Canadian Millennials Hold Firm on Homeownership Plans for 2026: Survey

According to a recent survey by Wahi, a digital real estate platform and brokerage, Canadian millennials are maintaining strong intentions to purchase a home in the coming year, despite broader economic concerns persisting.

Wahi’s third-annual Homebuyer Intentions Survey of Angus Reid Forum members indicates that overall homebuying interest remains steady year-over-year, with millennials leading all age groups.

“When you consider how concerns over tariffs, job security, and affordability have kept some homebuyers on the sidelines over the past year, it’s somewhat surprising to see unwavering homebuying interest from millennials,” said Wahi economist Ryan McLaughlin. “It’s also encouraging to see that even against a more challenging economic backdrop, overall homebuying intentions don’t seem to have eroded.”

According to the survey, compared to younger cohorts, millennials appear better positioned to weather economic uncertainty. “Millennials are further along in their careers and typically have more financial stability than Gen Z buyers, which likely explains their continued confidence,” said McLaughlin.

 

The survey also found that homebuying intentions remained relatively strong in provinces with the highest cost of living. British Columbia recorded the highest share of prospective buyers, with 20 per cent saying they are planning a purchase this year, followed by Alberta at 17 per cent, Manitoba at 19 per cent and Ontario at 16 per cent. Homebuying intentions in Alberta matched those in Atlantic Canada, which Wahi notes is a region known for relative affordability.

Among Canadians planning to purchase a home this year, 52 per cent say uncertainty around home prices could delay their plans, which is consistent with last year’s findings. Financial uncertainty was also cited as a potential barrier by 29 per cent of would-be buyers.

Wahi noted that improved borrowing conditions appear to be easing some concerns. Only 12 per cent of respondents say they are unsure whether they can secure a workable mortgage this year, compared to 19 per cent in 2025. Additionally, 30 per cent of prospective buyers say they may wait to see how interest rates evolve, compared to 38 per cent last year.

The survey was conducted from November 21 to 25, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,501 Canadians via the Angus Reid Forum.