Immigrants Surpassing Canadian-Born Residents in Homeownership in Canada

Last Updated On 6 June 2025, 5:40 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

In a striking revelation from Statistics Canada’s last census, immigrants in Canada—particularly those who have been in the country for over five years—are surpassing Canadian-born individuals in homeownership rates. With established immigrants achieving a remarkable 69.7% homeownership rate compared to just 61.9% for Canadian-born citizens, this data challenges common assumptions about housing trends in Canada.

This article dives into the factors driving this trend, explores its implications for the Canadian housing market, and provides insights into how cultural, economic, and policy factors shape these surprising statistics.

The Data: Immigrants Leading the Way in Homeownership

According to the official census, established immigrants, those who have lived in Canada for at least five years, own homes at a rate of 69.7%, significantly higher than the 61.9% rate for Canadian-born individuals. In contrast, recent immigrants lag behind with a homeownership rate of only 38.7%, reflecting the numerous challenges they face in entering the housing market shortly after arrival.

This disparity highlights the journey of immigrants as they integrate into Canadian society, with homeownership often seen as a milestone of financial and social stability. In high-cost urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, where immigrants make up 46.6% and 41.8% of the population, respectively, their impact on the housing market is profound. Notably, immigrant families are more likely to co-own properties with their adult children, a trend that is particularly evident in these cities, where over 75% of co-owning parents are immigrants.

Why Immigrants Are Buying Homes at Higher Rates

Several factors contribute to the higher homeownership rates among established immigrants:

Cultural Emphasis on Property Ownership

Many immigrant communities place a strong cultural value on homeownership as a symbol of stability and success. For instance, families from South Asian and Chinese backgrounds often prioritize real estate as a means of building generational wealth. This cultural drive is evident in the higher rates of co-ownership, where parents and adult children pool resources to afford homes in competitive markets like Toronto and Vancouver.

Economic Resilience and Strategic Investments

Established immigrants, particularly those in Canada for over a decade, often achieve greater financial stability. Census data shows that immigrants who have been in Canada for 15 years or more have housing occupancy rates of 405 per 1,000 individuals, surpassing the 394 per 1,000 for Canadian-born residents. Skilled workers, who form the largest category of immigrants, bring valuable expertise that leads to higher earnings over time, enabling them to invest in real estate.

Multigenerational Living Arrangements

Immigrant families are more likely to live in multigenerational households, pooling resources to purchase homes. This trend is especially pronounced in expensive urban markets, where affordability challenges push families to collaborate financially. Such arrangements allow immigrants to overcome barriers that Canadian-born individuals, who may prioritize independent living, often face.

Lower Reliance on Pensions

Immigrants generally have lower coverage by registered pension plans compared to Canadian-born individuals. As a result, homeownership becomes a critical component of their retirement planning. Data from the Survey of Financial Security indicates that housing assets constitute a larger share of wealth for immigrant families, reinforcing their commitment to property ownership.

Challenges for Recent Immigrants

While established immigrants excel in homeownership, recent arrivals face significant hurdles. With a homeownership rate of just 38.7%, recent immigrants often struggle with lower incomes, limited credit history, and the high cost of housing in urban centers. The Canadian Housing Survey noted that two out of five recent immigrants were dissatisfied with the housing market, with only 63% expressing satisfaction as compared to the national average of 82%.

High housing prices in cities like Toronto and Vancouver exacerbate these challenges. For instance, the average value of single-detached homes owned by recent immigrants in Vancouver is $2.34 million, significantly higher than the $1.52 million for Canadian-born owners. These disparities are partially attributed to immigrants’ tendency to settle in high-cost areas, where cultural and economic networks are strong but affordability is low.

Regional Variations in Homeownership

Homeownership rates vary significantly across Canada, influenced by regional economic conditions and housing affordability:

Alberta

Immigrants in Alberta boast some of the highest homeownership rates in the country, with 19% of newcomers owning their first residence upon arrival. The province’s relatively affordable housing market and strong economic opportunities make it particularly attractive for immigrants seeking to invest in property.

