Newcomers say owning a home strengthens their sense of belonging in Canada, but saving for one remains a barrier

EmitenTrust.com Majority of non-homeowning newcomers intend to buy a home in Canada

Highlights:

• Nine in 10 newcomers say that home ownership is an important part of feeling established in Canada.
• 61% of newcomers who intend to buy say saving for a down payment is their biggest barrier, followed by securing more stable or higher-paying employment (50%).
• One third (33%) of newcomers own their primary residence; 66% do not own any property.
• Before immigrating, nearly two in five newcomers expected buying a home in Canada to be more difficult than in their home country.
• More than half (55%) of newcomers who own their home turned to a real estate agent for information about buying a home in Canada.
• One fifth of newcomer homeowners say they purchased their first primary residence in Canada using a rent-to-own program.

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- For many newcomers, home ownership represents an important milestone in building a life and establishing roots in Canada. Getting there, however, can mean navigating an unfamiliar housing market and mortgage system while finding reliable information to guide one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

According to a recent Royal LePage^® survey, conducted by Burson,¹ four in five Canadian newcomers (80%) believe home ownership is a good financial investment, rising to 86 per cent among those who owned property before immigrating. The vast majority of newcomers (90%) say that home ownership is important to their sense of being established in Canada.

Despite positive attitudes toward home ownership, many newcomers have yet to enter the market. One third (33%) of newcomers say they currently own their primary residence, including some who also own a secondary property, while 66 per cent do not own any property. Of those who do not own, 80 per cent rent their primary residence and 13 per cent live with family or friends.

"Home ownership has long been a defining goal for Canadians, and for newcomers it can carry added significance as they establish themselves in a new country and community," said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. "They face many of the same affordability challenges as Canadian-born buyers, from saving for a down payment to finding a property that meets their needs and budget. At the same time, they are likely learning an entirely new housing and financial system. Helping them understand the path to home ownership with reliable information is an important part of how our company is supporting newcomers in successfully establishing themselves in Canada."

Ownership rates climb the longer someone has been in the country. Among newcomers who have lived in Canada at least five years but less than a decade, 45 per cent own a home, compared to 22 per cent of those who've been in the country less than five years. By their fifth year after admission, economic-class immigrants report comparable home ownership rates to Canadian-born individuals, according to Statistics Canada.²

The role of newcomers in Canada's housing market has evolved alongside changes to federal immigration policy. In recent years, Canada has slowed population growth in response to pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services. In October 2024, the government reduced its permanent resident targets for 2025 through 2027, including lowering the 2026 target from 500,000 to 380,000 admissions.³

Under the subsequent 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, permanent resident admissions are now set at 380,000 annually through 2028. At the same time, the plan places greater emphasis on transitioning people already living and working in Canada to permanent residency status, including a two-year initiative to accelerate permanent residence for up to 33,000 temporary workers in 2026 and 2027.⁴

"For someone who has spent years working, studying and contributing to a community in Canada, obtaining permanent residency naturally leads to long-term decisions about where and how they want to live, including buying a home," said Soper. "Canada needs a housing strategy that recognizes both the needs of established residents and those we continue to welcome. Governments at all levels must work together to ensure the supply of rental and ownership housing keeps pace, so that everyone who chooses to call Canada home has an opportunity to find suitable housing."

"Owning a home in Canada would mean finally feeling settled after immigrating and leaving everything behind in our home country. It would give our family a sense of stability, security, and belonging, and a place we can truly call our own. It would also represent all the hard work and sacrifices we have made to build a new life in Canada."

– Gen Z survey respondent, Manitoba

Most newcomers who don't own intend to buy, but saving is the hurdle

Buying a home in Canada is a priority for many newcomers, but affordability, financial readiness and navigating an unfamiliar housing system can be challenging.

More than three quarters (76%) of newcomers who do not own their primary residence say they intend to buy a home in Canada. Of this group, nearly half (48%) plan to purchase within the next two years, while 21 per cent expect to buy more than two years from now. Another 24 per cent say their timeline is uncertain, but home ownership remains a priority.

