British Columbia House Partners’ rent-to-own program is designed for individuals and families who are financially stable but can’t currently qualify for a traditional mortgage. If you have a steady income, some savings, and a genuine desire to own a home, you may already qualify — even if you’ve been turned down by a bank.

We work with a wide range of buyers across British Columbia, including:

• First-time homebuyers who don’t have a large down payment
• Newcomers to British Columbia without an established credit history
• Self-employed individuals who have trouble proving income to lenders
• Clients with bruised or low credit scores who need time to rebuild
• Renters looking to stop paying someone else’s mortgage and start building equity

To qualify, applicants typically need to:

• Have a household income of $60,000/year or more
• Provide 2% to 5% of the home value upfront as an initial deposit
• Show a clear ability to afford monthly rent payments
• Demonstrate the intent and readiness to become a homeowner within the next 1–3 years

Our team reviews each application carefully and creates a custom plan based on your situation. Even if you've been denied by a bank, we offer a clear, structured path to homeownership in British Columbia — without needing a mortgage on day one. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, you can start with a free, no-impact pre-qualification to get an instant estimate of your home budget.

British Columbia House Partners is not a mortgage lender or a traditional loan provider. We offer a rent-to-own homeownership program in British Columbia that helps clients move into a home today and work toward buying it over time — without needing to qualify for a mortgage upfront. Instead of lending you money to buy a home, we buy the home for you. You then rent it from us under a legally structured rent-to-own agreement, with the option to purchase it back at a pre-agreed price once you're mortgage-ready. A portion of your rent goes toward building equity, and you have locked-in terms that protect you from rising home prices.

Our program is ideal for people who:

• Don’t currently qualify for a mortgage
• Are working to repair their credit or build their income history
• Need flexibility with down payment
• Want a clear, step-by-step plan toward homeownership without relying on banks

Think of British Columbia House Partners as a homeownership bridge — we help you secure the home you want now, while you prepare for future mortgage approval. It’s a mortgage alternative built specifically for first-time homebuyers, self-employed individuals, and newcomers to British Columbia.

So, while we’re not a lender, we help you reach the same goal: owning your home, without the pressure or limitations of a traditional mortgage.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, British Columbia House Partners is built for people just like you. Our rent-to-own program in British Columbia is specifically designed to support buyers who don’t fit the strict criteria of traditional lenders — including self-employed individuals, freelancers, gig workers, and entrepreneurs. Traditional banks often reject self-employed applicants due to inconsistent income, lack of long-term tax filings, or difficulty proving affordability on paper. At British Columbia House Partners, we take a common-sense approach — looking at your full financial picture, not just your notice of assessments or T4s.

We work with:

• Business owners and freelancers with fluctuating monthly income
• Gig economy workers, contract workers, and consultants
• Individuals with strong cash flow but no formal pay stubs
• People who claim lower taxable income for legitimate tax planning reasons

To qualify, you still need:

• A steady source of income (even if it's not W-2 or salaried)
• At least 2% to 5% of the home value as an upfront deposit
• A clear plan to get mortgage-ready within 1–3 years
• Our team will help assess your income realistically and build a custom roadmap so you can move into a home now while preparing for mortgage approval in the future. You don’t need to change your career or wait years for bank approval — we offer a flexible path to homeownership that works with your lifestyle and income structure.

Think of British Columbia House Partners as a homeownership bridge — we help you secure the home you want now, while you prepare for future mortgage approval. It’s a mortgage alternative built specifically for first-time homebuyers, self-employed individuals, and newcomers to British Columbia.

So, while we’re not a lender, we help you reach the same goal: owning your home, without the pressure or limitations of a traditional mortgage.

Your monthly rent and savings amount with British Columbia House Partners depends on the price of the home, the length of your rent-to-own term, and your location in British Columbia — but we make sure everything is transparent and predictable from the start.

Here’s how it works:

• Your monthly rent is based on the fair market rental rate for similar homes in your area.
• A portion of your rent (typically 10% to 25%) is credited toward your future down payment — this is called rent credit.
• Individuals with strong cash flow but no formal pay stubs
• In addition to rent, some clients choose to contribute extra monthly savings to boost their equity and improve mortgage readiness.

