporary foreign workers looking for affordable housing. Rental demand and rent asking prices nationwide remain high for renters.
Homesharing, done right, is a safe, reliable, hassle-free process that benefits both hosts and renters.
In Ontario, it’s estimated that more than half of residents, and three-quarters of those over 65, live in houses larger than they need. According to the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis, that adds up to five million spare bedrooms across Canada’s largest province.
Oren Singer, the co-founder and CEO of Sparrow, says Canada needs “to do a better job of making it easier and safer for newcomers to find good housing options in Canada.” “There’s a ton of underutilized housing space in the form of spare rooms and basements,” said Singer.
Dave Frattini, Managing Partner of Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, says the Prepare for Canada/Sparrow initiative offers a simple, turnkey homesharing service to help homeowner hosts find a pool of compatible housemates.
To ensure accountability, Sparrow verifies every potential renter through background, credit, and income checks. Their matching algorithm finds renters who complement the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Sparrow also ensures that the homeowner’s room rental is the optimal price. They collect and report rent payments to credit bureaus to motivate renters to pay on time.
Housemates can rent a room for as little as two months or up to a year.
We’re on a mission to help newcomers enter the rental market faster and easier by connecting them with homeowners and newcomer allies.
Dave Frattini, Prepare for Canada
Homeowners who want to become homesharing hosts can list their rentals and create a profile for free. A service fee for hosts is only charged once the host has received the first rental payment from the housemate.
The host service fee (a one-time-only charge) ranges from 1/4 – 1 month’s rent, depending on the length of the homesharing contract. There are no service fees for housemates.
| TERM LENGTH | ONE TIME ONLY HOST SERVICE FEE |
|---|---|
| 1 -3 months | 1/4 month’s rent |
| 4 – 5 months | 1/2 month’s rent |
| 6 – 9 months | 3/4 month’s rent |
| 10 – 12 months | 1 month’s rent |
Becoming a homesharing host offers many benefits, including:
Brigitte Sharpe of Toronto decided to become a Sparrow homesharing host after her son moved out.
“I’ve got a second room,” said Sharpe. “It’s very difficult for people to find spaces, so I thought I would give it a shot.”
Sharpe says that she and her housemate of six months bonded and now have a friendship. She believes that they will definitely get together in the future.
Canadian homeowners with a spare bedroom can sign up to be a home-sharing host here.
“We’re on a mission,” says Frattini, “to help newcomers enter the rental market faster and easier by connecting them with homeowners and newcomer allies who can provide safe and affordable housing.”
“We look forward to reaching out to any homeowners across the country who want to contribute to building this innovative housing solution for newcomers.”
And, of course, for homeowner hosts, there are the benefits of “having someone around.”
“I recently spoke with one of our hosts who’s been renting out her spare room to a PhD student from the University of Toronto for about a year now,” said Singer.
“She shared that, while the extra income has been helpful, the biggest benefit has been the peace of mind that comes with having someone around.”
Singer said that this reminds him “how homesharing isn’t just about financial stability, it’s about creating a sense of community.”
Canadian homeowners looking for a sense of community and an income stream from renting a spare room can sign up here to be homesharing hosts.
With rising homeownership expenses, becoming a Canada homesharing host may be the boost you need!
For newcomers and international students arriving in Canada, the current rate of inflation affects how much you pay for housing, groceries, transportation, and other expenses. Staying informed about inflation changes can help you budget and manage your finances. Stay up-to-date with recent changes so you can manage the cost of living in Canada.
The most recent Statistics Canada data (June 2024) shows the annual inflation rate fell from 2.9 percent in May to 2.7 percent in June. This rate drop is welcome news for immigrants who have recently arrived or will soon arrive.
Lower gasoline prices were the driving force behind the rate drop.
What is contributing to the current rate of inflation?
Durable goods (cars, home appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, sports gear, toys, etc.) fell by 1.8 percent, which also helped lower the rate.
More good news for newcomers is that cell phone services were down 12.8 percent in June compared with 19.4 percent in May. Canada has some of the highest mobile phone rates in the world.
