Why Canadian Homeownership Trends Matter

Owning a home has long been a key life goal for Canadians, symbolizing security, stability, and a foundation for the future. Yet in recent years, homeownership in Canada has been declining, while the number of renters has steadily increased.

Whether you’re a prospective buyer, homeowner, policymaker, or part of the housing industry, understanding these shifting trends is crucial. In this article, MoveInOwn breaks down the latest Canadian homeownership statistics, revealing who is most likely to own a home and how ownership patterns have evolved over time.

Key Canadian Homeownership Statistics (2025)

• 68.2% of Canadians live in owner-occupied homes (2024), down from 69% in 2016.

• Baby Boomers (ages 56–75) own 40% of all homes in Canada.

• 35.5% of homeowners have a mortgage in 2024.

• The average value of owner-occupied homes rose by 39.6% between 2016 and 2021.

• Couples, high-income earners, established immigrants, and university graduates are most likely to be homeowners.

How Homeownership Has Changed in Canada (2011–2025)

Between 2011 and 2021, homeownership in Canada dropped by 2.5%, with only the Northwest Territories seeing an increase (+2%).
Notable declines by province:

• Prince Edward Island: ↓ 4.6% (to 68.8%)

• Nova Scotia: ↓ 4% (to 66.8%)

• British Columbia: ↓ 3.2% (to 66.8%)

• Ontario: ↓ 3.1% (to 68.4%)

Highest homeownership rates (2021)

• Newfoundland and Labrador: 75.7%

• New Brunswick: 73%

• Alberta: 70.9%

Lowest homeownership rates

• Nunavut: 19.2%

• Northwest Territories: 53.5%

• Quebec: 59.9%

📊 Canada’s homeownership rate (68.2%) is below the OECD average of 71.5%.

A Historical Look: Homeownership Rates Since 1981

• 1981: 62.1%

• 2000: 65.4%

• 2014 (peak): 69.5%

• 2021: 66.5%

Although we’ve seen a decline since the 2014 peak, ownership remains higher than the 1980s.

Homeownership by Age: Younger Canadians Falling Behind

• Ages 25–29: ↓ from 44.1% (2011) to 36.5% (2021)

• Ages 30–34: ↓ from 59.2% to 52.3%

Older groups saw smaller declines. Canadians 70–74 dropped only 0.7% (to 74.8%).
💡 41.3% of all homes in Canada are owned by those aged 56–75.

Are Investors Buying More New Homes?

Yes. Newly built homes are increasingly investor-owned:

• Canada (2021): Only 59.6% of new homes are owner-occupied (down from 71.5% in 2011–2015)

• Quebec: Lowest rate at 38.7%

• Calgary & Edmonton: Highest rates at 68.8% and 70.1%

Mortgages in Canada (2025)

• 35.5% of homeowners have a mortgage (↑ from 29.6% in 2021)

• Millennials carry the largest mortgages, paying $2,124/month on average in 2021
  After a 1% interest rate hike in July 2022, payments rose by 12% to $2,378/month

House Prices & Net Worth Growth

• 2016–2021: House prices ↑ 39.6%

• 2016–2021: Median household income ↑ only 9.8%

• Net worth (1999–2019): ↑ from $323,700 to $685,400 (in 2019 dollars)

Conclusion:

Canadian homeownership is evolving. While Baby Boomers dominate ownership at 40%, younger Canadians and new buyers face rising prices, larger mortgages, and tougher barriers to entry.

At MoveInOwn, we believe in making homeownership accessible—even if a down payment seems out of reach today.

Our mission: Move in now. Own later.

🔑 Stay informed. Stay ready. Own smarter with MoveInOwn.

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