Question 1

What is HOPE?

Accepted Answer

HOPE (Home Ownership Pathway Engine) is a structured housing pathway that allows people to live in a home now and decide on ownership later, from a stronger financial position. 
 
Residents move into a newly built, professionally managed home as tenants, pay market rent, and have the option — not the obligation — to purchase the home later at a price agreed upfront. 
 
HOPE changes when ownership happens, not whether it happens.

Question 2

Is HOPE the same as Rent-To-Own?

Accepted Answer

No. HOPE is not rent-to-own, and this distinction matters. 
 
Traditional rent-to-own models often rely on rent credits, inflated future prices, or forced purchases that penalise households when life changes. 
 
HOPE does none of those things: 
 • Rent is rent — not disguised equity 
 • The purchase price is fixed upfront
 • Buying later is entirely voluntary

HOPE is designed for long-term stability, not short-term conversion.

Question 3

Why does HOPE delay ownership instead of offering it immediately?

Accepted Answer

Because the biggest risk in home ownership is not price — it is high leverage at the wrong time. 
 
HOPE allows time for: 
 • Household finances to strengthen 
 • Equity to build naturally 
 • Ownership to begin at materially lower risk

Ownership that starts from strength leads to better outcomes for families, lenders, and communities.

Question 4

How do I know if I'm eligible?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility is assessed through a simple pre-qualification process focused on stability and readiness, not perfection. We look at factors such as income consistency, rental history, and your ability to sustain predictable housing costs over time. You don’t need a deposit, and you don’t need to meet traditional mortgage thresholds on day one. The goal is to understand whether HOPE is a good fit — for you and for the long term.

Take 5 minutes to complete this form to find out more and begin your journey to home ownership.

We’ll guide you through the qualification process step by step. Any financial checks we run are soft checks only and will not affect your credit score or your ability to access loans in the future.

Question 5

How long do I stay in the home?

Accepted Answer

HOPE offers long-term rental stability with predictable rent increases, so you can plan your life without constant housing uncertainty. Our rental terms are for 10 years. This timeframe at the moment can not be changed, this is due to the funding restrictions from CMHC.

Question 6

Who manages the property?

Accepted Answer

All HOPE homes are professionally managed. 
Maintenance, compliance, and tenancy management are handled in line with best-practice rental standards.

Question 7

What happens if I need to leave prior to the end of the program?

Accepted Answer

Life changes — and HOPE is designed with that reality in mind. If you need to move before the end of the term, you won’t be penalised for doing so. The home remains within the IGV Living portfolio, and your exit is managed through a clear, predefined process that prioritises continuity for you and long-term stability for the program.

If you choose to leave the program, your HOPE position will conclude at that point. We aim to offer residents as much flexibility as possible, and in certain circumstances, sub-letting may be permitted if your situation changes. Any sub-letting arrangement is entered into at your own discretion and responsibility, in line with program guidelines.

Question 8

What kind of homes are delivered under HOPE?

Accepted Answer

HOPE homes are:

• Newly built 
 • Professionally designed and constructed 
 • Energy-efficient and durable 
 • Strata-titled for future individual ownership 
 • Professionally managed throughout the HOPE term

Question 9

Can I personalise the home?

Accepted Answer

Reasonable personalisation is allowed in line with long-term rental standards. Structural changes occur only after ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions