A new report from Statistics Canada indicates that recent immigrants are gradually closing the homeownership gap compared to Canadian-born residents. The study, released on June 17, 2026, highlights improvements in housing attainment among newcomers, driven by stronger economic integration and targeted housing policies.
Key findings
The report shows that the homeownership rate for immigrants who arrived in the past five years has increased significantly over the past decade. While still lower than the national average, the gap has narrowed by several percentage points. Factors contributing to this trend include higher employment rates, rising incomes, and government programs aimed at facilitating home purchases for newcomers.
Regional variations
Homeownership rates vary across provinces, with immigrants in the Prairies and Atlantic Canada showing faster progress than those in Ontario and British Columbia, where housing costs remain high. The report notes that affordability challenges persist in major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.
Statistics Canada analysts emphasize that continued policy support and economic stability will be crucial to sustaining this positive trend. The findings come amid ongoing debates about housing affordability and immigration levels in Canada.
