In a market that’s shifting rapidly, Canadian investors are rethinking where—and how—they invest in real estate. Historically, British Columbia has been the golden child of property appreciation. But with interest rates, affordability, and cash flow dynamics changing, Alberta is quickly gaining traction with savvy investors.
At Pilot Mortgage Group, we ran the numbers on two real properties—one in Burnaby, BC and one in Calgary, AB—and the results might surprise you. Below, we break down what your money looks like in each province over a five-year period.
Real-World Property Comparison
What If You Invested the Difference?
If you took the extra $45,000 not spent on a BC down payment and invested the $1,430 monthly cash flow into the S&P 500 (8% average return), you could end up with $166,000 after 5 years, on top of your real estate equity.
❌ BC Investment Strategy: High Risk, Low Flexibility
- Large capital required upfront
- Negative monthly cash flow
- Dependent on appreciation only
- High closing costs (e.g., Property Transfer Tax)
- No surplus cash to reinvest
✅ Alberta Investment Strategy: Cash Flow + Growth
- Lower barrier to entry
- Positive cash flow each month
- Lower risk of overleveraging
- Diversified return potential
- Freedom to reinvest and scale
The Takeaway
British Columbia may still offer long-term value through appreciation, but for investors looking to:
- Grow a portfolio
- Diversify returns
- Avoid high monthly carrying costs
- And start building now with less capital...
Alberta makes a strong case in 2025.
Ready to Compare the Math for Yourself?
At Pilot Mortgage Group, we specialize in investment strategy, not just approvals. Book a free call, and we’ll walk you through your numbers, your goals, and help you build a plan that works.
