Housing Affordability Top Concern for Canadians

Habitat for Humanity Canada has released a national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes toward the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to homeownership. The Affordable Housing in Canada Survey by Habitat for Humanity Canada finds affordable housing is a top concern for Canadians – the third most important issue facing the country today behind inflation and healthcare.

The majority of Canadians believe that more affordable housing could solve the social issues we’re currently facing as a country and that owning a home can create more stability in your life.

Most Canadians (87%) agree that owning a home can create more stability in your life.
Three-quarters of Canadians (75%) believe that more affordable housing could solve the social issues we’re currently facing as a country.
40% of Canadians are concerned about paying their mortgage or rent over the next 12 months, with renters far more concerned.

As the cost of living and housing across Canada continues to rapidly increase, Canadians are being priced out of the market and housing options in their own communities.

Four-in-five Canadians (78%) are worried about having to spend less on food, savings, transportation costs and/or debt payments to continue to afford their current housing - whether they are homeowners or renters.
Three-quarters of Canadians (74%) feel that homes in their area are unaffordable and half of Canadians (54%) are worried about affording a home in their community.
Around two-in-five Canadians (37%) would likely relocate to a different community to find affordable housing and one-in-ten (11%) say they’d be very likely to do so.

NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) sentiment is seen by Canadians as a significant barrier to affordable housing in Canada, with the majority of Canadians believing people worry affordable housing will impact their property values and neighbourhood.

Half of Canadians (54%) feel that NIMBY sentiment is one of the main barriers to allowing for affordable housing in neighbourhoods, while three-in-five (63%) feel that the government needs to do more to stop NIMBYism from delaying affordable housing.
71% of Canadians agree with the statement that ‘people worry about the impact of affordable housing on their property values and neighbourhood’.
37% of Canadians believe there is substantial opposition to affordable housing in their community.

This is a crisis that will only get worse unless everyone—non-profits, corporations, individuals, and governments—works together to create sustainable housing solutions across the housing continuum.

About the survey Habitat for Humanity Canada commissioned Leger’s online panel to survey 1501 Canadians between September 7th and September 17th, 2022. A probability sample of 1501 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 2. For more information on the survey, visit habitat.ca/housingsurvey.