Riba-free financing, explained visually

Created by a board of internationally recognised Shariah scholars, available since 1996, free of riba and gharar.

What separates the two structures: what you pay for, and where riba enters one and not the other.

Lease to own against instalment credit, line by line: title, taxes, prepayment and gain.

Six ways we are bringing riba-free financing into the mainstream across the US and Canada.

Distance to work, the masjid and school, accessibility, the site, security and the roads.

Down payment, funds in the bank, a stable income and good credit standing.

How the 1997–2012 generation sees homeownership, and the hurdles they face.

Upgrading appliances, comparing prices, regular maintenance and automatic savings.

Where the two entities differ, where they overlap, and what each means for the housing market.

Lower monthly rates and more renters buying, against tighter competition and higher prices.

What an HOA maintains and mediates, set against the approvals and restrictions it imposes.

What it is, who is targeted, how it is carried out, and how diligent monitoring prevents it.

Alarms, a secure shed, tall fences and good lighting — with pro tips for each.

Structure, personal items, liability and living expenses — and what each excludes.

Location, materials, permits, the part of the house, structural revisions and the deadline.

Typical costs per room and per square metre, from window replacements to a full kitchen.

Shades and shutters, fresh grout and caulk, a new coat of paint and better pantry storage.

Suburban areas, internet speed and tech capability, and a dedicated home office.

What a pre-construction home is, and why buyers choose one over the current market.

The perks against the challenges, from reduced housing costs to landlord duties.

Three options: a home buying clause, buying out the contract, or moving to a monthly lease.

Get the paperwork done, weigh your relationship with the landlord, and allow for delays.

Victoria, Quebec City, Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, and what each offers.