Canadian Homebuyers Rethink Independence as Family Housing Gains Appeal
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For many Canadians, buying a home is becoming less of an individual undertaking and more of a family decision.
A new Royal Bank of Canada survey, released October 14, finds that 53% of people planning to purchase a home within the next two years would consider a multigenerational household. The figure rises to 57% among prospective first-time buyers, suggesting that shared family living is becoming a serious option for those trying to enter the property market.
Parents are also weighing the possibility of combining households. More than a third of current homeowners, 35%, said they would consider selling their property and buying a home with an adult child to help that child become a homeowner. Across all respondents, 30% described multigenerational living as more of a necessity than a choice.
The survey illustrates how dramatically expectations have changed between generations. Existing homeowners reported purchasing their first property at an average age of 29. Canadians who do not currently own a home expect to reach that milestone at an average age of 41, while half are uncertain when they will ever buy.
Long-term affordability is also reshaping what buyers want. Among those expecting to buy their first home within two years, 74% would rather purchase a property they can remain in for longer than one they may quickly outgrow. Meanwhile, prospective buyers are evenly divided between fears of rising prices if they wait and falling prices if they buy now.
Financial anxiety does not end with ownership. Among mortgage holders facing renewal within two years, 51% said the process feels almost as stressful as their first home purchase. Another 60% expect their next renewal to place additional pressure on household finances.
The findings are based on an online survey of 1,810 Canadians aged 18 to 64, conducted by Leger in August 2026. The 53% figure reflects prospective homebuyers considering multigenerational living, rather than those who have already adopted it.
