The Canadian real estate market is a market for all seasons because while the country's property market is definitely cyclical, it's always possible to profit from real estate in Canada if a property investor times and targets his investments correctly.

In Canada, depending on the position of the real estate market cycle and the area of the country a buyer is interested in, an investor can either buy into long term growth, short term gains or sustainable income.

When the property market is riding at all time highs as it is in Canada in the main cities currently, an investor is unlikely to be able to make short term profits in a market saturated with supply and struggling for demand?however, in such a market where first time buyers are unable to afford the first rung on the real estate ladder there are buy to let opportunities for the investor able to afford the outlay to purchase in demand rental accommodation.

Those who can purchase apartments and town houses in the most popular rental districts in Canada can buy into a sustainable rental income and enjoy capital appreciation on their real estate asset over the longer term. When there is a slow down in demand for property to buy there is often an increase in demand for accommodation to rent, this means that rental rates being charged rise and an investor can achieve an impressive income at such a stage in the cycle of the property market.

When the real estate market cycle in Canada begins to shift after a period of slow down, stagnation or negative correction that effectively makes property prices more affordable in real terms, the demand for real estate to buy increases and supplies diminish. It is at times like this that an investor can target the fastest moving sectors for the fastest moving gains and make impressive short term gains or substantial longer term improvements.

Another reason that makes the Canadian real estate market a market for all seasons is the fact that there is a constant supply of 'new money' in the property market because of the popularity of Canada with expatriates. Annually Canada welcomes thousands of new residents and these people bring fresh money and demand to the real estate market which means that there is always an inward flow of foreign sourced investment to boost the property market.

Finally, the fundamental attraction of Canada as a country for real estate investors is based on the fact that any investment made into the Canadian real estate sector is an investment made into a solid, tried and tested well established market. A market where there is and will remain constant local demand for real estate to rent or buy, and where there is a constant annual inward flow of foreign sourced income to boost the entire real estate sector.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about real estate investment. To read more about real estate investment in Canada click here.