Will You Ever Be Able to Buy a House? The Crisis Facing Young Canadians

Victoria, BC – June 26, 2025 

Canada is facing a housing crisis, and for young Canadians, the dream of homeownership is slipping further and further out of reach. Amid an economic downturn, housing has become more than just a financial hurdle; it's a barrier to health, stability, and opportunity. 

Housing is a cornerstone of a strong and thriving society. Yet for the third year in a row, Canadians have ranked the lack of affordable housing as their top concern. alongside inflation and healthcare. What used to be a key milestone in adulthood is now becoming unattainable for an entire generation. 

For young Canadians, homeownership is not just delayed; but it feels impossible. Nearly 9 in 10 renters in Canada believe owning a home is out of reach. Many are forced to make sacrifices, cutting back on food, clothing, education, and even delaying starting a family due to housing expenses. The traditional life path of education, job, marriage, home, and family no longer feels realistic for the average young adult. 

Almost half of millennial Canadians say they are postponing family plans due to housing unaffordability. More than half of Canadian renters and homeowners are sacrificing essentials like food and education just to afford rent or their mortgage. Nearly one-third of millennials would consider leaving the country altogether in search of affordable housing. Gen Z is especially concerned, with 73% worried about saving enough for a down payment on a house. 

There isn't a full solution, but Habitat for Humanity can make a difference in many families’ lives. After moving into a Habitat for Humanity home, 73% of families reported better physical health and 79% saw improvements in mental health. Half of their children performed better in school, and 44% of adults improved their employment situation. Safe, stable housing changes lives, and Canada needs more of it. 

The housing crisis in Canada is not just about a roof and four walls; it's about our futures. Young people are being left behind, and it’s time for real solutions. Affordable housing must become a priority if we hope to build a healthier, more equitable, and more hopeful country for generations to come. 

 Madilyn Smithson

Marketing Coordinator Intern, Habitat for Humanity Victoria. 

*All stats sourced from the 2024 Habitat Canada Survey