Relocation Services for Newcomers to Vancouver

Your First Chapter in Canada Starts Here

Moving to a new country is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. Our founder knows that firsthand: he came to Canada as an immigrant and has spent over 40 years living here, most of them in Vancouver. After 14 years running Orca Realty, our team has helped families from around the world find the right home, in the right neighbourhood, without the stress and risk that so often come with renting in a new city.

Orca Realty's Relocation Service takes you from the arrivals gate to the front door of your new home.

Your First Chapter in Canada Starts Here

What's Included

1.
Airport Pickup and Arrival Support
One of our agents meets you at the airport, so your first hours in Vancouver are calm and welcoming instead of confusing.
2.
Temporary Accommodation
We help arrange a short-term furnished rental, vacation rental or hotel while we search for your long-term home.
3.
A Rental Search Built Around Your Family
You tell us what matters, and we do the legwork. For example: "Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a view and a pool, close to this school catchment. Show me what's available."
We search our own internal inventory first. Then we go further. Vancouver's rental listings are scattered across dozens of property management companies and online platforms, and we know where to look. That saves you weeks of searching and helps you avoid costly mistakes.
4.
Neighbourhood and School Guidance
Every Vancouver neighbourhood has its own character, commute, price range and school catchments. We explain the pros and cons of each area honestly, so you can choose with confidence.
5.
Tenant Rights Protection
This is the most important thing we do. British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act protects tenants, but many newcomers don't know their rights, and some owners take advantage of that. We review every opportunity to make sure you are not asked for:
- Security or pet deposits above the legal limit (each is capped at half of one month's rent)
- Large amounts of prepaid rent used to get around those deposit limits
- Application or processing fees, which owners in BC cannot charge
- Lease terms that try to override your rights under the Act
6.
Fraud Protection
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are well known for fake owners and rental scams. We verify that every property is legitimate and that the person renting it actually has the right to do so, before you hand over a single dollar.
7.
An Agent Who Speaks Your Language
Many of our agents came to Canada themselves, from Iran, China, Mexico, Brazil and beyond. We match you with someone who understands your language, your culture and what you're going through.
8.
Settling Into Daily Life
Where's a good butcher? Which bank should I open an account with? Where should I buy a car? Where do I find the vegetables I'm used to cooking with? We help with the everyday questions that make a new city feel like home.

From Renter to Homeowner

Many of our clients eventually want to buy. Under the federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, most people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently cannot buy a home in Canada's major urban areas, with some exemptions. The ban is currently scheduled to end on January 1, 2027, unless the government extends it.

Whatever the rules are when you're ready, our realtors will guide you through them. When you buy, you'll be represented by your own buyer's agent, someone whose job is to protect your interests, not the seller's. In most transactions the buyer's agent is paid from the seller's proceeds, so representation typically costs you nothing directly.