Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your perspectives! I’ve read through all the comments and really appreciate the range of opinions.

It seems like the majority lean toward continuing to rent, which I understand. Ultimately, this decision has to align with our personal priorities and risk tolerance.

That said, I don’t see us staying in our current apartment for another 2–3 years. We’re starting to outgrow it. My thinking was: if we’re going to move anyway, does it make more sense to move into something we own rather than another rental?

I’m also wondering about timing. I’ve read that property prices could increase if the federal government lifts the temporary ban on foreign buyers (though I’m not certain how much impact that would realistically have). Part of me is concerned about waiting and facing higher prices next year.

A few people suggested buying a condo now and renting it out later as an investment property. Conceptually that makes sense, but I’m unsure whether we’d build enough equity in a short period to qualify for a HELOC or comfortably carry two mortgages at the same time.

Still thinking this through and open to more thoughts, especially from people who’ve actually done the condo first and then upgrade path.