Young Canadians are feeling the heat when it comes to homeownership, and according to a new 2025 survey, Albertans are feeling it the most.
A July 24th news release from digital real estate platform Wahi, in partnership with the Angus Reid Forum, revealed that 41% of Albertans feel pressure to buy a home, the highest percentage in the country. This compares to:
- 39% in British Columbia
- 29% in Atlantic Canada
- 26% in Quebec
- And a national average of 34%
Millennials and Gen Z: Canada’s Most Pressured Generations
It’s not just Alberta. Across the country, millennials and Gen Z are carrying the weight of homeownership expectations.
- 54% of millennials say they feel pressure to buy
- 41% of Gen Z agree
- By contrast, only 30% of Gen X and 13% of baby boomers feel the same
According to Wahi CEO Benjy Katchen, rising home prices over the decades have intensified this pressure:
“While buying a home can be a smart long-term decision, it’s critical for Canadians to take their time, do their research, and buy based on personal readiness—not pressure.”
Where the Pressure Comes From
The top source? Societal expectations.
- 59% of Gen Z and 55% of millennials cite it as their biggest stressor
- That drops to 33% of Gen X and 27% of boomers
Meanwhile, personal goals were a more common pressure point for older generations:
- 34% of Gen X
- 31% of boomers
Interestingly, 27% of boomers and 21% of Gen Xers said they feel no pressure at all to own property. That number falls to just 13% of Gen Z and 11% of millennials.
The Home vs. Marriage vs. Kids Pressure Triangle
Wahi’s report also showed that:
- Gen Z feels equal pressure to buy a home (43%), get married (43%), and have children (43%)
- Millennials feel slightly more pressure to buy a home (54%) than to have children (53%) or get married (43%)
Homeownership Rates by Generation in Canada
Ownership gaps remain stark across age groups:
- 81% of boomers own homes
- 74% of Gen X
- 61% of millennials
- Only 21% of Gen Z
Meanwhile, 55% of non-homeowners say they’re unhappy with not owning, and 50% of all respondents believe renting is viewed negatively in Canadian society.
Surprisingly, 62% of those surveyed underestimated Canada’s homeownership rate, thinking it was 50% or less.
Survey Methodology
- Conducted June 17–19, 2025
- Sample size: 1,500 Angus Reid Forum members
- Margin of error: ±2.53%, 19 times out of 20
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s social pressure, rising prices, or just feeling like you’re falling behind, young Albertans are feeling the squeeze the hardest when it comes to buying a home in 2025.
But the message from experts is clear: don’t rush into homeownership just because you feel like you should. Buy when it makes sense for you, not because of what everyone else is doing.
Canada Housing Market 
Leave a comment