Relocation Guide
Your guide to making
the move to PEI.
Moving to Prince Edward Island is about more than finding a house. It is about choosing a lifestyle: a slower pace, coastal living, and a community that welcomes newcomers. After more than a decade of helping relocating clients find their place on PEI, Cheryl knows what makes the transition successful.
Is Prince Edward Island Right for You?
PEI is Canada's smallest province, and that is one of its greatest strengths. With a population of approximately 183,000, PEI offers a quality of life that larger cities often struggle to match: short commutes, a strong sense of community, remarkable natural beauty, and easy access to beaches and coastal scenery.
Many communities offer the quieter, more connected lifestyle people hope to find when leaving a larger city. Wherever you live on the Island, the coast is never very far away.
The Advantages of Island Life
PEI's size is its advantage. Commutes are short, even during peak times. The pace of life is gentler, and the connection to nature is immediate. From the red sandstone cliffs to the sandy beaches, from working harbours to quiet country lanes, the Island offers a daily connection to the outdoors that is hard to find elsewhere.
Charlottetown is PEI's capital and largest city. It offers a walkable downtown, the University of Prince Edward Island, a lively arts and culinary scene, and many of the services people expect from a larger centre. Yet even in the capital, you are never far from a beach or a quiet coastal road.
Beyond Charlottetown, communities like Stratford, Cornwall, Kensington, Montague and Summerside each offer their own character. Cheryl helps clients compare these communities based on what matters most to them: commute time, schools, access to services, and the kind of lifestyle they want to build.
What May Require Adjustment
No move is without trade-offs, and being honest about them from the start makes for a smoother transition.
You will need a vehicle
PEI is small but spread out. Public transit exists in Charlottetown but is limited. Most residents drive, and many communities in central PEI are within 20 to 45 minutes of Charlottetown, while communities at the eastern and western ends of the Island can be considerably farther away.
The pace is intentionally slower
Some businesses keep shorter hours, particularly outside Charlottetown and during the winter. Specialized services may also require more advance planning than newcomers are accustomed to. This is part of the appeal for many, but it does take some adjustment if you are coming from a fast-paced city.
Winter requires some preparation
PEI winters can bring high winds, heavy snow and occasional power outages. Before buying, ask about the home's heating system, average heating costs, insulation, snow removal and backup power options. Rural and coastal properties may require more winter preparation than homes in Charlottetown or Stratford.
Community matters here
PEI is a place where people know their neighbours, support local businesses, and show up for each other. Getting involved, through volunteer work, sports, or the farmers' market, is how newcomers become part of the fabric.
Where Should You Live?
The answer depends on the life you want to build. Do you want to walk to coffee shops and restaurants? Do you need great schools nearby? Are you looking for waterfront views and space to garden? Cheryl helps clients think through these questions: not just the property, but the lifestyle that surrounds it.
If possible, visit PEI outside the summer tourism season. Spending time here in late fall or winter will give you a more complete picture of the weather, available services, community life and pace of the Island.
Explore community guidesWhat Homes Cost
PEI offers exceptional value compared to major Canadian cities, with a quality of life that is difficult to match anywhere else. Here is a general sense of what to expect:
$400K-$600K
Character homes, starter homes, and well-maintained bungalows in established neighbourhoods
$600K-$1M
Larger family homes, newer builds, and updated properties in desirable areas
$1M-$2M+
Waterfront estates, luxury properties, and premium coastal homes
See note
Rental costs vary considerably by property type, location and availability. Charlottetown generally has the Island's largest rental market, but vacancy can be limited. Buyers who plan to rent before purchasing should begin their search early.
Note that rural and municipal properties may differ in property tax treatment, water and sewer service, garbage and road services, well and septic responsibilities, and owner-occupied versus non-resident tax implications. It is worth understanding these differences before choosing a property.
Healthcare, Employment and Schools
Healthcare Access
Access to primary care is an important consideration when moving to PEI. The province maintains a Patient Registry for residents who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, and waiting periods can be significant. Eligible residents can also access provincial virtual care while waiting to be connected with a primary care provider. New residents first need a valid PEI Health Card before joining the Patient Registry.
This is a reality worth understanding before you move, not something to discover mid-transaction. Cheryl can connect you with resources so you know what to expect and how to plan for healthcare as part of your transition.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities vary by industry. PEI has opportunities in healthcare, government, education, construction, tourism, agriculture, bioscience and technology. However, salaries and the depth of the job market may differ from larger provinces. Anyone relocating without established employment should research opportunities before moving.