For many newcomers, purchasing a home in Canada would be their first experience with home ownership. Prior to immigrating, only one third (33%) of those surveyed say they owned their home, while nearly half (49%) rented and 17 per cent lived with family or friends.

"Newcomers arrive in Canada with very different financial circumstances, and that can shape their path to home ownership. Some sell a home in their country of origin and arrive with the funds to buy within months. Others arrive with little more than a suitcase and spend years working and saving, moving from a basement apartment to a rental condo before they are ready to purchase," said Norman Xu, broker, Royal LePage Signature Realty in Toronto.

"I have worked with clients who bought within their first year in Canada and others who bought after 20 years. For many, it is their first purchase anywhere, so alongside saving, they are learning how financing, offers and closing costs work here. What they often share with me is the significance of that purchase. It is a moment when the life they have been working to build in Canada begins to feel more permanent," added Xu.

It's common for newcomers to arrive in Canada anticipating challenges in the housing market. Before immigrating, nearly two in five (39%) expected buying a home in Canada to be more difficult than in their home country, while 27 per cent expected it to be easier and 23 per cent expected a similar experience. Newcomers currently living in Atlantic Canada (48%), British Columbia (42%) and Ontario (41%) were the most likely to say they had expected buying a home in Canada to be more difficult.

"Halifax still offers homes under $500,000, giving newcomer buyers options that can be harder to come by in more expensive markets like Toronto or Vancouver. But comparatively affordable housing does not mean the path to ownership is easy," said Olesia Zozulia, sales representative, Royal LePage Atlantic in Halifax. "There can be a gap between what buyers expect their budget will afford and what is available in the local market. Financing is often the bigger obstacle. Many of the newcomers I work with are proactive about building strong credit in Canada, but recent arrivals simply have not had the time to establish the longer credit and income history lenders may look for. Self-employed buyers can also face additional challenges demonstrating their income. These factors can delay a purchase by a year or two, even when buyers are otherwise financially prepared."

Among newcomers who do not own a home but intend to buy, 61 per cent say saving for a down payment is their biggest barrier, followed by securing more stable or higher-paying employment (50%), learning more about the homebuying process in Canada (28%), building their credit score or credit history (27%), and deciding where they want to live (26%). Respondents could select more than one answer.

"Building a Canadian credit history can be one of the first challenges newcomers encounter when preparing to buy a home. Some come from countries where cash is king, from everyday purchases to major transactions like homes, so they may arrive with strong finances and little or no debt, but also without the credit history Canadian lenders look for," said Eunice Aranda, sales representative, Royal LePage Benchmark in Calgary. "At the same time, establishing a life in a new country often comes with major expenses. A vehicle, furniture, credit cards and other costs can add up quickly, and taking on too much debt too soon can reduce how much a newcomer qualifies to borrow for a home. Understanding that every credit decision can affect future purchasing power is incredibly important, especially in those first few years in Canada."

For newcomers with limited Canadian credit history, alternative options are available. Through its Newcomers program, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provides mortgage loan insurance for eligible permanent residents and non-permanent residents authorized to work in Canada. Where Canadian credit history is limited, CMHC may consider other ways of establishing creditworthiness, including an international credit report or a reference from a financial institution in the borrower's country of origin.

"The most difficult part of the home buying process was getting approved for a mortgage. The paperwork was stressful, and the banks have really strict requirements. Initially, I found the whole process really confusing."

– Millennial survey respondent, Ontario

Newcomers often buy where they first settle

Where newcomers first settle can have a lasting influence on where they build their lives in Canada. Ontario is the most popular initial destination, with nearly half (47%) of newcomers saying they first settled in the province, followed by Quebec (16%), British Columbia (13%) and Alberta (12%). And, the majority of newcomers tend to settle in major centres. When they first arrived in Canada, nearly half (46%) of newcomers surveyed say they settled in or near the downtown core of a major city, while another 35 per cent settled in a suburb.

