Canadian Homeowners in Arizona set to make Big Profits
Researched & Written by Mike Zschunke, Real Estate Advisor @Shift1Properties
With over 300 Days of Sunshine each year, it’s no wonder Arizona is a top destination for our Canadian neighbors. If you're among the estimated 40,000 Canadians living in the Scottsdale / Phoenix Metro Area and purchased a home after the market crash, your investment has likely performed exceptionally well.
Between a 36% gain on the USD/CAD exchange rate and a 139% increase in home values, many Canadians who bought in 2013 stand to make a significant profit if they choose to sell today.
For example, in 2013, a Canadian purchasing a $188,000 USD home in the Phoenix area actually paid $193,640 CAD due to the $1.03 USD/CAD exchange rate at the time. Since then, Phoenix home prices have surged, and that same home is now worth approximately $450,000 USD—a 139% increase from December 2013 to December 2024.
But the gains don’t stop there. With today’s exchange rate hovering around $1.40 USD/CAD, converting the $450,000 USD sale price back to Canadian dollars results in $630,000 CAD. Assuming a cash purchase and excluding taxes and fees, that’s an impressive 224.85% total return on investment, or an annualized return of 11.31%.Not bad for a little sunshine and smart investing!

So, what’s next? Is it time to cash out? Should you downsize? Or is it worth searching for another property? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—Every situation is unique. The key question is: What are your goals?
As the saying goes, “Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.” Investing is always a balance of risk versus return. While most Real Estate Economists Predict continued Home Price Growth, it may be at a slower pace than in recent years. If that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance, holding onto your property could be the right move. However, if you feel today’s global economic uncertainty poses too much risk, selling might be a wise decision.
The best approach? Consult with your Trusted Real Estate Professional and Financial Advisors to determine the right path for you. And if you have any real estate questions or concerns, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help. No matter what you decide, be proud of the investment you’ve made!

Researched and Written by Mike Zschunke

Sources: @CMEGroupHistoricalData @ARMLSStatistics @USCensusBureau MZ Revised 03/2025