Clothing and footwear prices also edged lower in June. Service prices rose 4.8 percent annually in June, compared with a 4.6 increase in May.
| COST OR SERVICE | CHANGE |
|---|---|
| Durable Goods (furniture, appliances) | Down 1.8% year over year |
| Used vehicles | Down -4.5% amid improved inventory levels compared with a year ago |
| Travel tours | Down 11.1 compared to a year ago |
| Recreation/Leisure | Down 0.5% in June after a 0.4% gain in May |
| Cell phone services | Down 12.8% in June compared to May 2024 |
| Gas prices | Rose just 0.4% in June compared to 5.6% in May |
| Price for fresh fruit | Down -5.2% in June compared with May (-2.8%) |
Newcomers can monitor inflation in Canada to help budget for costs.
Housing inflation is a concern for immigrants
While rent growth has slowed in recent months in Canada’s largest cities, Toronto and Vancouver, some popular rental markets, such as Alberta, continue to have rental price growth. Rent prices in Canada rose 9 percent in June compared to June 2023.
So, will the drop be enough to convince the Bank of Canada (BOC) to cut its key overnight lending rate gain?
The BOC lowered interest rates from 5 percent to 4.75 percent in June 2024. That cut was the first in four years, and the first time the rate fell below five percent since July 2023.
The Bank will meet on July 24 to discuss whether current economic conditions warrant further cuts.
Derek Holt, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets Economics for Scotiabank believes that “the BOC is still likely to cut” in July, which would be good news for immigrants.
The BOC has set a target of two percent inflation. Inflation hit a high of 8.1 percent in June 2022, just as the Canadian economy was recovering from the pandemic. The BOC hiked interest rates 10 times between March 2022 and the summer of 2023 to control inflation.
The BOC believes that making it more expensive for Canadians to borrow money forces consumers and businesses to spend less, thus lowering prices and slowing the economy.
The most recent employment report for June revealed that the Canadian economy lost 1,400 jobs. The unemployment rate increased to 6.4 percent, meaning 1.4 million people were unemployed in June, an increase of 42,000 from May.
According to the latest report from the IRCC, monthly immigration to Canada rose by 22 percent in April. It increased again by 9.3 percent in May, with 46,550 newcomers that month,
That puts the total number of new permanent residents arriving in the first five months of 2024 at 210,865.
The details of the report are consistent with the backdrop of consumers becoming increasingly cautious with discretionary spending.
Benjamin Reitzes, BMO economist
Inflation is a major concern for immigrants and international students who have arrived in Canada or are arriving soon. The cost of living in Canada affects many basic items and services essential to newcomers’ daily lives.
A June 2024 Abacus Data poll showed that the cost of living is the number one issue for Canadians.
Finding a short-term rental is a vital first step in the housing journey of immigrants and international students arriving in Canada.
Before finding their first long-term home in Canada, newcomers need temporary accommodation while they search for a job and get settled.
However, finding an affordable, suitable long-term rental in many parts of Canada can now take up to two months.
According to a recent Rentals.ca report, that’s due to fierce competition and historic low vacancy rates amid a rental housing crisis.
Short-term rentals are the most popular solution, and here’s what to know about how to find them:
Short-term rental operators rent their homes or rooms via companies such as Airbnb.
The bylaws that govern short-term rentals vary across Canada. For example, in Toronto, the initial short-term rental period is less than 28 consecutive days. So, check with the operator about the city’s bylaws and rules.
According to Statistics Canada, the short-term rental industry is thriving in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario.
Montreal, Halifax, Toronto, Ottawa, Victoria, and Vancouver are the most popular Canadian cities for short-term rentals.
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Accommodation in Canada & Options for Newcomers
How to Find Accommodation in Canada with Rentals for Newcomers
There are busy and slower seasons for short-term rentals.
Generally, spring and summer (March to August) are busiest, and winter is the slowest.
However, many rentals are also event-driven, so be aware of large events in the city where you intend to land.
Prices and available rentals change based on demand (and supply). Booking well before you arrive will help you secure a rental and get the best deal.
If you know where you want to settle long-term within a specific city, it can be a strategic move to get a short-term rental in that area. That way, you can explore the neighbourhood and determine whether it is right for you and your family.
If you know where you will be working, a rental near your work can help you judge commuting times and costs.