"Newcomers often put down roots where they already have a sense of culture, community and connection. Being close to family, familiar businesses and services in their mother tongue can play a significant role in where they choose to live," said Raj Gill, broker and owner, Royal LePage Global Force Realty in Surrey. "What often changes is the type of home they are willing to consider. Given affordability challenges in Metro Vancouver, many first-time buyers gravitate toward condominiums and townhomes rather than detached houses. Access to transit and less home maintenance can be more appealing than having additional square footage. Individual family needs also play a role. If newcomers are moving to Canada with children, a detached home may be a preferred option over attached styles of housing. Staying connected to their community can also be a major consideration, allowing families to remain close to relatives and other sources of support rather than moving farther away simply to get a larger home."

For most, that first community remains home. Seventy-one per cent of newcomers say they still live in the same city or town where they first settled after arriving in Canada. Newcomers currently living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are the most likely to have remained in their original community, with 84 per cent saying they still live in the same area.

"It is common for newcomers to arrive in Canada with an existing connection to the community where they settle, often through family or friends who can help them get established," said Suketu Patel, sales representative, Royal LePage Next Level in Regina. "Proximity to the downtown core remains a priority for many newcomers, particularly those working in government and hospitality who value convenient access to workplaces, restaurants and other amenities. Those who first came to Canada as international students may also want to remain close to the neighbourhoods, services and communities they have become familiar with. For families, priorities often shift toward being close to relatives and good schools, which can draw buyers to some of the city's more established neighbourhoods."

Among newcomers who own a home, more than two thirds (68%) purchased their primary residence in the city or town where they first settled in Canada, while 31 per cent bought in a different location. The share was highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where 92 per cent of newcomer homeowners purchased in the community where they first settled, followed by Alberta (73%), British Columbia (71%), Atlantic Canada (68%), Ontario (65%) and Quebec (59%).

For aspiring homeowners, nearly half (47%) of newcomers who plan to purchase a home intend to do so in the same city or town where they first arrived.

"Newcomer buyers often weigh their priorities differently when searching for a place to call home. In Quebec, we see buyers who are willing to look beyond the communities where they first settled if it means finding a home that better meets their needs or budget," said Dina Morsi, certified real estate broker, Royal LePage Champlain in Montreal. "But, location will always remain a very personal decision. Proximity to family, cultural networks, schools and places of worship can all influence where buyers choose to put down roots. Ultimately, when searching for a home, buyers will choose the community and property that work best for their individual needs, lifestyle and budget. I also work with families looking for enough space to accommodate multiple generations under one roof, which can lead them to expand their search beyond the neighbourhoods they already know."

"Buying a house in Canada represents an investment for the future and retirement."

– Gen X survey respondent, Quebec

Rent-to-own offers another path for newcomer homebuyers

For newcomers who are still building their Canadian credit history or saving for a down payment, qualifying for a traditional mortgage may take time. Rent-to-own programs can offer another path by allowing participants to live in a home while working towards the eventual purchase.

One fifth (20%) of newcomer homeowners say they purchased their first primary residence in Canada using this service, while more than half (52%) of newcomers overall say they are familiar with rent-to-own as a path to home ownership.

Through such programs, the rental period can give prospective buyers time to build savings toward a down payment, establish Canadian credit and employment history, and strengthen their financial profile before applying for a mortgage. Requity Homes, Canada's leading rent-to-own provider and a partner of Royal LePage and CMHC, offers this type of pathway for prospective buyers who may need more time to meet traditional lending requirements.

"Many newcomers arrive in Canada with strong incomes, decent savings and a clear goal of becoming homeowners, but they may not yet meet every requirement of the traditional mortgage system. The challenge could be the size of their down payment, the length of their Canadian employment history, or documentation that does not fit neatly within standard lending criteria," said Amy Ding, founder and CEO, Requity Homes.

