2022 Housing Affordability Survey

Is the current housing market affecting your ability to own your dream home?

Survey winner

Congratulations to our Housing Affordability Survey winner Richard K. from Cornwall, Ontario!

Survey results

Housing affordability is a hard topic to miss, especially in the last couple of years. It wasn’t enough just to say, “housing prices have skyrocketed”. We thought it was important to know what was going on underneath the surface of the talk. What kind of outlook do people see for the future of the housing market and how are they handling the current market? We set up the 2022 Housing Affordability Survey to find out and received hundreds of responses.

The full results of the survey are in the chart above, but here are some stand-out highlights.

Can’t save money

With 38% of respondents saying that owning a home is Very Important and 23% saying They already own a home and it’s important to them, home ownership still obviously means a great deal to people. Even so, many are struggling to make it a reality. When asked, Are you currently saving for a home? 33% answered No, but I wish I was and 15% said, Yes, but not as much as I want to. The question, What’s holding you back from saving for your dream home? sheds some light on why people aren’t saving. Twenty-six percent answered that they have Insufficient income to save for a down payment and 18.7% stated they earn Insufficient income to qualify for a mortgage. People just don’t have the excess cash right now to save. Wallets are being squeezed every which way as proofed by the 31% of respondents that said their rent has gone up.

Homeownership hopelessness

Arguably the most heartbreaking feedback from the survey is the sense of hopelessness that’s permeating the minds of would-be home buyers. Combined, these stats show a very bleak picture::

Are you currently saving for a home?

33% said No, But I wish I was

15% said Yes, but not as much as I wish

What’s holding you back from saving for your dream home?

26.1% said insufficient income to save for a down payment

15% said  Insufficient income to qualify for a mortgage

Given the housing market, how realistic do you feel it is that you’ll buy a home in the next 2-5 years?

39% said Housing Prices are too high, I’ll never afford anything

20% said It’ll take forever because costs have gone up and I can’t save money

How do you see the housing market in the next 5-10 years?

53% said Prices continue to increase

Do you feel you will have to leave your current area in order to afford a home?

52% said No, houses are expensive everywhere.

These answers reveal that the mindset about home ownership right now isn’t just that it’s hard the feeling is that it’s impossible. A pipe dream.

The final blow to the heart-wrench that comes with looking at these stats are the answers to the very first question, How important is homeownership to you? With 38% saying that homeownership is Very important and 21% saying Somewhat Important it shows that hearts are still very much set on homeownership. There’s little worse than wanting something and feeling like it’ll never become a reality.

Conclusion

Why does all this matter? Why is it important to know what the collective mindset is about homeownership? Well, mindset is where change starts. We take action because our hearts and minds say we want something different than what is reality right now. Sometimes things need to break down before our minds change and we start taking action. Could that be what we’re seeing here? Could we be getting to the point of saying enough is enough? Things like the tiny house movement and RV living could be signs that we are. If that’s the case, maybe, just maybe things aren’t as bleak as they seem to be.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A purchase or payment will not increase your chances of winning. Chances of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received during the contest period. The Prize(s) consist of $150. The 2022 Housing Affordability Survey begins on 13/04/2022, and ends on 12/05/2022. Void where prohibited. Open to legal residents of Canada who are of the age of majority (in the resident’s respective Province) or older. Other restrictions, terms and conditions apply. To enter and for complete contest rules, go to Contests & Sweepstakes – Rules. Contest sponsor: Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, Inc.

What is your total credit card debt amount?

Provide a few details about yourself.

##first_name##, here are your next steps...

Get a clear picture of your spending vs. your income. Begin your online budget and financial analysis now by clicking the button below.

Our experts are here to help you understand your options and reach your goals. After you complete the easy-to-use online budget, one of our trained counsellors will reach out to you and provide recommendations.

Everything shared is 100% confidential and secure.

I understand and agree that by choosing “Start My Own Budget”, I am voluntarily providing certain personal financial information in order to educate myself as to my current financial position. I understand that this budget tool is educational in nature, and that none of the information received in the form of a budget constitutes financial advice, nor does it constitute a counselling session. I understand and agree that the budget depends on the information I input into the fields, and that Company does not represent or guarantee the accuracy of the budget. I understand that this tool may collect information and should I choose not to provide such information, I am not to proceed further. If I choose to abandon the tool midway through the process, I understand that the information will not be maintained and I would be required to start providing the information from the beginning. Company disclaims all warranties associated with the budget tool herein. I understand and agree that Company may use the contact information provided herein to contact me through various means of communications, including automated messages, and that I expressly consent to receive these messages.

Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada Inc BBB accredited business profile
BBB RATING: A+