Anokh Lally

Highlights: Canadian housing affordability posted a fifth consecutive improvement in Q125. The mortgage payment on a representative home as a percentage of income (MPPI) fell 0.7 percentage point. Seasonally adjusted home prices increased 1.1% in Q125 from Q424; the benchmark mortgage rate (5-year term) declined 15 basis points, while median household income rose 0.8%. Affordability improved in 8 of the ten markets in Q1. On a sliding scale of markets from best progression to least: Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria, Hamilton, Ottawa-Gatineau, Calgary, Winnipeg and Edmonton. On the flip side, Montreal and Quebec deteriorated in the first quarter. Countrywide, affordability enhanced 0.9 pp in the condo portion and 0.7 pp in the non-condo segment. Housing affordability remains a significant challenge for Canadians, though the first quarter of 2025 brought continued relief. Nationally, affordability improved for the fifth consecutive quartermarking the longest such streak since 20082009. This progress brought the mortgage payment as a percentage of income (MPPI) to its lowest level in three years. Despite higher home prices across all markets, affordability gains were more widespread this quarter, supported by rising incomes and declining interest rates. Since peaking in late 2023, 5-year mortgage rates have fallen by a cumulative 91 basis points, reaching their lowest point in nearly three years. However, Montreal and Quebec City were notable exceptions. Home prices surged by 3.0% and 4.2% respectively during the quarter, preventing any affordability improvements. These markets remained resilient despite broader trade uncertainty, supported by less-stretched valuations and a still-strong labour market. Notwithstanding the widespread improvement in Q1, the composite MPPI remains well above its historical average. Anticipating the second quarter, further improvements in affordability from mortgage interest rates are likely to be limited, as the drop in 5-year rates is marginal thus far. However, ongoing weakness in Ontario and British Columbias real estate markets could lead to price drop in several cities. Over the longer term, a slowdown in immigration and softening labour market conditions may also ease pressure on housing demand. Still, resolving market imbalances will take time. https://www.nbc.ca/content/dam/bnc/taux-analyses/analyse-eco/logement/housing-affordability.pdf

At a Glance In 2025, more first-time home buyers entered the market and about 60% used mortgage loan insurance. Renovation activity is growing, with 55% of homeowners doing renovations in the last 3 years. Websites are still the top source for mortgage information, but social media use has nearly doubled, with YouTube becoming more popular than Facebook. 2025 Housing Market Trends Canadas housing market is changing from more first-time homebuyers to a stronger focus on eco-friendly living. This year, there was an increase in first-time homebuyers. Most of them said they decided to buy because they were financially ready. They had saved up their down payment, qualified for a mortgage and felt prepared to become homeowners. On average, it took homebuyers 3.4 years to save for a down payment, compared to 4.2 years the previous year. Gifted money provided homebuyers with an average of about $80,000 to help them purchase a home. Renovations are gaining momentum. Over half of mortgage consumers completed upgrades within the last 3 years and 75% plan to renovate in the next 5 years (excluding those who dont know). Energy-efficient changes stand out due to high satisfaction levels (93%) and about 80% of homeowners reported saving money on energy bills. Mortgage consumers are turning to new ways to gather information. While websites remain the top choice, social media usage has surged, nearly doubling compared to last year. YouTube has replaced Facebook as the most-used social platform for this purpose. Younger audiences and first-time homebuyers are leading this shift to explore digital channels for advice and insights. https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/blog/2025/a-fresh-look-at-canadas-mortgage-consumers