Indian Investors Buying Property in Calgary

I’m Mohit Dhillon, a licensed Calgary REALTOR® with Century 21 Bravo Realty, and I work with many clients from the Indian community who are buying in Calgary for family settlement, long-term wealth building, or rental income. My approach is simple: we define your investment target (cash flow vs long-term appreciation vs balanced), then narrow down neighbourhoods and property types that consistently hold value and rent well. From there, I help you evaluate pricing, compare true value (not just finishes), and structure an offer with the right conditions and timelines. If you’re buying from outside Calgary—or even outside Canada—I also help you coordinate the process so your financing, documentation, inspections, and closing steps are organized properly, with the right professionals involved when legal or tax guidance is needed.

FAQ's

Can Indian investors buy property in Calgary if they are not Canadian citizens?
It depends on your status. Permanent residents and Canadian citizens can purchase normally. For non-residents, Canada has federal rules that can restrict purchases of certain residential property types in major metro areas, so the first step is confirming your residency/permit situation before choosing a strategy.

Does the foreign buyer ban apply in Calgary?
Calgary is in a census metropolitan area, and the federal restriction is tied to census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations. If you are a non-resident, confirm whether the rule applies to your situation and whether any exemption fits before moving forward.

Is the restriction the same for commercial real estate?
The federal prohibition is written around “residential property” (as defined in federal legislation). Commercial real estate is generally treated differently, but you should confirm your exact plan with legal advice if you’re buying from outside Canada or through a corporation.

What is the best type of investment property in Calgary for long-term value?
Most investors do best with properties that combine strong tenant demand and resale strength—typically in stable, family-friendly areas with consistent amenities and transit/commute access. The right property type depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and whether your plan is cash flow, appreciation, or balance.

Do I need a larger down payment if I’m new to Canada or buying from abroad?
Often, yes—requirements can be different depending on residency, credit history in Canada, income verification, and the lender. The fastest path is to align your financing plan early so you don’t waste time shopping listings you can’t close on.

How do I send money to Canada for a down payment safely?
You’ll typically need a documented paper trail showing where funds came from, plus timing that matches your financing and closing requirements. The exact steps depend on your bank, residency, and lender requirements—so plan the funds transfer early.

How long does it take to buy an investment property in Calgary?
Once financing and documentation are ready, timelines can move quickly. The main delay is usually not the market—it’s unclear financing, slow decision-making, or not having a clean shortlist.

What should I avoid when investing in Calgary?
Common mistakes include buying purely for “new and shiny,” ignoring neighbourhood resale demand, underestimating condo document risk, overpaying in weak pockets, or choosing layouts that tenants don’t want. A strong filter system prevents most of these.