I was earning $140,000 in Melbourne and applied for a home loan three times but was rejected – so I quit and moved to Canada

Like millions of other young people, Sam Patterson thought if he worked hard enough, he could achieve the Australian dream of owning a home.

But even after saving up $130,000 for a deposit and having a $140,000-per-year job, the 35-year-old was still considered a risk by the banks.

After being rejected three times for a modest home loan, Sam realised the system was broken and decided to forge his own path.

He packed a suitcase and moved from Melbourne to Canada, having come to the realisation he no longer wanted to live in a city that didn’t want him.

‘I wanted to buy a house because I thought it was the smart, grown-up thing to do,’ Sam told FEMAIL.

‘I wasn’t even being greedy. I just wanted a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment near my work in the $350,000 budget.’ 

At the time, Sam was living in a St Kilda sharehouse – and paying $1,800 per month for the privilege – which left him wondering if there was more to life than bills.

‘I tried so hard but the cost of living isn’t easy – especially if you are single,’ he said. 

Sam Patterson (pictured) was sick and tired of living in Melbourne so he moved to Canada

‘Melbourne just bummed me out,’ Sam (centre with his new Canadian friends) told FEMAIL

Growing frustrated by the mundanity and rejection of Melbourne life, Sam knew he needed to make a change.

While he used to desperately want a mortgage so he could get on the property ladder, after three rejections the idea of being locked into a 30-year debt lost its appeal.

His father’s death last year added to the emotional burden and his need for adventure.

‘By the end of it all I had a friend tell me about Vancouver, how beautiful it is and how you can get a two-year visa until you turn 35 so I went for it,’ he said. 

‘I was worried about spending a chunk of my savings but a good friend said to me, “Money is just numbers in an app,” and I felt that.’

A friend’s description of Canada as a ‘Disneyland for adults’ appealed to Sam after he had been so focused on scrimping and saving.

‘I used some of my savings to move to Canada and be somewhere that makes me happy,’ he said.

Sam has only been in the country for two months but already feels more alive than he had for years in Melbourne.

Sam was living in a St Kilda sharehouse – and paying $1,800 per month for the privilege – which left him wondering if there was more to life than bills 

When he was working in Australia, he saved money by eating free lunches provided by his company, rode a bicycle, and drove a car he inherited from his father.

He no longer has to make the same sacrifices in Vancouver, which he says is simply a more affordable city compared to Melbourne.

He said petrol, food, car insurance and holidays are far cheaper due to the country’s location. 

‘The only thing more expensive so far is phone data. I have a bike, snowboard, a nice van and a fishing rod. I’m very happy,’ he said.

While Sam has found living in Vancouver cheaper than Melbourne, the Canadian city is experiencing a housing crisis. 

Just like in Australia, it is difficult for first-home buyers to get into the market. The monthly rent for an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment is CA$2,367 (AU$2,577).

When asked what excited him the most about moving overseas in his thirties, Sam said it was ‘taking a second chance’ at a fulfilling life. 

‘Not being stuck on an island in the middle of the ocean eight hours from anything good excites me – being a fish out of water is pretty special,’ he said.

‘Almost every day someone is happy to hear my accent or learn I’m foreign. I’m most excited to get a dog and travel the U.S. and Canada,’ he continued. 

Now after just two months Sam is happier and Vancouver is proving to be a more cost-effective city compared to Melbourne

He’s also an avid snowboarder and is thrilled to see so much snowfall, experience a white Christmas and see a bear.

Taking the leap of faith was perhaps the scariest thing Sam has done, but he’s glad he decided to leave.

Having secured a working holiday visa at the latest opportunity, he now urges other Aussies to travel the world while they’re young enough.

‘The best way to double your money is fold it up and put it in your pocket and spend less at the bar,’ he said. 

‘If none of your friends’ values align with yours. Go alone. Life isn’t fair, so just have fun.’

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