Example:

For a $500,000 home in Ontario:

• Monthly rent might be around $2,700 to $3,000
• Of that, around $400 to $700 could go toward your future purchase
• Over 3 years, that adds up to $15,000 to $25,000 in savings toward your mortgage

We’ll provide you with a complete rent-to-own breakdown before anything is signed. You’ll know:

• Your monthly rent
• Your rent credits
• Your locked-in future purchase price

No surprises. No hidden fees.

This structure helps you build equity while renting, making it easier to qualify for a mortgage later — especially if you're a first-time homebuyer, self-employed, or have credit challenges.

The British Columbia House Partners rent-to-own program is available in most cities across British Columbia, including both urban centers and select suburban and rural regions. We’ve designed the program to support families, first-time homebuyers, and individuals who need mortgage alternatives in communities where homeownership is becoming harder to access.

We currently operate in:

• Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, Brampton, etc.)
• British Columbia (Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, etc.)
• British Columbia (Surrey, Kelowna, Victoria, Abbotsford, etc.)
• Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, Regina)
• Manitoba (Winnipeg, Brandon)
• Quebec (Montreal, Laval, Gatineau)
• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI – on a case-by-case basis
• Select smaller towns and rural communities depending on home eligibility

If you're not sure whether your area qualifies, we encourage you to apply for pre-qualification. During that process, we’ll confirm whether we’re currently accepting homes in your city or region.

British Columbia House Partners continues to expand across the country — our mission is to make rent-to-own homeownership in British Columbia available to more families, regardless of location, credit, or income type.

Yes — bad credit or no credit history will not disqualify you from applying with British Columbia House Partners. In fact, helping Albertas with low credit scores, past financial challenges, or limited credit history is exactly why our rent-to-own program exists. Traditional banks often deny mortgage applications based solely on credit score — even when the applicant has a stable job, strong income, and a solid rental history. At British Columbia House Partners, we take a real-world approach to qualifying buyers by looking at your complete financial situation, not just a number.

We work with:

• Buyers with credit scores below 650
• Those who have gone through consumer proposals or bankruptcies
• Newcomers to British Columbia with no established credit
• Individuals who’ve never used credit cards or loans before

To qualify, you’ll still need:

• A stable source of income (employment, business, or self-employed)
• A minimum of 2% to 5% of the home value as an upfront deposit
• A willingness to work toward mortgage readiness during the rent-to-own term

We also provide access to credit-building resources, budgeting guidance, and support so that you’re in a stronger position when it’s time to purchase the home. Over time, many of our clients improve their credit score significantly — while already living in the home they plan to own.

If you've been told “no” by a bank, we’re here to offer a different answer — and a real solution.

On average, it takes 30 to 60 days from the time you’re fully approved to move into your rent-to-own home. The total timeline depends on how quickly your documents are submitted, how fast you find a suitable home, and how long the closing process takes — just like a regular home purchase.

Here’s a general breakdown of the process:

1. Pre-Qualification: You can apply online and get a pre-qualification decision in minutes — this gives you an estimate of your budget.
2. Full Approval: Once you submit supporting documents (proof of income, savings, etc.), we usually issue full approval within 3–5 business days.
3. Home Search: With your approved budget, you can start shopping for rent-to-own eligible homes in your city or region. This part is flexible — some clients find a home in a few days, others take a few weeks.
4. Home Purchase & Closing: Once you’ve chosen a home, we buy it for you. Most closings take 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the seller’s timeline and local legal requirements.

Throughout this process, British Columbia House Partners handles the paperwork, negotiation, and closing, so you can focus on picking the right home and preparing for move-in. Unlike traditional mortgages, you won’t be delayed by financing conditions or lender rejections. That means you can move in faster — even if you have bad credit, non-traditional income, or are a newcomer to British Columbia.

Trying to save for a home on your own — especially in today’s market — can take years. During that time, home prices may rise faster than you can save, your rent payments don’t build equity, and you may keep getting denied by traditional lenders. British Columbia House Partners bridges that gap by helping you move into a home now while you work toward buying it over time.

