Majority of Non-Homeowners in Toronto Doubt Future Homeownership

A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of non-homeowners in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) believe they will never achieve homeownership. Conducted by Canada Pulse Insights on behalf of CityNews, the survey indicates that 75% of respondents without a home feel they are unlikely to own a residence in the future.

Among the 38% of those surveyed who do not own a home, only 25% expressed optimism about becoming homeowners. The primary barrier identified by participants was the high cost of homes and condominiums, cited by 80% of respondents. Additionally, 20% indicated that saving for a suitable down payment was a significant challenge.

Concerns about Affordable Housing Persist

The poll also highlighted a widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of affordable housing in Toronto. A staggering 83% of all residents rated conditions for accessing affordable homes as “bad or terrible.” This sentiment was echoed, though slightly less severe, in the GTA, where 73% shared the same view.

Access to affordable rental units is similarly bleak, with 78% of Toronto residents and 70% of those in the GTA expressing negative opinions about the availability of affordable rental options.

In terms of public perception of local leadership, only one in six participants believed that Mayor Olivia Chow has made meaningful progress regarding affordable housing and rental assistance. This sentiment aligns with an earlier poll conducted for CityNews, which found that 58% of Toronto residents attribute housing affordability issues primarily to population pressures stemming from immigration, rather than to profit-seeking developers or landlords.

Poll Methodology and Accuracy

The survey was conducted between September 30 and October 6, 2023, utilizing a random, probability-based sample of Canadian adults in Toronto and the GTA. The findings are accurate within a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percentage points 19 times out of 20, underscoring the significance of these insights into the housing crisis facing the region.

As the dialogue around housing continues, the results of this poll reflect a concerning outlook for many in Toronto, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to the mounting challenges of affordability and access.