School Options for Families
PEI has a strong public school system, plus French immersion and independent school options. If you are relocating with children, the catchment area can be a factor in where you choose to buy.
Buying from Outside PEI
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can purchase property on PEI, including from outside the province. Non-Canadian buyers may be subject to federal restrictions, while PEI's Lands Protection Act can apply to non-residents purchasing larger parcels or properties with substantial shore frontage.
Cheryl regularly works with clients making long-distance purchases, handling the logistics so you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether you are moving from another province, another country, or just beginning to research, a conversation can help clarify what applies to your situation.
Lands Protection Act and Foreign Buyer Rules
PEI Lands Protection Act
Under PEI's Lands Protection Act, a person who is considered a non-resident generally requires Executive Council approval if the purchase would bring their aggregate PEI landholdings above five acres or 165 feet of shore frontage. Applications are reviewed through the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. Because the rules consider aggregate landholdings and can be property-specific, buyers should obtain legal advice before making an offer.
Federal Foreign Buyer Ban
Canada's federal prohibition on certain residential purchases by non-Canadians is currently scheduled to remain in effect until January 1, 2027. Some buyers and some properties may be exempt, including certain purchases outside specified population centres. Non-Canadian buyers should consult a PEI real estate lawyer before beginning a property search.
Closing Costs and Property Due Diligence
PEI's Real Property Transfer Tax runs 1% of the greater of purchase price or assessed value. A PEI real estate lawyer normally handles the title search, deed preparation, closing adjustments and registration of the transfer. First-time PEI buyers may qualify for exemptions under specific thresholds, which should be confirmed with a lawyer.
Budget for legal fees, the transfer tax, and adjustments for property taxes and utilities. Depending on the property, an offer may include conditions for financing, insurance, inspection, water testing, septic review, legal review or approval under the Lands Protection Act.
Waterfront Living Requires Additional Due Diligence
Shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, storm exposure and property access should all be considered when buying near the water. Buyers should review available coastal hazard information, obtain an appropriate inspection and confirm insurance availability before removing conditions.
Well and Septic Systems
Many rural and waterfront properties are not on municipal service, which affects inspection and insurance. A well water test and septic inspection are standard parts of the due diligence process.
Home Insurance in Coastal Zones
Insurance on coastal properties can run higher than buyers expect coming from inland cities. It is one more item to confirm during your due diligence so there are no surprises at closing.
Moving Logistics
Moving to an island brings logistical questions that are unique to PEI. Here are a few key things to plan for:
Getting your belongings across
Confederation Bridge toll is paid on exit only, versus the ferry from Nova Scotia. Which one makes sense depends on your moving timeline and household size. Moving companies familiar with the Island can help coordinate the crossing.
Vehicle registration and driver's licence
After establishing residency, new residents with a valid out-of-province driver's licence generally have four months to exchange it for a PEI licence. The process is straightforward, but it pays to know the timeline so you are not caught off guard.
Internet reliability for remote work
Many relocating buyers keep their current income while living on PEI. Fibre internet is widely available in Charlottetown and surrounding communities, but rural coverage varies. It is worth checking availability before you settle on a property.
Meet Cheryl
For more than 25 years, Cheryl Burns has helped people navigate one of life's biggest decisions: not just where they will live, but how they want to live. She began her real estate career in Toronto before returning home to PEI more than a decade ago. That experience gives her a unique understanding of both urban living and the coastal lifestyle that draws so many people to the Island.
Considering a move to Prince Edward Island? Before choosing a property, it helps to understand which community fits the way you want to live. Cheryl brings more than 25 years of real estate experience, including more than a decade helping buyers settle on PEI. She can help you compare communities, understand Island-specific property considerations and plan a long-distance purchase with confidence.
Book a PEI Relocation ConversationExplore our relocation guides
Whether you are downsizing, retiring, or simply trying to understand the real costs of Island life, these guides will help you plan with confidence.
Planning a move to PEI?
Cheryl has spent more than a decade helping relocating clients settle on PEI. With more than 25 years of real estate experience and over 1,000 homes sold, she can make the whole process feel more manageable. Whether you are moving from another province, another country, or just beginning to research, a conversation can make the difference.