Here’s why our rent-to-own program is a smarter path for many Albertas:

• You start living in your future home right away instead of waiting years to save the full down payment
• You lock in the purchase price upfront, protecting you from rising housing prices during your rent-to-own term
• A portion of your rent goes toward your future down payment — so you’re building equity while renting
• We help you stay on track with credit-building support and a clear homeownership plan
• No need to qualify for a mortgage today — we buy the home for you and give you time to get mortgage-ready

This is especially helpful if you’re a first-time buyer, self-employed, recovering from credit issues, or new to British Columbia. Saving on your own often leads to frustration and missed opportunities — but with British Columbia House Partners, you can move in now, save while you live, and buy when you’re ready.

We don’t just help you rent. We help you own.

Rent-to-own with British Columbia House Partners is completely different from traditional renting. In a standard rental, you're paying monthly to live in a home you’ll never own — and none of that money goes toward your future. But with rent-to-own, your payments serve a purpose: you're actively working toward buying the home you're living in

The key differences include:

1. A portion of your rent builds equity. Each month, part of your payment is credited toward your eventual down payment. With regular renting, that money is lost forever.
2. You lock in your future purchase price. When you enter our rent-to-own agreement, the price of the home is locked in from day one. This protects you from rising market prices — a major risk if you’re just renting and trying to save on your own.
3. You choose the home you want. Unlike renters who have limited options, our clients can choose any move-in-ready home within their approved budget. We buy it for you, and you move in while preparing to purchase it.
4. You follow a structured path to ownership. We guide you through a timeline that includes credit improvement, savings milestones, and mortgage planning. Renting typically offers no long-term guidance or financial progression.

With British Columbia House Partners, you’re not just renting — you’re progressing. Our program gives you the flexibility of renting with the end goal of becoming a homeowner, even if you’re starting with bad credit, limited savings, or non-traditional income.

No, you do not need to have a real estate agent in order to use British Columbia House Partners’ rent-to-own program — but you can absolutely work with one if you choose. Our program is flexible and supports both clients who have agents and those who don’t.

If you already have a licensed real estate agent, we’re happy to collaborate with them throughout the home search and purchase process. Your agent can help you find suitable listings within your approved budget, and we’ll handle all communication and paperwork related to the rent-to-own structure.

If you don’t have an agent, no problem — we’ll connect you with one of our trusted local partners. We work with experienced realtors across British Columbia who understand the rent-to-own process and can help you find the right home quickly and confidently. Whether you bring your own agent or use one of ours, the home buying experience remains

the same:

• You get to choose the home
• We purchase it for you
• You move in under a structured rent-to-own agreement
• You work toward ownership while living in the home

This flexibility ensures that all clients — first-time buyers, newcomers to British Columbia, or anyone with non-traditional income — can access rent-to-own homeownership without added barriers.

When you enter a rent-to-own agreement with British Columbia House Partners, your future home purchase price is locked in at the start of the program. This means that even if the market value of the home goes up during your rental period, you still buy it at the pre-agreed price — giving you a major advantage in a rising real estate market.

If the home increases in value, you benefit from built-in equity. For example, if the home is worth $550,000 by the end of your term but your locked-in price is $500,000, you keep that $50,000 in value. This makes rent-to-own not just a path to ownership, but also a tool to build wealth while renting.

On the other hand, if the market value decreases slightly during your term, you still have the option to complete the purchase as agreed. However, since you're not legally obligated to buy the home, you can decide not to proceed — though in that case, the deposit and rent credits you've accumulated may not be refundable. That’s why we focus on helping clients choose stable, high-quality homes in strong markets to minimize risk.

British Columbia House Partners helps you protect your buying power, avoid bidding wars, and enter homeownership on your terms — with price certainty and full transparency from day one.

During the rent-to-own period, British Columbia House Partners is the legal owner of the home. We purchase the property on your behalf and retain ownership while you live in it and work toward mortgage readiness. This ensures the home is secured, insured, and managed according to all legal and financial requirements until you're ready to complete the purchase.

