CAF Relocation • Brandon, Manitoba
CAF Relocation Guide & Checklists
A practical relocation resource for Canadian Armed Forces members moving to Brandon. Use this page to understand key benefits, plan your move, access local contacts, and download checklists.
Military-focused real estate guidance
Interactive buying and selling checklists
Trusted Brandon contacts
1. General Benefits Guide
Eligibility and Core Relocation Basics
Generally, Regular Force members are eligible when:
- They are posted to a new permanent workplace
- The new workplace is at least 40 km away from the previous workplace
- The new residence is at least 40 km closer to the new workplace
Why Buying Can Make Sense During a CAF Relocation
Buying during a posting can come with stronger relocation support than many buyers realize. Depending on your file and eligibility, benefits may help reduce out-of-pocket costs and lower the financial stress of moving.
Potential benefits and incentives to ask about:
- Porting benefits: If your lender allows you to port your mortgage, you may be able to keep your existing mortgage terms or reduce penalty exposure.
- Interest rate differential reimbursement: If your new mortgage rate is higher than your previous rate, reimbursement may be available up to the applicable limit.
- Mortgage penalty reimbursement: If your lender does not allow porting and charges a penalty, reimbursement may be available depending on your file.
- Inspection, appraisal, lawyer fees, land transfer tax, cleaning, and mortgage default insurance: These may all matter during purchase planning.
- Realtor fees on the sale side: If selling, factor these into your overall relocation plan.
Financial Preparation and Affordability
Before purchasing at your new posting location, get financing aligned as early as possible.
- Get pre-approved before your House Hunting Trip.
- Shop for competitive rates and ask about military mortgage options, including potential BMO military rates.
- If you secure a rate and rates drop, you may still be able to receive the lower rate.
- If rates rise, your original rate hold may help protect you.
- Budget for closing costs, inspections, appraisal costs, legal fees, insurance, and utilities.
House Hunting Trip and Destination Inspection Trip
House Hunting Trip (HHT)
Destination Inspection Trip (DIT)
- Normally up to five days, plus travel time
- Used to secure housing at the new location
- Best window to view homes, compare neighbourhoods, and submit an offer
Destination Inspection Trip (DIT)
- Used when not purchasing immediately
- Helpful for exploring rentals, neighbourhoods, and temporary accommodations
Coordinating Dates Properly
Date coordination is one of the biggest ways to reduce stress and unnecessary costs.
- Possession should align with your Report for Duty Date and HG&E shipment.
- Commanding Officers are encouraged to allow flexibility within 30 days of COS where possible.
- Reverse TDRA may help cover a limited period of mortgage interest, property taxes, and utilities where applicable.
- If buying and selling, align mortgage planning, sale proceeds, possession, moving, and utility setup.
Important Timelines and Extra Benefits
Relocation expenses generally must be incurred within two years of your COS date. You should also contact your relocation service provider within 21 days of receiving posting instructions.
Other benefits worth asking about:
- Spousal employment support
- Pet relocation expenses
- Medical and dental file transfer costs
- Professional cleaning reimbursement
3. Relocation Checklists
Use the interactive checklists below, or download the branded PDFs for offline use.
Download Buying Checklist PDF
Download Selling Checklist PDF
Download Buying & Selling Checklist PDF
Buying Checklist
Common buying-side costs may include inspection, appraisal, land transfer tax where applicable, lawyer fees, and cleaning.
Selling Checklist
Common selling-side costs may include Realtor fees, lawyer fees, appraisal costs where required, and cleaning.
Buying & Selling Checklist
These checklists are planning tools. Final eligibility, timelines, and reimbursable items depend on your file, BGRS/SIRVA guidance, and the official CAF Relocation Directive.
2. Brandon Contacts & Resources
4. Official CAF Relocation Directive
For the full official policy, details, and latest directive language, use the link below.
Open the Official CAF Relocation Directive