"In many cases, it is not about whether they can manage the monthly cost of owning a home, but whether they need more time to qualify for a mortgage. Rent-to-own can help bridge that gap, giving newcomers time to establish themselves financially in Canada while living in the home they intend to buy and building toward their down payment. For families who might otherwise spend years trying to save while renting, it can provide a more direct path toward home ownership."

"Owning a home would mean security and stability for my family, giving us a place to truly belong and build memories while ensuring long-term financial independence."

– Millennial survey respondent, Atlantic Canada

Real estate professionals play a key role for newcomers

Having knowledgeable guidance can make a meaningful difference as newcomers navigate their first home purchase in Canada. Beyond finding a property, an agent can help buyers understand local market conditions, become familiar with the home buying process and connect with other professionals involved in a transaction: from mortgage advisors and home inspectors to notaries, lawyers and insurance providers.

Among newcomers surveyed who own their primary residence, nearly three quarters (73%) say they worked with a real estate agent to purchase a home in Canada.

"Buying a home works very differently here than it does in many of my clients' home countries, and navigating an unfamiliar system can add another layer of stress," said Anna Denisiuk, sales representative, Royal LePage Prime Real Estate in Winnipeg. "Taking the time to explain the process and connect buyers with the right professionals can make a real difference, especially when they have not yet had the opportunity to build those relationships in Canada. Above all, trust has to be earned. For many newcomers, this purchase represents years of hard work and savings. They deserve someone in their corner who understands what it took to get here."

When asked where they turned for information about buying a home in Canada, more than half (55%) of newcomer homeowners cited a real estate agent, followed by family or friends (42%), online research (37%), and banks, mortgage brokers or financial advisors (35%). Respondents could select more than one answer.

"Canada has been shaped by people who chose to build their lives here, and for many newcomers, owning a home is the moment that choice is solidified. The role of a real estate professional in that journey goes well beyond finding a property. It means making an unfamiliar system understandable, advocating for the buyer's interests and connecting them with the people and information they need to make confident decisions," added Soper.

"For someone making one of the largest financial commitments of their life in the country they dreamed of living in, that support carries real weight. Helping families put down roots and build a future in Canada is among the most meaningful contributions a real estate professional can make."

Royal LePage 2026 Canadian Newcomers Survey - Data Chart:

rlp.ca/table-2026-Canadian-Newcomers-Survey 

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About the Survey

Burson used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,400 recent newcomers to Canada (i.e., immigrated within the past 10 years) between August 25th and September 8th, 2026. Representative sampling was done across all provinces (Atlantic provinces were aggregated and Saskatchewan was aggregated with Manitoba) as well as Toronto CMA, Montreal CMA, Vancouver CMA, and Calgary CMA. The survey was administered in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog and Punjabi. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e., a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 1,400 respondents would have a margin of error of ±3%, 19 times out of 20.

About Royal LePage

Serving Canadians since 1913, Royal LePage is the country's leading provider of services to real estate brokerages, with a network of approximately 20,000 real estate professionals in over 650 locations nationwide. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation, the Royal LePage^® Shelter Foundation™, which has been dedicated to supporting women's shelters and domestic violence prevention programs for more than 25 years. Royal LePage is a Bridgemarq Real Estate Services^® company, a TSX-listed corporation trading under the symbol TSX:BRE. For more information, please visit www.royallepage.ca.

Royal LePage^® is a registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada and is used under licence by Bridgemarq Real Estate Services^®.

About Requity Homes

Requity Homes Inc. is Canada's #1 rent-to-own company, backed by a partnership with CMHC. Requity Homes makes homeownership possible for Canadians who need more time and support to get there, coaching clients toward mortgage-readiness while they move into their dream home of choice today and save for their down payment, one month at a time. With a growing network of families across Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, Requity Homes is helping more Canadians take that first step toward owning a home. For additional information, visit RequityHomes.com.

SOURCE Royal LePage Real Estate Services