A rental in or near a city’s downtown core allows you to look for your first long-term rental home in Canada and offers many benefits (though rental fees may be higher) such as access to:
Be sure to do plenty of research before you arrive. There are webinars, websites, and videos about neighbourhoods in most major Canadian cities. Pre-arrival settlement agencies can also offer guidance before you arrive in Canada.
Short-term rental costs in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are higher than in mid-sized cities such as Hamilton, Regina, or Fredericton. That’s a fact. So, research many short-term rental websites (see below) to find the rental that fits your budget.
Consider this: a recent survey by Rentals.ca showed that it can take renters in Canada as long as two months to find a suitable, affordable rental.
Hopefully, that won’t be your experience.
Still, it’s vital to know that the Canadian long-term rental market is competitive, and vacancy rates are at historic lows in many cities popular with immigrants and students.
So, budget accordingly for your short-term rental. You could be there longer than you anticipated.
It’s also a smart strategy to follow rental housing trends and solutions in Canada before you arrive.
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Short-term rental prices vary in cities and provinces.
However, a recent Ontario government short-term rental report showed that from January to April 2024, the average DAILY rental rate in the Greater Toronto Area was $114.32. That’s up 9.2 percent from the same months in 2023.
The average daily rate in the famous tourist region of Niagara was $194.44 for the same period.
According to the Ontario report, the average rental daily rate in Canada for that period was $159.88. That’s up 11.8 percent from 2023.
Remember, January to April is a slow season for demand for short-term rentals.
Once you arrive in Canada, most financial transactions, such as your short-term rental, can help to build your credit history. So, keep track of your rental payments, AND the addresses of your rental(s).
A positive recommendation from the rental owner is also useful when looking for long-term accommodation and impressing Canadian landlords.
All legitimate short-term rental operators advertise and define their cancellation policy. Look for it and study it before you book your rental.
If the rental does not provide a policy, be suspicious and ask questions. For example, many operators have a 30-day cancellation policy with a full refund.
Airbnb is a well-known and popular short-term rental site with a major presence in the rental market.
However, many others operate in Canada, and researching them is a smart strategy for newcomers.
Other popular sites include Sublet.com, VRBO, HomeAway, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, FB Groups, HostelWorld, and many others you can search online.
When securing a short-term rental from Kijiji and Craigslist, immigrants to Canada and international students must remember that these are classified ad websites and historically home to rental scammers.
Do your homework before renting through either Kijiji or Craigslist and be careful when considering a listing on these sites.
Unfortunately, newcomers and international students are the primary targets of short-term rental scammers.
Generally, scammers post their rental offers on well-known sites such as Facebook, Kijiji, and Craigslist. Classified sites are difficult to regulate, so they are popular with scam artists.
2. You’re asked to wire cash. Any request for cash is a scam warning. Walk away.
3. You are unable to verify the address. Walk away.
4. The pictures of the rental don’t seem right or don’t match the price (meaning the property and the amenities are too impressive). Walk away.
5. You’re unable to reconnect with the rental host. Walk away.
6. You’re asked for too much personal information regarding banking and credit cards. Walk away.
If you get scammed, contact your Canadian bank (if you have opened an account) and credit card provider to see if you can stop payment. You can also report the scam to the local police.
SOURCES: Statistics Canada, Ontario Government, Rentals.ca
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada used no AI-generated content in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
© Prepare for Canada 2024
Protecting yourself and your family against unexpected danger and risk is what insurance in Canada is all about for newcomers to Canada. Knowing what types of insurance are available before you arrive is smart financial planning that can save you money and build security. For example, the first type of insurance newcomers need to understand is renters insurance (or tenant insurance). Most landlords require it. And then there are health insurance plans. This guide can help you find the right insurance for your new life in Canada.
Insurance is one way that newcomers to Canada can manage risks. Things can go wrong. Accidents happen. Floods happen. And you don’t want to start over financially from scratch. So, when you purchase insurance, you transfer the cost of a potential loss to the insurance company in exchange for a fee (known as the premium). Insurance companies invest the funds securely, grow, and pay out when there’s a claim.
An insurance broker is not the same thing as an insurance agent. Brokers know how insurance policies work and can access more options than an agent. This lets them pick the best rates for the coverage you need from many insurance companies.
An insurance premium is the amount you or your business pays for an insurance policy. Insurance premiums pay for policies that cover things like healthcare, auto, rental, home, and life insurance.