Although we hold the title during the rental term, you live in the home just like any other homeowner — with the ability to settle in, decorate, and treat it as your own. Your rent payments contribute toward your future down payment, and you’ll have a locked-in purchase price established in your rent-to-own agreement from day one.

As the tenant-buyer, you’ll have full visibility into the terms of the contract, including the timeline, purchase conditions, rent credits, and final buyout process. When you're ready and approved for a mortgage, the home is transferred into your name — and you officially become the homeowner.

This structure provides the security of homeownership without the immediate burden of mortgage approval, which is especially helpful for first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and newcomers to British Columbia.

British Columbia House Partners allows you to choose from a wide range of homes, as long as they meet our eligibility criteria. We focus on move-in-ready residential properties that are located in areas with strong long-term value — ensuring you move into a quality home and we all invest in a smart purchase.

Eligible home types include:

• Detached single-family homes
• Townhouses
• Semi-detached homes
• Bungalows
• Condos (where applicable and budget-appropriate)

To qualify, a home must:

• Be move-in ready (no major structural issues or renovations required)
• Fall within your approved home shopping budget
• Be located in a market we currently serve (e.g.,Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, and other approved cities)
• Meet our internal appraisal, safety, and investment criteria

We do not approve:

• Homes with extensive repair needs
• Mobile homes, manufactured homes on leased land, or commercial properties
• Properties in remote or highly speculative markets

The goal is to provide every client with a safe, livable, and financially sound property that can be successfully financed at the end of the rent-to-own term. You’re free to work with your own real estate agent or one of our trusted partners to explore MLS listings and private homes for sale across British Columbia.

This gives you the freedom to choose a home you actually love — not just one from a preset list.

Yes, British Columbia House Partners proudly works with newcomers to British Columbia and non-English speakers. Our rent-to-own program is designed to help people from all backgrounds — including recent immigrants, international professionals, and families who are new to the British Columbia financial system — access homeownership without needing to qualify for a mortgage right away.

Many newcomers face challenges such as:

• No British Columbia credit history
• Limited access to traditional financing
• Non-traditional income sources
• Language barriers when dealing with banks or mortgage brokers

We understand these situations and have structured our program to be inclusive, flexible, and culturally sensitive. Instead of relying on credit score or mortgage pre-approval, we look at your income, savings, and long-term stability to determine eligibility

In addition, our team provides:

• Clear explanations in plain language, so you always know what to expect
• Support materials and communication adapted to your needs
• Access to multilingual partner agents and advisors when available

As long as you have a stable income, some savings (typically 2% to 5% of the home value), and the desire to become a homeowner in British Columbia, you may qualify. Whether you're from India, the Philippines, Nigeria, China, Pakistan, the Middle East, or anywhere else — you can own a home in British Columbia through our rent-to-own program, even if you’re just getting started.

Rent-to-own and traditional mortgages both lead to homeownership, but the paths are very different — especially when it comes to who qualifies, how long it takes, and what financial barriers exist. At British Columbia House Partners, our rent-to-own program in British Columbia is specifically designed for people who can’t get a mortgage today but are ready to work toward buying a home.

Here’s how the two options compare:

1. Qualification Requirements Traditional mortgages require strong credit, verifiable income, and a minimum down payment of 5% to 20%. Many self-employed individuals, newcomers, or people with poor credit get rejected.

   Rent-to-own with British Columbia House Partners accepts applicants with bad credit, no credit history, or non-traditional income — as long as you have stable earnings and 2% to 5% saved upfront.

2. Timing and Move-In With a mortgage, you can only move in after full lender approval and closing. If financing falls through, the deal collapses.

   With rent-to-own, you move in right away — and use your rental period to build your credit, save money, and get mortgage-ready.

3. Building Equity Mortgage holders build equity through ownership and home value appreciation. Renters build no equity at all.

   Rent-to-own clients at British Columbia House Partners build equity while renting — through rent credits, locked-in pricing, and appreciation over the rental term.

4. Flexibility and Risk Mortgage approvals are rigid — one mistake on your credit report can stop the process.

   Rent-to-own offers flexibility and time. You work toward ownership at your pace, without the pressure of immediate bank approval.

