When you’re relocating to Halifax under a DND posting, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to buy or rent. Each option has its own benefits — and pitfalls — depending on your posting length, market timing, and lifestyle.

I’ve helped hundreds of DND families navigate this exact decision, and the truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But understanding the trade-offs will help you make the choice that works for your situation and your wallet.

The Case for Buying a Home in Halifax

1. You’re Building Equity — Not Paying Rent

Every mortgage payment chips away at your principal, turning your housing cost into an investment rather than an expense. Even if you’re only here for a few years, a well-chosen home can appreciate, giving you a return when you sell or rent it out later.

2. Stability During Your Posting

Rentals can be scarce in certain HRM areas, and lease renewals aren’t always guaranteed. Owning gives you control — no rent increases, no landlord surprises.

3. Tax-Free Capital Gains

If your Halifax home is your primary residence, you’re exempt from paying tax on any gain when you sell. Over a few years, that can add up significantly.

4. Potential to Rent Out Later

Many DND members choose to keep their Halifax home and rent it when posted elsewhere. With strong rental demand from military and civilian tenants, it’s a viable long-term strategy.

The Downsides of Buying

1. Upfront Costs

Buying means covering more than just your down payment. You’ll also face legal fees, inspections, property taxes, and insurance. If you’re transferred sooner than expected, those costs can outweigh short-term appreciation.

2. Market Fluctuations

While Halifax’s market has remained strong, values can fluctuate. If you buy at a peak and sell quickly, you could take a loss — especially after transaction costs.

3. Maintenance & Responsibility

When the roof leaks or the furnace dies, it’s on you. Renting, on the other hand, means calling the landlord — not the repairman.

The Case for Renting in Halifax

1. Flexibility for Future Postings

If your posting is uncertain or short-term, renting gives you freedom to move without worrying about selling. This is especially important if you could be reassigned within two to three years.

2. Lower Upfront Costs

Renting eliminates large initial expenses like a down payment, land transfer tax, or closing fees. You simply pay your first month’s rent and deposit — easier on short-term budgets.

3. Try Before You Buy

If you’re unfamiliar with HRM, renting first gives you time to explore neighbourhoods and commute routes before committing to a home purchase.

4. Fewer Headaches

No maintenance, no property taxes, no snow removal — just one predictable monthly expense.

The Drawbacks of Renting

1. No Equity Growth

Every rent payment builds your landlord’s wealth, not yours. Halifax rents can range from $2,200 to $3,000+ per month for a family home — that’s a significant sum with no long-term return.

2. Limited Inventory

Military families often move during peak season, and good rentals in Halifax, Bedford, or Dartmouth go fast. Finding pet-friendly or short-term leases can be tough.

3. Rising Rents

Halifax has seen steady rent increases over the last five years. What starts as an affordable option may not stay that way.

Crunching the Numbers: DND Relocation Reality

Under the BGRS Relocation Program, many members have housing allowances or cost reimbursements that factor into this decision.

• Temporary Duty or Short Posting: Renting usually makes more sense.

• Three Years or Longer: Buying often wins out once you account for appreciation and equity.

• Dual Military or Family Moves: Buying can provide stability, especially if one partner remains in Halifax after the other transfers.

It’s important to review your posting timeline and speak with both your relocation advisor and a mortgage professional familiar with DND files (like Premier Mortgages’ Jack Cameron, one of my trusted contacts).

Local Insight: Halifax Market in 2025

The Halifax real estate market has cooled from its pandemic frenzy but remains balanced. Inventory is still limited, and long-term projections show steady growth, especially in areas like Bedford, Clayton Park, and Dartmouth Crossing.

Average home prices hover around $600,000, while rental costs continue to rise — a clear signal that homeownership can be the smarter financial play if your posting lasts a few years or more.

Making the Decision

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• If you expect to stay under two years, rent.

• If you expect to stay three or more, buy.

• If you’re not sure, rent short-term and reassess once you’ve settled in.

And remember — Halifax is a community that grows on you. Many DND members who initially rent end up buying once they experience the city’s warmth and stability.

Posted to Halifax? Let’s make your move seamless — from your first call to your first key.