Ontario and British Columbia

In Toronto and Vancouver, where housing costs rank among the highest in Canada, immigrants still manage to achieve high ownership rates over time. However, the reliance on co-ownership and multigenerational living is more pronounced in these regions due to affordability challenges.

Atlantic Canada

Historically, Atlantic provinces like Newfoundland and Labrador have higher ownership rates than the national average, with 75.7% in 2021. However, even here, rates have seen slight declines in recent years, with Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia experiencing reductions of 4.6% and 4.0%, respectively, from 2011 to 2021.

Quebec

Quebec has the lowest homeownership rate among provinces, sitting at 59.9% in 2021, with a modest decline of 1.3% from 2011. Immigrants in Quebec face unique challenges, including language barriers and a distinct housing market, yet established immigrants still outperform Canadian-born residents in ownership rates.

The Broader Housing Market Context

Canada’s overall homeownership rate has been on a decline, dropping from a peak of 69% in 2011 to 66.5% in 2021. This trend reflects rising housing costs, increasing interest rates, and a growing preference for renting—particularly among younger Canadians and recent immigrants. The growth in renter households has outpaced that of owner households by more than double, with a 21% increase in renters compared to only an 8.4% increase in owners from 2011 to 2021.

Despite these challenges, immigrants continue to play a crucial role in driving demand in both ownership and rental markets. Non-permanent residents, such as temporary workers and asylum claimants, rent at three times the rate of Canadian-born individuals, highlighting their significant impact on the rental market. This dual influence underscores the need for targeted housing policies to address the diverse needs of Canada’s population.

Implications for Policy and Urban Planning

The higher homeownership rates among established immigrants have significant implications for Canada’s housing policies and urban planning strategies:

Affordable Housing Supply

The growing demand for homeownership among immigrants, particularly in smaller municipalities, necessitates an increase in affordable housing stock. Policies that incentivize the construction of single-family homes and condominiums could help meet this demand effectively.

Support for Recent Immigrants

Given the barriers that recent immigrants face, including high housing costs and limited access to credit, programs offering financial literacy, down payment assistance, or flexible mortgage options could aid in bridging this gap.

Multigenerational Housing Solutions

The prevalence of multigenerational living among immigrant families calls for housing designs that accommodate larger households. Zoning reforms and incentives for multi-unit dwellings are essential to supporting this trend.

Rental Market Stability

The high rental demand from non-permanent residents emphasizes the need for a robust rental housing stock, particularly in urban centers. Investments in purpose-built rental units, which grew by nearly one-fifth from 2010 to 2020, are critical to maintaining affordability for all residents.

Cultural and Social Impacts

The trend of higher homeownership among immigrants is reflective of broader cultural and social dynamics. For many immigrant families, owning a home is not just a financial investment but a symbol of integration and success in their new country. This aspiration aligns with Canada’s historical emphasis on homeownership as a cornerstone of economic security, a narrative that has been reinforced since the post-World War II era.

However, the growing disparity between homeowners and renters, exacerbated by rising housing costs, is creating social tensions. Younger Canadians, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, express frustration over the unattainability of homeownership, a sentiment that is less pronounced among established immigrants who benefit from cultural and familial support systems.

Addressing these disparities requires a nuanced approach that balances the needs of diverse population groups.

A Shifting Housing Landscape

The Census data from Statistics Canada paints a compelling picture of immigrants reshaping Canada’s housing market. With established immigrants achieving homeownership rates of 69.7% compared to 61.9% for Canadian-born individuals, their influence is undeniable. Cultural values, economic resilience, and multigenerational living arrangements enable immigrants to navigate Canada’s challenging housing market successfully.

However, recent immigrants face significant barriers that highlight the need for targeted policies to support equitable access to homeownership. As Canada grapples with a declining national homeownership rate and rising affordability challenges, understanding the dynamics of immigrant homeownership is crucial for the future of housing in the country.

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