5. Future Purchase Security Mortgage buyers face market fluctuations and bidding wars.

   With British Columbia House Partners, you lock in the purchase price up front — no bidding wars, no rising prices, and a clear path to homeownership.

In summary, if you can qualify for a mortgage today, that may be the fastest route. But if you’re not mortgage-ready — due to credit, income, or savings — our rent-to-own program gives you a structured, secure, and flexible alternative that still leads to full ownership.

To begin the rent-to-own process with British Columbia House Partners, you’ll need to contribute an initial deposit of 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. This amount is significantly lower than the traditional 5% to 20% down payment required for a mortgage — making homeownership more accessible for Albertas who don’t yet have large savings.

This upfront deposit:

• Is applied toward your future down payment when you’re ready to buy the home
• Shows your commitment to the program and the property
• Helps reduce your future mortgage amount when the purchase is finalized

For example:

If the home you choose is $500,000, you would need between $10,000 and $25,000 to get started.

This deposit is not lost. It’s held and counted toward your final purchase, just like a traditional down payment — but without needing bank approval upfront.

In addition to this deposit, there are no large closing costs or unexpected fees at the beginning of the program. We cover things like:

• Legal fees
• Home inspections
• Land transfer taxes
• Purchase negotiation and closing costs

This allows clients — including first-time homebuyers, newcomers, and those with low credit — to move in and start building equity without needing to come up with tens of thousands of dollars upfront.

If you’re unsure how much you’ll need, you can complete a free pre-qualification and get an instant estimate based on your income and savings.

To receive full approval in our rent-to-own program, British Columbia House Partners requires standard financial and identification documents — similar to what you’d submit for a mortgage, but with more flexibility. We use these documents to verify your income stability, savings, and ability to afford the monthly rent, even if your credit score is low or you have non-traditional income.

Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide:

1. Proof of Income
• Recent pay stubs (last 2–3)
• Employment letter stating position, income, and length of employment
• If self-employed: last 6–12 months of business income (invoices, bank deposits, etc.)
2. Proof of Savings for Initial Deposit
   • Bank statements showing you have at least 2% to 5% of your desired home value saved
   • Gift letters (if applicable) to confirm if someone is helping you with the deposit
3. Identification
   • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, PR card, etc.)
   • Social Insurance Number (for identity and soft credit check only — no hard inquiry)
4. Proof of Residency or Immigration Status (for newcomers)
   • Work permit, PR confirmation, or other documentation confirming legal status in British Columbia
5. Monthly Debt/Expense Information
   • Basic details on current rent, car payments, credit cards, and other regular obligations
   • This helps us calculate affordability and avoid overextending your budget

Once these documents are submitted, our team conducts a comprehensive but flexible review. Unlike banks, we look at the full picture — including cash flow and stability — rather than just your credit score.

Once approved, you’ll receive your personalized home budget, and can begin shopping for your rent-to-own home across approved locations in British Columbia.

If you decide not to purchase the home at the end of your rent-to-own term with British Columbia House Partners, you are not legally obligated to buy it. However, there are a few important things to understand about the financial and contractual implications of walking away.

While our goal is always to help you successfully become a homeowner, we understand that life circumstances can change. If you choose not to buy the home, your monthly rent payments will be treated as rent only — just like in a traditional rental. In most cases, the following happens:

• You lose your rent credits. Any portion of rent that was being saved toward your future purchase (also called rent credits) will not be refunded. These are conditional on you completing the purchase.
• Your initial deposit (2%–5%) is non-refundable. The deposit you paid upfront is applied toward the purchase price — but if you walk away, it’s forfeited. This is part of the risk of entering a rent-to-own agreement, and it's clearly outlined in your contract from the beginning.
• You will need to move out. Since British Columbia House Partners remains the legal owner of the property until you buy it, choosing not to proceed means vacating the home at the end of the agreement.

That said, we do everything possible to support you throughout the program. We offer:

• Clear guidance on credit improvement

• Budgeting support to help you stay on track

• Reminders and reviews to keep your goals realistic

Rent-to-own is a serious commitment, and while you have the option — not the obligation — to buy, success depends on following the plan. We’re here to help, but the final decision is always yours.