In a powerful new survey, Habitat for Humanity Canada reveals the worsening effects of Canada’s housing crisis on daily life, career decisions, and long-term plans for millions of Canadians. With homeownership increasingly seen as an unreachable dream, 84% now view owning a home as a luxury, and 88% of renters say that owning a home in Canada feels beyond reach.
Pedro Barata
“Canadians are sending a clear message: the housing crisis is no longer just about housing,” says Pedro Barata, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “Young Canadians, in particular, are rethinking or delaying major life decisions to achieve homeownership, signaling a deep and lasting impact on future generations and society as a whole.”
Housing Crisis Fueling Mental Health and Middle-Class Concerns
The survey, commissioned by Habitat Canada and conducted by Leger, dives into the broader social and economic effects of the housing crisis, showing that homeownership is now linked with a stable middle class and well-being. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Canadians worry that housing shortages are fracturing communities, while over half (59%) say they’re sacrificing basic needs like food and clothing to cover rent or mortgage costs.
“Canadians continue to see the benefits of homeownership, believing it can create stability, build financial security, and foster community bonds,” says Barata. “Homeownership can’t just be the privilege of the wealthy or lucky few. At Habitat, we see firsthand the transformative power of affordable homeownership for families, offering stability that strengthens both health and economic resilience.”
Barata highlights that with the middle class shrinking, 82% of Canadians now see the lack of affordable housing as a major factor in this decline.
Gen Z and Millennials Delay Families, Jobs, and Even Consider Moving Abroad
With home prices outpacing wage growth, younger Canadians are forced to alter life plans. Two-thirds of Gen Z (66%) and nearly half of Millennials (48%) say they’ve delayed starting a family because they can’t find an affordable home. For many, the housing crisis also impacts career choices, with 44% of Gen Z and 40% of Millennials moving to less costly areas despite fewer job opportunities.
“Helping Canadians achieve affordable homeownership is crucial to tackling the housing crisis, and it should be a public policy priority,” says Barata. “We’re working to help meet this challenge by using every tool available and driving systemic changes that prioritize inclusive, strong communities where affordable homeownership is an achievable goal.”
Call for Federal Action to Make Housing Attainable Again
As Canada’s political landscape prepares for another federal election, most Canadians (75%) feel that tackling the housing crisis should be a non-partisan issue, with 68% doubting the federal government will meet its goal of 3.87 million new homes by 2031. Canadians favor policy changes such as lowering fees and taxes for homebuyers (64%), creating affordable homeownership programs (46%), and repurposing unused spaces for housing (44%).
“During the next federal election, all political parties will need to address housing as a top issue,” says Barata. “Canadians clearly see the importance of making housing affordable again. At Habitat, we’re working with communities across Canada to advocate for changes that ensure everyone has a fair chance at homeownership.”
Canadians Value the Stability Homeownership Brings
Despite the challenges, the survey found that Canadians still view homeownership as foundational to financial and family security. A large majority (87%) say it creates more stability, 86% believe it strengthens financial futures, and 81% see it as critical to securing a better future for their children.
“Habitat Canada is at the centre of building inclusive communities with strong foundations,” says Barata. “We see the difference affordable homeownership makes for families, and we believe everyone who chooses to own a home should have that opportunity.”
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national nonprofit helping families build strength and stability through affordable homeownership. The organization works in partnership with local Habitats in every province and territory, building healthier lives and stronger communities.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024.
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