A new report suggests a growing gap between what Canadians want in a home and what they can actually afford.
According to a recent study from Century 21 Canada, more than half of Canadians say they are not living in their ideal home, with affordability emerging as the biggest barrier preventing people from upgrading or moving.
Most Canadians Want More Space, But Can’t Afford It
The report, based on a national survey conducted by Ipsos, found that:
- 55% of Canadians say their current home is not ideal
- 63% want more space
- The average desired home size is around 2,100 square feet
That’s roughly 600 square feet larger than what many Canadians currently have, highlighting a clear mismatch between expectations and reality.
Affordability Remains the Biggest Barrier
For those looking to move, cost remains the primary challenge.
Among Canadians not living in their ideal home:
- 59% cited affordability as the main barrier
- 34% pointed to moving costs
- 14% said saving for a down payment is holding them back
Despite strong demand for larger homes, many buyers are effectively stuck due to financial constraints.
The Average Budget vs Reality
The study found that the average Canadian homebuyer is working with a budget of approximately $677,000.
For comparison, data from the Canadian Real Estate Association shows the average home price in February 2026 was $663,828, slightly down year-over-year.
While these numbers appear close, the reality varies significantly by region, especially in high-cost markets like Toronto and Vancouver where prices far exceed the national average.
Detached Homes Still the Goal for Most Canadians
The traditional idea of homeownership remains strong.
- 59% of Canadians say a detached home is their ideal
- Only 51% currently live in one
This gap highlights ongoing demand for low-density housing, even as affordability challenges push more buyers toward condos or smaller properties.
According to Century 21 Canada, this demand is helping drive growth in more affordable communities outside major urban centres.
Owners vs Renters: A Growing Satisfaction Gap
The report also highlights a notable difference in satisfaction between homeowners and renters.
- 80% of homeowners say they love their home
- Only 50% of renters feel the same
This gap reinforces why homeownership remains a key goal for many Canadians, not just as an investment but as a lifestyle preference.
Few Canadians Planning to Buy in the Near Term
Despite strong demand, relatively few Canadians are actively planning to enter the market.
- Only 19% say they are likely to buy a home within the next year
This suggests that while the desire for better housing remains high, affordability and uncertainty continue to delay decision-making.
What This Signals for Canada’s Housing Market
The findings point to a broader issue across the housing market.
Key takeaways:
- Demand for larger, detached homes remains strong
- Affordability is preventing many from upgrading
- A growing gap exists between expectations and reality
- Homeownership continues to be a long-term goal for most Canadians
As housing costs remain elevated in many regions, this disconnect may continue shaping buyer behaviour throughout 2026 and beyond.
References
Otis, D. (2026, March 26). Real estate: Most Canadians unsatisfied with their home. CTV News
Century 21 Canada. (2026). Spring 2026 Housing Study.
Canadian Real Estate Association. (2026). Housing market statistics. Retrieved from https://stats.crea.ca
Ipsos. (2026). Canadian housing survey data. Retrieved from https://www.ipsos.com
Canada Housing Market 
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