Newcomers View Home Ownership as Key to Belonging

A new Royal LePage survey shows most Canadian newcomers consider purchasing a home essential to integrating into the country.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Residential

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized residential front door, representing the theme of home ownership for newcomers to Canada. — A 2026 Royal LePage survey indicates that 90 percent of Canadian newcomers consider home ownership essential to achieving a sense of national belonging. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe home ownership is essential for newcomers to feel established in Canada?

The 2026 Royal LePage Canadian Newcomers Survey reveals that 90 per cent of newcomers see home ownership as a key component to belonging. Many view property as a stable long-term financial investment.

Why it matters

Understanding these perspectives is vital as newcomers navigate a housing market that remains challenging due to barriers like saving for down payments and securing steady employment.

Nationally, 61 per cent of newcomers cite saving for a down payment as a primary barrier to market entry, while 50 per cent point to securing stable employment as a hurdle. Regional sentiment remains high, with 82 per cent of Alberta newcomers and 79 per cent of those in Ontario viewing home ownership as a sound investment.

The players

Royal LePage

This is a major Canadian real estate company that provides brokerage services and publishes research on national housing market trends.

Aligul Arslan

He is a real estate professional whose client base is comprised of 20 per cent newcomers.

The details

While newcomers view property as a path to belonging, they face significant hurdles including high costs, such as the $1.2 million average home price observed in the Greater Vancouver region as of September 2026. Realtors continue to play an essential role in assisting these individuals as they navigate the complexities of the Canadian real estate process.

The Royal LePage survey was conducted in 2026.
Aggregate home prices in Greater Vancouver were measured in September 2026.

Culture Shift

The survey highlights how home ownership acts as a foundational pillar for integration in Canada, moving beyond simple asset accumulation to a form of social belonging. This shift reflects the evolving priorities of new Canadians as they adapt to the national housing landscape amidst changing government policy.

Newcomers looking to purchase property should prioritize building a solid credit history, which 27 per cent of respondents identified as a specific barrier to entry. Working with a qualified realtor can help navigate regional market realities, such as the high average costs found in major hubs like Greater Vancouver.

The takeaway

Home ownership remains a central goal for the vast majority of newcomers who view it as a primary method for establishing roots and financial security in Canada. Prospective buyers should focus on overcoming the identified barriers of down payment savings and employment stability to turn these aspirations into reality.