Risk insurance protects your home and property from “risks and perils.” It covers property damage or loss from accidents or unforeseeable incidents (flood, sewer backup, frozen pipes, etc.)
Canada is renowned for its healthcare system, and quality healthcare is one of the reasons newcomers seek to build a life here. Government health insurance programs like the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) let you apply for coverage once you arrive in Canada and establish your permanent residency.
Buying travel medical health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses before you and your family can join a government health insurance program is smart. Without it, you could end up paying significant out-of-pocket costs.
Once you arrive in Canada and establish your permanent residency government health insurance programs allow you to apply for coverage. But, in some provinces, there is a wait period before you are eligible for government health insurance. That’s where private insurance coverage is a good idea for both temporary visitors to Canada and people on the path to becoming permanent residents and Canadian citizens.
When purchasing visitor travel insurance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. As a newcomer to Canada, you must understand your options and select the right coverage based on key factors like age, dependants, health status, and deductible preference.
Buying travel medical health insurance can be challenging for newcomers and international students. It requires navigating the process especially if you have age-related risk factors and pre-existing health conditions. Finding the right coverage is important. It’s vital to know the basic requirements you or a loved one need before you buy a travel medical health policy.
Visitors to Canada Travel insurance isn’t just for visitors! It’s also beneficial to the following individuals:
Most renters in Canada get renter’s insurance and many landlords and buildings require it. It’s vital for newcomers and international students as it protects and reimburses you in an emergency. When you rent your first home as a newcomer or international student, remember that while you do not own the property, you most likely own the contents (furniture, electronics, personal possessions, valuables, etc.).
Renters insurance is a must-have because most landlords in Canada require it, and here are five reasons why you need it.
Your landlord’s insurance only covers the building you’re living in. It does not cover your family’s belongings. The landlord’s insurance can’t always protect you from things that may go wrong in your new home in Canada. Renters’ insurance protects you.
Having the right insurance is about protecting yourself and your family against unexpected risks. Knowing how different kinds of insurance in Canada can protect you even before you arrive is vital. Insurance is smart financial planning that can save you money and build security.
Recently, Dave Frattini, Managing Partner of Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers, sat down with Robin Ingle, CEO of Ingle International Insurance, to discuss the importance of Travel Medical Health insurance for immigrants arriving in Canada.
In their discussion, Ingle, whose mother was an immigrant, explained the Canadian healthcare system, how Travel Medical Health insurance for immigrants works, and why it’s important for newcomers. He emphasized the social-based nature of Canada’s healthcare system and the need for newcomers to buy medical insurance to avoid unexpected expenses. Ingle is an acclaimed specialist in special risk insurance.
Ingle provided valuable insights for immigrants on Travel Medical Health insurance and why it’s important to understand coverage levels and policy information. This can help newcomers who do not have provincial health insurance when they first arrive avoid unexpected and high medical costs.
Their discussion explains why newcomers to Canada (and international students) should prepare for healthcare and insurance costs before arriving in Canada. Ingle also dispelled myths about Travel Medical Health insurance.
Robin Ingle (RI): I come from an immigrant family. Two hundred years ago, my father’s family moved from Pennsylvania to Canada, and my mother moved from Finland to Canada for a better life with her family. That’s how they met.
After World War II, when Canada started receiving an influx of immigrants, my parents focused on health insurance for newcomers. That was before there was a social health care system in Canada. They concentrated on helping people in the way that Prepare for Canada helps newcomers acclimate to Canada, find housing, and the biggest part, health insurance.
Today, we work worldwide. Providing services and coverage to new newcomers is in our DNA.
RI: There are misunderstandings about the Canadian healthcare system. It is a social system, but it only applies to permanent residents in Canada who are part of a provincial government health insurance plan. If you do not have PR status, you’re considered a non-resident. If you are getting your permanent residency but haven’t applied for your provincial health plan, you’re considered a non-resident until you join the provincial plan.
In Canada, the costs of healthcare services for non-residents are high. Visiting a clinic can cost anywhere between $100 and $200. Going to a hospital and emergency room can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. If you have to stay in the hospital on an inpatient basis, it can be $3,000 or more per day.
Major hospitals charge $17,000 or more for a day’s stay in an intensive care unit. This is very expensive for people outside the provincial government health system.
