A national survey of single Canadians indicates they’re reluctant to purchase a home.
According to the RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger and released on Tuesday, 52 per cent of single Canadians said economic uncertainty and expensive home prices are the biggest factors impacting their decision not to purchase a home on their own.
The survey also found that 81 per cent of singles who want to purchase a home say that they have the ability to do so and could finance a property on their own. More than one-third (37 per cent) of single buyers will use a loan or mortgage, and 35 per cent have the savings available to make the down payment.
Christopher Alexander
“It’s concerning to see qualified buyers showing hesitancy toward home ownership. Price and economic factors aside, the additional unnecessary layers of government intervention have left many feeling pushed out of the market, or uncertain of it,” said Christopher Alexander, executive vice-president of RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada, in a statement.
“However, despite these factors, it’s important to remember that buying Canadian real estate is still one of the safest and most reliable financial investments one can make.”
The survey of single Canadians also found that 38 per cent say buying a home is a good investment.
RE/MAX said the second most-common reason for single Canadians wanting to purchase a home is to have more flexibility in their living space (27 per cent).
“Purchasing a property alone often reaps great long-term benefits from an investment perspective,” said Elton Ash, executive vice-president of RE/MAX of Western Canada.
“There is a great opportunity for asset growth, particularly as home prices continue to increase in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, pushing the average sales price up in all surrounding regions as well.”
The survey also found:
- Canadian single buyers are more interested in purchasing single-detached homes (12 per cent), than any other type of property;
- men are twice as likely as women to say that they are considering purchasing a home on their own (37 per cent versus 17 per cent);
- single Canadians living in urban areas are more hesitant than single Canadians living in suburban areas to invest due to high home costs (48 per cent versus 43 per cent).
– Mario Toneguzzi for Calgary’s Business
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