Most newcomers who do not yet own a home in Canada intend to buy one, but saving for a down payment and securing stable employment remain major obstacles, according to a new Royal LePage survey.

The survey found 76% of newcomers who do not own their primary residence plan to buy in Canada. Nearly half of that group hope to purchase within the next two years, while 21% expect to buy further into the future. Another 24% are unsure when they will buy but still consider homeownership a priority.

One-third of newcomers surveyed currently own their primary residence, while 66% do not own any property. Among non-owners, 80% rent and 13% live with family or friends.

The survey also found 90% consider homeownership important to feeling established in Canada, while 80% see it as a good financial investment.

“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 of Royal LePage.

Down Payments Top List of Barriers

Among newcomers who do not own but intend to buy, 61% cited saving for a down payment as a barrier. Half pointed to finding more stable or higher-paying employment, while 28% cited learning more about the Canadian homebuying process.

Building a credit score or Canadian credit history was a barrier for 27%, while 26% said deciding where to live was an issue. Respondents could choose more than one answer.

Eunice Aranda, a Royal LePage Benchmark sales representative in Calgary, said some newcomers arrive with strong finances but little Canadian credit history.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Some Newcomers Turn to Rent-to-Own

The survey also found rent-to-own has played a role for some newcomer buyers. One in five newcomer homeowners surveyed said they purchased their first primary residence in Canada through a rent-to-own program, while 52% of newcomers overall said they were familiar with the option.

Rent-to-own programs generally allow prospective buyers to rent a property for a period of time while working toward an eventual purchase. For newcomers, that period can provide additional time to save toward a down payment and establish Canadian credit and employment history before seeking a mortgage.

Ownership Rises with Time in Canada

Homeownership rates increase the longer newcomers live in Canada. Among those who have been in the country for at least five but less than 10 years, 45% own a home, compared with 22% of those who arrived less than five years ago.

Norman Xu, broker with Royal LePage Signature Realty in Toronto, said the timeline can vary considerably.

“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,” Xu said.

“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.”

Many Stay Where They First Settled

The survey also suggests newcomers tend to establish lasting roots in the communities where they initially settle.

71% still live in the city or town where they first settled in Canada. Among newcomer homeowners, 68% purchased their primary residence in that same community.

Ontario was the most common first destination, cited by 47% of respondents, followed by Quebec at 16%, British Columbia at 13% and Alberta at 12%.

More than half — 55% — of newcomer homeowners said they turned to a real estate agent for information about buying a home in Canada.

“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 of Royal LePage Global Force Realty in Surrey.

“What often changes is the type of home they are willing to consider.”

For Newcomers, Homeownership is A Priority – And A Challenge by REM Real Estate Magazine