An important thing people need to understand is that healthcare providers in Canada are private. The provincial government is the biggest payer and manager of the government health system. A private doctor bills the government, and the government pays the largest portion of their bills (only a small amount of patients are non-residents). The government pays the physicians and the hospitals. So it’s a slightly different system than in the UK or Europe.
RI: The cost is not high. For example, for a family, you will pay insurance for three months. You might pay upwards of $500 for three months to cover the waiting period before you get onto a provincial health plan. That would cover inpatient hospitalization, outpatient care, and emergency visits to a clinic.
Most newcomers who have come through the immigration process are healthy, so the cost is reasonable and in line with the type of risk.
You need to be prepared. You pay a small amount for the coverage and know you and your family will be covered if something happens, like an accident. It’s important to stress that any medical incident can be costly without provincial or private healthcare.
A while ago, my sister fell and broke her hip and had to go to the hospital. That was an accident. You could get the flu, or a bee sting and need to go to the hospital because of an anaphylactic shock. Insurance covers hospital visits under these plans.
RI: People can purchase insurance before or after they arrive. However, depending on the coverage, there is a 48-hour waiting period when you arrive. This means you can’t claim for a sickness within 48 hours of buying it.
RI: Newcomers do not want to begin their lives here with extra bills. Health insurance coverage is worth a small amount of money for anybody not covered under a provincial government health plan.
Also, Canadians returning from working, studying, or living outside Canada for more than 183 days must reapply for their provincial government health plan, depending on the province. And they have to wait up to three months to get that coverage. So insurance is not just for newcomers. It’s also for those who have been out of the system for some time.
RI: Anybody coming into Canada who is a non-resident, a newcomer, or anybody applying for permanent residency. Or anyone going through the immigration process as a refugee. Anybody in these categories considered a newcomer can apply.
First and second-generation Canadians who are already citizens often buy coverage when their families visit. They often don’t think about this because they’re now Canadian citizens. They don’t realize how much medical costs can be for visitors or grandparents visiting.
You also have new rules, like the Super Visa, where you can bring an older relative over for a period of time if you’re a new Canadian. So, you need Super Visa visitor insurance. You need a minimum coverage of $100,000 for 12 months. There are different categories, but anybody visiting who’s not covered should get coverage.
RI: There are no ineligible groups. If you do not have coverage under a provincial government plan, you should get it. And, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you need to ask questions because the plans may not cover that medical condition.
If you’re (a visitor) taking medication for a pre-existing heart condition, for example, and go to the hospital and try to buy the coverage, you will not be eligible for most plans.
RI: Often, newcomers or Canadians bring relatives over and must buy visitor insurance or provide coverage before they enter a provincial health plan. They’ll buy the cheapest product, which means less coverage. I advise that they buy the mid-level coverage. With low coverage, you can get $100,000 or $50,000 worth, but that can disappear quickly. If you’re in the hospital for even a few days, it can cost $50,000, and the low-coverage insurance won’t cover anything else.
Choose between $350,000 and $500,000 worth of coverage. Make sure you’re covered for the full period you need. Ask for additional coverage if you need it.
RI: Here, it’s called Visitor to Canada insurance. Be sure you read the information provided and understand what is covered. Financial literacy is important, especially with insurance and financial products.
Ensure the insurance covers you and your family for doctor visits and hospitalization if needed. If you need medication for an emergency, ensure it is covered. For newcomers, that would be Super Visa insurance.
RI: Travel insurance in Canada draws a good distinction between the two.
Travel insurance in the Canadian market is traditionally for a Canadian citizen travelling outside of their home province in Canada. Travel insurance within Canada covers the difference between what the province and the insurance will cover. So, it’s a different level of coverage.
Also, when people leave their country of origin or their original country of residence, they often buy local coverage, which may not have the same level of coverage they will need in the Canadian market. So make sure you compare the products. We’ll provide background information if anybody has questions.
RI: Aha is a great property and casualty organization providing automobile, home, and business insurance access. We like how they do business, and we use their platform to compare products. We fit well because we have access to our products, and all major companies to get the right product to fit the individual’s needs. That makes a big difference. Plus, Aha provides information to help individuals understand what kind of coverage they need and how to get it. We do exactly the same thing.