Changing Perceptions of Homeownership in Canada

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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For newcomers, the Canadian banking system can sometimes be unclear – and nowhere is this more true than when purchasing a home.  While many newcomers believe they understand the process for securing a mortgage and closing a deal on a new home, many are dismayed to find how complicated the process can be.

RBC surveyed Chinese and South Asian newcomers who have been inCanadafor less than a year, and compared their findings to those who have been here for between 2 and 5 years. The poll unveiled some rather interesting results – including a number of myths and realities about homeownership and what it means to newcomers.

#1: The Buying Process

What they thought: Buying a house inCanada will be similar to buying a house in my home country  

Reality: As they become more tenured, newcomers are more inclined to agree that it is more complicated to buy a home in Canada than in their home country (57% of 2-5 year tenure group vs. 44% among <1 year tenure)

 

#2: Buying in the Suburbs

What they thought: Despite high gas and transportation costs, buying a house on the suburbs will save you money.

Reality: 52% of newcomers who have been inCanadafor 2 – 5 years believe that gas and transportation costs can cost more than the prices savings of buying a home in the suburbs.

 

#3: Investment Opportunity

What they thought: Buying a home inCanadais a good investment

Reality: This statement held true for newcomers of all tenures. While the majority of newcomers believe this statement to be true, the longer they’ve been here, the more they believe it. 73% of 2-5 year tenure group vs. 58% <1 year tenure)

 

#4: Interest Rates

What they thought: Getting the best interest rate is important, but not THE most important thing to consider when buying a house.

Reality: In reality, 77% newcomers who have been in Canada between 2 and 5 years believe that getting the best interest rate is the MOST IMPORTANT consideration when buying a home vs. 52% of those who have been here <1 year.

“It was great to understand what the perception is of home ownership inCanadaby newcomers,” said Christine Shisler, director, cultural markets, RBC. “The more that we know about the needs of newcomers, the better able we are to provide guidance and advice as they start to settle themselves inCanada.  The best advice is to come into a branch and speak to someone for tailor-made advice, get in touch with a mobile mortgage specialist, or to visit our online Advice Centre to help answer any questions you may have.” 

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