Despite an uncertain market, Canadians still want a home to call their own: RBC Spring Home Ownership Poll

Executive Summary

• RBC’s Spring Home Ownership Poll shows strong Canadian aspiration for home ownership, with 67% always dreaming of buying a home and 80% viewing purchase as a major financial milestone.
• First‑time buyers remain cautious: 66% worry about timing, 63% fear making the wrong decision, and 70% plan to use the tax‑free First Home Savings Account (FHSA).
• Mortgage renewals are top of mind for current homeowners; 39% are worried about making the wrong renewal decision, and half expect to need a mortgage advisor.

Key Details

• Survey of 1,719 Canadians (ages 18‑64) conducted Jan 7‑25, 2026 via Leger’s online panel.
• Dream of Home Ownership: 67% always dreamed of buying (up from 62% in 2025).
• Purchase Intent: 32% expect to buy a house/condo within the next two years (steady YoY).
• Milestone Perception: 80% say buying a home is one of life’s biggest financial milestones.
• Financial Independence: 73% view owning a home as a sign of financial independence; 62% see it as essential to their future.

First‑time Buyers (FTHB)

• 62% feel closer to their dream; 71% have a savings plan, average saved $110,339.
• 70% intend to use the FHSA for down‑payment savings.
• Concerns: 66% about timing, 63% about wrong decision, 65% ready to buy but finances not sufficient.
• Sacrifices anticipated: 58% would do anything to buy; 46% expect to live with parents longer; 42% may delay having children; 64% will need a side‑hustle or second job.

Next‑time Buyers (NTHB)

• 75% view buying a house/condo as a good investment; 70% say benefits outweigh negatives.
• 42% consider purchasing sooner due to lower interest rates.
• 75% willing to move to suburbs/rural areas for larger homes.

Current Homeowners – Mortgage Renewals

• 59% worried about covering home‑ownership costs.
• 38% using lower rates to pay down principal; 29% paying off mortgage faster than expected.
• 39% worried about making the wrong renewal decision (58% for those renewing within two years).
• 50% expect to need a mortgage advisor for renewal navigation.

Market Sentiment

• 33% view market as seller’s, 27% as buyer’s (vs. 46%/17% in 2025).
• 46% feel pressure to buy now; 44% constantly think about affordability (up from 37%).

Notable Quotes

“Despite a complex and uncertain market, Canadians still aspire to home ownership and the perception of financial independence that comes with it,” – Janet Boyle, Senior Vice President, Home Equity Finance, RBC.

“There is a lot of cautious optimism amongst our clients these days… having access to the right tools, expert advice and mortgage solutions can make a real difference,” – Brad Evjen, Senior Mortgage Specialist, RBC.